Real Estate News: Real Estate Investing Podcast

Private hiring came in stronger than expected in the latest ADP Jobs Report—but the details reveal a more uneven economy. In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down the March ADP Jobs Report, where private sector employers added 62,000 jobs and annual pay rose 4.5%. Most of the job growth came from healthcare and construction, while sectors like manufacturing and transportation saw losses. Small businesses led hiring, while larger companies pulled back. What does that mean for real estate investors? Strong construction hiring could help ease housing supply. But uneven job growth and rising costs may keep inflation elevated—and mortgage rates higher for longer. Kathy explains what this mixed labor market means for home prices, interest rates, and investment strategy moving forward. Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/01/private-sector-hiring-totaled-62000-in-march-better-than-expected-adp-says.html

In this episode of Real Estate News, host Kathy Fettke breaks down the latest mortgage data and what it means for today's housing market. A new report from Intercontinental Exchange shows that mortgage delinquencies are edging higher, with serious delinquencies rising and cure rates slowing. At the same time, foreclosure activity is beginning to increase off recent lows—an early signal investors should be watching. While overall delinquency levels remain below pre-pandemic norms, the data suggests that more borrowers are struggling to catch up once they fall behind. In this update, Kathy explains what's driving these trends, how they could impact housing supply, and what real estate investors should keep an eye on in the months ahead. Source: https://mortgagetech.ice.com/resources/data-reports/first-look-at-february-2026-mortgage-data

State laws are starting to challenge one of the biggest changes in real estate. In this episode, we break down how new legislation in Mississippi and Alabama is pushing back on the National Association of Realtors' buyer agent agreement rule. And more states may be next. What does this mean for homebuyers, agents, and real estate investors? You'll learn when a buyer agreement is actually required, how rules now vary by state, and why this shift could change how deals get done across the country. If you're buying property or working with an agent, this is something you need to understand. Source: https://www.housingwire.com/articles/states-override-nar-buyer-agreement/?cx_testId=47&cx_testVariant=cx_1&cx_artPos=0&cx_experienceId=EXAPB9I50LOS&cx_experienceActionId=showRecommendations3CFZNF3TCS4I3#cxrecs_s

Cash homebuyers just caught a break. A federal judge has blocked a new Treasury rule that would have required disclosure of buyers in all-cash real estate transactions nationwide. The rule aimed to crack down on money laundering, but critics argued it went too far—raising concerns about privacy, compliance costs, and government overreach. In this episode, we break down what the ruling means, why it matters for investors, and what could come next if regulators try again. Source: https://www.bisnow.com/national/news/capital-markets/fincen-all-cash-home-buying-rule-133773

Mortgage rates are rising again—and it's starting to impact buyer demand. In this episode, we break down why the average 30-year mortgage rate has climbed to 6.43%, the highest level in five months, and what's driving the increase. From rising Treasury yields to global tensions pushing energy prices higher, several forces are keeping borrowing costs elevated. We'll also look at the latest data from the Mortgage Bankers Association, which shows a sharp drop in mortgage applications and refinance activity. That's a sign more buyers are stepping back as affordability challenges grow. Are you looking for an investor friendly lender? Visit www.Realwealth.com/Lender to learn more. Source: https://www.axios.com/2026/03/25/mortgage-rates-iran-war-housing-market

Foreign investment is pouring into the U.S. housing market—and it's coming from Japan. In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down why Japanese homebuilding companies are buying American builders in billion-dollar deals, and what it means for the future of housing. According to Realtor.com, the U.S. is facing a housing shortage of millions of homes, while Japan is dealing with a shrinking population and slowing demand. That imbalance is creating a major opportunity. You'll learn why global capital is flowing into U.S. real estate, how these deals could accelerate homebuilding, and why smaller builders may become acquisition targets. Kathy also explains what this trend means for investors, including how consolidation could reshape the housing industry and impact supply. 🏠 📈 Want to learn more about RealWealth? Visit www.Realwealth.com/Fund Source: https://www.realtor.com/news/real-estate-news/japanese-homebuilders-american-firms-deals/

