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- October 10 2024
October 10 2024
REAL ESTATE
This Week’s Real Estate News
Zillow Adds Climate Risk to Listings—Because What’s a Mortgage Without a Little Apocalypse?

Sean Rayford | Getty Images
Just when you thought buying a house couldn’t get any more stressful, Zillow has decided to throw climate change into the mix. That’s right—now, alongside square footage and school districts, you can see just how likely your dream home is to end up underwater (literally). Zillow is adding climate risk data to its listings, so you can finally get the full picture: “Great backyard, cozy fireplace… and a 50% chance of being destroyed by a wildfire.”
It’s a bold move, but hey, transparency is key, right? Now, instead of just worrying about the rising mortgage rates, you can also stress about rising sea levels. Buyers can check out the flood risk, fire zones, and even extreme heat potential, because nothing says “welcome home” like knowing how quickly it might all go up in flames.
In today’s market, it's not just about location, location, location—it’s also about disaster preparedness. So, whether you’re dreaming of ocean views or just trying to keep your investment from sinking (literally), Zillow’s climate data is here to help. Good luck!
33% of Homeowners Would Hire A ‘Questionable’ Contractor To Save Money, Report Finds

Visoot Uthairam | Moment | Getty Images
Thinking about hiring that cheap contractor your neighbor’s cousin recommended? Experts say you might want to think again—or at least make sure your insurance is up to date. Hiring a questionable contractor is like playing a game of “Will It Be Built or Burned Down?” Spoiler alert: the odds aren’t in your favor.
Sure, that guy might promise you a kitchen reno for half the price, but be prepared to discover he’s a little too familiar with duct tape solutions—and we’re not talking about electrical tape. The risks? Substandard work, unfinished projects, and enough headaches to make you wish you’d just stuck with your 1970s linoleum floors.
The experts are right: hiring a licensed, qualified contractor may cost more upfront, but at least you won’t be crossing your fingers every time you flick on a light switch or flush the toilet. Consider it an investment in not having to rebuild your house again next year.
China’s Property Stocks Surge—Because Why Let a Housing Crisis Stop a Rally?

Zhong Zhi | Getty Images News | Getty Images
In a plot twist straight out of the “Too Big to Fail” handbook, China’s property stocks have surged to their highest levels in over a year. You’d think the ongoing housing crisis and massive debt issues would cool the market, but no—stimulus packages have investors popping champagne like it’s New Year’s in Shanghai.
China’s central bank has thrown enough stimulus at the property sector to keep it limping along, and investors are betting big on the idea that the government will keep the life support going. Because, apparently, no one learned anything from the last global financial meltdown.
So, what’s the lesson here? In the world of property stocks, debt is just a suggestion, and when the chips are down, governments will swoop in with stimulus faster than you can say "bubble." Who needs fundamentals when you’ve got cash injections to prop things up?
BUSINESS
This Week’s Business News
Ozempic Black Market Is Booming—Because Who Needs a Prescription When You Have the Internet?

CNBC
In today’s world, why bother going to a doctor when you can just buy your medication from some shady website? Enter Ozempic, the drug originally designed for diabetes but now coveted for its weight loss side effects. Demand has surged so much that there’s now a thriving black market for it and similar obesity drugs. Because, of course, if something works, people will find a way to get it—legal or not.
From counterfeit pills to mystery injections, the black market for weight-loss drugs is flourishing, with buyers willing to risk who-knows-what to shed a few pounds. And let’s be honest: for some, the question isn’t whether they’ll get the real deal, but how long until they regret not just seeing an actual doctor.
So now, alongside workout fads and diet scams, we can add black-market weight-loss drugs to the ever-growing list of questionable health trends. And hey, when it comes to quick fixes, who cares about side effects or authenticity? If it sheds the weight, does it even matter?
September Surge: Boeing Delivers More Planes, But Delays Are Far from Over

Leslie Josephs | CNBC
Good news, Boeing managed to deliver more aircraft in September than in previous months, which is a real achievement for a company that seems to specialize in delays. Yes, the numbers are up, but before you get too excited, just remember—this is Boeing we’re talking about. Deliveries may be increasing, but the backlog and delays are still lurking around like a bad smell.
Boeing handed over 27 planes in September, which is great… if you conveniently forget about all the planes they still haven’t delivered. But hey, what’s a few months—or years—of waiting for an aircraft when you're a major airline or a desperate passenger?
So, yes, let’s give Boeing a slow clap for finally moving those planes off the production line. But don’t forget to keep an eye on your airline’s fleet update, because delays are kind of their specialty.
Walmart Expands Into Pet Care—Because Apparently, There’s Nothing They Don’t Sell Now

Courtesy: Walmart
In case you thought Walmart wasn’t involved in enough of your life, they’ve now decided to go all in on your pets too. The retail giant just opened five more veterinary and pet grooming centers, because why not? Now you can grab a new TV, a gallon of milk, and get Fluffy’s nails trimmed all in one go.
It’s actually not a bad move—pets are a booming business, and Walmart knows it. But let’s be real: do you really want the same place that sells bulk potato chips to be your one-stop-shop for pet healthcare? Sure, convenience is king, but one minute you’re picking up kibble, the next minute you’re wondering if Walmart’s going to start offering human healthcare plans too.
Still, pet owners are loving the idea, and with 25 locations already up and running, it’s clear Walmart is betting big on Fido and Fluffy.
"I love The Cynic because it’s the only place where I can laugh at how ridiculous the real estate market is while still getting actual, useful insights. It’s like therapy for business people—except way cheaper!"
NEWS
This Week’s Headlines
Israel Strikes Back After Iran's Missile Barrage Amid Rising Tensions
Israel is facing heightened threats from both Hamas and Hezbollah, while Iran recently launched a barrage of ballistic missiles. The situation raises concerns about potential nuclear implications if the conflict escalates further.
Hurricane Milton Forces Mass Evacuations in Florida as Death Toll from Helene Climbs
As Florida braces for the arrival of Hurricane Milton, evacuations have been ordered across the Gulf Coast. This comes as the death toll from Hurricane Helene continues to rise, now at 232 across several states.
Georgia EV Plant Sparks Environmental Backlash Amid Clean Energy Push
A Hyundai electric vehicle plant backed by the U.S. climate law is facing protests over potential water supply damage, reflecting the tension between clean energy projects and local environmental concerns.
U.S. Dockworkers End Strike After Wage Agreement Reached
Dockworkers along the East and Gulf coasts have ended a strike after securing a wage increase of 62%, a significant win for labor unions as they continue to negotiate terms of the new contract.
UN Warns of Escalating Crisis in Gaza as Humanitarian Efforts Collapse
UN officials have reported the collapse of critical aid services in northern Gaza as the conflict intensifies. Many humanitarian agencies are warning of catastrophic conditions for civilians caught in the crossfire.
ADVICE
This Week’s Business Advice
‘‘Always prioritize building relationships over chasing quick wins. Whether in real estate or business, long-term success comes from trust and credibility. Your deals should be based on relationships where people want to come back to work with you, not just because you were the cheapest option. That’s how you stay relevant in the long game.’’
FUN
Riddle Me This
I’m the key to your dream house, but I don’t open doors.
I help you buy, and sometimes more.
Without me, the deal could fall through,
I’m signed by you and the lender too.
What am I?
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