Latest news with #Lichtenstein
The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
New dynamics: How to get along when college grads move back home
A shaky student debt. Few job prospects. Some recent college graduates have a burdensome mountain of reasons to move back home. For others, the choice may be easy as they seek to save money, or desire the physical and emotional comforts of family. But the familiar may feel different with the changing dynamics that come with growing up. One thing is certain: If you're a new grad or the parents of one, you're not alone in navigating new terrain. Maturity and respect among all parties is a good place to start before those packing boxes arrive. So is having a clear path forward. Consider these tips for making it all work. Richard Ramos, a parenting trainer and author of Parents On A Mission, urges parents and their young adult children to break from their traditional roles. For parents, shift from authority to ally. 'You're no longer parenting a teenager. You're relating to an emerging adult. Move from 'manager' to 'mentor'. Offer guidance, not control. Maintain your home as a launchpad, not a landing strip for them to get too comfortable in,' he says. Grads, come home with humility. 'You may have a degree, but you're still under your parents' roof,' Ramos says. 'Show appreciation. Contribute to the household. Asking before assuming you can simply take shows your growth as a young adult. Honour the space they've made for you.' As a counsellor and parent, Veronica Lichtenstein knows firsthand what Ramos means. Her 26-year-old son has been living at home for two years since graduation to save money for his first house. 'I've learned that clear, collaborative boundaries are the foundation of harmony,' she says. Lichtenstein has lots of practical advice, starting with a 'living contract' created cooperatively. 'His proposed terms became the starting point for negotiation. This empowered him to take ownership while ensuring mutual respect. The final signed agreement covered everything from chores to quiet hours,' she says. A shaky economy and the desire to save money, among others, have seen graduates returning to their family Freepik Set simple rules Common areas must be left clean, for example, and advance notice is required if he plans group gatherings. 'Emphasise that this is a temporary, goal-oriented arrangement,' Lichtenstein says. By that, she means: 'We're happy to support you for 12 months while you save X dollars.' Regular check-ins keep everyone accountable. Amy McCready is the founder of and author of The Me, Me, Me Epidemic – A Step-By-Step Guide To Raising Capable, Grateful Kids In An Over-Entitled World. She suggests setting expectations when it comes to shared resources. 'If they'll be driving your vehicle, be clear about when it's available, who pays for gas or maintenance, and what responsibilities go with the privilege,' McCready says. 'Use 'when-then' phrasing to keep things respectful and direct: When your responsibilities are done, then the car is available.' If conflict arises, it's often because everyone reverts to old roles, she says. 'Pause and ask, 'Are we interacting like we did when they were 17?'' Then reset with intention. Parents need to decide if visits for resident adult children are something they're comfortable with. Such overnight visits with romantic partners can be tricky, McCready notes. 'If overnight visits aren't something you're OK with, it's completely appropriate to set that boundary,' she says. 'You might say, 'We're so glad you're here, and we want everyone to feel comfortable. For us, that means no overnight guests while you're living at home.'' Parents can ask to be told ahead of time if their grad plans to sleep elsewhere. Always check in Eric Wood, director of the Counseling & Mental Health Center at Texas Christian University, says parents should check in on their frustrations over the new living scenario. Their graduate might feel embarrassed and worry that they're a burden. 'Don't judge, especially with the current job market and recent global events. It's important not to be critical of a graduate who must return home,' he says. 'Just like we advise incoming college students not to rush into a certain academic major, it's more important not to rush into an entry career position. Establishing a solid trajectory for a successful and happy career is the priority.' Wood said the new mantra for parents should be: Support, but don't problem solve when it comes to fully launching a grad. 'It's important for the parent or family member not to act as if they are trying to solve a problem,' he says. 'Doing so will only send a message that the graduate is a problem and could lead to conflicts.' – AP
New York Post
11-07-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Homes are taking longer to sell in these once-popular markets
