Today’s News Synopsis:

Aaron Norris of The Norris Group gives this week’s Norris Group real estate headline roundup.  Are reality shows creating more educated homebuyers and remodelers or setting unrealistic standards?  With more Americans renting now than ever before, HomeUnion released data on which areas landlords can receive the best returns rentals.  The values on properties in LA County are at the highest on record at $1.5 trillion.

In The News:

MarketWatch – “How real-estate TV shows determine what buyers look for in a house” (7-21-2017)

“Here’s a new drinking game for HGTV fans, courtesy of Drew Scott, a real estate expert and one half of the set of twins who host the show “Property Brothers.” It epitomizes how television reality shows like this are changing the interiors of American homes”

NAHB – “Remodeling Market Indicator Remains in Positive Territory” (7-21-2017)

“The National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Remodeling Market Index (RMI) posted a reading of 55 in the second quarter of 2017, down three points from the first quarter of 2017.”

CNBC – “These are the top ZIP codes for rental returns” (7-21-2017)

“More Americans are renting homes today than at any time in more than half a century.  As a result, more investors are looking to cash in on that trend as landlords of single family rental homes.”

The Real Deal – “Assessed property values in LA County hit record-breaking $1.5T” (7-21-2017)

“Los Angeles homeowners will have to pay more to the tax man, thanks to a thriving real estate market.”

Pacific Union – “U.S., Bay Area Homes Sell Faster When Staged” (7-21-2017)

“Sellers hoping for a speedy sale should seriously consider staging their homes, a process that most real estate professionals believe helps a buyer better visualize the property as their own. That’s true here in the Bay Area, where staged homes not only sell nearly twice as fast but receive more offers and command higher prices.”