Author: Brad Beckett

The U.S. government is reporting that privately‐owned housing starts in July, 2026 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,239,000, which is 12.4% lower than June’s revised number and is 13.5% lower than one year ago.  July’s rate for buildings with five units or more was 421k.  Privately‐owned housing units authorized by building permits in July were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,443,000, which is 5% higher than June’s revised number and is 3.1% higher than one year ago.  Authorizations of units in buildings with five units or more were at a rate of 490k in July.…

According to the latest Cotality Home Price Insights (HPI) report, price growth remained modest but accelerating, edging up 0.3% month-over-month and 1.2% year-over-year in June 2026.  They say the Midwest and Northeast are now carrying much of the upside: Illinois (+6.4% YoY), Connecticut (+6.0%), Nebraska (+5.8%), and Indiana (+5.8%) led the state rankings. “As long as mortgage rates stay consistently high, factors such as local job and income growth, migration patterns, and specific industrial investments will influence the real estate market.”  Said Dr. Selma Hepp, Cotality’s Chief Economist. Click here to read the full report at Cotality.

The National Association of Realtors is reporting that pending home sales were down 2.3% in July and down 2.2% year over year.  The NAR’s Pending Home Sales Index (a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings) came in at 71.2 in July.  Month-over-month declined in all four major U.S. regions and Year-over-year pending home sales increased in the Midwest but declined in the Northeast, South and West. “The highest mortgage rates of the year hit right in the middle of summer, and that’s pulling back contract signings…Home prices are at record highs so houses for sale are sitting on the market…

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal (reposted on Realtor.com) says money is getting tighter for America’s hundreds of thousands of homeowners associations and they are extending a shorter financial leash to their residents.  According to the report, HOAs are getting more aggressive about pursuing people who rack up unpaid dues and turning delinquent accounts over to the lawyers.  Interestingly, data from ATTOM shows there were over 6k properties with HOA-related foreclosure filings in Q1 2026 – up nearly 40% from two years ago. The associations that care for the common spaces in many neighborhoods and condos typically pool…

Citing data from the 2024 American Community Survey, a recent graphic from the U.S. Census Bureau shows the number of people with a disability by age, sex and type across the U.S.  As always, stay safe and have a Happy Friday!!! Hat tip to the U.S. Census Bureau.

A recent article by the NAR says when selling a home, the curb appeal doesn’t end at the property line.  In fact they suggest that the neighbor next door might be ruining your property’s curb appeal.  Indeed… “A neighboring yard often influences how potential home buyers perceive a home and even if they’re willing to purchase it, according to a survey of more than 1,000 homeowners conducted by NaturaLawn of America.” Click here to read the full story at the NAR.

Laws & regulations regarding wholesaling vary across the country.  Because of this, wholesaling can be very lucrative, but if you don’t know what you’re doing, it can also get you in serious legal trouble.  That being said, wholesaling is a state-specific real estate activity. What is legal in one state may not be legal in another. The National Real Estate Investors Association has created a state-by-state database with laws, rules & regulations (subject to change) for each state, accessible through the Resources Center on their web site. National REIA strongly urges each person using this resource or engaging in any wholesaling…

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is reporting that the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.1% on a seasonally adjusted basis in July.  Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 3.4% before seasonal adjustment.  The index for shelter rose 0.1% in July, accounting for roughly two-thirds of the monthly all items increase. Click here to read the full release at the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

According to the latest Yardi Matrix Multifamily Report, average multifamily advertised rents rent rose $4 to $1,771, with year-over-year growth unchanged at 0.2%.  Nationally, over the last 5 months, advertised rents have increased by $22, or 1.3%.  Yardi says this a modest improvement from the same period last year but still indicative of limited pricing power. The recent strength suggests demand remains healthy despite elevated supply, though the record wave of apartment deliveries continues to temper rent growth. While completions are slowing, elevated concessions indicate many owners remain focused on occupancy over rent growth.. Click here to read the full…

A recent report from the NAHB’s Eye on Housing says housing’s share of the economy was 15.8% in the Q2 2026.  They point out that it’s down from 15.9% in Q1 and is at its lowest level since 2019.  In addition they say residential construction rose for the first time in over a year, while households’ expenditure on housing services fell. Click here to read the full report at the NAHB’s Eye on Housing.