Author: Brad Beckett

The WSJ is reporting (reposted on Realtor.com) that consumers’ moods dropped further in November, according to a monthly survey from the University of Michigan, continuing a slide that has worsened amid persistent price increases and an extended government shutdown (which ended in mid-November).  In addition, they say the survey reading is slightly above levels that sentiment sank to amid historic inflation that hit in 2022. Americans are facing down an economy with multiple pressure points. Inflation has dropped from the highs that it reached three years ago, but at 3% in September, it has now remained elevated for almost half…

In a recent editorial entitled “Seattle’s Coming Socialist Experiment,” the Washington Post says with much of the country fixated on New York City’s decision to elect as mayor a socialist with little experience, it was easy to miss that Seattle has done the same. They say that voters across the country will now get to witness two real-time experiments in radical governance.  They’re referring to Katie Wilson, who was elected Mayor of Seattle earlier this month.  The Post says that Ms. Wilson is an activist with even less experience than New York’s Zohran Mamdani and was a first-time candidate with…

Last month we posted about how White House budget director Russell Vought said he plans to close the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau(CFPB).  Now, Politico is reporting that the Trump administration has made a formal determination that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s funding mechanism is unlawful, which puts the controversial bureau on track to close when its existing cash runs out in the coming months.  In addition, Political says the move would leave the CFPB without money to operate starting next year unless Congress passes fresh funding for the agency – which they say is unlikely given widespread Republican opposition. “The latest…

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, total nonfarm payroll employment changed little in September, 2025 with the unemployment rate coming in at 4.4%.  In addition, the report says employment continued to trend up in health care, food services and drinking places, and social assistance. Job losses occurred in transportation and warehousing and in federal government. ** Editor’s Note – with the U.S. government back in business, the numbers are starting to roll in, albeit late.  ** Click here to read the full report at the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The National Association of Realtors is reporting that existing home sales were up 1.2% in October, 2025 to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 4.1 million.  Total housing inventory at the end of October was 1.52million units, down 0.7% from September but up 10.9% from one year ago.  Unsold inventory sits at a 4.4-month supply at the current sales rate with properties remaining on the market for around 34 days.  The median existing-home price for all housing types in October was $415,200 – the 28th consecutive month of year-over-year price increases.  The NAR expects interest rates to continue to drop: “Rents…

Next week is that annual American holiday of giving thanks to the Almighty for everything that has made our nation great.  Today’s graphic from WalletHub takes an in-depth look at Thanksgiving’s humble roots and how it has evolved over time –  from how much we spend to how much we eat.  As always, stay safe and Have a Happy Friday – as well as a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! “Settlers of the Plymouth Colony and their Wampanoag tribe predecessors kicked off a grand tradition way back in 1621. And for that we should all be thankful, if for nothing else than…

The venerable AAA says it’s time to “buckle-up” this Thanksgiving as they say nearly 82 million people will be traveling – up 2 million from 2024’s revised number.  Interestingly AAA says fallout from concerns with flight cancellations (from the recent government shutdown) could mean some air travelers switch to road trips. “Thanksgiving travel numbers are always impressive because this holiday has become synonymous with heading out of town to spend time with loved ones…People are willing to brave the crowds and make last-minute adjustments to their plans to make lifelong memories, whether it’s visiting extended family or meeting up with…

On a recent episode of the Rental Property Owner & Real Estate Investor Podcast,  Brian Hamrick talks with Nathan Biller, accredited ADU specialist and co-founder of My Backyard Build. Nathan has built his own ADU, permitted several more, and is helping shape local policy as a member of Grand Rapids’ ADU Task Force. Whether you call them granny flats, backyard cottages, or carriage houses, ADUs are becoming one of the most practical solutions to today’s housing crisis—and a smart investment strategy for rental property owners. Click here to listen.

The U.S. government is reporting that total construction spending in August, 2025 was at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $2,169.5 billion, up 0.2% from July’s revised number.  In addition, August’s estimate is 1.6% lower than one year ago.  Residential construction came in at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $914.8 billion in August, which is 0.8% higher than July’s revised estimate. ** Editor’s Note – with the U.S. government back in business, the numbers are starting to roll in, albeit late.  ** Click here to read the full report at the U.S. Census Bureau.

According to the latest ICE Mortgage Monitor, the national delinquency rate fell 2 basis points (bps) in September to 3.42% –  this figure is down 6 bps from the same time last year.  ICE says FHA loans now account for 47% of all delinquencies and 52% of all serious delinquencies (90+ days past due but not in foreclosure).   Interetsingly, only 25% of FHA loans that are 90 or more days late are in foreclosure – the lowest share of any product.  However, they do point out that FHA guidelines are changing this fall and that share may be poised to…