Real Estate News: Real Estate Investing Podcast

40 Episodes
Subscribe

By: Kathy Fettke / RealWealth

Don't get caught off guard by market crashes that can take all your money down with them. And don't miss out on markets where you can build wealth practically overnight. Real Estate News for Investors with Kathy Fettke is the premiere source for savvy real estate investors who want to stay up-to-date on new laws, regulations, and economic events that affect real estate. Topics include: market trends, economic analysis that affects housing prices, updates on the best rental markets for investing in single-family rentals or multi-unit rentals, turn-key housing standards, the fate of the highly revered 1031 exchange and other tax...

✂️ Clip this podcast
Mold Lawsuits Are Becoming a Major Risk for Apartment Owners
#1782
Yesterday at 12:00 PM

Mold is becoming a costly problem for apartment owners. Lawsuits involving mold and habitability issues are on the rise, with some jury awards reaching into the millions. At the same time, insurance costs are climbing and coverage is becoming harder to find in some markets. Kathy Fettke breaks down the growing risk for multifamily investors, what's driving the increase in claims, and how proactive maintenance and adequate reserves can help landlords protect their properties.

 

🏘️ If you want to get more real estate information, just go to www.Realwealth.com/Webinars where you can watch over 500 webina...


New Home Sales Jump 6.4% as Prices Fall
#1781
Last Friday at 11:00 AM

New home sales jumped 6.4% in August, while the median sales price fell nearly 6% from a year ago. Kathy Fettke breaks down the latest Census Bureau data on new home sales, prices, inventory, and what an 8.5-month supply could mean for buyers and real estate investors. Plus, find out why builder incentives could create opportunities for investors looking to add a rental property before the end of the year.

 

 

🏘️ If you want to get a rental property before the end of the year, visit www.Realwealth.com/Schedule to meet with one of our investm...


Will Mortgage Rates Hit 8% or Fall Back to 6%?
#1780
Last Wednesday at 11:00 AM

Mortgage rates are back above 7%—but could they climb to 8% or fall back toward 6%? Kathy Fettke breaks down a new HousingWire report from lead analyst Logan Mohtashami on what could send rates in either direction. From the Iran conflict and oil prices to the 10-year Treasury, mortgage spreads and the Federal Reserve, here's what's driving rates now—and what it could mean for the housing market.

 

 

🏘️ Get your FREE PDF at www.Realwealth.com/90Days

 

Source: https://www.housingwire.com/articles/will-mortgage-rates-rise-to-8-or-drop-to-6/


The Best Week to Buy a Home in 2026 Is Almost Here
#1779
Last Monday at 11:00 AM

The best week to buy a home in 2026 may be just around the corner. Realtor.com says September 27 through October 3 could give buyers more listings, less competition, more price reductions, and potential savings of about $14,000 compared to the summer peak. Kathy Fettke breaks down why this fall window could give buyers more negotiating power—and why the best timing varies depending on the market.

 

🏘️ Get your FREE PDF at www.Realwealth.com/90Days

 

Source: https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/best-time-to-buy-week-of-september-27-2026


Multifamily Construction Gets Faster, but Remains Below Historical Pace
#1778
09/19/2026

Apartment construction is getting a little faster, but projects are still taking much longer to complete than they did a decade ago. New Census Bureau data shows multifamily buildings completed in 2025 took an average of 18.9 months from authorization to completion. Kathy Fettke breaks down what's driving longer construction timelines, how the development pipeline is changing, and what it could mean for apartment supply, rents, and real estate investors.


🏘️ Learn more about RealWealth's Syndications at www.Realwealth.com/Syndications.

Source: https://www.credaily.com/briefs/apartment-construction-times-ease-but-stay-elevated/


New Credit Score Options Could Change Mortgages
#1777
09/18/2026

The mortgage credit system is changing. Fannie Mae lenders now have a new credit score option, while federal regulators are considering additional changes that could lower costs and expand access to credit. Kathy Fettke explains what's changing with FICO, VantageScore 4.0, and credit reports—and what it could mean for homebuyers and real estate investors.

