Real Estate News: Real Estate Investing Podcast

Breaking News: The Federal Trade Commission has sued Zillow and Redfin over a $100 million rental advertising deal. The FTC alleges the agreement illegally removed Redfin as a competitor in online rental listings, potentially driving up costs for property managers and harming renters. In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke explains what the lawsuit says, why regulators are taking action, and what this could mean for investors, multifamily property managers, and the future of online rental platforms. JOIN RealWealth® FOR FREE https://realwealth.com/join-step-1  FOLLOW OUR PODCASTS Real Wealth Show: Real Estate Investing Podcast https://link.chtbl.com/RWS SOURCE:  https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/09/ftc-sues-zillow-redfin-over-illegal-agreement-suppress-rental-advertising-competition 

New home sales surged 20% in August, hitting their highest level in nearly three years—even as mortgage rates stayed above 6%. Kathy Fettke breaks down what drove the spike, from builder incentives to regional trends, and what experts like Robert Dietz and Ivy Zelman say this means for the housing market. Plus, what investors should watch when September’s data arrives alongside falling mortgage rates. JOIN RealWealth® FOR FREE https://realwealth.com/join-step-1  FOLLOW OUR PODCASTS Real Wealth Show: Real Estate Investing Podcast https://link.chtbl.com/RWS SOURCE: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/24/august-new-home-sales-soar.html

Lennar, the nation’s second-largest homebuilder, reported a 46% drop in quarterly profit as affordability pressures and higher interest rates continue to weigh on buyers. Earnings and revenue both missed Wall Street expectations, and the company forecast lower home deliveries for the fourth quarter. Kathy Fettke explains how sales incentives like mortgage rate buydowns are squeezing margins, and what this means for real estate investors navigating today’s housing market. JOIN RealWealth® FOR FREE https://realwealth.com/join-step-1  FOLLOW OUR PODCASTS Real Wealth Show: Real Estate Investing Podcast https://link.chtbl.com/RWS

U.S. birth rates have fallen to a record low, and soaring housing costs are a major factor. In this episode, Kathy Fettke explores new data from the CDC and Realtor.com showing how rising home prices have reshaped family planning, from delayed homeownership to smaller household sizes. We also discuss research from the National Bureau of Economic Research that links housing costs directly to fertility decisions. For investors, these trends highlight how affordability challenges are influencing both demographics and the future of the housing market. JOIN RealWealth® FOR FREE https://realwealth.com/join-step-1  FOLLOW OUR PODCASTS Real Wealth Show: Real Estate Investing Podcast https://link.chtbl.com/RWS SOURCE: https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/birth-rates-plummet-home-prices-surge-housing-market-family-planning/

Compass is acquiring Anywhere Real Estate in a $10B all-stock deal, creating a combined network of 340,000 agents across 120 countries. In this episode, Kathy Fettke explains what the Compass–Anywhere merger means for agents, shareholders, and the broader real estate market. JOIN RealWealth® FOR FREE https://realwealth.com/join-step-1  FOLLOW OUR PODCASTS Real Wealth Show: Real Estate Investing Podcast https://link.chtbl.com/RWS  

The Federal Reserve just cut interest rates by a quarter point for the first time in months, signaling a potential shift in monetary policy. In this episode, Kathy Fettke explains how the Fed’s rate cut could impact mortgage rates, housing affordability, refinancing opportunities, and commercial real estate markets. From homebuyers to investors in multifamily and office properties, learn what this move means for borrowing costs, property values, and the road ahead for real estate. JOIN RealWealth® FOR FREE https://realwealth.com/join-step-1  FOLLOW OUR PODCASTS Real Wealth Show: Real Estate Investing Podcast https://link.chtbl.com/RWS

Credit card debt is weighing heavily on Americans, with the average balance now at $8,550. A new study from BestMoney finds that 76% of people say their debt is mostly due to their own choices — from small impulse buys to stress-driven spending. In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down the survey results, the emotions fueling overspending, and what it all means for homebuyers and real estate investors. JOIN US AT OUR RealWealth® EVENT:  www.realwealth.com/1031  FOLLOW OUR PODCASTS Real Wealth Show: Real Estate Investing Podcast https://link.chtbl.com/RWS SOURCE: https://www.bestmoney.com/credit-cards/learn-more/psychology-of-credit-card-debt

Property insurance costs are now the fastest-growing housing expense, up 70% in just five years and nearly 10% of the average mortgage payment. In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down the latest ICE Mortgage Monitor, including why insurance is outpacing mortgage and tax costs, how home prices and foreclosures are shifting, and what falling HELOC and refinance rates mean for homeowners and investors navigating today’s affordability crunch. JOIN US AT OUR RealWealth® EVENT:  www.realwealth.com/1031  FOLLOW OUR PODCASTS Real Wealth Show: Real Estate Investing Podcast https://link.chtbl.com/RWS SOURCE: https://mortgagetech.ice.com/resources/data-reports/september-2025-mortgage-monitor 