Some of the hottest markets in the country are showing signs they might be in trouble as homes linger on the market longer—and those formerly flourishing metros aren't unique by any means. Among the 50 largest U.S. metro areas, 39 saw homes staying longer than last year, according to the June 2025 housing market report. All four regions—the South, Northeast, Midwest, and West—saw increases in time on the market, reflecting broader cooling trends, with the sunnier states seeing the longest slowdowns. Advertisement 4 Nashville, TN, tops the list of metro areas that see the longest time-on-the-market increase year over year. Kevin Ruck – Year over year, homes in the South spent eight more days on average on the market; the West showed seven more days; the Northeast three more days; and only the Midwest was essentially the same with one more day, due to its continued affordability, climate migration, and lack of inventory. And just over half (26) of the top 50 markets are now seeing listings sit longer than their pre-pandemic averages, with almost all of them in the South and West, according to the report. It's another indication of the geographic divergence in housing market conditions. Where is it taking the longest to sell? Advertisement These metros are seeing the longest time-on-the-market increases year over year: Nashville, TN (+20 days) Orlando, FL (+15 days) Miami, FL (+15 days) Advertisement Tucson, AZ (+12 days) It's not shocking that two of the four markets are in Florida, given the Sunshine State's issues with higher condo fees in the wake of the Champlain Towers collapse, skyrocketing insurance costs or the difficulty of procuring it, and the increase in extreme weather events. 'It's just returning to normal, how it was pre-COVID,' Jeff Lichtenstein, CEO of Echo Fine Properties in Miami, tells 'Miami has been in the news lately for slowdowns overall, but it's mostly due to the condo market. Homes are still being sold, albeit at a slower pace.' 4 The Orlando, FL, market is a mismatch between what buyers want and what sellers have, according to real estate expert. Kevin Ruck – Advertisement Another factor has entered the mix: President Donald Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration. 'Deportations and some foreigners feeling unwelcome have stopped foreign purchases from occurring,' Lichtenstein says. 'That has slowed down Miami, which is an international market dependent on South and Central America, Canada, and other countries.' Foreigners who would have previously purchased a property for their Florida college-bound children have also been scared off, he says. However, the agent sees hope on the horizon in the form of New York City's liberal Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. Lichtenstein adds that the election 'has already prompted interest from New Yorkers and businesses to escape more taxes, as a lot of the financial firms in New York City on Wall Street have already relocated to Miami.' 4 Miami is also showing signs of a slowdown of condo purchases on the market, while single-family homes continue to be a hot commodity. Earth Pixel LLC. – Branden Rivero of Prop Hunters in Miami Lakes says that while he clearly sees the slowdown in condos, single-family homes are still a hot commodity. 'There's a huge difference between single-family and condo, complete ends of the spectrum,' he tells 'We still lack quality inventory for the single family. Depending on the area, I still have homes sold before they are even listed.' Advertisement And Jill Penman of ONE/Sotheby's International Realty, who sells in South Florida, says that buyers and sellers are caught in a dance of one having little motivation to sell due to being locked in to their mortgage rates and the other being disinclined to shell out COVID-19-era prices. 'They aren't willing to overpay and will ride it out,' she says of these buyers. As for Orlando, local agent Martin Orefice of Rent to Own Labs says inventory is part of the problem—not necessarily the lack of it, but the mismatch between what buyers want and what sellers have. 4 'I do not think [the slowdown] is a bad thing,' says Jill Penman of ONE/Sotheby's International Realty. Eric – Advertisement 'Most of the homes on the market are big and expensive, and most people looking for homes are younger first-time homebuyers, many of whom work at local theme parks or have recently graduated from UCF or other nearby universities,' he tells 'People just can't afford the homes that are on offer. Even retirees, the other big source of growth for us, are looking to downsize and live near water.' Good news for buyers All in all, agents see the slowdown as an opportunity to separate the wheat from the chaff. In a time when the American dream of owning a home is out of reach for so many, this can only be welcome news to buyers as sellers are forced to let go of their inflated prices. Advertisement 'I do not think [the slowdown] is a bad thing,' Penman says. 'It just weeds out real motivated sellers from the ones that are not serious.' The report aligns with that sentiment. 'With growing inventory and homes taking longer to sell, the U.S. housing market is undoubtedly shifting in a buyer-friendly direction,' the report notes, finding more price reductions in 2025 than in any year of data. However, this signals selective discounts, not widespread plummets. In June, the national median list price held at $440,950, essentially flat since the previous month. However, prices are beginning to fall in the West and South, with -8% and -9% declines, respectively.