 

🏘️ Learn more about the housing market and economy at www.NewsforInvestors.com

 

Source: https://money.usnews.com/investing/news/articles/2026-09-09/us-regulator-says-credit-scoring-firm-fico-increasing-prices-for-borrowers

 

https://www.reuters.com/business/us-regulator-says-credit-scoring-firm-fico-increasing-prices-borrowers-2026-09-09/


Breaking News: Fed Raises Interest Rates for First Time Since 2023
#1776
09/16/2026

The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates for the first time since 2023, lifting the federal funds rate by a quarter point to a range of 3.75% to 4%. What does the move say about inflation, the strength of the U.S. economy, and where rates could go next? Kailyn Bennett, Real Estate News for Investor's Producer, breaks down the Fed's latest decision and what real estate investors should be watching.

 

🏘️ Learn more about the housing market and economy at www.NewsforInvestors.com

 

Source: https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/monetary20260916a.htm


Inflation Hits 3.4% as Fed Rate Decision Looms
#1775
09/15/2026

Inflation is proving stubborn once again, raising the odds of another Federal Reserve interest rate hike. The latest Consumer Price Index shows inflation climbed 3.4% year over year in August, while a hotter-than-expected core reading pushed traders to increase their bets on a Fed rate hike.

 

Kathy Fettke breaks down what's driving inflation, what the Fed could do next, and what it could mean for mortgage rates, housing, and real estate investors.

 

🏘️ Want to get a rental property before the end of the year? Visit www.Realwealth.com/90Days to learn more.

...


Home Prices Fall in 36 of 50 Largest U.S. Metros
#1774
09/11/2026

Home prices are cooling across much of the country, but some former pandemic boomtowns are seeing much bigger declines. New Realtor.com data shows listing prices per square foot fell year-over-year in 36 of the 50 largest U.S. metros in August, led by Austin, Tampa, and Memphis. Kathy Fettke breaks down where prices are falling fastest, why inventory is changing the balance between buyers and sellers, and what the shift could mean for real estate investors.

 

🏠 See RealWealth's top markets for real estate investing: www.RealWealth.com/TopCities

 

 

Source: https://www.re...


162,000 Jobs Added: What This Means for Mortgage Rates & Housing
#1773
09/10/2026

The U.S. economy added 162,000 jobs in August, more than double economists' expectations, while unemployment held steady at 4.1%. So what does a stronger-than-expected labor market mean for mortgage rates and the housing market?

 

In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down the latest jobs report, what it could mean for Federal Reserve policy and Treasury yields, and why real estate investors should be watching the next inflation report closely.

 

🏠 Get more real estate investing news, market insights, and resources at RealWealth.com.

 

Source: https://www.cnn.com/2026/09/04/economy/us-job...


Where Homebuyers Are Moving for Affordability
#1772
09/07/2026

 

Affordability is reshaping where Americans are looking for homes. New Realtor.com data shows more than 60% of home-shopping traffic across the nation's 100 largest metros is now looking outside the local market, up from about 48% in 2019. Kathy Fettke breaks down where buyers are looking, why markets like Denver are seeing shoppers search elsewhere, and what these shifting migration patterns could mean for real estate investors.

 

🏡 Get your free PDF at www.Realwealth.com/AffordableMarkets

 

Source: https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/home-prices-affordability-refugees-moving-august-2026-report/


U.S. National Debt Hits $40 Trillion
#1771
09/05/2026

The U.S. national debt has officially topped $40 trillion, roughly double what it was a decade ago. But what does that massive number actually mean for real estate investors? Kathy Fettke looks at the growing federal debt, its connection to Treasury yields and borrowing costs, and why investors should be paying attention to interest rates, inflation, and cash flow as they plan their next move.

🏘️ Looking to invest in real estate this year? Visit www.Realwealth.com/Schedule to meet with one of our investment counselors.

Source: https://www.cnn.com/2026/08/23/economy/national-debt-40-trillion


U.S. Apartment Rents Rise for 7th Straight Month
#1770
09/04/2026

U.S. apartment rents rose for the seventh straight month in August as the national vacancy rate fell to 7.1%. Is the multifamily market finally stabilizing? Kathy Fettke breaks down the latest Apartment List data, where rents are rising and falling, and what slowing apartment construction could mean for real estate investors.

