Recent reports from the Wall Street Journal and other major outlets have highlighted a concerning trend: in some housing markets, homeowners are now paying more for insurance and property taxes than they are for theirREAD MORE
When Systems Fail: Another Troubling Example
In the last post, we delved into an instance of “When Systems Fail.” Unfortunately, another case has surfaced, bringing with it numerous red flags and critical questions to consider. Where to even begin? This time,READ MORE
When Systems Fail: Troubling Approach to Abandoned Properties
The quote often misattributed to Albert Einstein, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results,” feels particularly relevant to a recent article coming out of Pittsburgh. In this troublingREAD MORE
Webinar: REACTIVE TO PROACTIVE: A Path to Equitable & Efficient Neighborhood Revitalization
MuniReg President Michael Halpern was privileged to co-present on a recent webinar titled “REACTIVE TO PROACTIVE: A Path to Equitable & Efficient Neighborhood Revitalization” Hosted by former Kansas City, MO Mayor Mark Funkhouser, Michael wasREAD MORE
Vacant Property Registrations: Maintaining the Proper Perspective.
A recent article highlights an exemption request filed for a vacant property registration (VPR) in Minden, Nebraska. This situation appears to be a case of much ado about nothing. When a VPR program is approachedREAD MORE
Reframing the Discussion: Building Fees and the Bigger Picture
A recent article in the Roswell (NM) Daily Record highlights the city’s initiative to reduce building fees as a way to encourage the rehabilitation of condemned properties. While this approach is commendable, it’s crucial toREAD MORE
Local Housing Solutions Rental Registries Brief
Earlier this year, Local Housing Solutions released a brief reviewing “empirical evidence about rental registries’ efficacy in promoting housing quality and affordability. This brief is designed to be a resource for local governments considering establishingREAD MORE
Observations on “so-called vacant property registration movement” article
A recent syndicated article being picked up by mainstream media outlets seem to portray the “so-called vacant property registration movement” in a negative light. Couple of key points: “But what goes unsaid is that registrationsREAD MORE
When tracking one owner isn’t enough – the rise of “co-owned homes”
A recent report in the Desert Sun (behind paywall) just reported on “co-owned homes” being banned in Indian Wells (CA). This follows a “controversial” process in Palm Springs where it was allowed, albeit with significantREAD MORE
Creating Effective, Comprehensive, and Accessible Home Repair Programs
In August 2024 The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies issued a report titled “Catalyzing a Movement to Produce Greater Public, Private, and Civil Resources to Improve Housing Conditions Through Home Repair Programs” In October,READ MORE
When the negligent owner is ………………the State!
A lot to unpack in a featured article from the Clarion Ledger (MS) titled “State-owned tax forfeited properties are not cleaned up by the state. Who does it then?” Key Facts from the article: 7,000 state-owned taxREAD MORE
Challenges with “Heir Property”
Please see for resources from Fannie Mae and the Center of Community Progress. Fannie Mae In a recent post on their “Perspectives Blog” Tim Carpenter Senior Director – Community Impact discusses the challenges they initially encounteredREAD MORE