Los Angeles Times
24-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Los Angeles Times
How to get along when college grads move back home with parents
NEW YORK — A shaky economy. Student loan debt. Few job prospects. Some recent college graduates have a burdensome mountain of reasons to move back home. For others, the choice may be easy as they seek to save money, or desire the physical and emotional comforts of family. But the familiar may feel different with the changing dynamics that come with growing up. One thing is certain: If you're a new grad or the parents of one, you're not alone in navigating new terrain. Maturity and respect among all parties is a good place to start before those packing boxes arrive. So is having a clear path forward. Consider these tips for making it all work. Richard Ramos, a parenting trainer and author of 'Parents on a Mission,' urges parents and their young adult children to break from their traditional roles. For parents, shift from authority to ally. 'You're no longer parenting a teenager. You're relating to an emerging adult. Move from manager to mentor. Offer guidance, not control. Maintain your home as a launchpad, not a landing strip for them to get too comfortable in,' he says. Grads, come home with humility. 'You may have a degree, but you're still under your parents' roof,' Ramos says. 'Show appreciation. Contribute to the household. Asking before assuming you can simply take shows your growth as a young adult. Honor the space they've made for you.' As a counselor and parent, Veronica Lichtenstein knows firsthand what Ramos means. Her 26-year-old son has been living at home for two years since graduation to save money for his first house. 'I've learned that clear, collaborative boundaries are the foundation of harmony,' she says. Lichtenstein has lots of practical advice, starting with a 'living contract' created cooperatively. 'His proposed terms became the starting point for negotiation. This empowered him to take ownership while ensuring mutual respect. The final signed agreement covered everything from chores to quiet hours,' she says. Common areas must be left clean, for example, and advance notice is required if he plans group gatherings. 'Emphasize that this is a temporary, goal-oriented arrangement,' Lichtenstein says. By that, she means: 'We're happy to support you for 12 months while you save X dollars.' Regular check-ins keep everyone accountable. Amy McCready is the founder of and author of 'The Me, Me, Me Epidemic — A Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Capable, Grateful Kids in an Over-Entitled World.' She suggests setting expectations when it comes to shared resources. 'If they'll be driving your vehicle, be clear about when it's available, who pays for gas or maintenance, and what responsibilities go with the privilege,' McCready says. 'Use 'when-then' phrasing to keep things respectful and direct: When your responsibilities are done, then the car is available.' If conflict arises, it's often because everyone reverts to old roles and old rules, she says. 'Pause and ask, 'Are we interacting like we did when they were 17?'' Then reset with intention. Parents need to decide if conjugal visits for resident adult children are something they're comfortable with. Such overnight visits with romantic partners can be tricky, McCready notes. 'If overnight visits aren't something you're OK with, it's completely appropriate to set that boundary,' she says. 'You might say, 'We're so glad you're here, and we want everyone to feel comfortable. For us, that means no overnight guests while you're living at home.'' Parents can ask to be told ahead of time if their grad plans to sleep elsewhere. Eric Wood, director of the Counseling & Mental Health Center at Texas Christian University, says parents should check in on their frustrations over the new living scenario. Their graduate might feel embarrassed and worry that they're a burden. 'Don't judge, especially with the current job market and recent global events. It's important not to be critical of a graduate who must return home,' he says. 'Just like we advise incoming college students not to rush into a certain academic major, it's more important not to rush into an entry career position. Establishing a solid trajectory for a successful and happy career is the priority.' Wood said the new mantra for parents should be: Support, but don't problem solve when it comes to fully launching a grad. 'It's important for the parent or family member not to act as if they are trying to solve a problem,' he says. 'Doing so will only send a message that the graduate is a problem and could lead to conflicts.' Italie writes for the Associated Press.
