BiggerPockets Daily

Nearly three in ten U.S. homebuyers are still paying in cash, but the bigger story is that down payments have hit a record $70,000—up 6% from last year. In this episode, we break down why affluent buyers are driving these numbers, how falling mortgage rates are shifting the cash landscape, and what it all means for first-time buyers finally getting room to breathe in a cooler housing market. Learn...

Houston, long seen as the beating heart of the U.S. oil industry, is now grappling with a commercial real estate crisis. Office vacancies have surged to nearly 28%, driven by massive energy sector consolidation and changing workplace dynamics. Despite Trump’s calls to ramp up drilling, oil companies are becoming leaner, shedding jobs—and office space—in the process. This script explores how a wave...

For the first time since 2016, the number of U.S. homeowner households has slipped—while renter households jumped by 2.6%. We’ll explore what’s driving this shift, from high mortgage rates and record home prices to changing life stages, and what it means for rental demand and real estate investors across different markets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the dollar falling, inflation creeping back up, and the government mired in shutdowns and lawsuits, political instability is spilling into the economy. In this episode, we break down five ways to protect your wealth from political and economic chaos—from inflation- and recession-resilient investments to global diversification and even second residencies abroad. Learn how to hedge against risk...

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More homeowners are adjusting to the idea of higher mortgage rates—and they’re getting more comfortable with digital tools too. In today’s episode, we break down the latest TurboHome–ResiClub Housing Sentiment Survey, which reveals shifting expectations around mortgage rates, home prices, and agent commissions. From the growing willingness to accept 6% rates to the rise of tech-savvy buyers drafti...

Home sales in seasonal towns like Aspen, Miami, and Palm Springs are falling faster than in non-seasonal markets as second-home buyers retreat amid high costs and tighter short-term rental rules. Inventory is piling up, prices are flattening, and some sellers are cashing out—creating both risks and opportunities for investors in vacation destinations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaph...

The housing market is finally tipping back toward buyers. In August, nearly one in six sellers dropped their asking price, and the typical home sold for almost 4% below list—the biggest discount since 2019. With inventory rising and demand cooling, sellers are struggling to adjust to a post-pandemic reality. This episode breaks down where price cuts are surging, why single-family homes are leading...

The condo market has flipped firmly in buyers’ favor. With 72% more sellers than buyers nationwide and rising HOA and insurance costs pushing owners to list, buyers finally have leverage to negotiate. But while prices have softened and competition has vanished, new regulations and long-term risks mean not every deal is a bargain. This episode breaks down where the market’s weakest, why Florida and...

A new Redfin–Ipsos survey shows that 17% of Americans are delaying a major purchase—like a home or car—because of the federal government shutdown, while 7% have canceled plans entirely. But most say it’s business as usual. In this episode, we break down how suspended paychecks, political gridlock, and economic uncertainty are affecting housing demand and buyer confidence across the country. Learn...

Rental scams are on the rise—and they’re more sophisticated than ever. From forged pay stubs and fake employment letters to fraudulent online listings, landlords are increasingly finding themselves in the crosshairs. In this episode, we break down the latest data showing how widespread rental fraud has become, the regions hit hardest, and the real-life horror stories making headlines. Plus, we’ll...

Buyer’s agent commissions are climbing again—back to pre-settlement levels after a year of steady gains. In this episode, we break down Redfin’s latest data showing the national average rising to 2.43% in Q2, with increases across every price tier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Read the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/how-local-politics-is-ruining-the-american-dream America’s housing shortage isn’t just a “problem”—it’s a disaster. We’re already short 5 to 6 million homes, and without major changes, that gap could balloon to 15 million within a decade. In this episode, we’ll trace how the Great Recession and decades of restrictive zoning set the stage fo...

House flipping is cooling off fast. A new survey from John Burns Research and Consulting and lender Kiavi shows flippers are struggling with higher costs, longer timelines, and shrinking profits. Investor activity is down nationwide, condo sales have tanked, and oversupply in the Sunbelt is making deals harder to find. But opportunities remain in older housing stock, especially across the Northeas...

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Half a million new rental apartments are set to hit the U.S. market in 2025, following last year’s record-setting supply surge. From New York City to the Sun Belt, new units are reshaping vacancy rates, rent growth, and investment opportunities. In this episode, we unpack the metros leading the boom, the policy changes fueling construction, and how tariffs and material costs could slam the brakes...

Massachusetts just became the latest state to ban hidden rental “junk fees,” requiring landlords to disclose all charges upfront or bundle them into the rent. In this episode, we’ll explain what the new law means for property owners, how it fits into a growing national crackdown on rental fees, and why even small mom-and-pop landlords need to adjust their leases and advertising.  Learn more about...

Home insurance premiums are rising much faster than homeowner incomes—and climate risk is driving the spike. In today’s episode, we dig into new Zillow data showing premiums have jumped 38% nationally since 2019, compared to just a 22% rise in homeowner income. The fastest increases are hitting places like Miami, Sacramento, and Jacksonville, where wind and wildfire risks are high. We explore how...

In 2024, nearly 11% of all homes sold in the U.S. came from investors, the highest share on record. In this episode, we break down what’s driving the investor selling spree, where they’re most active, and how the shifting market—cooling rents, high mortgage rates, and affordability pressure—is changing their strategy. Plus, we explore whether investor activity is helping or hurting homebuyers in t...

In today’s episode, we break down two major reports that show a growing split in the U.S. housing market. On one side, nearly half of all mortgaged homeowners are now equity rich—owing less than half of their home’s value. On the other, affordability has reached its worst level in 14 consecutive quarters, with 99% of counties now less affordable than historical norms. We look at the states leading...

Small investors are taking over the housing market while traditional buyers wait on the sidelines. In this episode, we break down new data showing how mom-and-pop landlords now dominate nearly a third of the market—and why Wall Street is backing off. From regional hot spots to nimble investment strategies, learn how everyday investors are seizing the moment in a high-rate environment. Learn more a...

College football season is a goldmine for short-term rental investors. In this episode, we reveal the top 10 college towns for STR returns in 2025, based on combined data from Rabbu, Mashvisor, Airbtics, and PriceLabs. From SEC juggernauts like Alabama and Georgia to high-yield sleepers like Champaign and Columbia, we break down revenue, occupancy, yields, and football program strength so you can...

Fixer-uppers are one of the best ways to buy below market value in today’s high-cost housing market. In this episode, we highlight the top cities for renovation opportunities based on a new Mad City study—covering affordability, market growth, and flipping potential. From St. Louis to Buffalo, find out where sweat equity still pays and how to choose the right market for your next investment. Learn...

For years, landlords have focused on millennials and Gen Z—but the fastest-growing group of renters today is actually adults over 55. In this episode, we break down new Census data showing a nearly 30% surge in senior renters over the past decade, with hotspots like Austin, Dallas, and San Francisco leading the trend. We’ll explore why older adults are leaving homeownership behind, what they value...

Starter-home sales just hit a two-year high, rising 3.9% in June—even as sales in every other price tier declined. In this episode, we unpack Redfin’s latest report on why entry-level homes are suddenly in demand, which metros are leading the charge, and what this trend means for buyers, sellers, and investors navigating today’s high-rate housing market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit meg...