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Author: Monique Danao

  • ‘Dumb, dumb decision’: This Dallas couple confessed to The Ramsey Show that they took a $1.4M loan at 10.99% — now they face foreclosure if they don’t sell their house within weeks

    ‘Dumb, dumb decision’: This Dallas couple confessed to The Ramsey Show that they took a $1.4M loan at 10.99% — now they face foreclosure if they don’t sell their house within weeks

    In October 2024, Brenda and her husband from Dallas made what she now calls a “dumb, dumb, dumb decision.”

    The couple took out a bridge loan at a staggering 10.99% interest to purchase a new property, expecting to sell their previous home quickly and pay off the short-term debt.

    But nearly nine months later, the old house hasn’t sold — and the $1,437,000 loan for both properties has ballooned. Now, with the loan due date around the corner, the couple is panicking as foreclosure looms, and Brenda is hoping for some guidance from The Ramsey Show co-hosts George Kamel and Jade Warshaw.

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    Reality hits as the market turns sour

    “So apparently bridge loans — they explained to us — bridge loans are always high-interest, like this. They’re anywhere between eight and 12,” Brenda explained.

    Shocked, Kamel exclaimed, “They even explained it to you, and you said ‘sign us up! Let’s do it,” with Brenda clarifying, “Well, that’s how confident we were that we could sell our old house.”

    As to why their old property hasn’t sold? “That’s the million dollar question,” added Brenda.

    The couple’s first home, a remodelled two-acre property listed at $995,000, has had the price knocked down a few times. It offers a country feel, with a Starbucks and other amenities just five minutes away. But the market has turned.

    The couple now believes their pricing was too ambitious and that their home doesn’t match what local buyers want.

    “I think people are looking for more palatial homes in that area [for that money],” Brenda said. “ And ours is an original; there’s a lot of new development out here, a lot of incentives.”

    Though the couple’s old property is technically under contract with a prospective new buyer, the deal is contingent — the buyers must sell their own home first. Forty days into the agreement, there’s still no progress.

    “They keep telling us, ‘The market is just so weird,’” Brenda said. “It’s a buyer’s market in Dallas, not a seller’s.”

    How to pivot and invite new offers

    The hosts identified that one of the issues is that the caller’s listing shows as “pending” on real estate platforms, deterring new offers. That detail drew criticism from Kamel and Warshaw.

    Warshaw herself flagged that her advice should be coming from the couple’s realtor and not from a call-in show and that they need to act now.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Warshaw advised, “[the agent] need[s] to change [the listing] to where it shows as totally open and active. That is 100%. My husband and I have done that. It’s possible to do that.”

    The hosts also suggested the couple pressure their realtor or consider switching — despite the potential delays — if they’re not actively working to generate new offers and to add a reasonable deadline by which point an offer should be finalized or forfeited.

    The financial stakes are enormous. The couple has $100,000 in savings, but that’s far from the amount needed to cover the loan if the sale falls through. And the bridge loan, which was meant to carry them for only a few months, now threatens to pull them under.

    “Your house is the collateral,” Kamel warned. If the deal doesn’t close, the couple is looking at foreclosure.

    Getting out of a bad deal

    According to financial experts, borrowers stuck in bad bridge loan situations must act fast. Here are a few urgent strategies:

    • Renegotiate the loan: Brenda said her lender has been unresponsive, but experts say persistence is key. Lenders may be willing to extend the loan term, especially if a sale is close.

    • Keep the listing competitive Until the property is sold, ensure the listing remains active on all major platforms and continue to hold open houses.

    • Pressure the buyer: Set deadlines within the contingency contract to force movement, or allow the couple to move on to new offers.

    • Get professional help: A real estate attorney or financial advisor can help navigate negotiations and buy time.

    • Switch realtors if needed: If the current agent isn’t aggressive, consider a change — even if it delays relisting.

    Ultimately, Brenda and her husband serve as a cautionary tale about the risks associated with bridge loans, particularly in volatile housing markets. This may be a time it’s advisable to sell your home first, before buying another property.

    “ You gotta fight. Fight and claw your way out of this thing. Don’t go through foreclosure,” Kamel cautioned, “No more hard money loans.

    What to read next

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    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • The typical US home seller is asking for $39,000 more than what buyers are willing to pay, Redfin data says. Here’s what homeowners can do to increase their odds of a sale in a cooling market

    The typical US home seller is asking for $39,000 more than what buyers are willing to pay, Redfin data says. Here’s what homeowners can do to increase their odds of a sale in a cooling market

    Frustrated homeowners across the U.S. are reluctantly slashing asking prices by tens of thousands of dollars as the real estate market shifts out of their favour.