San Francisco Chronicle
12-06-2025
- General
- San Francisco Chronicle
How to get along when college grads move back home with parents
NEW YORK (AP) — A shaky economy. Overwhelming student debt. Few job prospects. Some recent college graduates have a burdensome mountain of reasons to move back home. For others, the choice may be easy as they seek to save money, or desire the physical and emotional comforts of family. But the familiar may feel different with the changing dynamics that come with growing up. One thing is certain: If you're a new grad or the parents of one, you're not alone in navigating new terrain. Maturity and respect among all parties is a good place to start before those packing boxes arrive. So is having a clear path forward. Consider these tips for making it all work. Set clear expectations early Richard Ramos, a parenting trainer and author of 'Parents on a Mission,' urges parents and their young adult children to break from their traditional roles. For parents, shift from authority to ally. 'You're no longer parenting a teenager. You're relating to an emerging adult. Move from 'manager' to 'mentor.' Offer guidance, not control. Maintain your home as a launchpad, not a landing strip for them to get too comfortable in,' he says. Grads, come home with humility. 'You may have a degree, but you're still under your parents' roof,' Ramos says. 'Show appreciation. Contribute to the household. Asking before assuming you can simply take shows your growth as a young adult. Honor the space they've made for you.' Drill down to specifics As a counselor and parent, Veronica Lichtenstein knows firsthand what Ramos means. Her 26-year-old son has been living at home for two years since graduation to save money for his first house. 'I've learned that clear, collaborative boundaries are the foundation of harmony,' she says. Lichtenstein has lots of practical advice, starting with a 'living contract' created cooperatively. 'His proposed terms became the starting point for negotiation. This empowered him to take ownership while ensuring mutual respect. The final signed agreement covered everything from chores to quiet hours,' she says. Common areas must be left clean, for example, and advance notice is required if he plans group gatherings. 'Emphasize that this is a temporary, goal-oriented arrangement,' Lichtenstein says. By that, she means: 'We're happy to support you for 12 months while you save X dollars.' Regular check-ins keep everyone accountable. Crystalize chores and shared resources Amy McCready is the founder of and author of 'The Me, Me, Me Epidemic — A Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Capable, Grateful Kids in an Over-Entitled World.' She suggests setting expectations when it comes to shared resources. 'If they'll be driving your vehicle, be clear about when it's available, who pays for gas or maintenance, and what responsibilities go with the privilege,' McCready says. 'Use 'when-then' phrasing to keep things respectful and direct: When your responsibilities are done, then the car is available.' If conflict arises, it's often because everyone reverts to old roles and old rules, she says. 'Pause and ask, 'Are we interacting like we did when they were 17?'' Then reset with intention. What about special guests? Parents need to decide if conjugal visits for resident adult children are something they're comfortable with. Such overnight visits with romantic partners can be tricky, McCready notes. 'If overnight visits aren't something you're OK with, it's completely appropriate to set that boundary,' she says. 'You might say, 'We're so glad you're here, and we want everyone to feel comfortable. For us, that means no overnight guests while you're living at home.'' Parents can ask to be told ahead of time if their grad plans to sleep elsewhere. Parents, be careful not to judge Eric Wood, director of the Counseling & Mental Health Center at Texas Christian University, says parents should check in on their frustrations over the new living scenario. Their graduate might feel embarrassed and worry that they're a burden. 'Don't judge, especially with the current job market and recent global events. It's important not to be critical of a graduate who must return home,' he says. 'Just like we advise incoming college students not to rush into a certain academic major, it's more important not to rush into an entry career position. Establishing a solid trajectory for a successful and happy career is the priority.' Wood said the new mantra for parents should be: Support, but don't problem solve when it comes to fully launching a grad. 'It's important for the parent or family member not to act as if they are trying to solve a problem,' he says. 'Doing so will only send a message that the graduate is a problem and could lead to conflicts.'