The U.S. housing market is shifting, and buyers are starting to gain the upper hand. In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down new data showing that sellers now outnumber buyers by nearly 50%—the largest gap on record. This shift is creating more opportunities for negotiation, but it's also a sign of deeper challenges in today's market. You'll learn what's driving this imbalance, including high mortgage rates, affordability constraints, and growing economic uncertainty. Kathy also explains why some markets—especially in the South—are seeing a surge in inventory, while parts of the Northeast remain competitive for sellers. For investors, this changing dynamic could mean better deals, more inventory to choose from, and a need to stay hyper-focused on local market conditions. If you've been waiting for a shift in the housing market, this may be it—but timing, strategy, and location matter more than ever. 🏙️ As a thank you for being a listener, we are giving away a FREE pdf about the Top Cities for Investors today. Visit www.Realwealth.com/TopCities to Learn more. Source: https://www.redfin.com/news/buyers-vs-sellers-february-2026/

A liquidity crunch may be building beneath the surface of the commercial real estate market—and most investors aren't paying attention. In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down what liquidity is, why it matters, and how tightening credit conditions could impact real estate in 2026 and beyond. With billions in commercial loans coming due and lending standards tightening, refinancing is becoming more difficult and expensive. You'll learn how reduced liquidity is affecting banks, private credit, and deal flow—and what it could mean for pricing, distressed opportunities, and your investment strategy. 🏠 ☀️ Want to come to our live event? Visit www.Realwealth.com/LAEvent to learn more. Source: https://kenmcelroy.com/education/the-liquidity-problem-no-one-is-talking-about/?utm_campaign=Newsletters&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8fyW6_8-c0wKlQ-mGo3PomTnzofRdxfBWUCdRrqUkSPj8VDM_OmX14j6SztU6zarXg2G49m3yXuzd9BEDPRPoGf86B_w&_hsmi=408472104&utm_content=408472104&utm_source=hs_email

Home builder confidence improved slightly in March, but the housing market is still facing pressure. In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down the latest data from the National Association of Home Builders, including a small uptick in builder sentiment that still remains in negative territory. With 64% of builders offering incentives and more cutting prices, it's clear that affordability challenges are continuing to weigh on demand. We'll also look at rising mortgage rates, renewed inflation concerns, and growing uncertainty in Washington as a major housing bill faces pushback. What does all of this mean for the spring housing market—and for real estate investors? Tune in to find out what signals builders are watching right now, and where the market could be headed next. 🏠 ☀️ Want to come to our live event? Visit www.Realwealth.com/LAEvent to learn more. Source: https://www.scotsmanguide.com/news/us-home-builder-sentiment-improves-but-sector-still-under-pressure/

The Federal Reserve is holding interest rates steady — and now expects just one rate cut in 2026. In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down what's behind the Fed's decision, including rising inflation risks, higher energy prices, and growing global uncertainty. While inflation has cooled, it may take longer to reach the Fed's target. What does this mean for real estate investors? Kathy explains how inflation impacts Treasury yields and mortgage rates — and why borrowing costs could stay higher for longer, affecting affordability and housing demand. 🏠 ☀️ Want to come to our live event? Visit www.Realwealth.com/LAEvent to learn more. Source: https://www.cnn.com/business/live-news/federal-reserve-interest-rate-03-18-2026

President Trump has signed new executive orders aimed at improving housing affordability by addressing both supply and mortgage lending. Federal agencies are being directed to review regulatory barriers that may be slowing home construction and limiting access to credit for qualified buyers. In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down what these housing executive orders actually do—and what they don't. Plus, how changes to permitting, development costs, and mortgage access could impact real estate investors if implemented. 🏠 ☀️ Want to come to our live event? Visit www.Realwealth.com/LAEvent to learn more. Source: https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/nar-responds-to-executive-orders-aimed-at-home-affordability-mortgage-lending

Spring housing demand is arriving earlier than expected — and some of the fastest-moving markets in the country are in the Midwest. In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down new data from HousingWire showing buyers are absorbing homes faster than new listings are hitting the market. Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois are leading the nation in housing demand, with homes selling quickly as inventory remains tight. Kathy also explains why absorption rates are becoming one of the most important indicators of housing market momentum — and what these trends could mean for real estate investors heading into the spring buying season. 📈🏡 Want to learn more about investing in real estate? Just visit www.Realwealth.com/Deals to learn more. Sources: https://www.housingwire.com/articles/midwest-housing-markets-absorption-rate-surge/?utm_campaign=HW%20DataDigest&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--NXgcIv108jRwkbjHGVgtj_nq0xBTpYVmP10-ue99aqMKGPCiwPuprpK-b2Djl6MBzKgtQOr7tPKAUnW-dG75AGR2DXg&_hsmi=408274777&utm_content=408274777&utm_source=hs_email