    After years of soaring home values, today’s market tells a different story — buyers are cautious, mortgage rates are high and inventory is swelling.

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    According to a recent Redfin report, the median U.S. home seller is now asking for 9% more than what buyers are willing to pay. That amounts to a roughly $39,000 gap — a significant miss for those relying on their home sale to fund their next move.

    As sellers adjust to a slower pace and more selective buyers, they ask a critical question: Should I price high and wait, or price low to sell fast?

    Here’s what the data says about the risks of waiting, the rewards of pricing strategically and how to strike the right balance.

    The financial risks of delaying price cuts

    Holding out for top dollar may sound appealing, but it can cost you in today’s market. Homes that linger on the market accrue thousands in carrying costs, from mortgage payments and property taxes to maintenance and insurance.

    Take, for example, a $500,000 home with estimated monthly costs of $3,000. If it sits unsold for three extra months, that’s $9,000 in out-of-pocket expenses — not including price reductions or buyer concessions.

    There’s also market risk. Rising inventory is giving buyers more leverage. Realtor.com data show active listings were up 30% year-over-year in April. As more properties hit the market, sellers risk being edged out by newer, better-priced homes.

    And then there’s opportunity cost. MarketWatch reports sellers like Spencer Bauman in Utah, who had to cut $75,000 from his asking price after 72 days with no offers, face delays in moving forward with their next purchase or financial goals.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Benefits of a strategically priced home

    Getting the price right from the start can lead to a faster sale, less stress and more money in your pocket.

    Most buyer activity happens in the first two to three weeks of a listing. If a home is overpriced during that crucial window, it can quickly become a “stale listing.”

    Buyers may assume something is wrong with it or use its time on the market to negotiate steep discounts.

    A well-priced home, by contrast, can generate more interest, leading to faster offers and fewer concessions. It also keeps your timeline predictable which is an essential factor if you rely on the proceeds for a down payment or avoid bridge financing.

    “The most important thing you can do as a seller is fairly price your home. If you overprice, chances are you’ll get no activity, and then it will become even harder to recoup your investment," Redfin Premier Real Estate Agent Chaley McVay said in the report.

    What’s the middle ground?

    You don’t have to underprice your home — just price it smartly. Start by getting a realistic valuation based on comparable sales in your area, not wishful thinking.

    In some markets, pricing slightly below the competition can spark buyer interest and lead to multiple offers. It also gives your listing a psychological edge.

    A home priced at $489,000 feels more approachable than one at $500,000, even if the difference is negligible.

    Finally, set a timeline. If your home hasn’t attracted serious interest within 21 days, be ready to reevaluate your price or make improvements that could boost appeal.

    In today’s market, the best strategy is to stay nimble. Sellers who understand buyer sentiment and act quickly, instead of clinging to yesterday’s prices, are likely to close the deal.

    What to read next

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    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • ‘The perfect vehicle to further your crime’: Colorado theft victims track their stolen phones to EcoATMs — here’s what you need to know if your device ever ends up in one of these kiosks

    ‘The perfect vehicle to further your crime’: Colorado theft victims track their stolen phones to EcoATMs — here’s what you need to know if your device ever ends up in one of these kiosks

    When Anna Hewson’s daughter’s iPhone disappeared one weekend, she did what any parent would do — she followed the digital crumbs.

    Using Apple’s “Find My” app, the KUSA 9News producer tracked the stolen device until it ended up at a Walmart in Arvada, Colorado.

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    Inside the store stood an EcoATM, a kiosk that pays cash for used phones. Hewson had a hunch, so she called the police. Moments later, officers unlocked the machine with help from EcoATM’s customer service. Inside the bin sat a pile of locked phones, including her daughter’s.

    “At face value, the idea that you can walk in and turn over, sell stolen property to a machine, it seems like the perfect vehicle to further your crime,” Arvada Police Department Public Information Officer Chase Amos told 9News.

    What are EcoATMs?

    EcoATMs are automated kiosks found at major retailers, including Walmart. They offer users instant cash in exchange for used electronics.

    The machines scan a seller’s ID, take a thumb print, snap a photo and send the data to live agents for verification. Devices are held for at least 30 days at a processing center in Louisville, Kentucky, which offers a short window where owners can recover stolen property.