 

🏙️ If you want to passively invest in multifamily, just go to www.Realwealth.com/Syndications to learn more

 

Source: https://www.credaily.com/briefs/us-apartment-rents-show-early-signs-of-stabilization/


Mortgage Rates Could Rise as Treasury Yields Surge
#1769
09/03/2026

Mortgage rates could face new upward pressure as Treasury yields surge to their highest level since early 2025. Rising oil prices are fueling new inflation concerns, while investors are sharply increasing their bets on a September Fed rate hike. Kathy Fettke explains what's driving the bond market selloff, why the 10-year Treasury matters more to mortgage rates than the Fed's short-term rate, and what it could mean for real estate investors and the housing market.

 

 

Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/economy/policy/articles/global-bond-yields-surge-oil-100600156.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xl...


Multifamily Loan Delinquencies Surge Nearly 6X
#1768
08/31/2026

Multifamily loan delinquencies at U.S. banks have climbed nearly six-fold from their 2022 low, reaching the highest level since 2013. But this isn't 2008. Kathy Fettke breaks down what's driving the increase, why refinancing is creating problems for some apartment owners, and how rising distress could create new opportunities for real estate investors in 2026.

 

🏠 Want to learn more about RealWealth's Syndications? Visit www.Realwealth.com/Syndications.

 

Source: https://cred-iq.com/blog/2026/05/15/bank-multifamily-delinquencies-up-5-9x-since-the-2022-cycle-low/?amp=1&utm_source=chatgpt.com


U.S. Foreclosures Rise 10% as Bank Repossessions Jump 23% YOY
#1767
08/29/2026

U.S. foreclosure filings rose 10% year over year in July, while bank repossessions jumped 23%, according to new data from ATTOM. But despite the increases, foreclosure activity remains low by historical standards. Kathy Fettke breaks down where foreclosures are rising fastest, why Texas is showing up prominently in the data, and what the trend could mean for real estate investors.

 

Get more news at www.NewsforInvestors.com

 

Source:https://www.housingwire.com/articles/foreclosure-filings-july-attom/


Housing Market Slowdown Hits Home Renovations
#1766
08/28/2026

Homeowners are putting off big renovations, but they're still spending on the repairs they can't avoid. New earnings from Home Depot and Lowe's show professional contractors outperforming DIY customers as the housing market remains stuck in a low-turnover environment. Kathy Fettke breaks down what this shift tells us about homeowner spending, America's aging housing stock, and the maintenance costs real estate investors need to plan for.

 

Do you want to learn more about turn key rental properties? Visit www.NewsforInvestors.com.

 

Sources: https://www.pymnts.com/earnings/2026/home-depot-and-lowes-battle-over-the-housing-markets-maintenance-economy/

 

...


Zillow's $100M Redfin Deal Ends in FTC Settlement
#1765
08/26/2026

Zillow and Redfin have reached a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission over a $100 million rental listings agreement that regulators said reduced competition. Redfin will now restart its rental advertising business, while its partnership with Zillow can continue. Kathy Fettke breaks down what happened, why regulators stepped in, and what the settlement could mean for landlords, property managers, renters, and real estate investors.

 

Do you want to invest in a rental property before the end of the year? We're here to help! Get your FREE PDF at www.Realwealth.com/90Days.

 

Sou...


Texas Dominates America's Best Housing Markets in 2026
#1764
08/24/2026

Texas cities are taking over the top of America's housing market rankings. A new WalletHub report names Frisco and McKinney as the two best real estate markets in the country, with four Texas cities landing in the top 10. Meanwhile, major coastal markets including New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco rank near the bottom.

In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down what's driving Texas to the top, why new construction, job growth and affordability matter, and what real estate investors should look at before jumping into any highly ranked market.

Want to see which markets...