Economic growth is slowing, but inflation is still running above the Federal Reserve's target. In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down the latest data from the Fed's preferred inflation gauge, the Personal Consumption Expenditures index, along with a sharp downward revision to U.S. GDP growth. Stocks rallied after the report came in largely as expected, but economists say the mixed signals create a complicated outlook for the Federal Reserve and interest rates. We'll also look at how rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions could impact inflation in the months ahead—and what it could mean for mortgage rates and real estate investors. 📈🏡 Want to learn more about investing in real estate? Just visit www.Realwealth.com/Deals to learn more. Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/13/business/economy/consumer-prices-inflation-pce-february.html?campaign_id=60&emc=edit_na_20260313&instance_id=172442&nl=breaking-news&regi_id=296486822&segment_id=216610&user_id=853319ec7216a16ba4212b5dbd28103e

The U.S. Senate has passed a major bipartisan housing bill aimed at boosting housing supply and improving affordability. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act includes incentives for new construction, efforts to reduce regulatory delays, and restrictions on large institutional investors buying single-family homes. But one provision is raising concerns across the housing industry. Critics warn a seven-year sell requirement for large investors could impact build-to-rent communities and future rental housing supply. In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down what the bill does, why it's controversial, and what real estate investors should be watching next as the legislation moves to the House. 📈🏡 Want to learn more about investing in real estate? Just visit www.Realwealth.com/Deals to learn more. Sources: https://www.scotsmanguide.com/news/trade-groups-balk-at-build-to-rent-provision-in-bipartisan-senate-housing-bill/?utm_source=originator&utm_medium=news&utm_campaign=newlayout https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/senate-passes-major-housing-affordability-bill-warren-scott-rcna263046

A Michigan mortgage lender is facing a federal class action lawsuit over alleged robo-calls that used artificial voice technology. The case claims the company contacted consumers without permission, potentially violating the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke explains what the lawsuit could mean for mortgage lenders, real estate professionals, and investors as artificial intelligence becomes more common in marketing. 📈🏡 Want to learn more about investing in real estate? Just visit www.Realwealth.com/Deals to learn more. Source: https://www.scotsmanguide.com/news/michigan-mortgage-lender-faces-class-action-lawsuit-over-artificial-voice-technology/?utm_source=originator&utm_medium=news&utm_campaign=newlayout

New Census data shows where Americans are moving — and how those migration trends could reshape housing markets across the country. U.S. population growth slowed to about 0.5% between 2024 and 2025, largely due to a drop in international migration. But domestic migration is still shifting demand toward states in the South and Sun Belt, including North Carolina, Texas, South Carolina, and Tennessee. In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down the latest population trends and what they could mean for housing demand and real estate investors. 📈🏡 Want to learn more about investing in real estate? Just visit www.Realwealth.com/Deals to learn more. Source: https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlook/top-15-states-for-population-and-migration-trends-in-2025-the-south-leads-the-midwest-gains

Retirement account balances are rising — but so are withdrawals. New data from Fidelity shows the average 401(k) balance climbed more than 11% in 2025 as the stock market posted another strong year. But at the same time, a growing number of Americans are tapping their retirement savings early. Hardship withdrawals and 401(k) loans both increased last year, signaling that many households are still feeling financial pressure despite market gains. In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down the latest retirement savings data and what it reveals about the financial health of American workers. She also explains why relying on stock market retirement accounts alone may leave investors vulnerable during periods of economic stress. For many investors, income-producing real estate offers a different approach to building long-term wealth — providing potential cash flow, inflation protection, and the ability to hold a hard asset that can appreciate over time. Learn what the latest 401(k) trends mean for retirement security — and why diversification may matter more than ever. 📈🏡 Want to learn more about investing in real estate? Just visit www.Realwealth.com/Deals to learn more. Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/04/retirement-balances-hardship-withdrawals.html

The latest jobs report delivered a surprise. The U.S. economy lost 92,000 jobs in February, and the unemployment rate rose to 4.4%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down what the weaker labor market could mean for the economy, mortgage rates, and housing demand. A slowing job market can cool housing demand, but it could also increase the chances that the Federal Reserve eventually lowers interest rates — something that could help bring buyers back into the market. Here's what real estate investors should be watching next. 📈🏡 If you want ot learn more, visit www.NewsforInvestors.com Source: https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/06/economy/us-jobs-report-february