    EcoATM claims to work closely with law enforcement, logging device serial numbers in national databases and cooperating with investigations.

    “EcoATM happily and voluntarily cooperates with law enforcement when requested. If a missing phone does end up in one of our machines, it is returned to the rightful owner,” a company spokesperson told 9News.

    Still, theft victims say recovery isn’t always so simple.

    Despite robust security measures, the high volume of stolen phones and the anonymity offered by kiosks make investigations challenging for law enforcement.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Frustrating search for a stolen phone

    Michael Dill, a Denver veteran, told 9News that he was mugged on St. Patrick’s Day in 2024. Hours later, he tracked his phone to an EcoATM in an Englewood Walmart. Though he reported it, Dill said he spent weeks in a frustrating loop trying to confirm the phone’s presence at EcoATM’s warehouse.

    Eventually, the company sent him a replacement device. But, he says his old phone later resurfaced in the hands of someone with a UK phone number who texted him and demanded he remove the device from Apple’s security system. When Dill refused, the texter threatened to access his data.

    He contacted Apple, which assured him the phone would remain locked and his data would remain secure.

    In a statement to 9News, EcoATM said Dill’s phone was not found among any devices in its warehouse.

    “Because we were unable to locate Michael’s phone, we were unable to return it to him,” a spokesperson said. “However, we did in good faith, provide him with a complimentary replacement device.”

    Protecting yourself devices

    On the bright side, there are several ways to help protect yourself from scams involving services like EcoATM.

    • Log your IMEI. Record your phone’s international mobile equipment identity and serial number, which can usually be found in the “About” section of your device settings.

    • Purchase phone cases with anti-theft features. Or, choose phones with built-in anti-theft features and enable tracking apps, like Apple’s “Find My” app, to locate your device in real time.

    • Choose smart insurance plans. Opt for plans with lower deductibles or comprehensive coverage in case of theft.

    • Secure your phone. Help protect your private data by using fingerprint or face recognition to unlock your phone.

    • Enable remote wipe. Set up remote wipe capabilities to erase your information if your phone is stolen.

    If your device is stolen, report it to your local police department. If you do track it to an EcoATM kiosk, notify the company via their customer service line. But, authorities warn people should never try to go out and find the phone on their own.

    What to read next

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    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • Florida police are sounding the alarm on a sharp spike in reports of overnight wheel thefts — and they say these 2 models are the ‘prime targets.’ How to offset the risk to your ride

    Florida police are sounding the alarm on a sharp spike in reports of overnight wheel thefts — and they say these 2 models are the ‘prime targets.’ How to offset the risk to your ride

    Since the start of 2025, central Florida law enforcement agencies have reported a sharp uptick in the theft of car rims, with Toyota Camrys and Corollas emerging as prime targets.

    The Orange County Sheriff’s Office have urged residents — particularly those in apartment complexes — to remain vigilant after several vehicles have been found without their rims after overnight thefts.

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    It’s a scenario all too familiar to local mechanics, says Kasey Chouait, owner of Charley’s Tire and Wheels in Orlando.

    “People go outside and their cars are sitting on bricks,” he told WESH News.

    Toyota Camrys and Corollas at risk

    Investigators say thieves are primarily targeting sedans left in poorly lit parking lots.

    The Orange County Sheriff’s Office noted on social media that most incidents involve vehicles parked overnight in apartment complexes. Limited lighting and few security cameras offer would-be criminals an easy score.

    In each reported case, the missing rims were from Toyotas, which can hold substantial resale value on the secondary market.

    “If you go buy a factory wheel from the Toyota dealer, it’s gonna cost per wheel maybe $300 to $400 dollars,” Jeff Beaty at Sloan’s Automotive told Fox35 Orlando.

    According to RepairPal, the average cost for a single replacement of a Toyota Camry wheel can run between $657 and $685. Multiply those figures by four and a full replacement bill could exceed $3,000, with taxes and labour.

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    Rise in wheel theft

    "Some rims are very sought after," Chouait said. "And some people know which rims are expensive and worthy of taking a chance, and basically committing that crime."

    The surge in car wheel theft is underpinned by a broader shift in theft patterns driven by supply-chain disruptions and inflation.

    A recent CargoNet report highlighted a shift in cargo theft toward high-value metals. For example, copper theft rose 85% in the first quarter of 2025 alone, underscoring how volatile raw material prices have made metal components more lucrative.