Mortgage Rates: Will Treasury Buybacks Bring Them Down?
#1763
08/22/2026

The U.S. Treasury is doubling the size of certain long-term debt buybacks after a sharp rise in Treasury yields. The move brought some immediate relief to the bond market, but will it actually help bring mortgage rates down? Kathy Fettke explains what Treasury buybacks are, why bond yields matter for mortgage rates, and the bigger forces that could keep borrowing costs elevated for real estate investors.

 

Plus, download our free report on cities facing a housing shortage at http://www.RealWealth.com/Cities

 

Source: https://www.scotsmanguide.com/news/what-does-bessents-treasury-buyback-plan-mean-for-mortgage-rates/?ut...


Housing + Childcare Costs Are Keeping Families Renting
#1762
08/21/2026

Housing affordability isn't just about home prices. A new Redfin analysis finds that housing and childcare for one child now consume about 52% of the typical working family's income nationwide—and in some expensive metros, the combined cost approaches an entire household income.

Kathy Fettke looks at where families have the most financial breathing room, where affordability is stretched to the limit, and why rising childcare costs could force some families to delay homeownership and remain renters longer. Plus, what these changing affordability dynamics could mean for rental demand and real estate investors.

 

Get you...


Capital Gains Tax Exclusion Could Double for Home Sellers
#1761
08/19/2026

A bipartisan bill gaining momentum in Congress could double the capital gains tax exclusion for homeowners who sell their primary residence. The proposal would raise the exclusion from $250,000 to $500,000 for single filers and from $500,000 to $1 million for married couples filing jointly, with future increases tied to inflation.

 

Supporters say the change could also help unlock housing inventory by removing a potential tax barrier for longtime homeowners who are reluctant to sell. Kathy Fettke explains what's in the More Homes on the Market Act, why the National Association of Realtors is backing it, and what the p...


Trump Jr.-Backed Firm Targets $8 Billion in Sun Belt Real Estate
#1760
08/17/2026

A Trump Jr.-backed investment firm is making a major bet on Sun Belt real estate. 1789 Capital has closed a $1.2 billion fund that could support more than $8 billion in total real estate investment across Florida, Texas, Tennessee, Georgia and the Carolinas. Kathy Fettke breaks down where the money is headed, why multifamily housing is a key target, and why CBRE is also warning that some Sun Belt apartment markets are still dealing with excess supply and greater sensitivity to job-market changes.

 

Get your FREE PDF! Find what markets RealWealth investors are finding success in at w...


Mortgage Rates Fall After Cooler Inflation Report
#1759
08/15/2026

Mortgage rates moved lower after a cooler inflation report eased concerns that the Federal Reserve could raise interest rates again this year. The S&P 500 and Russell 2000 briefly hit record highs, while the 10-year Treasury yield fell sharply. What does this shift mean for housing and real estate investors? Kathy Fettke breaks down the latest inflation data, the Fed debate, and why the next inflation report could be important for the direction of mortgage rates.

 

Register for Kathy's Q3 Webinar at www.NewsforInvestors.com

 

Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/business/markets/st...


Off-MLS Listings Face New Scrutiny in Washington
#1758
08/14/2026

Private real estate listings are facing new scrutiny in Washington. Congress is examining whether private listing networks could limit competition or hurt consumers, while Compass says its phased marketing strategy can help sellers get higher prices. Kathy Fettke breaks down the conflicting research and what the growing off-MLS debate could mean for home sellers and real estate investors.

 

Want to know which U.S. markets could offer the best opportunities for real estate investors? Download our free Top Cities for Real Estate Investors PDF at www.RealWealth.com/TopCities.

 

Source: https://ww...


U.S. Home Equity Hits $18 Trillion
#1757
08/12/2026

U.S. homeowners are sitting on a record $18 trillion in home equity as home price growth hits a 14-month high. Kathy Fettke breaks down the latest ICE Mortgage Monitor, including where borrowers are going underwater, why shopping for a mortgage could save thousands, and where investors are finding unusually large discounts on bank-owned properties.

 

Want to know which U.S. markets could offer the best opportunities for real estate investors? Download our free Top Cities for Real Estate Investors PDF at www.RealWealth.com/TopCities.

