H. Shelton Weeks, Ph.D.
Expert in real estate and financial markets
- Fort Myers FL UNITED STATES
H. Shelton Weeks has extensive industry experience in valuation of real property with an emphasis on senior living projects.
Media
Biography
He has published multiple articles on pedagogical issues, corporate governance, and real estate. Weeks has extensive industry experience in valuation of real property with an emphasis on senior living projects. He is a member of the American Real Estate Society. He also has editorial experience on the Journal of Housing Research, and is co-editor of the Journal of Real Estate Practice & Education.
Areas of Expertise
Education
The University of Alabama
B.S.
Finance
The University of Alabama
M.A.
Finance
The University of Alabama
Ph.D.
Finance
Affiliations
- Journal of Real Estate Practice & Education : Editorial Board
- Journal of Economics and Finance Education : Editorial Board
- The Appraisal Journal : Academic Review Panel
- Waller, Weeks, Johnson Rental Index : Co-Creator
Selected Media Appearances
Disaster and insurance costs are rising. The middle class is struggling to hang on
NPR online
2025-11-17
Shelton Weeks talks about rebuilding and insurance costs after Hurricane Ian.
Charlotte County home market gains new momentum in fall
Gulfshore Business print
2025-11-24
Shelton Weeks explains why real estate experts in Southwest Florida feel optimistic.
Southwest Florida sees rise in mortgage-free homeowners
WINK News tv
2025-11-18
Shelton Weeks explains why Southwest Florida's demographics play a major role in the fact that fewer people hold mortgages on their homes.
Property tax overhaul could give state more muscle over cities and counties
Palm Beach Post print
2025-11-03
Shelton Weeks discusses the problems local cities and counties may face if lawmakers pass property tax cuts.
Study: U.S. Rents Moderating, but Affordability Issues Linger
Fox 28 print
2023-02-07
Shelton Weeks explains Southwest Florida's real estate market after Hurricane Ian.
Egg prices soar despite overall inflation finally cracking
Washington Examiner online
2023-01-25
Shelton Weeks discusses inflation and the rise in egg prices.
Florida rental prices remain overvalued despite relief in other states, study says
WPBF tv
2022-11-04
Shelton Weeks discusses the long-term effects of Hurricane Ian on the southwest Florida rental market.
'It will raise the payments': Another interest rate hike could be announced this week
WPBF tv
2022-11-01
Shelton Weeks discusses a hike in interest rates.
Experts predict massive population boom for SWFL over the next 40 years
NBC2 tv
2022-09-26
Shelton Weeks talks about how to be prepared for a population boom in Southwest Florida.
Dept. of Economic Opportunity provides homeowners' assistance for Floridians
Fox 4 tv
2022-07-15
Shelton Weeks discusses a new study that shows how the housing market in Florida among the most overvalued in the country.
Experts say there are other housing solutions besides building more homes, but it's a trade-off
Fox 4 tv
2022-06-17
Shelton Weeks discusses a potential affordable housing project in Collier County.
Ft. Myers shows largest rent increase: study
WGCU radio
2022-06-08
Shelton Weeks discusses a study that shows Florida has the largest increase in rents.
Florida dominates list of 25 most overvalued US rental markets, according to new study
WPBF tv
2022-05-04
Shelton Weeks discusses high rental rates in Florida.
'It was hard': Rent prices forces family to move out of Ft. Myers
Fox 4 tv
2022-05-05
Shelton Weeks discusses rising rent prices in Southwest Florida.
What would you do to win a real estate deal? SWFL realtors see outrageous offers
ABC7 tv
2022-04-01
Shelton Weeks discusses the competitive Florida housing market.
Tampa Bay area needs affordable housing and not rent caps, real estate expert says
ABC Action News tv
2022-03-22
Shelton Weeks discusses rental caps.
Tampa Bay rents to ‘get worse before they get better,’ experts say
Tampa Bay Times tv
2022-03-03
Shelton Weeks discusses a study that shows high rental rates in Florida.
How to cope with rising costs caused by supply chain
WTSP tv
2021-12-06
Shelton Weeks discusses inflation and the supply chain.
When are the best days to get deals for holiday shopping?
WTSP tv
2021-11-25
Shelton Weeks discusses why people could be spending more this holiday season.
Want to get thousands more for your home? Try these paint colors
NBC2 tv
2021-07-28
Shelton Weeks talks about how simple fixes to your house could be well worth the payout when selling.
How to buy a Southwest Florida home in a tough market
NBC2 tv
2021-05-26
Shelton Weeks share tips on how to buy a house in a tough market.
FGCU, Mote Marine Lab project studies if dead fish are feeding red tide
NBC2 tv
2020-04-15
Shelton Weeks discusses a project that is studying if dead fish feed red tide and if removing them will mitigate the problem.
Those with mortgages can defer payments during pandemic
NBC2 tv
2020-04-03
Shelton Weeks discusses financial options for borrows in the wake of COVID-19.
Coronavirus Q&A: Experts offer advice on financial assistance, small businesses
The News-Press online
2020-04-03
Shelton Weeks answers economic questions about the coronavirus.
