Real Estate News: Real Estate Investing Podcast

The U.S. economy added 165,000 jobs in October, beating expectations as unemployment fell to 4.1%. But despite stronger hiring, the housing market continues to struggle. Zillow reports a sharp decline in home sales and pending listings as elevated mortgage rates keep buyers on the sidelines. Kathy Fettke breaks down the latest jobs report, what it could mean for Federal Reserve policy and mortgage rates, and why a resilient labor market could eventually help revive housing demand.

Join us at the Passive Wealth Expo on January 30, 2027, in San Ramon, California. Learn more at RealWealth.com/PassiveExpo.

Is the housing market in a recession? While the U.S. economy continues to grow, home sales remain near historic lows, buyers are struggling with affordability, and homeowners are reluctant to give up their low mortgage rates. Economists are calling it a "rolling recession," and one warns it could take another five years for the market to return to normal. Kathy Fettke breaks down the latest housing data, what's keeping the market stuck, and what it could mean for real estate investors.

Join us at the RealWealth Passive Wealth Expo on January 30, 2027, in San Ramon, C...

Home prices are still rising across most of the country, despite high mortgage rates and a sluggish housing market. According to the National Association of Realtors, prices increased in 78% of U.S. metro areas during the third quarter of 2026.

In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down where home prices are rising fastest, why affordable markets in the Midwest and South are seeing strong gains, and how housing affordability continues to challenge buyers. She also explores what these trends reveal about the changing housing market and where real estate investors may find opportunities.

Democrats have won control of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections, but will the political shift actually impact real estate? A new Cushman & Wakefield report suggests interest rates, inflation, and economic growth matter far more than which party controls Washington. Kathy Fettke breaks down what history tells us about real estate performance after midterms, the outlook for commercial properties, and what investors should be watching as we head into 2027.

Learn more about the housing market at www.RealWealth.com.

Source: https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/en/united-states/insights/midterms-2026?utm_source=bestever.beehiiv.co...

The AI data center boom is bringing billions of dollars in investment to communities across America, but growing voter opposition could put major projects at risk.

OpenAI is trying to change the conversation by rebranding data centers as "compute campuses." Meanwhile, communities are raising concerns about electricity costs, water usage, and infrastructure demands. With data center-related measures on ballots across the country, the industry's rapid expansion is facing new challenges.

In this episode, Kathy Fettke explores what's driving the backlash, how AI infrastructure investment could bring jobs and economic growth to sm...

America's largest homebuilder is feeling the pressure of higher mortgage rates and slowing buyer demand. D.R. Horton reported an 18% drop in quarterly profits, fewer new home orders, and rising cancellations. Now, the company is warning that housing market challenges could continue into 2027.

Kathy Fettke breaks down what the latest earnings report reveals about the housing market, why builders are offering more incentives, and where opportunities may be emerging for real estate investors.

Looking to purchase a rental property before the end of the year? RealWealth works with smaller builders offering concessions, including mortgage rates...

The U.S. economy grew a stronger-than-expected 3.4% in the third quarter, fueled by consumer spending and a surge in artificial intelligence investment. But while AI spending is booming, the housing market is moving in the opposite direction.

Residential investment fell for the sixth time in seven quarters as high mortgage rates continued to weigh on buyers and builders. Kathy Fettke breaks down what's driving economic growth, why housing is falling behind, and how the AI boom and slowing construction could create new opportunities for real estate investors.

Learn more about building we...

Commercial real estate delinquencies are rising as higher interest rates and refinancing challenges put pressure on property owners. A new report from the Mortgage Bankers Association shows growing stress in the office and multifamily sectors, with more loans approaching maturity.

Kathy Fettke breaks down the latest numbers, why refinancing is becoming more difficult, and what these challenges could mean for real estate investors.

Not sure where to invest in today's economy? Download RealWealth's free guide comparing real estate, stocks, gold, and REITs at www.RealWealth.com/AssetClasses.

The Federal Reserve is holding interest rates steady after September's rate hike, but inflation concerns could keep borrowing costs elevated. Rising energy prices tied to the war with Iran are complicating the Fed's next move, and two Fed officials are already pushing for another increase.

Kathy Fettke breaks down the latest Fed decision, changes to its rate-setting schedule, and what persistent inflation could mean for mortgage rates and the housing market.

