Links for 25 June – Zillow, Homeownership & Bicycles

A few of my open tabs that I’ve been mulling over for the past few days — a friend suggested that I add a “what I’m reading” section to my monthly note; I’m going to start that section today on the blog.

• This makes a lot of sense, particularly after some recent data challenges I’ve seen (archived: 2015) – NJ real estate team to ask clients to sign “Zillow Disclosure” form due to ongoing inaccuracies
• U.S. Homeownership Is at Its Lowest Rate Since 1993 — this isn’t necessarily a bad thing; a lot of people want flexibility to move. Rather than own an underwater, illiquid home, renting can be a good option.
• Realtor.com + AirBnB (archived: 2015) – This seems like an awfully good idea.
• Road noise leads to unhealthier people — many of my clients avoid busy roads; science backs their opinions and decisions.
• Energy-Efficiency Programs ‘Nudge’ Consumers in the Wrong Direction — perhaps irrational, but arguing against saving money and increased comfort is a difficult argument.
• If you were going to convince someone to move to Charlottesville for their job, what would you tell them? — This is a great question and answers that I’ve known and told prospective buyers for years; I’m posting here so I can find it and refer to it.
• Building Bike-Friendly Communities Is Good for Economies — you knew this, right?
• Homeownership and Affordable Housing a Key Part of Upward Mobility, but Hard to Come By — new normal is really just “normal.”