Here's why self-storage units are popping up across Lee County
NBC2 tv
2019-07-16
Shelton Weeks discusses the impact of population increase in Southwest Florida.
Social media could be making you spend more money
NBC2 tv
2019-06-03
Shelton Weeks discusses the connection between social media and financial responsibility.
Thousands of signatures needed just to vote on raising Florida's minimum wage
NBC2 tv
2019-05-13
Shelton Weeks discusses the potential impact of a $15 minimum wage on the Southwest Florida economy.
Gas prices reach highest this month
Fox 4 tv
2019-03-28
Shelton Weeks sheds light on price cycling among gas stations.
A look at how Florida's National Park System being partially shutdown will impact the economy
WGCU radio
2019-01-11
Shelton Weeks discusses the potential economic impact of the government shutdown.
Water quality issues cause calamitous fiscal impact
Fort Myers Beach Bulletin and Fort Myers Beach Observer online
2018-10-17
Shelton Weeks participates in a panel discussion on the economic impact of the red tide and blue-green algae.
Income inequality rampant in SW Florida
The News-Press print
2016-06-22
Shelton Weeks discusses economic prosperity.
Selected Event Appearances
Panel discussion on the economic impact of the red tide and blue-green algae
Florida Economic Water Summit Fort Myers, Florida
2018-10-15
Selected Articles
Post-Disaster Property Incentives and the Law of Unintended Consequences: The FEMA 50 Percent Rule
Journal of Real Estate Practice and EducationH. Shelton Weeks, J. Howard Finch & Victor V. Claar
2025-09-17
Eligibility for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requires communities to enter into an agreement with the federal government to adopt and enforce a floodplain management program to reduce the risk of future flood damage in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). A key component of these agreements is the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) “50 Percent Rule,” which limits the amount that property owners can spend on repairs or renovations of existing properties in SFHAs to 50 percent of the depreciated value of the improvements without triggering the requirement to bring the existing improvements into full compliance with current building codes. The purpose of this teaching note is to provide a format for helping students understand how the regulation alters the incentives of the different constituencies associated with the renovation, repair and replacement of residential property improvements in SFHAs. The 50 Percent Rule effectively caps the dollar amount of upgrades and repairs allowed on existing structures to avoid triggering the requirement to bring the existing structure into compliance with the current building code. A numerical example of the FEMA 50 Percent Rule and a Concept Application exercise are provided .
The Death of a Condominium: The Next Frontier for Real Estate Markets
Journal of Real Estate Practice and EducationH. Shelton Weeks, Raymond Placid & Sean Ellis
2025-05-22
The process of terminating a condominium is subject to regulations that vary from state to state. The termination of a condominium has significant negative implications for unit owners that utilize the units as a principal place of abode. On the other hand, condominium terminations provide a substantial investment opportunity for real estate professionals interested in potential redevelopment of condominium properties. This article provides an overview of the condominium termination process noting some of the challenges likely to be encountered along the way.
Valuing a Single Tenant Net-Leased Property: A Classroom Case Study
Journal of Real Estate Practice and EducationH. Shelton Weeks, Daniel Huerta-Sanchez, Scott Nelson & Michael Zahaby
2025-12-15
This paper proposes an experiential pedagogical exercise that allows finance and real estate students to assess the financial viability of a net-leased, single tenant standalone retail property located in a major metropolitan area. This exercise provides students with the opportunity to complement their classroom/textbook instruction with a real-life practical application of the concepts and mathematical skills they have acquired. To complete the case study, students receive an investment prospectus and an assignment protocol that lays out the data and supporting information necessary to value the property and produce an investment thesis. The successful completion of this assignment ensures student competence in valuing commercial real estate using qualitative and quantitative methods which are analytical skills that are readily transferable to the workplace.
Monthly Estimations in U.S. Residential Rental Markets and Affordability
Journal of Housing ResearchBennie D. Waller,H. Shelton Weeks & Ken H. Johnson
2023
Rental markets around the country have recently spiked, causing significant issues in terms of affordability and availability and even prompting talk of nationwide rent controls. The drivers of this recent phenomenon will almost certainly be parsed out in future research. However, there is a critical and pressing need for timely information on recent rent movements in the nation’s rental markets and their affordability. This brief provides information (projected rents, degree of over- or underpricing relative to historic trends, year-over-year rent change, and affordability of the average rental unit) for 100 U.S. residential rental markets.
Incorporating a REIT Module to an Undergraduate Capstone Course: An Experiential Education Approach
Journal of Real Estate Practice and EducationSteve P. Fraser, Daniel Huerta-Sanchez & H. Shelton Weeks
2023
This paper describes the pedagogical approach of incorporating a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) module in an undergraduate finance major capstone course at Florida Gulf Coast University, a regional comprehensive 4-year university. The module consists of two class periods and requires research of publicly-traded REITs using industry accepted sources of data, empirical and qualitative data analysis, and preparation of written and oral presentations that receive academic and practitioner feedback. The assignment aligns with experiential learning theory and the constructivism learning theory found in research in that it incorporates experiencing, reflecting, thinking, and active learning combined with the participation of guest speakers and judges who serve as external validators enhancing the student classroom experience.
