Corrupt Cash

New fraud protections start March 1

February 27, 2026

#127

WELCOME

Here’s an interesting one out of Virginia: a 116-acre fully appointed equestrian estate is heading to auction with no set reserve price, meaning it could theoretically sell for as low as $1. The seller opted for the no-reserve route to expose the estate to the widest possible audience and let competitive bidding set the value. The property itself spans more than 10,000 square feet and includes horse facilities, open pastureland, and a storybook countryside setting already attracting bidder attention.

In a market where price can make or break the deal, this property is letting bidders decide just what the estate is worth.

SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS: Today’s Top Podcast Rec 🔊

For Jade Mills, Coldwell Banker’s #1 agent worldwide with $9B in sales to date, there is no better business asset than name recognition. Learn how she built her incredible, three-decade career through hundreds of simple posters, countless co-listings, and multiplying every referral on this mini-episode of Glennda’s Guru.

TRACK THE MARKET: Cracking down on corrupt cash

Starting on March 1, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) will require new disclosure paperwork for many all-cash real estate purchases. The rule applies when a property is bought without a mortgage and the buyer is a legal entity or trust, like an LLC, corporation, or partnership. The new rule aims to limit money laundering through residential real estate by identifying the true person behind the purchase. While intended to be a counter-crime measure, it’s likely to most significantly impact legitimate buyers who use legal entities for privacy or estate planning.

  • The U.S. Treasury’s 2024 National Money Laundering Risk Assessment found that 20% to 30% of U.S. real estate transactions are completed in cash, which means they can avoid the anti-money-laundering checks that lenders typically perform.

  • The 2021 Pandora Papers investigation uncovered 206 U.S.-based trusts holding more than $1 billion in assets across 41 countries, with about 30 linked to allegations like fraud and bribery.

  • The rule applies to non-financed purchases made by legal entities or trusts and requires disclosure of beneficial ownership details, including names, dates of birth, addresses, taxpayer ID numbers, and citizenship information.

DIVE IN

The Friday Five

📖 When ‘conservative’ costs you. For buyers, there’s a high cost to hesitation.

👀 Sedona stunner. Tour the Sedona mountaintop mansion complete with a 3-minute tram ride.

👀 Bad Bunny. See inside the Hollywood Hills mansion that was fully renovated just before Bad Bunny bought it. 

💡Buyer backouts. The top 5 metros with the highest share of cancelled contracts.

💡Starting at 0. The strategy to try when you’re out of leads but not out of the game.

WHAT’S NEW FROM ESTATE MEDIA

James Harris’ blueprint for growth

James Harris went from being nearly broke in London to selling over $5B in real estate in just a few years. But the incredible growth of his business was more about mindset than selling strategies. By learning how to think like a winner—from the moment you wake up until the last words you tell yourself at night—he created a personal success he never imagined possible. In this mindset-focused episode of Rise Above the Ranks, James shares the exact steps he followed to reframe his thinking, bounce back from setbacks, and see real results.

FEATURED LUXURY LISTING

Albuquerque Acres Residence

Privately gated and inspired by Italian and Spanish villa design, this North Albuquerque Acres estate pairs refined craftsmanship with an easy, single-level layout. Inside, you’ll find five ensuite bedrooms, a chef’s kitchen with custom cabinetry and premium stone surfaces, plus dedicated spaces for work and entertaining—including a library/study, theater, sports lounge, and recreation room. The courtyard-style outdoor setting features a heated pool with a waterfall element, fire features, and an outdoor kitchen, along with practical extras like an 8-car garage, pet suite, and exercise studio.

https://estate-elegance.beehiiv.com/p/albuquerque-acres-residence

TIPS & TAKEAWAYS

Want to go far? Go together.

The biggest hurdle to real estate investing is gathering enough capital to buy your first income property. And while pooling your finances with friends and family can seem like an accessible way to reach that milestone, relationships have a way of complicating rental properties.

In the latest The Playbook, investors share their experience co-buying and co-owning with friends, family, and like-minded investors. They share the tools they use to manage the logistics, the horror stories they’ve experienced along the way, and their best financial wins to date. 

If you or your clients are interested in purchasing your first income property with the help of other investors, tap here to read the full story.

HANGS & HAPPENINGS

The Gathering by HousingWire | Austin, TX | April 27 - 30, 2026
This event for mortgage professionals, brokerage leaders, and investors connects you with some of the most powerful and prominent executives in the housing industry. Hear from experts on housing policy, real estate solutions, affordability opportunities, investments, and more. 

Inman Luxury Connect | San Diego, CA | July 27 - 28, 2026
The industry’s premier event for elite agents and brokers in the luxury space hosts immersive discussions, interactive workshops, top-tier networking events, and a roster of speakers including James Harris, Jason Oppenheim, and Jade Mills.

Before we go…

📣WANT TO REACH 100K+ REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS RIGHT IN THEIR INBOX?

Promote your brand with Real Estate Roundup and get noticed by the leading professionals in the real estate industry. Our subscribers include high-income decision-makers, investors, and key players in the real estate sector. For more information, please email [email protected].