Tensions between the United States and Iran are adding new uncertainty to the global economy — and that could have real implications for real estate investors. In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down how escalating conflict in the Middle East could impact oil prices, inflation, and the Federal Reserve's path for interest rates. Kathy explains the key economic signals investors should be watching right now — including oil prices, mortgage rates, and consumer confidence — and what different economic scenarios could mean for the housing market. While geopolitical events can create volatility, long-term real estate fundamentals still come down to smart market selection, strong cash flow, and conservative financing. This episode will help investors understand the bigger economic picture and how global events can shape the housing market here in the United States. Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-conflict-poses-new-risk-us-economic-resilience-2026-03-02/

As the 2026 rental season approaches, demand is already building — and it's happening earlier than usual. In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down new data from RentCafe showing which U.S. cities are seeing the biggest surge in renter activity. From Cincinnati taking the top spot to strong momentum in Atlanta, Minneapolis, and several Midwest markets, this early engagement offers clues about where competition — and opportunity — may heat up next. You'll hear which regions are leading the country, why the Midwest and South are gaining strength, and what rising search and "saved listing" activity could signal for rental property investors. 🏡 📈 If you want to learn more about investing in turn key rental properties, just visit www.Realwealth.com/Deals to learn more. Source: https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/rental-market/market-snapshots/cities-to-watch-this-year/?utm_source=bestever.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=top-trending-cities-ahead-of-the-2026-rental-season&_bhlid=e93bd569b530ada0ba5b0f1bc1a9c5e00ebbc9fb

Mortgage rates have officially dropped below 6% for the first time in more than three years. The average 30-year fixed rate is now 5.98%, according to Freddie Mac — a key psychological and financial shift for the housing market. In this episode, Kathy breaks down what lower rates mean for buying power, inventory levels, and home prices. Zillow reports that the median-income household has gained more than $30,000 in purchasing power compared to last year, putting over 80,000 additional homes within reach. But with prices still up roughly 50% since 2020 and rising for the 31st straight month, affordability remains a challenge. Will sub-6% rates bring buyers back into the market? Could it loosen the lock-in effect and increase listings? And what does this mean for real estate investors in 2026? We'll explain what's changing — and what isn't. 🏡 📈 If you want to learn more about working with an investor friendly lender visit www.Realwealth.com/Lender to learn more. Source: https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/26/economy/mortgage-rate-falls-below-six-percent

The White House is proposing a new housing policy that could limit how many single-family homes some investors can own. Under the proposal, investors who own more than 100 single-family rental properties could be restricted from buying additional homes. That's a much lower threshold than many in the industry expected. In this episode, Kathy breaks down what the 100-home cutoff means, how many investors it actually affects, and where those properties are concentrated. She also looks at the data on what these mid-sized operators are buying — including workforce housing — and how much of the overall housing stock they control. 🏘️ Want to learn more? Visit www.NewsforInvestors.com Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-state-of-the-union-institutional-investor-ban-housing-affordability/

Artificial intelligence is starting to rattle another major industry — commercial real estate. In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down why shares of major brokerage firms like CBRE, JLL, Cushman & Wakefield, and Newmark recently fell despite strong earnings. Investors are questioning whether AI could shrink brokerage commissions, automate appraisal work, and compress margins across the industry. But the bigger concern may be office demand. If AI allows companies to operate with fewer employees, will they need less office space in the future? Kathy explains what executives are saying, where AI may have the biggest impact first, and what real estate investors should be watching next. Is this short-term market fear — or the beginning of a structural shift in commercial real estate? 🏘️ Want to learn more? Visit www.NewsforInvestors.com Sources: https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/commercial/ai-anxiety-has-found-its-way-to-real-estate-brokers-2cf4d256?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqcKksgp13sa5Fw9OLZO7hsAflKnkAoDAULJd2RtaPo2I4Bei_Yi0AX0W03DNpw%3D&gaa_ts=699d0201&gaa_sig=AOJgjD2rtGMyIjL_uUf0yn5hZr5fCPt7Ae-LiBzHIPwU5RnYpdV6evacSt5WZxdLntEUCpyjE9RlsM9saO_wTA%3D%3D

Is 2026 shaping up to be the best year for short-term rental investing since 2021? In this episode, Kathy breaks down AirDNA's 2026–2027 short-term rental outlook, including where occupancy is headed, why ADR growth may slow before rebounding, and how the STR premium is improving as mortgage rates stabilize near 6%. We'll cover supply growth, demand forecasts, home price declines in coastal and urban markets, and what RevPAR trends mean for investors. If you're considering buying, expanding, or repositioning a short-term rental, this episode explains where opportunity may be emerging before competition increases again. 🏘️ Want to learn more? Visit www.Realwealth.com/Deals Sources: https://www.airdna.co/outlook-report