Short-Term REIT Performance under Pandemic Conditions
Journal of Real Estate Portfolio ManagementVivek Bhargava & H. Shelton Weeks
2022
The Corona virus pandemic and the subsequent economic slowdown provide an opportunity to examine the relative performance of US REITs during a period of extreme market disruption. We investigate the short-term response of US REITs during this period by employing event study methodology with four market models and three distinct pandemic related event dates. In order to examine the performance across market sectors the returns on REIT indexes are considered instead of individual REITs. The empirical results provide additional evidence with respect to the performance of REITs relative to the overall market and the benefits derived from including REITs in a portfolio during adverse market conditions.
A Spatial Analysis of the Impact of Float Distance to the River on the Value of Residential Canal Front Houses
Journal of Real Estate ResearchH. Shelton Weeks, Marcus T. Allen and Andres Jaugerui
2019
This manuscript utilizes Spatial Durbin Modeling to measure the impact of distance to open water on the values of canal front houses in Southwest Florida. Data from 1998 through 2015 are examined to observe how such an impact may vary across different market conditions. The results provide several interesting insights. First, the results confirm that houses with frontage on saltwater canals that afford ocean access are priced higher than (1) houses with no canal frontage and (2) houses on freshwater canals with no ocean access. Second, distance to open water is also a significant price determinant of houses with frontage on saltwater canals. Third, the open water access premium has fluctuated over time, consistent with general economic conditions in this market.
Connotation and Textual Analysis in Real Estate Listings
Journal of Housing ResearchKimberly R. Goodwin, Bennie D. Waller, and H. Shelton Weeks
2018
Real estate listings typically include objective, factual information about property characteristics, along with subjective, descriptive language. How the agent constructs the content of the listing can either encourage or discourage potential buyers from viewing a property. Thus, understanding how buyers are interpreting the language in the listing is essential for effective marketing. This study takes an important first step towards creating a real estate specific dictionary of descriptive terms and measure of favorability.
Reported Price Errors: A Caveat for Appraisers
Appraisal JournalAllen, Marcus T.; Lusht, Kenneth M.; Weeks, H. Shelton
2015
This study documents the magnitudes and signs of differences in prices reported in a multiple listing service in comparison to prices reported on HUD-1 Settlement Statements. Price differences are found in 8.75% of the sample, ranging in size from -1.09% to 21.44%. There was about a 2.5/1 ratio of overstated to understated prices, with the largest differences occurring during periods of declining market conditions.
An Analysis of Investment Returns to Condominium Flipping: Evidence from South Florida
Real Estate FinanceH. Shelton Weeks, Marcus T. Allen and Kenneth M. Lusht
2015
This study considers whether or not real estate “flippers” are able to systematically earn significant and positive returns by investing in properties with certain characteristics. Such returns would contradict the notion of market efficiency. Using a sample of repeat sales of residential condominiums in South Florida, the analysis suggests that flippers cannot rely on physical characteristics, location, or value strata to systematically earn positive returns in this market.
The Impact of Broker Vernacular in Residential Real Estate
American Real Estate SocietyKimberly Goodwin, Bennie Waller, H. Shelton Weeks
2014
Real estate brokers develop their own sense of style and methods for entering listings into the MLS. Anecdotally, they may have their own take on what works and what does not, but there is very little evidence to support those theories. In this study, we examine the use of broker vernacular in the multiple listing service (MLS) listing and its impact on selling price, time on market, and probability of sale. What the broker promotes in the MLS listing impacts marketing outcomes. Careful construction of property descriptions can improve listing performance. Additionally, brokers convey meaningful information to each other privately through the MLS.
Determinants of dividend policies for ADR firms
Managerial FinanceGizelle F. Perretti, Marcus T. Allen, H. Shelton Weeks
2013
Cross-listed firms may face unique incentives for establishing dividend policies in comparison to US firms. This study aims to test the implications of the lifecycle and signaling theories of dividend policy in the context of non-US firms cross-listed on US stock exchanges via American depository receipts (ADRs).
The Salary Premium Required for Replacing Management Faculty: Evidence From a National Survey
Journal of Education for BusinessJ. Howard Finch, Richard S. Allen, H. Shelton Weeks
2010
One of the most important aspects of growing and improving business education is replacing departed faculty members. As the baby-boom generation approaches retirement, the supply of available replacement faculty members is diminishing. The result is a competitive market for replacement faculty that features increasing starting salary levels. In particular, faculty lines that have been occupied for extended time periods need to be marked to market salary levels because annual salary increases rarely keep pace with inflation in the labor market. The authors report the results of a national survey to determine the amount of salary premium required to bring vacated management faculty lines back up to competitive market levels. As business schools struggle to replace retiring and departing faculty, budgets have to account for these premium increases to succeed in an increasingly competitive market for faculty labor.