    PropertyCasualty360.com reports that wheel-and-tire theft claims range from $175 to $17,000 — and can climb as high as $40,000. On average, replacing four wheels and tires on-site costs approximately $2,800.

    The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that tire-and-rim thieves can net up to $400 per set; resellers then flip them for as much as $900 to small dealers or repair shops. In turn, repair shops resell to vehicle owners and bill insurers up to $1,300 when the parts are reinstalled.

    Invest in rim locks

    To counteract the trend, authorities and auto professionals urge simple precautions.

    The Orange County Sheriff’s Office encourages parking in well-lit areas near surveillance cameras and installing locking lug nuts or “rim locks,” which can range from $20 to $50 per set.

    "The best ones are the factory ones; they’re very hard to break, So, these people, they’re very good at doing that," Chouait told WESH News reporters. "But if you have a good lock on it, at least you make it difficult for them to steal it."

    For residents of apartment complexes without adequate lighting, a good tip is to request additional security measures — such as motion-activated floodlights or cameras, which can help serve as a deterrent.

    As the region braces for more potential thefts, experts stress that vigilance and low-cost security investments are the most effective line of defense.

    What to read next

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    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • ‘At my wits’ end’: This Chicago woman just learned her husband has $80,000 of mystery debt he won’t pay off — why Dave Ramsey thinks her ‘marriage will be over’ in 6 months

    She thought they were saving for a house. Now, Andie from Chicago says she’s ready to sell everything she owns and move into an RV after discovering her husband racked up $80,000 in credit card debt.

    “I am at my wit’s end,” she told Dave Ramsey on a recent episode of The Ramsey Show.

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    Andie’s husband has yet to offer a good explanation for the debt. In fact, he’s still eyeing lavish new purchases, like a $4,000 sofa, while suggesting debt consolidation will be an easy fix for their problem.

    “I don’t know how else I could guide him besides saying it’s a bad idea,” she said.

    She’ll need to figure it out quickly. Ramsey explained that the problem goes well beyond money and could be even worse than Andie thinks.

    "I predict in six months your marriage will be over," Ramsey said.

    Partners or roommates

    The couple has been together for about eight years, and married for the last year, but Ramsey told Andie “you’re operating like roommates.”

    “He’s acting like a free agent just running around over here. You can’t tell me if I buy a couch, and I’ll do whatever I want to do, and I may or may not tell you. And that’s destructive, isn’t it?”

    While Andie’s problem is severe, financial infidelity is very common in American households.

    In fact, 28% of married Americans admit to hiding big purchases or debt from their partner, according to a recent survey by Western & Southern Financial Group. Many couples start off on the wrong foot, with over a quarter waiting until after marriage to discuss how much debt they have.

    Potential signs of financial infidelity include unexplained late payments, unfamiliar statements or receipts hidden away, a hesitation to discuss financial plans or a partner insisting on separate and undisclosed accounts.

    Forty percent of respondents in the survey said they would end a relationship over financial dishonesty. That could very well be the end result for Andie.

    “It’s not about the money. You guys need to go to marriage counseling this week, or your marriage is going to end,” Ramsey advised.

    Waking him up

    Ramsey Show cohost John Deloney encouraged Andie to speak from a place of vulnerability rather than judgment. Instead of telling her husband, “This is a dumb idea,” she should say, “I’m so scared about our financial future.”

    That shift may prompt her husband to truly hear her fears instead of tuning her out.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    He also advised the couple to conduct a full money audit to determine their total debt and rebuild trust.

    You won’t know how to make a plan “until you both sit down and pull credit reports and you have real data in front of you,” he explained — adding that she needs independent information because she cannot trust him right now.

    Experts also suggest several practical steps for couples grappling with financial infidelity:

    • Open dialogue: Schedule a weekly “money meeting” to review your budget.

    • Joint budgeting: Get a budgeting app and set spending limits for each category.

    • Accountability partners: Have a neutral third party like a financial coach or mutual friend review monthly statements, so both parties remain honest.

    • Professional help: If conversations turn hostile or one partner remains secretive, marriage counselling or financial therapy can offer structured guidance.

    • Rebuild trust: You can establish shared goals such as buying a home, paying off debt or saving for retirement, then track your progress together.

    Moving forward

    While Andie thinks the best solution might be selling everything non-essential and living minimally — even in an RV — to tackle their debt head-on, her husband is reluctant.

    “Why is it so difficult to get rid of material stuff?” she asked, her voice breaking from frustration.