Mortgage rates have dropped to a new low for 2025, now averaging 6.27%. The surprising part? It happened even as inflation came in hotter than expected. The reason lies in a sudden spike in jobless claims, led by Texas, that shook bond markets and sent Treasury yields lower. In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down why labor data is outweighing inflation concerns, what continuing claims at a three-year high signal for the job market, and why bond traders are betting on a softer economy. You’ll also learn what level of jobless claims could tip the U.S. into recession territory — and why the upcoming Fed meeting could be one of the most dramatic in years. JOIN RealWealth® FOR FREE https://realwealth.com/join-step-1  FOLLOW OUR PODCASTS Real Wealth Show: Real Estate Investing Podcast https://link.chtbl.com/RWS

A well-known Southern California real estate operator is facing federal charges. Marco Giovanni Santarelli, founder of Norada Capital Management, has been indicted for allegedly defrauding more than 500 investors out of $62.5 million through a Ponzi-style scheme. In this episode, Kathy Fettke explains what happened, how unsecured promissory notes can put investors at serious risk, and what you can do to protect yourself. You’ll learn the difference between secured real estate investments and unsecured notes, why unrealistic double-digit monthly returns are a red flag, and three steps every investor should take to safeguard their capital. JOIN RealWealth® FOR FREE https://realwealth.com/join-step-1  FOLLOW OUR PODCASTS Real Wealth Show: Real Estate Investing Podcast https://link.chtbl.com/RWS

Which housing markets are most at risk in 2025—and which are the safest bets for investors? In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down ATTOM’s latest Housing Risk Report, which names the riskiest U.S. counties based on affordability, unemployment, foreclosures, and underwater mortgages. You’ll hear why California and Florida top the list, which counties are struggling with extreme affordability, and why Louisiana stands out for underwater properties. Kathy also shares where buyers and investors will find the safest and most affordable markets, from New York to Texas and beyond. If you want to stay ahead of housing trends, this episode is packed with insights on how local risks—from wildfires to hurricanes to high insurance costs—are shaping today’s real estate landscape. JOIN RealWealth® FOR FREE https://realwealth.com/join-step-1  FOLLOW OUR PODCASTS Real Wealth Show: Real Estate Investing Podcast https://link.chtbl.com/RWS SOURCE: https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/riskiest-housing-markets-united-states-list/   

The August jobs report shows the U.S. economy added just 22,000 jobs, far below expectations, while the unemployment rate rose to 4.3%, the highest since 2017 outside the pandemic.  In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, including which industries are adding jobs, where losses are showing up, and why long-term unemployment is on the rise. You’ll also hear how markets reacted, with Treasury yields dropping, mortgage rates hitting new yearly lows, and investors betting on a Federal Reserve rate cut in September. For real estate investors, Kathy explains how falling mortgage rates could open refinancing and buying opportunities, while a weaker labor market may signal challenges ahead for rental demand and consumer confidence. JOIN RealWealth® FOR FREE https://realwealth.com/join-step-1  FOLLOW OUR PODCASTS Real Wealth Show: Real Estate Investing Podcast https://link.chtbl.com/RWS SOURCES: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/jobs-report-august-stock-market-today-09-05-2025/card/how-markets-are-reacting-to-the-august-jobs-report-in-charts-FQcQtn7rwcUks8KYBbJ9?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=ASWzDAi5rhcACM9CUVuSweEm6gfhlzjTymFu-MGPtOdT6FSdkv99FJMXEzn4IZAJjOk%3D&gaa_ts=68bb3e42&gaa_sig=7Pc9VuZh3MAASJs3g1fibqeeIosHhMl5M5QtC4kyYQ3hpWkwoe_QfVXzgrgz1BPAS57xZt78Hf84_DJtirgONQ%3D%3D 

In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down a new Bankrate Home Affordability Report that asks: what impacts buyers more, mortgage rates or home prices? The findings show that even a small drop in mortgage rates can lower monthly payments far more than a price cut. Kathy explains why waiting for home values to fall may not be the best strategy, how lower rates could trigger more demand, and what buyers can do now to prepare financially. You’ll also hear the latest forecasts for mortgage rates, home price trends across the U.S., and what it all means for investors in 2025. LINKS: JOIN RealWealth® FOR FREE https://realwealth.com/join-step-1  FOLLOW OUR PODCASTS Real Wealth Show: Real Estate Investing Podcast https://link.chtbl.com/RWS SOURCE: https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/rates-vs-prices-housing-affordability/ 

Airbnb is changing the way it charges hosts — and the update could impact how much real estate investors actually take home. Beginning October 27, 2025, Airbnb will phase out its split-fee model and move to a 15.5% host-only fee. Guests will see a flat price, but hosts will need to adjust their rates to protect margins. In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down what the new structure means for property owners, how it could affect short-term rental profitability, and why some smaller investors may struggle while professional managers adapt more easily. If you invest in short-term rentals or are considering it, this fee shift is one you can’t afford to ignore. LINKS: JOIN RealWealth® FOR FREE https://realwealth.com/join-step-1  FOLLOW OUR PODCASTS Real Wealth Show: Real Estate Investing Podcast https://link.chtbl.com/RWS SOURCE: https://www.hostaway.com/blog/airbnb-host-only-fee-what-to-know-about-the-15-percent-host-fee/

