I’ve been noticing a significant shift in the strategies of many real estate investors—and it’s all about real estate debt investments. More and more groups are focusing on debt as a key strategy for financing real estate projects, and this trend is picking up steam. If you're a real estate investor looking for ways to diversify your portfolio or reduce risk, this is something you should be paying attention to.

1. Banks Are Pulling Back on Real Estate Lending

One of the primary drivers of the growing popularity of real estate debt is the retreat of traditional bank lending. With stricter regulations and higher capital requirements, banks are becoming more cautious about lending for both commercial and residential real estate. This has created a lending gap in the market, and debt funds have stepped in to fill this void. For real estate investors, this means more opportunities to get involved in lending, rather than just focusing on equity stakes.

2. Changing Market Conditions Cre...

In a groundbreaking shift that’s shaking up the entire industry, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) has agreed to a $418 million settlement—and it’s poised to completely redefine how real estate transactions are done in the U.S.

This isn’t just about a big number. This is a systemic change to how agents get paid, how deals are structured, and how real estate investors will need to adapt in order to thrive.

Why the NAR Settlement Matters

For decades, NAR has shaped the standards and norms around commission structures in residential real estate. But this settlement, prompted by lawsuits accusing NAR of keeping commission fees artificially high, is forcing an industry-wide reckoning.

The takeaway? The old system of baked-in agent fees is over. Transparency, negotiation, and flexibility are the new rules of the game.

Key Changes Every Investor Needs to Know

1. $418M Settlement Structure:
   NAR will pay the full amount in installments, with $197 million due within 90 da

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by Peter Halm

A Self-Directed IRA (Individual Retirement Account) and a Self-Directed 401(k) are both types of retirement accounts that allow for a broader range of investment options compared to traditional IRAs and 401(k)s. However, there are key differences between the two:

1. Eligibility and Establishment:

   • Self-Directed IRA: Anyone with earned income can open a Self-Directed IRA. It's established through a custodian that allows for self-directed investments.
   • Self-Directed 401(k): Also known as a Solo 401(k), this is primarily for self-employed individuals with no full-time employees other than the business owner and their spouse. It’s established by the individual who acts as both the employer and the employee. So long as you meet the eligibility requirements (the presence of self-employment activities and absence of full-time employees), you can start a business to open a Solo 401(k)

2. Contribution Limits:

   • Self-Directed IRA: The contribution limits for a Self-Direct
   ...