 

Source: https://mortgagetech.ice.com/resources/da...


JPMorgan Makes a $750 Billion Bet on U.S. Housing
#1756
08/10/2026

JPMorgan Chase is making a massive bet on U.S. housing. The nation's largest bank plans to deploy more than $750 billion over the next decade, with goals to finance or preserve one million affordable homes and help 500,000 people become homeowners. Kathy Fettke breaks down the plan and what this huge commitment could signal for real estate investors.

 

RealWealth is also betting on the U.S. Housing Market. Learn more at www.Realwealth.com/Syndications.

 

Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/real-estate/articles/jpmorgan-seeks-pour-750-billion-130000540.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cu...


US Economy Loses 23,000 Jobs as Hiring Slows
#1755
08/08/2026

The U.S. economy lost 23,000 jobs in July as the labor market showed new signs of weakness. May and June job growth was also revised down by a combined 103,000 jobs, while unemployment held at 4.1%. Kathy Fettke breaks down what the latest jobs report could mean for interest rates, housing, and real estate investors.

 

🏠 Want to learn more about where RealWealth is investing? Visit www.Realwealth.com/Syndications to learn more.

 

Source: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm


NAR Competitor ARA Targets 100,000 Members by Year-End
#1754
08/07/2026

The American Real Estate Association is growing fast and positioning itself as an alternative to the National Association of Realtors. ARA expects membership to reach at least 100,000 by the end of 2026, helped by new brokerage partnerships including RE/MAX. Kathy Fettke looks at what the group's growth could mean for the real estate industry and housing policy.

 

🏠 Get your FREE PDF at Realwealth.com/AffordableMarkets

 

Source: https://www.housingwire.com/articles/ara-board-membership-growth/?utm_campaign=Newsletter%20-%20HWPlus%20Member%20Digest&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--HkqE9l5CaxMcDSPDZBmhKfg7LwcR_v4BJ8hhue39Da5-5...


Housing Construction Softens While Data Centers Surge
#1753
08/06/2026

onstruction spending was nearly flat in June, but the latest numbers reveal a market that's moving in two very different directions. In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down the newest U.S. Census Bureau data, why residential construction continues to slow, and how the AI boom is fueling record investment in data centers while much of the rest of the commercial market struggles. Find out what these trends could mean for real estate investors and where opportunities may be emerging.

 

Learn more at www.NewsforInvestors.com

 

Sources: https://www.reuters.com/ma...


Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Tighten Condo Lending Rules
#1752
08/05/2026

Buying a condo may have just become more complicated. New mortgage rules from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac require lenders to take a closer look at a condominium association's finances, insurance coverage, reserve funding, and building condition before many loans can be approved. In this episode, Kathy Fettke explains what changed, why regulators implemented the new rules, and what condo buyers and real estate investors should know before making their next purchase.

 

Get your FREE out of state investing PDF at www.Realwealth.com/FiveQuestions.

 

Source: https://www.fastcompany.com/91584458/new-condo-mortgage-rules-could-mean-delays-denials-and-higher-costs


U.S. Economic Update: Growth Slows in Q2 2026
#1751
08/03/2026

The U.S. economy grew more slowly than expected in the second quarter of 2026, but the headline doesn't tell the whole story. In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down the latest GDP report, why AI investment is reshaping the economy, what strong consumer spending says about the health of the market, and why real estate investors should keep a close eye on inflation, interest rates, and housing activity in the months ahead.

 

Get your free PDF at www.Realwealth.com/MoneyBooks.

 

Source: https://www.cnn.com/2026/07/30/business/us-economy-growth-weaker-gdp


Starter Homes Pile Up as Luxury Sales Rise, Zillow Reports
#1750
08/01/2026

The U.S. housing market is splitting in two. New Zillow data shows starter homes are sitting on the market longer, seeing more price cuts, and selling less often, while luxury homes continue to attract buyers. Kathy Fettke breaks down what's driving the divide, why affordability is keeping many first-time buyers on the sidelines, and what these trends could mean for real estate investors looking for opportunities in today's market.

