🏠 Stay inside a Boeing 737-turned-villa 🛩

Mortgage rates are going like this ⬇️ but buyers are going like this 🙅‍♀️.

Why, you ask? Well, there are a few hunches:

1. Just because rates are lower (hovering around 6%) doesn't mean they're affordable.

2. Home prices could continue to drop even lower throughout 2023.

3. There still aren't a lot of homes hitting the market.

4. The economy is still uncertain and layoffs are making buyers hesistant to make such a financial commitment.

SPILLING THE (REAL)TEA

That said☝️, mortgage lenders are trying everything to entice homebuyers. "Buy now, refinance later!" is the political slogan they're campaigning with.

The short-term rental market is heating up in the desert 🌵, and it's not just because of the scorching sun! Vacation rentals in Arizona to California's Coachella Valley are all the rage right now.

Meanwhile, interest in long-term rentals seems to be taking a chill pill 💊. Demand for new leases is dropping in tandem with an influx of new construction.

Looks like Bill Gates is taking "Windows" to a whole new level. The billionaire is investing in a startup that's building more sustainable, vacuum-insulated glass for future-minded homes.

This plane-turned-villa is taking luxury living to new heights! 🛩 You can book a first-class stay inside a permanently grounded Boeing 737 in Bali.

TIP OF THE WEEK

Equities have the allure of quick gains, but with real estate, buyers get a tangible asset, which is one of the many reasons why Entrepreneur says savvy investors should buy properties over stocks. Here are a few others:

1. It incentivizes long-term investing. Unlike with stocks or crypto that can be traded in a matter of seconds, you can't sell a house overnight — which means the property has time to appreciate.

2. You can create passive income streams. Not only will you own an asset that's appreciating, but you'll also generate income from renting it out for as long as you own the property.

3. You get a handful of tax benefits. There are plenty of tax advantages to owning a rental property — deductions could include depreciation, repairs, insurance, and beyond.

WHAT'S BREWING

📚 What we're reading: These real estate books that will teach you how to do everything from BRRR, to house flipping, to long-distance investing.

👀 What we're watching: The first five episodes from the 4th season of You (that show that makes having a stalker seem kind of hot) that are on Netflix right now.

🎧 What we're listening to: Catt Sadler's It Sure Is a Beautiful Day podcast episode featuring Amber Lewis of Amber Interiors about being a bad-ass business owner while battling MS.

🛒 What we're adding to our shopping cart: President’s Day sales are popping off this weekend. Save on...

Dyson V8 Origin VacuumPurple MattressBrooklinen BeddingNinja GrillRing Doorbell

SEEING STARS

If you're going to be miserable, you might as well be miserable in a mansion. At least that's how we assume Ben Affleck will be spending his time when he and JLo move into their new $34-million-dollar abode. The couple will be calling the Pacific Palisades home, where their 7-bedroom, 13-bathroom estate is allegedly in escrow.

NATIONAL LOVE YOUR PET DAY

Tomorrow (February 20) is National Love Your Pet Day! If you're an Airbnb host, here are some tips for turning your property into the paw-fect place for pet owners to call their home away from home.

Choose decor wisely. If you’re hosting a family with dogs or cats, make sure the decor is safe and not too expensive. If you incorporate living plants into your space, make sure they’re pet-friendly. Some plants — including aloe, lilies, and pothos — are toxic to animals.

Instead of heavy glass and ceramic decorative pieces, opt for olive wood bowls, wicker baskets, and metallic trays. These will still make your rental feel upscale without running the risk of shattering or causing injury. When adding blankets and pillows, choose ones that can be easily washed, bleached, or spot-cleaned.

Add thoughtful touches. When traveling with pets, your guests might forget the little things like towels for cleaning up muddy feet or disinfectant wipes to clean surfaces. You can even provide water bowls, dog treats, poo bags, and small toys, such as tennis balls and frisbees. Plus, having a good lint roller and vacuum on hand is always helpful for pet owners — and for rental owners!

Give suggestions. Offer your guests a list of local dog-friendly bars, patios, hiking trails, beaches, parks, and more. You could help them discover something new that becomes an annual tradition, and in turn leads to repeat bookings. Go above and beyond by providing phone numbers and addresses to nearby vet clinics in case of emergencies.