As markets head into 2026, investors are closely watching a potential leadership change at the Federal Reserve. With Chair Jerome Powell's term ending in May, expectations around interest rates, bond yields, and credit conditions are already shifting.

In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down how the next Fed Chair is selected, why markets are reacting months ahead of any decision, and what matters most for investors. We look at rate-cut expectations for 2026, the role of SOFR in floating-rate loans, and why long-term Treasury yields—not just Fed policy—drive real estate financing and valuations.

You'll also hear how agency lending capacity, bank credit conditions, and market credibility factor into borrowing costs, even in an easing cycle. Whether you invest in real estate, follow macro trends, or want clarity beyond the headlines, this episode explains what the Fed leadership transition could mean for rates and markets in the year ahead.

Want to learn more? Visit www.NewsforInvestors.com

JOIN RealWealth® FOR FREE https://realwealth.com/join-step-1

Mortgage rates slipped below a key psychological threshold after President Trump ordered $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities purchases through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down what the announcement means for mortgage rates, housing demand, and real estate-related stocks.

We cover how markets reacted, why rates falling into the 5% range matters for buyers and investors, and what analysts say could happen next if mortgage bond purchases move forward as planned. If you're tracking affordability, transaction volume, or housing momentum heading into 2026, this is a development you'll want to understand.

Want to learn more? Visit www.NewsforInvestors.com

JOIN RealWealth® FOR FREE https://realwealth.com/join-step-1

SOURCE: https://www.barrons.com/articles/opendoor-rocket-trump-mortgage-bond-plan-home-builders-bcd6b456?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqfBhoAAN7AfkaRyohPy6nDeTqp9Z0MBR-TjpySKnFAtD9LJyObnXlxwB-cSyTw%3D&gaa_ts=696148c5&gaa_sig=y7XD1dM_VslqoFUu58pjPGO_jUy2kL61XCW1cwKuRQLd00VF6zZa7ZoNrdP0F7k_Ga59lMf9xdIF1wtTyp6YIw%3D%3D

A major political headline sent shockwaves through housing markets this week after President Donald Trump said he plans to ban large institutional investors from buying additional single-family homes. The proposal, framed as a move to restore housing affordability, immediately hit single-family rental stocks — but would it actually help buyers?

In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, host Kathy Fettke breaks down how markets reacted, what the data really shows about investor activity, and why many experts argue a ban could backfire by limiting new construction and rental supply.

Using insights from Redfin, HousingWire, and National Association of Home Builders, this episode separates political rhetoric from housing reality — and explains what investors, renters, and homebuyers should actually be watching next.

Want to learn more? Visit www.NewsforInvestors.com

JOIN RealWealth® FOR FREE https://realwealth.com/join-step-1

New data from the American Housing Survey reveals that 6.45 million U.S. homes failed to meet basic living standards in 2023 — including 1.65 million classified as severely inadequate. These homes lack essential features such as reliable heating, safe electrical systems, running water, or have major structural problems.

In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down what the survey tells us about the quality of America's housing stock, where inadequate homes are most concentrated. We also examine the growing divide between renters and homeowners, the financial pressures facing households living in inadequate housing, and what this data signals for investors focused on renovation, value-add opportunities, and the future of housing supply.

Want to learn more? Visit www.NewsforInvestors.com

JOIN RealWealth® FOR FREE https://realwealth.com/join-step-1

SOURCE: https://eyeonhousing.org/2025/12/top-post-inadequate-shelter-millions-of-u-s-homes-fail-to-meet-standards/?utm_source=mailpoet&utm_medium=email&utm_source_platform=mailpoet&utm_campaign=Instant%20EOH%20Email&_bhlid=365f8f11490e419f3c56118b770086d8fec6c48d

Why are Americans waiting longer than ever to buy their first home?

In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down new reporting from HousingWire on how rising student loan balances, credit card debt, and higher living costs are delaying homeownership for Millennials and Gen Z. With the median first-time buyer now at a record age of 40, debt pressures are reshaping when — and how — younger Americans enter the housing market.

We look at the latest data on student debt, credit stress, and financial counseling trends, and what these shifts mean for housing demand, affordability, and the future pipeline of buyers.

JOIN RealWealth® FOR FREE https://realwealth.com/join-step-1

SOURCE: https://www.housingwire.com/articles/the-debt-crisis-among-younger-americans-how-it-is-shaping-homeownership-and-what-lenders-can-do/

High-income job losses are beginning to cool housing demand across the U.S. In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down new labor market analysis from John Burns Research and Consulting, showing declines in tech, professional services, and finance jobs — the sectors that typically drive homebuying demand. We look at what's happening in key markets like Charlotte, Austin, Denver, and the Bay Area, and why the type of jobs being added matters as much as overall job growth for housing demand heading into 2026.

JOIN RealWealth® FOR FREE https://realwealth.com/join-step-1

SOURCE: https://jbrec.com/insights/job-growth-housing-demand-metro-analysis-2026/?utm_campaign=BMI&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_WY5fbtpYHkIXKEUroJ1PkLDoej6qNyOpQB__jxCgvT-vzGJOD1Yi0lSSQnj1InWDHPDRQeyE9L0LpkslhPkbV5dA5gbPyybj__JyY7Q_avsvIIUs&_hsmi=395022546&utm_content=395022546&utm_source=hs_email

One of America's largest homebuilders says its average home price is down more than 20 percent from the peak of the pandemic housing boom. But a closer look shows much of that decline is being driven by incentives, not deep price cuts.

In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down new data from ResiClub on Lennar's pricing strategy, including how mortgage-rate buydowns and buyer credits are reshaping what homes actually cost. We also look at what rising incentives mean for builder margins, buyer demand, and the broader housing market as affordability pressures persist.

This report explains why headline price declines can be misleading—and what investors should really be watching as the market searches for balance.

JOIN RealWealth® FOR FREE https://realwealth.com/join-step-1

SOURCE: https://www.fastcompany.com/91464802/housing-market-home-prices-homebuilding-lennar-average-price-is-down-from-pandemic-boom-peak

Where is buyer demand showing up in 2025? According to a new report from Zillow, the hottest housing markets this year aren't the usual coastal or Sun Belt favorites — they're affordable Midwestern cities.

In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down Zillow's list of the most popular housing markets of 2025, led by Rockford, Illinois. We look at why buyers are flocking to lower-priced markets with strong job access, fast-moving inventory, and growing out-of-state interest.

You'll also hear which cities are topping Zillow's rankings across categories — from large metros and small towns to vacation destinations, college towns, and retirement markets — and what these shifts signal for real estate investors.

🏡 Want to come to RealWealth's Live Event? Visit www.Realwealth.com/Expo to learn more.

JOIN RealWealth® FOR FREE https://realwealth.com/join-step-1

SOURCE: https://www.zillow.com/research/most-popular-markets-2025-35859/