For more housing market news, expert insights, and forecasts, visit www.RealWealth.com/Webinars.

Source: https://www...

America's housing needs are changing. A new report from John Burns Research and Consulting finds that shrinking household sizes and more adults sharing homes are creating demand for smaller, more affordable housing. Researchers estimate that 4.3 million additional households would exist if Americans were forming households at the same rate as in 2010. Kathy Fettke breaks down what's driving the shift and what it could mean for homebuilders, the housing market, and real estate investors.

Looking to invest in real estate? RealWealth works with property teams across the country to help investors find rental properties. Sc...

Airbnb is rolling out new rules that limit checkout chores, prohibit host-imposed fines, and restrict separate rental agreements. Starting November 20th, hosts will face tighter restrictions on what they can require from guests. Kathy Fettke breaks down what's changing, how the new policies could affect operating costs and rental profits, and what short-term rental investors should know before the rules take effect.

Looking to invest in real estate? RealWealth works with property teams across the country to help investors find rental properties. Schedule a free call with one of our investment counselors at www.RealWealth.c...

President Trump has signed a new executive order aimed at lowering mortgage costs, making refinancing more affordable, and expanding manufactured housing. But who actually benefits, and how soon could these changes take effect? Kathy Fettke breaks down the new housing affordability order, what it means for homeowners, and the potential impact on real estate investors.

Want to learn more about building wealth through real estate? Join one of our free educational webinars at www.RealWealth.com/Webinars.

Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/10/22/trump-housing-affordability-executive-order-01132637

The federal government is expanding FHA financing to build-to-rent communities, opening new opportunities for developers and real estate investors. Under new HUD guidelines, qualifying neighborhoods of single-family rentals, duplexes, triplexes, and manufactured homes can access FHA-insured multifamily financing. Kathy Fettke breaks down which properties qualify, the restrictions developers need to know, and how this policy could help increase rental housing supply.

🏘️ Learn more about real estate investing and explore rental property opportunities at www.RealWealth.com/90days.

Source: https://www.walkerdunlop.com/insights/hud-build-to-rent-fha-financing

Home sellers now outnumber buyers by 63%, giving homebuyers their strongest negotiating power in more than a decade. According to a new Redfin report, 41 of the nation's 50 largest metro areas are now buyer's markets, with Miami, Nashville, and Houston leading the shift. Kathy Fettke breaks down what's driving the growing gap between buyers and sellers, why the Sun Belt is seeing some of the biggest changes, and what it could mean for real estate investors.

🏘️Looking for investment properties without searching for deals on your own? RealWealth works with property teams across the country to bring invest...

New appraisal rules taking effect November 2nd could mean higher costs and longer closing times for homebuyers and real estate investors. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are rolling out a major overhaul of the appraisal process, but uneven adoption is creating challenges for lenders. Some borrowers could pay hundreds more in appraisal fees and face additional delays. Kathy Fettke explains what's changing, why some lenders have been granted extensions, and what buyers should know before financing a property.

Looking to purchase an investment property before the end of the year? RealWealth has pre-negotiated builder concessions, i...

Fannie Mae has dramatically revised its mortgage forecast, now predicting rates will remain around 7.5% through the end of 2027. The agency is also cutting its expectations for mortgage lending as inflation and higher borrowing costs continue to weigh on the housing market. Kathy Fettke breaks down what's behind the shift, what it means for homebuyers and real estate investors, and why waiting for lower rates may not be the best strategy.

Looking to purchase an investment property before the end of the year? RealWealth has negotiated builder incentives, including mortgage rates as low as 3.25% in select m...

Scammers are impersonating real estate agents through fraudulent emails, putting buyers, investors, and real estate transactions at risk. One of the nation's top real estate teams discovered that criminals were using 79 of its unused website domains to send fake emails. Kathy Fettke breaks down how email spoofing works, why cybersecurity experts say the problem is widespread, and what agents and investors can do to protect themselves from real estate fraud.

Looking to buy a turnkey rental property before the end of the year? Schedule a free meeting with a RealWealth investment counselor at ww...

The nation's largest homebuilder is turning to artificial intelligence and robotics to speed up home construction. D.R. Horton has partnered with Promise Robotics to manufacture components for more than 1,250 homes in Arizona, potentially cutting construction times and reducing costs. Kathy Fettke explores how this technology works, why major builders are investing in it, and what AI-powered construction could mean for housing affordability and real estate investors.

