Real Estate News: Real Estate Investing Podcast

Homeowners are still renovating in 2026—even with higher costs and economic pressure. But the reason why is changing. In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down new data from Block Renovation showing a major shift toward functionality over resale. More families are choosing to stay put and redesign their homes to fit how they live today. One of the biggest drivers? Multigenerational living. With more households bringing aging parents, adult children, or caregivers under one roof, demand is rising for flexible spaces and accessory dwelling units, or ADUs. We'll also cover how homeowners are funding these projects, the growing role of AI in renovation planning, and why trust in contractors remains a major challenge. For real estate investors, this trend signals a shift in housing demand. It's no longer just about square footage—it's about adaptability, functionality, and long-term livability. Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/block-renovations-how-america-renovates-2026-report-finds-functionality-multigenerational-living-and-ai-are-shaping-renovations-today-302735081.html 

The March Jobs Report is in, and while the headline numbers look solid, a closer look shows signs the labor market may be slowing. In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, host Kathy Fettke breaks down the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, including job growth, unemployment, and wage trends. You'll also hear thoughts from Zillow's chief economist, Orphe Divounguy, who says the report may not be as strong as it appears. We cover what's really happening beneath the surface—from slowing hiring and rising discouraged workers to cooling wage growth—and what it could mean for inflation, interest rates, and the Federal Reserve's next move. Tune in to understand what this jobs report means for the housing market—and your investment strategy. Sources: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7446618198294257665/?originTrackingId=XyTXb0TWbkdYLftj6Luhug%3D%3D  https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm

A new proposal from lawmakers could pause AI data center development across the U.S.—and it may have bigger implications for real estate than you think. In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down the push for a nationwide moratorium on AI data centers and why it's sparking concern across both political parties. These facilities are driving demand for land, power, and infrastructure. But they also consume massive amounts of electricity—raising concerns about higher utility costs, environmental impact, and strain on local grids. Kathy explains how rising energy demand could impact operating costs, rental affordability, and long-term property values. She also looks at which markets could benefit from data center growth—and which ones may face new restrictions. This is a fast-moving story at the intersection of technology, policy, and real estate. And it's one investors can't afford to ignore. Source: https://apnews.com/article/data-centers-ai-electricity-sanders-aoc-65651bd28c3d911d18eeb46cd54f4c75 

Washington State has passed a new millionaire tax, and it could have major implications for real estate investors across the country. In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down the new 9.9% tax on income over $1 million, why it's already facing legal challenges, and how it could influence investor behavior. But that's not all. Washington lawmakers also approved a sweeping package of housing bills designed to increase supply. From allowing more housing in commercial zones to making it easier to build accessory dwelling units, these changes could reshape the state's housing market. Will higher taxes push investors to other states? Could loosening zoning laws help solve the housing shortage? And will other states follow Washington's lead? Tune in as Kathy explains what this means for your portfolio, your strategy, and the future of real estate investing. Source: https://www.realtor.com/news/real-estate-news/washington-state-millionaire-tax/ 

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