Senior renters are now the fastest-growing group in the U.S., with more than 2.4 million Americans aged 65 and older entering the rental market in the past decade. In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down the numbers from U.S. Census and Point2Homes data, and explains what’s driving this powerful demographic shift. You’ll learn why older Americans are choosing rentals over ownership, which metros are seeing the biggest surge in 55+ renters, and how single-family homes are playing a growing role in this trend. Real estate investor Ken McElroy also weighs in on why 55+ renters are among the most stable and attractive tenants for landlords today. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, this episode reveals what investors and developers should be watching as Baby Boomers reshape the housing market. LINKS: JOIN RealWealth® FOR FREE https://realwealth.com/join-step-1  FOLLOW OUR PODCASTS Real Wealth Show: Real Estate Investing Podcast https://link.chtbl.com/RWS SOURCES:   https://www.credaily.com/briefs/senior-renters-drive-housing-shift-in-the-us/  https://kenmcelroy.com/education/this-is-the-fastest-growing-renter-in-america/?utm_campaign=Newsletters&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9i0ejEgzVwis0t8WzqPgTd7YP16P5IhtmKY-vGCOe4ZbqAmmPXptyEWSwzDF0eBZKfg2PsqLnu2Pxu9Q5jo6I8-Xx8Gw&_hsmi=377681519&utm_content=377681519&utm_source=hs_email

The U.S. government is considering one of the biggest cannabis policy shifts in decades—moving marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under federal law. If approved, this change could ease tax burdens, open the door to banking access, accelerate mergers and acquisitions, and reshape the industry’s growth trajectory. In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down what federal reclassification could mean for investors, including the potential end of IRS rule 280E, how capital might flow back into cannabis businesses, and the impact this could have on real estate investors. She also explains what this shift would not do—like full legalization—and the implications for research, regulation, and market consolidation. LINKS: JOIN RealWealth® FOR FREE https://realwealth.com/join-step-1  FOLLOW OUR PODCASTS Real Wealth Show: Real Estate Investing Podcast https://link.chtbl.com/RWS    

President Trump’s new executive order could reshape retirement savings. For the first time, 401(k) plans may allow real estate investing, along with other alternative assets like private equity and crypto. In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down what the rule change means for retirement savers, why real estate has been off-limits in 401(k)s until now, and what risks and opportunities could lie ahead. We’ll also cover how ERISA rules, fiduciary responsibilities, and SEC guidance play into the decision, and what investors should watch for as retirement plans evolve. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can use a 401(k) to invest directly in real estate, this episode explains the potential changes—and why they matter for your financial future. LINKS: JOIN RealWealth® FOR FREE https://realwealth.com/join-step-1  FOLLOW OUR PODCASTS Real Wealth Show: Real Estate Investing Podcast https://link.chtbl.com/RWS SOURCE:  https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/08/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-democratizes-access-to-alternative-assets-for-401k-investors/

Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway just invested nearly $1 billion in homebuilders Lennar and D.R. Horton. Kathy Fettke unpacks why Buffett is doubling down on housing, what it signals for supply, demand, and policy, and what investors should watch as the market heats up. LINKS: JOIN RealWealth® FOR FREE https://realwealth.com/join-step-1  FOLLOW OUR PODCASTS Real Wealth Show: Real Estate Investing Podcast https://link.chtbl.com/RWS SOURCE: https://www.housingwire.com/articles/berkshire-hathaways-warren-buffett-bets-big-on-homebuilders/

A new GOP bill—the TOO LATE Act—could give President Trump legal power to remove Fed Chair Jerome Powell over interest rate policy. Kathy Fettke breaks down what this means for the Federal Reserve’s independence, future rate cuts, and how it could impact investors, inflation, and market stability. LINKS: JOIN RealWealth® FOR FREE https://realwealth.com/join-step-1  FOLLOW OUR PODCASTS Real Wealth Show: Real Estate Investing Podcast https://link.chtbl.com/RWS SOURCE: https://www.scotsmanguide.com/news/gop-bill-would-provide-a-legal-pathway-for-trump-to-fire-powell/?utm_source=originator&utm_medium=news&utm_campaign=newlayout

Could quantum computing spark real estate’s next gold rush? Just as AI turned data centers into one of the hottest property plays, experts now believe quantum tech could fuel a brand-new wave of demand for specialized facilities. In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down why analysts see quantum commercialization just a few years away — and what that could mean for commercial real estate investors. From Chicago’s new quantum hub to Silicon Valley startups and the billions already flowing into research, we explore where the opportunities may emerge. If you’re a real estate investor looking for the next big frontier, this episode will help you understand why quantum tech facilities could become the industry’s next major growth story. LINKS: JOIN RealWealth® FOR FREE https://realwealth.com/join-step-1  FOLLOW OUR PODCASTS Real Wealth Show: Real Estate Investing Podcast https://link.chtbl.com/RWS SOURCE: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/12/quantum-computing-commercial-real-estate-tailwind.html