    Andie’s husband suggested some of the debt covered expenses the couple incurred while he was off work due to an injury. The hosts, however, suspect a more serious problem such as addiction may be at play.

    Whatever the truth may be, Ramsey advised Andie to push forward, because eventually the feelings of betrayal will become too great to bear.

    “I do know that when people reach a certain point, the switch flips, and you can’t get them back,” he said.

    If you are in a similar situation, understand that financial infidelity doesn’t have to signal the end of your relationship. You can make joint decisions and seek professional help to progress together as a team.

    What to read next

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • This Cincinnati woman thought she’d bought a dream home — but it immediately turned into a ‘$20,000 problem’. How to protect yourself from house flippers

    This Cincinnati woman thought she’d bought a dream home — but it immediately turned into a ‘$20,000 problem’. How to protect yourself from house flippers

    When Kellen Mullen toured what was advertised as a move-in-ready flip, she was sold on the glossy new kitchen, sparkling bathrooms and fresh paint.

    “It had a new kitchen; it had new bathrooms; it was freshly painted,” Mullen told WCPO.

    But within days of moving in, her dream home began to unravel.

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    A cascade of failures

    First, a brand-new vent cover collapsed onto the toilet mid-use. Then, when she turned on the stove’s exhaust fan, the kitchen side of the house lost power due to faulty wiring.

    A few days later, the kitchen sink backed up while she washed the dishes. A plumber spent 10 hours on site only to uncover tree roots clogging the main sewer line.

    By the time Mullen finally cleared the drains, she was out nearly $20,000 in emergency repairs.

    Mullen reached out to both her realtor and the flipping company’s agent, only to be told they were unaware of any issues and not legally obligated to cover post-sale fixes.

    Her realtor advised that legal counsel may be her only recourse. Once sale documents are signed, the sellers are not liable for any undisclosed defects.

    "We’re stuck with a $20,000 problem, and somebody knew,” Mullen said. “Somebody knew there was a problem and didn’t tell the next person, and we got stuck with it."

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Why house flips can be risky

    House flippers aim to maximize their profits by minimizing both the time and cost of renovations.

    They’re not homeowners, rarely live in the renovated property and often cut corners on critical systems — such as wiring, plumbing, and structural components — to shore up cosmetic appeal.

    As one home inspector blogger put it, “Most of the time, flippers buy these homes in poor condition with the plans of putting lipstick on a pig. They make it look great on the surface but not so great underneath.”

    Experts agree that a thorough, independent inspection is the most effective safeguard against potential issues.

    "Throughout the transaction, it’s all about trying to reduce costs,” said Nick Gromicko, founder of the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). “And I think when you’re going to get to a home inspection where you’re spending only hundreds of dollars to look at something that costs hundreds of thousands of dollars, it’s time to stop thinking like that.”

    Consumer Reports recommends choosing a licensed, certified inspector who offers specialty add-ons, such as mold testing, sewer-line camera scopes and radon measurements — even if not mandated locally.

    Here are more tips to make sure you get the right property:

    • Get an inspector outside your area: Hire an inspector outside of your local area to avoid a conflict of interest between the inspector and your realtor.
    • Demand a master inspection report: Ask for detailed findings and repair estimates to use in negotiations — or as a basis to walk away.
    • Attend the inspection yourself: A quality inspector will point out telltale signs, such as poor drainage on the property, roof issues and plumbing problems, which are red flags.
    • Research the home’s history: Pull tax and deed records to see if the property was held long-term or flipped rapidly. Multiple quick turnovers can be a red flag.

    While a flip can deliver a turnkey property, Mullen’s experience underscores that buyers must look past the lipstick.

    By investing in a truly independent, comprehensive inspection and verifying work histories, you safeguard both your budget and peace of mind. You don’t end up paying twice for someone else’s shortcuts.

    What to read next

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    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • Nearly 1-in-5 Las Vegas home buyers walked away from a deal in April for these 2 main reasons — but could contracts falling through actually be a sign the market is tipping in their favor?

    Nearly 1-in-5 Las Vegas home buyers walked away from a deal in April for these 2 main reasons — but could contracts falling through actually be a sign the market is tipping in their favor?

    Home buyers in Las Vegas are walking away from contracts in increasing numbers.

    High interest rates, financial anxiety and an oversupplied market are pushing many to rethink their purchases before closing.

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    A recent Redfin report found 14.3% of U.S. homes under contract in April were canceled, marking the second-highest April cancellation rate on record, behind only the pandemic-era spike in April 2020.