 

Want to learn how RealWealth is getting great deals on investment properties? Visit www.NewsforInvestors.com

 

Source: Source: https://www.zillow.co...


New Financing Model Could Unlock More Apartment Development
#1749
07/31/2026

A new financing model in Massachusetts could offer a solution to one of the biggest challenges facing multifamily development today: getting stalled projects back on track. In this episode, Kathy Fettke explains how the state's innovative BILD program combines public debt and equity to help developers close financing gaps, build more mixed-income housing, and increase apartment supply. Learn why housing experts believe this approach could be replicated across the country and what it could mean for real estate investors, developers, and the future of multifamily housing.

 

Want to learn more about RealWealth? Visit www.NewsforInvestors.c...


Fed Holds Rates Steady, But Another Hike May Be Coming
#1748
07/30/2026

he Federal Reserve held interest rates steady for the seventh straight meeting, but the biggest news was the rare split among policymakers. Three Fed officials voted for a rate hike, signaling growing concern that inflation may remain stubborn. In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down what the Fed's latest decision means for inflation, mortgage rates, and why markets are increasingly expecting another rate hike before the end of the year. Plus, what real estate investors should be watching next.

 

Want to learn more about RealWealth? Visit www.NewsforInvestors.com

 

Source: https://ww...


Battery Storage Is Becoming Real Estate's New Asset Class
#1747
07/29/2026

Battery storage is emerging as one of commercial real estate's fastest-growing asset classes. In this episode, Kathy Fettke explains why investors are pouring billions into Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), how data centers are fueling demand, and why industrial land, parking lots, and other underused properties could become valuable energy infrastructure.

 

Want to learn more about investing in real estate? Visit www.NewsforInvestors.com.

 

Source: https://www.bisnow.com/national/news/energy/the-nations-battery-energy-storage-boom-brings-investment-opportunities-to-cre-135536


Student Loan Defaults Could Slow Housing Demand in Key Investor Markets
#1746
07/27/2026

Student loan defaults are rising again, and that could have a bigger impact on the housing market than many investors realize. In this episode, Kathy Fettke explains how millions of borrowers falling into default could shrink the pool of qualified homebuyers, especially in key Sun Belt markets. Learn why credit scores matter just as much as mortgage rates, and what this trend could mean for housing demand and new home construction.

 

Check out our other podcast The Real Wealth Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-wealth-show-real-estate-investing-podcast/id883335228

 

Source: https://www.ho...


Senior Home Equity Hits Record $14.9 Trillion
#1745
07/25/2026

America's senior homeowners are wealthier than ever. According to a new report from the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association and Riskspan, homeowners age 62 and older now hold a record $14.92 trillion in home equity. In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke explains what's driving the rebound, why it matters for retirees, and how this growing pool of housing wealth could shape real estate investing and the transfer of wealth to future generations.

 

Download your free PDF at www.Realwealth.com/TopCities.

 

Source: https://www.nrmlaonline.org/about/press-releases/17828


300,000 Vacant Lots Could Help Ease America's Housing Shortage
#1744
07/24/2026

Could one of the biggest solutions to America's housing shortage already be sitting on the market? A new Zillow report finds that more than 300,000 vacant residential lots are currently listed for sale across the U.S. If just one home were built on each lot, the nation's housing shortage could shrink by more than 6%. In this episode, Kathy Fettke explains what the findings mean, why building remains so difficult, and why vacant land could present new opportunities for real estate investors.

 

Download your free PDF at www.Realwealth.com/AffordableMarkets.

 

Source: ht...


Deepfake Fraud Emerges as a Growing Mortgage Risk
#1743
07/22/2026

AI is creating new opportunities in real estate—but it's also creating new risks. Kathy Fettke breaks down a new FundingShield report, covered by Scotsman Guide, that shows deepfake fraud and seller impersonation are becoming growing threats in mortgage transactions, and what every real estate investor should do to protect themselves at closing.

 

Want to learn more about investing? Visit www.NewsforInvestors.com

 

Source: https://www.scotsmanguide.com/news/deepfake-fraud-rising-as-headline-mortgage-risk/