TOP REAL ESTATE NEWS

Airbnb Shenanigans (Deep Dive Below): In a recent report, Dani Widell, once hailed as the "Airbnb Queen of Tulsa," faces mounting accusations of embezzlement. Managing numerous short-term rentals and a staging company, Widell allegedly mishandled finances and bookings, leaving property owners like Mallory Massey and others grappling with losses and legal battles. Former employees describe a chaotic work environment, with utilities cut off and unpaid wages, while Widell's actions, including alleged threats and confrontations, led to protective orders and a subsequent arrest. (FOX)

The Real Home Wrecker: Home insurance rates in the US have risen by 11.3% in 2023 and 33.8% from 2018 to 2023 due to increasing climate risks. The rise has been more significant in some states, with Texas experiencing a 59.9% increase over the past five years. Nearly half of all U.S. homes, worth nearly $22 trillion, are at risk of severe damage from environmental threats. The states with the highest insurance cost increases from 2018 to 2023 are Texas (59.9%), Colorado (57.9%), Arizona (52.9%), Utah (51.9%), Nebraska (48.6%), Illinois (45.8%), Oregon (44.8%), California (43.7%), Florida (43.2%), and Oklahoma (42.2%). (Realtor)

Really? Again? The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Indices for February 2024 showed that 18 out of 20 major metro markets in the U.S. reported month-over-month price increases. The U.S. National Home Price NSA Index reported a 6.4% annual gain, up from 6.0% in the previous month. The 10-City Composite showed an 8.0% increase, up from 7.4%, and the 20-City Composite posted a 7.3% increase, up from 6.6%. San Diego reported the highest year-over-year gain among the 20 cities with an 11.4% increase. (S&P)

And now, in this edition of ‘You Just Can’t Make This Shit Up,‘ Dani Widell, the 'Queen of Airbnb,' turned her Tulsa listings from 'superhost' to 'ghost host' faster than you can say 'unexpected cleaning fee.'

Let’s go!

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