Looking to buy a turnkey rental property before the end of the year? Schedule a free meeting with a RealWealth investment counselor at www.RealWealth.com/Sc...

The housing market is cooling as high mortgage rates keep buyers on the sidelines, but rent growth is picking up. Zillow's latest report shows falling home sales, more price reductions, and the strongest annual rent growth in months. Kathy Fettke breaks down what's happening in the housing market, where prices are declining, and what these trends could mean for real estate investors.

Mortgage rates have climbed for seven straight weeks, hitting 7.4% — their highest level since 2023. Rising inflation concerns, bond market volatility, and higher borrowing costs are putting even more pressure on an already sluggish housing market. Kathy Fettke breaks down what's driving rates higher, how they're impacting homebuyers and real estate investors, and where opportunities may still exist.

New homes are becoming a better deal than existing homes in many housing markets. A new Zillow analysis finds that new construction is now selling for less per square foot nationwide, with some of the biggest discounts in Sun Belt markets. Kathy Fettke explains what's driving the shift, why builders are offering more incentives, and what it could mean for homebuyers and real estate investors.

🏘️ Interested in a new construction rental property? RealWealth works with builders across the country to negotiate incentives, including lower mortgage rates, on turnkey rental properties. Schedule a free call with an inv...

U.S. job growth slowed sharply in September, with employers adding just 29,000 jobs and unemployment ticking up to 4.2%. Previous job gains were also revised lower. Kathy Fettke breaks down what the weakening labor market could mean for the Federal Reserve, interest rates, and real estate investors.

🏘️ Need more housing market insights? Visit www.Realwealth.com/Webinars where you can access over 500 free webinars. 

Sources: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/empsit_10022026.htm

https://www.npr.org/2026/10/02/nx-s1-5989140/jobs-labor-wages-federal-reserve

A powerful El Niño could bring more than extreme weather this winter. Kathy Fettke looks at Cotality's warning that flooding, mudslides and severe storms could expose vulnerabilities in homes while putting additional pressure on insurance costs and property values. Find out what real estate investors should be watching.

🏘️ Need more housing market insights? Visit www.Realwealth.com/Webinars where you can access over 500 free webinars. 

Sources: https://www.housingwire.com/articles/a-super-el-nino-is-brewing-what-it-could-mean-for-housing/

https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/enso_advisory/ensodisc.shtml

Rising insurance premiums are putting new pressure on rental property profits. A new LendingOne and ResiClub survey finds 84% of single-family rental investors say higher insurance costs have impacted their cash flow over the past year. Kathy Fettke looks at how investors are responding — and why getting an accurate insurance quote and stress-testing future increases should now be part of every investment analysis.

🏘️ Schedule a free call with one of RealWealth's Investment Counselors at www.Realwealth.com/Schedule if you want to purchase a rental property before the end of the year.

Source...

Mortgage delinquencies moved higher in August, with serious delinquencies up 19% from a year ago and foreclosure inventory up 41%. But ICE says overall mortgage performance remains relatively strong, with delinquency rates still below pre-pandemic levels. Kathy Fettke breaks down the latest data and what it could mean for the housing market and real estate investors.

🏘️ Listen to our other podcast, The Real Wealth Show at www.Realwealthshow.com.

Source: https://mortgagetech.ice.com/resources/data-reports/first-look-at-august-2026-mortgage-data

Could a "coming soon" listing help sellers get a higher price? A new ARELLO study analyzing more than 10 million home sales found that coming-soon listings outperformed both private listings and homes that went directly onto the MLS. In the first half of 2026, coming-soon homes sold for about 1.55% more than standard listings, while private listings generally sold for less. Kathy Fettke breaks down the findings, the potential cost of limiting buyer exposure, and what the study could mean for home sellers.


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

More renters are struggling to keep up with housing costs, according to a new Urban Institute report. One in five working-age renters reported trouble paying rent, with payment problems rising sharply among middle-income households. Kathy Fettke breaks down the latest affordability data, what's putting pressure on renters, and what it could mean for real estate investors and landlords.

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

Sources: https://www.urban.org/research/publication/renters-increasingly-struggle-pay-housing

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 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...

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 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

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/

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/

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 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.

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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...

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...

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/

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 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/