    In Las Vegas, the rate was even higher: 18.6% of purchase agreements fell through, placing the city eighth among major U.S. metros for canceled deals.

    Here are two of the main reasons for the growing trend.

    Reason 1: Financial concerns

    Higher mortgage rates and skyrocketing home prices are driving many to the brink. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate hit 6.85% in June, more than double what it was during pandemic lows. That kind of increase can add hundreds — even thousands — to monthly payments when taxes and insurance are included.

    “Groceries have been high, gas has been high, utilities have been high,” said Jillian Batchelor, a Southern Nevada realtor, in an interview with 8 News Now. “So buyers are more payment-conscious or payment-savvy than they really ever have been.”

    And with inflation still weighing on American households, some prospective buyers are having trouble securing final approval. Others are rethinking whether they can afford the total cost once they see the final numbers — including homeowners association (HOA) fees and insurance premiums.

    Redfin agents nationwide are also seeing buyers hesitate due to broader economic and political instability — including layoffs, tariffs and federal policy uncertainty. Another recent Redfin survey found that nearly 1 in 4 Americans scrapped plans for a major purchase this year due to tariffs.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Reason 2: A flood of choices

    The housing market in Las Vegas is also experiencing a surge in listings.

    “[A] buyer goes under contract,” Batchelor told 8 News Now. “And all of a sudden a week later they see, ‘oh there’s five more homes available in that neighborhood, this one might be nicer, this one might have more upgrades.’”

    With inventory now at a five-year high nationally, according to Redfin, this scenario is becoming increasingly common — especially in states like Nevada, Texas and Florida, where new home construction has surged.

    Buyers feel less pressure to settle, knowing there may be better deals just around the corner.

    That confidence is reshaping buyer behavior. According to Redfin’s report, five of the 10 metros with the highest cancellation rates are in Florida — which is a sign that growing supply can tip the scales in favor of consumers.

    A warning sign for the national market?

    While Las Vegas may be an extreme case, the underlying issues — affordability and market saturation — are national in scope.

    From Riverside, California to Atlanta, Georgia (which led the country with a 20% contract cancellation rate), buyers are hitting the brakes.

    This shift may suggest that while the housing market may be cooling, affordability is still out of reach for many Americans.

    Still, Redfin economists predict some relief later in 2025, with home prices expected to drop modestly as demand softens. In the meantime, buyers are urged to do their research, stay flexible and be ready to walk if the numbers don’t add up.

    As Batchelor put it, “All of this is just an adjustment to probably (…) equalize the playing field — maybe a little bit more.”

    What to read next

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    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • Las Vegas casino dealers are quietly being laid off amid steep decline in tourism — what’s behind the slump in Sin City and why foot traffic isn’t the only factor leading to job cuts

    Las Vegas’s famed casino floors are getting quieter as table game dealers find themselves among the first to feel the squeeze of technological change and a downturn in tourism.

    Major resorts on the famous Las Vegas Strip, including Fontainebleau and Resorts World, have started laying off workers — many of which are dealers — as foot traffic dwindles on the gaming floor.

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    “We want those casinos to be successful, active and robust because that gives our break-in dealers an opportunity to transition, that’s the goal,” CEG Dealer School Managing Director David Knoll shared with KLAS.

    Declining foot traffic leads to job cuts

    New data from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority shows the city’s visitor volume dipped 7.8% year-over-year in March 2025, marking the third straight month that tourism dropped in Sin City. With fewer guests coming into town, gaming revenue on the Strip fell 4.8% over that same period, while hotel occupancy slid to 82.9%, down from 85.3% in March 2024.

    Despite the city’s drop in overall visitors, convention attendance in Vegas is actually up 10%, but analysts warn that event-driven boosts are unlikely to offset the broader declines.

    Tourism throughout the country appears to be in steep decline, as International arrivals are down sharply amid evolving U.S. travel and tariff policies. According to Travel Weekly, advance summer bookings for flights between Canada and the U.S. have plunged by more than 70 percent compared to the summer of 2024.

    “Less tourism means less shifts at the job, less small businesses that support our tourist industry,” Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada) told The Washington Post. “It’s going to cause businesses to go under. It has a trickle-down effect. It’s going to be devastating to Nevada.”

    Travel industry analysts also link the decline in Sin City visitors to broader economic uncertainty at home. A recent Bankrate survey found that only 46% of U.S. adults plan to travel this summer due to affordability concerns.