Winnipeg Free Press
12-06-2025
- General
- Winnipeg Free Press
How to get along when college grads move back home with parents
NEW YORK (AP) — A shaky economy. Overwhelming student debt. Few job prospects. Some recent college graduates have a burdensome mountain of reasons to move back home. For others, the choice may be easy as they seek to save money, or desire the physical and emotional comforts of family. But the familiar may feel different with the changing dynamics that come with growing up. One thing is certain: If you're a new grad or the parents of one, you're not alone in navigating new terrain. Maturity and respect among all parties is a good place to start before those packing boxes arrive. So is having a clear path forward. Consider these tips for making it all work. Set clear expectations early Richard Ramos, a parenting trainer and author of 'Parents on a Mission,' urges parents and their young adult children to break from their traditional roles. For parents, shift from authority to ally. 'You're no longer parenting a teenager. You're relating to an emerging adult. Move from 'manager' to 'mentor.' Offer guidance, not control. Maintain your home as a launchpad, not a landing strip for them to get too comfortable in,' he says. Grads, come home with humility. 'You may have a degree, but you're still under your parents' roof,' Ramos says. 'Show appreciation. Contribute to the household. Asking before assuming you can simply take shows your growth as a young adult. Honor the space they've made for you.' Drill down to specifics As a counselor and parent, Veronica Lichtenstein knows firsthand what Ramos means. Her 26-year-old son has been living at home for two years since graduation to save money for his first house. 'I've learned that clear, collaborative boundaries are the foundation of harmony,' she says. Lichtenstein has lots of practical advice, starting with a 'living contract' created cooperatively. 'His proposed terms became the starting point for negotiation. This empowered him to take ownership while ensuring mutual respect. The final signed agreement covered everything from chores to quiet hours,' she says. Common areas must be left clean, for example, and advance notice is required if he plans group gatherings. 'Emphasize that this is a temporary, goal-oriented arrangement,' Lichtenstein says. By that, she means: 'We're happy to support you for 12 months while you save X dollars.' Regular check-ins keep everyone accountable. Crystalize chores and shared resources Amy McCready is the founder of and author of 'The Me, Me, Me Epidemic — A Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Capable, Grateful Kids in an Over-Entitled World.' She suggests setting expectations when it comes to shared resources. 'If they'll be driving your vehicle, be clear about when it's available, who pays for gas or maintenance, and what responsibilities go with the privilege,' McCready says. 'Use 'when-then' phrasing to keep things respectful and direct: When your responsibilities are done, then the car is available.' If conflict arises, it's often because everyone reverts to old roles and old rules, she says. 'Pause and ask, 'Are we interacting like we did when they were 17?'' Then reset with intention. What about special guests? Parents need to decide if conjugal visits for resident adult children are something they're comfortable with. Such overnight visits with romantic partners can be tricky, McCready notes. 'If overnight visits aren't something you're OK with, it's completely appropriate to set that boundary,' she says. 'You might say, 'We're so glad you're here, and we want everyone to feel comfortable. For us, that means no overnight guests while you're living at home.'' Parents can ask to be told ahead of time if their grad plans to sleep elsewhere. Parents, be careful not to judge Eric Wood, director of the Counseling & Mental Health Center at Texas Christian University, says parents should check in on their frustrations over the new living scenario. Their graduate might feel embarrassed and worry that they're a burden. 'Don't judge, especially with the current job market and recent global events. It's important not to be critical of a graduate who must return home,' he says. 'Just like we advise incoming college students not to rush into a certain academic major, it's more important not to rush into an entry career position. Establishing a solid trajectory for a successful and happy career is the priority.' Wood said the new mantra for parents should be: Support, but don't problem solve when it comes to fully launching a grad. 'It's important for the parent or family member not to act as if they are trying to solve a problem,' he says. 'Doing so will only send a message that the graduate is a problem and could lead to conflicts.'
