BiggerPockets Daily

2025 is here, and the real estate market is showing signs of transition. In this episode, we explore the state of real estate investing as the housing market shifts from stagnation to recovery. With affordability, inventory, and new listings on the rise—and the Federal Reserve initiating a rate-lowering cycle—investors may finally see light at the end of the tunnel. But challenges remain. High bor...

Is America shifting toward a culture of lifetime renting, or is this just a trend limited to major metro areas? In this episode, we explore the rise of “forever renters,” a concept gaining traction in affluent cities like New York and Seattle, where renting is normalized and sometimes even preferred. We dive into survey data suggesting a growing number of renters see homeownership as unnecessary f...

Can FHA loans be a stepping stone to your real estate empire? In this episode, we uncover the creative ways you can leverage FHA mortgages for real estate investing, even though they’re traditionally designed for owner-occupants. From house hacking multifamily properties to mid-term renting and flipping homes with 203(k) renovation loans, we’ll guide you through strategies to maximize your FHA loa...

In this episode, we dive into a compelling comparison between rental properties and REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts), uncovering six reasons why REITs may actually be safer investments than rental properties. From the power of diversification to the benefits of limited liability and professional management, we break down the key factors that make REITs a less risky yet potentially more reward...

In this month’s market report, we analyze the shifting dynamics of the real estate market as 2024 came to a close. Nearly 60 major markets, including Raleigh, Salt Lake City, and Fort Wayne, experienced declines in home prices, signaling potential opportunities for investors. However, rising inventory and days on market didn’t lead to price drops everywhere, with some markets holding firm or even...

Looking for a way to offset skyrocketing housing costs while generating extra income? House hacking might be your answer. From renting out a room to converting your basement or even building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), this strategy lets you leverage your primary residence for passive income. This guide breaks down modern house hacking, exploring options like small multifamily units, shared...

When I first dipped my toes into the world of house flipping, I was filled with excitement and a fair share of naiveté. I had dreams of turning rundown properties into beautiful homes and reaping the rewards of my hard work.  But, like many aspiring investors, I faced my share of setbacks. I experienced the sting of failure, but I learned invaluable lessons along the way that helped me rebuild and...

The Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina, metros grew tremendously over the past five years, with a population growth of 11.53% and 8.81%, respectively (the U.S. average was 2.94%). Raleigh also had a 64.2% increase in its median price, while Charlotte experienced a 76.9% increase (the U.S. average was 46.9%). Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/north-carolina-could-...

Real estate investing is one of the best ways to build wealth, but there’s a hidden trap that even seasoned investors fall into—it’s called poor bookkeeping practices that quietly drain profits and put portfolios at risk. You may have written deals on a napkin or put the receipt for purchasing materials in your glove compartment before, but that could leave you scrambling at the worst times.  The...

If you are lucky enough to have a spare room in your house that is not filled with random junk, congratulations—you may be sitting on some extra cash. The threat of a roommate eating your leftovers is not as high as the cash flow you can bring in, so let’s dive into how to turn your extra room into extra revenue.  Once you find a tenant, our friends from Baselane will be able to help you screen th...

“I saved up a million dollars—and all I got was this lousy $40,000 a year.” That’s the metaphorical T-shirt that the average retiree wears.  Actually, it’s worse than that. The average retiree aged between 65 and 74 doesn’t have a million dollars saved as a nest egg. They have $609,230, and that’s the mean average, not the median. You can be sure the median is a lot lower.  Based on the traditiona...

Suburban migration didn’t end with the pandemic. If anything, we’ve seen a long-term shift in American priorities concerning housing, which has led to an increasing number of households moving out of the city and into the suburbs. When people head out to the ‘burbs, real estate investors would do well to follow. We have a saying in real estate that we look for the path of progress. Sometimes, this...

In my previous article on the uniquely American suburbs, I delved into their controversial history. Here, I’ll focus on the political and social critiques of America’s particularly car-centric and sprawled form of suburban development. A third and final piece will look at the financial picture, as well as the suburbs’ viability, both for the country and investors. Conspiracy theories that the subu...

I wrote an article explaining why I am investing in real estate investment trusts (REITs) instead of rental properties. In short, REITs are still discounted, and I expect their lower valuations to result in higher returns in the coming years. Unfortunately, it would seem that many readers miss the point of investing in REITs due to misconceptions. I saw several people in the comment section claim...

Certain cities across the United States are emerging as economic powerhouses, creating ideal conditions for real estate investors.  I’ve published two previous articles on cities with growing tech hubs and high income increases, both of which are highly correlated with price appreciation. Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/13-real-estate-hotspots-with-the-best-econom...

Affordable housing might be a priority for the government, but that doesn’t mean banks share the same view. According to a recent CoStar article, 11 federal home loan banks say that government pressure to fund their housing programs could threaten their stability. The Biden administration requires federal banks to contribute money through grants for affordable housing initiatives. According to a W...

If there’s a downside to investing in real estate, it’s dealing with nonpaying tenants. Many people prefer to put their money in the stock market because even with diligent screening, it’s inevitable that you’ll encounter tenants who fall behind on their rent. When that happens, your real estate becomes a massive headache. However, according to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, rent pro...

Does this scenario sound familiar? “I distinctly remember a conversation I had with my boyfriend shortly after submitting an offer on my very first rental property. We were sitting at his son’s Little League baseball game, and my mind was wandering (if you’ve ever watched a Little League baseball game, you understand). I turned to my boyfriend and said, ‘What happens if they actually accept my off...

Data privacy is an ever-increasing concern, particularly in finance, where sensitive information like personal and business bank statements, loans, credit information, driver’s licenses, and Social Security numbers are involved. Because of this, real estate is particularly vulnerable. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI), which allows more data to be transferred through apps and social media...

Finding promising equity deals in today’s real estate market can feel like a needle in a haystack. Whether you’re an active or passive real estate investor, facing this challenge means it’s crucial to focus on making the most of your existing investments. By optimizing your current holdings, you can enhance their performance and ensure they align with your long-term goals—and put more money in you...

When you start them early enough, your investments can perform shocking feats of strength. They can even keep pace with the runaway cost of college tuition—which has more than doubled since 2000. The average cost of private college tuition and fees has reached $38,768, according to the Education Data Initiative, and you can expect that to keep skyrocketing between now and when your little one reac...

You have finally decided to enter the short-term rental (STR) market, and your biggest concern is a call from the local fire department stating that your house is ablaze or that your guest is suing you for a twisted ankle during their stay. Luckily, if you prepare with the proper insurance and care for your property, these types of situations can be managed. Listing your property on Airbnb can bri...

Knowing how to price your rental property has been an issue since the dawn of time (or whenever the first rental was). Before the internet and modern technology, investors were driving around hoping to see a “for rent” sign and writing down (on paper) how much each place was going for.  Fast-forward to today, and calculating how much to set the rent for your property has changed dramatically. Let’...

The last two years have felt like a slow-motion car crash in commercial real estate.  That goes for office space, of course, but it also goes for multifamily and other commercial property classes. Look no further than this piece by BiggerPockets if you need a refresher. Two regional banks went under because of the industry’s woes in 2023.  But even in one of the worst stretches for commercial real...

Pre-pandemic, short-term rentals (STRs) seemed to answer burned-out landlords’ prayers. Guests paid their money upfront, eliminating the need to evict, and homeowners could use their personal residences to earn extra income should they wish to travel or rent out individual rooms.  The hotel industry quaked and pressured cities to introduce restrictions. However, STR fever was rampant. Soon, entire...