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    Automation accelerates job losses

    As casinos begin to tighten belts, automation is reshaping the role of the typical Vegas table game dealer.

    According to Travel and Tour World, casinos have introduced electronic table games that handle bets and payouts without human intervention, another factor that has encouraged casinos to cut labour costs. Enrollment in dealer training programs has also fallen as fewer people view Las Vegas as a stable option for employment.

    “We’ve seen our enrollment drop, and people interested in becoming a dealer,” said Knoll. “We used to have a lot more people transition from out of state and come to Las Vegas for the opportunities here.”

    On the broader labor market, Vegas’s unemployment rate climbed to 5.2% in April 2025 — one of the highest among large U.S. metro areas — primarily driven by cuts in leisure and hospitality. This sector has shed thousands of jobs over the past year, even as the average hourly wage for Vegas dealers hovered around $19.96 — slightly above the national average of $19.25

    What lies ahead

    There are many factors that are likely doing damage to tourism numbers in Las Vegas.

    Beyond what was mentioned above, Trump’s tariff policies, his threatening rhetoric around annexing countries like Canada and Greenland, and the increased scrutiny that international visitors can face at the borders are all additional factors that are likely scaring tourists away from the U.S. And with Trump’s economic policies forcing many Americans to tighten their belts, domestic tourism throughout the country is also in decline.

    Upcoming projects in Vegas, such as Universal Studios’s Horror Unleashed attraction and a $1.75 billion stadium for the Athletics — an MLB team that will be moving to Vegas in the near future — could potentially draw fresh crowds.

    But in the meantime, Sin City’s tourism — as well as its ability to generate revenue — could continue to struggle in the years to come. And if this trend of dwindling tourism continues, casinos could be forced into making more cuts, which will likely keep Vegas’s unemployment rate well above the national average of 4.2%.

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    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • ‘It might not be ideal’: This 60-year-old Arizona woman still dreams of owning her own home one day — but she only makes $2,800/month. Here’s what The Ramsey Show hosts told her to do ASAP

    ‘It might not be ideal’: This 60-year-old Arizona woman still dreams of owning her own home one day — but she only makes $2,800/month. Here’s what The Ramsey Show hosts told her to do ASAP

    She’s debt-free, has some savings and no major expenses. But at 60, Andrea still isn’t sure she can buy a home or retire — and she called into The Ramsey Show to ask if it’s even possible.

    “I want to own a home and retire one day,” the Phoenix, Arizona resident told co-hosts George Kamel and Dr. John Delony.

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    But with a modest monthly income of $2,864 and no retirement strategy in place, she’s unsure how — or if — she can make that dream a reality. Here’s the skinny on her retirement plan and how it can help you.

    Breaking down her income

    Andrea lives with her son and his family and only pays for car insurance, gas and the occasional incidental. That leaves her with approximately $2,154 each month to save.

    She has $69,000 in a 401(k) and $45,000 in a savings account. She’s also considering relocating to Ohio, where her aging siblings live, to be closer to family and cut living costs.

    Andrea works in medical records and hopes to move to a remote role at her company that pays about $40,000 annually. She’s also certified in medical coding but hasn’t worked in that role.

    The hosts quickly identified her biggest hurdle: boosting her income.

    “What you’re facing here, Andrea, is an income problem,” Kamel said. “We’ve gotta get your income up because that’s going to create more margin for you to save for that home.”

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    Saving for retirement at 60

    Starting late doesn’t mean it’s too late. At 60, Andrea still has solid options to grow her retirement savings.

    1. Put money away for a down payment

    The hosts recommended using her $45,000 as both an emergency fund and a down payment reserve. They advised setting aside three to six months’ worth of living expenses as a safety net, with the rest going toward a future home purchase.

    2. Invest 15% of her income into retirement

    Andrea said she’s currently investing only about 1%. The hosts stressed that saving alone isn’t enough. They encouraged her to invest in mutual funds through her retirement account. If done consistently, she could see 10-12% average returns over time.

    3. Pursue higher-paying roles

    With her experience and certification in medical coding, Andrea could land a better-paying remote job. While her starting salary is $40,000, the field offers room to grow.

    “ Even if it’s not the exact role you want, I would just try to get on a ladder,” Kamel said.

    4. Continue living with family or find a roommate

    To keep saving aggressively, the hosts suggested Andrea stay with her son or consider moving in with her siblings once she’s in Ohio.

