American Express plans to build a new, state-of-the-art global headquarters at 2 World Trade Center, reinforcing its long-term commitment to Lower Manhattan and signaling continued investment in New York City's financial district.
The DOJ accuses Christopher Delgado, 34, founder/CEO of Orlando-based Goliath Ventures, of running a $328 million Ponzi scheme from 2023 to 2026 that misused investor funds—only about $1 million went into a crypto liquidity pool while the rest paid earlier investors, financing lavish events and four luxury homes in Windemere, Winter Park, Kissimmee, and Sanford; Delgado was arrested on wire fraud and money-laundering charges and had public ties to charities and local politics.
Airbnb will list Barlochan Cottage, a three-bedroom, glass-walled lakefront home in Muskoka, Ontario featured in the HBO Max series Heated Rivalry, with bookings starting March 3 at 248.10 CAD per night (about $181 USD). The property offers nearly 400 feet of private waterfront, a fire pit, an exercise room and is pet-friendly, with seating for eight at the dining table. Owned by anonymous owners and managed by Jayne McCaw, the 2020-built cottage was designed by Trevor McIvor; pricing was chosen to be affordable and nods to the hockey numbers 24 and 81 alongside the show’s fan appeal.
First-time California buyers have a 20-day window (Feb. 24–Mar. 16) to enter a lottery for up to $150,000 in down-payment assistance through CalHFA’s Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan. The aid is a shared-appreciation loan repaid at sale or refinance plus 15–20% of the home’s appreciation, with funds recycled into the program. Eligibility requires at least one borrower to be a first-generation homebuyer, all borrowers to be first-time buyers, California residency, county income limits, a DFA lender pre-approval letter, and completion of a mandatory one-hour education course.
A Texas couple built a 400-square-foot tiny home for the mother on their two-acre property, finishing in eight weeks for about $33,000 after DIY work and hiring only the shell and concrete foundation. They saved roughly $30,000 versus quotes of $63,000–$97,000. Lessons include raising the foundation or carefully choosing placement to prevent flood risk and preserve sunset views, considering a larger footprint to improve long-term accessibility, planning for privacy if the space might become a rental, and staying patient and flexible with budget and timing. The tiny home withstood a January cold snap and remains a cozy space for their mom.
Robb Report reports ongoing rumors that Mark Zuckerberg (and Priscilla Chan) are eyeing Indian Creek Island in Miami, with early chatter centering on a near-$200 million estate at 2 Indian Creek Island Road and newer speculation about a $200 million home at 7 Indian Creek Island Road. No purchase has been confirmed, Zuckerberg has not publicly commented, and Indian Creek’s private-market deals often surface only through word-of-mouth and out-of-market activity.
The Hamptons’ median home price jumped to a record $2.34 million in Q4, up 34% year over year, driven by all-cash purchases from Wall Street and tech investors and a shift toward higher-priced homes. The average sale price reached $3.76 million and $5 million-plus deals hit a record 82, with inventory remaining tight. The summer market is already off to a strong start, with early rentals and buyers from New York, California and Florida seeking premium oceanfront properties.
With California’s proposed 5% billionaire tax on assets over $1 billion, ultrawealthy residents are relocating to Nevada, fueling a Las Vegas luxury real estate surge and drawing high-profile movers like Don Hankey and Sergey Brin, while others diversify properties elsewhere.
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is selling a 2,800-square-foot, four-bedroom Medina, Washington home that sits near his $130 million Xanadu estate. Listed at about $4.8 million, the property features lake views, a large outdoor deck, deeded water access, and serves as a privacy buffer for Gates’ famous private compound.
Voters remain worried about the cost of housing, but former President Donald Trump signals he wants home prices to keep climbing, framing the housing market as a political priority ahead of the 2026 elections and suggesting policy moves to sustain price growth despite affordability concerns.
The Lighthouse opened at 58 Kent Street in Greenpoint, transforming Kickstarter’s former office into a high-gloss, creator-focused hub that blends flex-office space with film and podcast studios. The multi-room setup includes soundproof recording booths, a camera-integrated kitchen, a library bar, and live-room tech, all designed to attract influencers, podcasters, and content creators who pay around $5,750 a year for memberships vetted by a select committee. The project is led by Jon Goss and Whalar Group, with Venice Beach as a sibling location, signaling a move toward professionalized, brand-backed creator workspaces that resemble a modern media studio more than a traditional office.
Rent-stabilized tenants must choose between a 3% one-year renewal and a 4.5% two-year renewal while Mayor Mamdani promises a rent freeze and RGB reform. Timing is uncertain, so the better option hinges on your risk tolerance and beliefs about whether the freeze will take effect before the 2027 lease is signed.
China’s export-led growth is losing steam as a real estate crash and weak domestic demand fuel a deflationary spiral, even after a record 2025 trade surplus and about 5% GDP growth. December retail sales were only 0.9% higher, fixed-asset investment fell sharply, and tens of millions of homes remain unsold, underscoring the economy’s exposure to the property market. Analysts warn that relying on exports is unsustainable and call for a consumer-led rebalancing, with Fitch and IMF foreseeing slower growth in 2026.
A duplex penthouse atop the new 74 condominium on Manhattan’s Upper East Side sold in a private deal for $25 million. The four‑bedroom top‑two‑floor unit measures 5,264 interior square feet plus 1,600 square feet of exterior space and features a 70‑foot terrace with Central Park views. The 32‑story tower by Elad Group, designed by Pelli Clarke & Partners with interiors by Rafael de Cárdenas, is nearing completion. The sale is the building’s priciest to date, brokered by Barbara Russo, with public records not yet reflecting the closing and other units ranging from $1 million to $12.39 million.
Coresight Research forecasts about 5,500 US store openings and 7,900 closures for 2026, a 4.5% drop in closures from 2025 and the lowest in three years. Dollar General, Aldi, and Tractor Supply lead openings (Aldi expects 180+ new stores), while GameStop, Francesca’s and Walgreens sit atop the closures list; Amazon plans to convert Fresh/Go locations to Whole Foods. The trend highlights a shift toward value retailers and tighter real estate supply, amid some bankruptcies like Saks Global and LKM Convenience.