Blog: The Voice of Reason for DC Real Estate

The Voice Of Reason In Washington DC Real Estate

Commentary, opinion & news on real estate-related topics by Washington DC real estate expert Susan Isaacs.

September 20, 2026

SusanIsaacs

1980 tax rate

The 30% Condo Tax Congress Forgot to Update

Condo associations and HOAs are being told to save more money. But a 1980 tax is making that more difficult than it should be in 2026. The message is amplifying just about everywhere. Aging buildings need larger reserves. Insurance costs and deductibles are rising. Deferred maintenance has become a lending issue. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are tightening condominium project standards, including a new 15% standard reserve contribution requirement taking effect in 2027. Yet a tax rate set in 1980 is still adding to the debit column in 2026. The 30% Tax on HOA and Condo Reserve Earnings Homeowners associations

September 4, 2026

SusanIsaacs

Zillow's Lifestyle Renter makeover

Are Zillow’s “Lifestyle Renters” Just Buyer Wannabes?

Before Deciding Americans Prefer Renting, Maybe We Should Find Out If They Can Afford to Buy Zillow says something interesting is happening to the American renter. Once viewed largely as a temporary stop on the way to homeownership, renting is increasingly becoming a deliberate long-term choice, Zillow claims. It calls the people making it “lifestyle renters.” Renting Is A Legitimate Long-Term Option, Not A Fallback So says Zillow Chief Economist Mischa Fisher. For some people, it absolutely is. But Zillow points to another statistic as evidence of this changing attitude: Only 42% of renters say they would be very or