    “It might not be ideal,” Delony said, “ but I love the idea of you saving money over the next five or 10 or 15 years until somebody can help you.

    5. Adjust expectations around retirement

    Andrea may need to work into her 70s to reach her goals. That’s not uncommon — in 2022, 24% of men and about 15% of women ages 65 and older were still in the labour force, according to the Population Reference Bureau.

    “ You know you got $69,000 in that retirement account,” Kamel said. “(If) you keep investing, let’s say, a thousand bucks a month. If you can do that to 72, you’ll have over half a million in that nest egg. ”

    He added that she could also get a reasonable mortgage to avoid paying rent forever.

    Andrea’s situation underscores a growing concern for older Americans: how to make a smooth and comfortable transition to retirement. The co-hosts stressed that with focus and a solid long-term plan, Andrea still has a real shot at a meaningful future.

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    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • ‘Too little, too late’: Florida condo owners say between soaring HOA fees and sky-high insurance, the state’s condo reform legislation falls short. Here’s why — and what they’d prefer

    ‘Too little, too late’: Florida condo owners say between soaring HOA fees and sky-high insurance, the state’s condo reform legislation falls short. Here’s why — and what they’d prefer

    For Fran Sullivan, living in a Florida condo has become financially unbearable.

    “I’ve seen my condo HOAs at $450, double in two years to $900, and I’ve seen thousands of dollars in assessments. That’s what it’s cost us,” Sullivan, a condo owner in St. Petersburg, told ABC Action News.

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    Across Florida, thousands of condo owners are facing similar financial pressures as homeowner association (HOA) fees and insurance premiums skyrocket.

    Surfside collapse drives up condo expenses

    The 2021 Surfside condominium collapse, which claimed 98 lives, prompted Florida lawmakers to enact sweeping safety regulations.

    The disaster exposed widespread structural vulnerabilities in the state’s aging condo buildings.

    The resulting legislation requires milestone inspections and structural integrity reserve studies for condos 30 years or older and three stories high, as well as strict funding requirements for future repairs.

    The compliance deadline — Dec. 31, 2024 — triggered fee hikes and surprise assessments. Some owners, like Sullivan, have already paid thousands for repairs with little warning.

    “A lot of people here were financially strapped for doing this, myself included,” said fellow condo owner Tyler Clee.

    “To come up and say, I need $10,000 in three months — for most of us, that’s not realistic.”

    The financial fallout is chilling Florida’s condo market. Listings in areas like Pinellas County have been sitting on the market longer, ABC Action News reports, as buyers balk at unpredictable costs.

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    Condo owners criticize late reforms

    In response to mounting pressure, lawmakers passed House Bill 913 — the latest revision to the post-Surfside condo reform. While core safety rules remain intact, the bill includes key concessions:

    • A one-year delay in funding structural integrity reserve deadlines.
    • Permission for associations to use loans or lines of credit instead of cash.
    • Clarification from inspectors on which repairs are safety-related.

    The bill also allows electronic voting to engage more owners in financial decisions. For many residents, the changes come too late. Sullivan’s building has already set its budget and has completed major repairs based on the earlier deadlines.

    “It’s too little, too late,” she said.

    “I was hoping they would have done that before the end of last year, because we were forced into a position, because of the timeline, that we had to take care of all of that. … Now, I’m not sure if other condos could be helpful to them, that’s great. It’s not for us.”

    Instead, residents hope for zero- or low-interest loans to offset assessments that weren’t included.

    Potential solutions

    While the new law offers short-term relief, many say broader reform is needed. One of the biggest frustrations is that the legislation does little to address soaring condo insurance.

    Experts and residents alike suggest more balanced, long-term strategies. These could include:

    • Phased timelines. Allow condo associations to resolve urgent repairs first and offer extended deadlines for less critical upgrades. That way, owners have time to plan, save and avoid sudden, unaffordable assessments.

    • Means-tested aid. State-backed grants or low-interest loans to seniors and low-to-moderate-income residents to help cover extensive assessments or emergency repairs.

    • Tax incentive. Provide tax credits or deductions for unit owners or associations making qualified repairs — such as structural reinforcements, roofing or waterproofing.

    • Exemptions or relaxed rules. Exempt or reduce requirements for small, low-rise or recently constructed condos with clean inspection records.

    As Florida’s condo communities grapple with the financial fallout of much-needed reforms, many hope lawmakers will allow sustainable recovery. The goal being to ensure staying safe doesn’t mean losing your home or going into debt.

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