Author: Brad Beckett

A new report from Zumper says that whether it’s better to rent or buy depends on local market conditions and there are two key metrics help compare the costs. The first is the price-to-rent ratio, which divides a market’s median home price by one year of median rent. Generally, ratios above 21 favor renting, below 15 favor buying, and 15–21 indicate a balanced market. Across more than 80 markets analyzed, the national midpoint is about 20. The second metric is the PITI cost delta, which compares a monthly mortgage payment—including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance—to monthly rent, showing the immediate…

According to the latest Cotality Single-Family Rent Index (SFRI), U.S. single-family home rental prices increased 1.3% year over year in May, 2026.  This represents a decline, as year-over-year rent prices increased by 2.6% in May 2025.  In addition, they say Florida and parts of Texas continue to soften, while the Midwest and Northeast markets remain the strongest performers.  However, Los Angeles saw the largest slowdown in rent price growth for the 3rd month. “The May data tells two different stories. While annual single-family rent growth remained subdued at 1.3%, rents increased 2.2% between February and May, a stronger-than-typical spring gain…

The Visual Capitalist says from California’s fruit & vegetable farms to the Midwest’s vast corn & soybean fields, agriculture looks very different across the country.  To that end, citing the data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, today’s graphic ranks every state by its agricultural production value as of 2024.  Be sure to look at their entire dataset…..And, as always, stay safe and have a Happy Friday!!! Hat tip to the Visual Capitalist.

According to the latest Yardi Matrix Multifamily Report, multifamily advertised rents grew slowly in the first half of 2026, but that’s not stopping investors from allotting capital to the sector.  The average U.S. advertised rent rose $4 to $1,763, with year-over-year growth unchanged at 0.2%.  They say demand has moderated. Demand has moderated considerably, with preliminary data indicating that national absorption totaled approximately 108,000 units during the first five months of the year, down 61% from the same period last year. This suggests household formation is no longer keeping pace with the surge in apartment completions, which could extend soft…

In late June, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court blocked a proposed statewide rent control initiative from appearing on the November general election ballot, ruling that it violated Article 48 of the Massachusetts Constitution. The court found that the measure’s exemption for housing operated by religious institutions improperly related to religion, making it ineligible for placement before voters. The proposed initiative would have established statewide rent stabilization, capping annual rent increases at the lesser of 5% or the Consumer Price Index, with the limits remaining in effect even when tenants changed. Had it passed, Massachusetts would have joined California, Oregon, and…

The U.S. government is reporting that privately‐owned housing starts in June, 2026 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,427,000, which is 19% higher than May’s revised number and is 3.5% higher than one year ago.  June’s rate for buildings with five units or more was 513k.  Privately‐owned housing units authorized by building permits in June were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,367,000, which is 3% lower than May’s revised number and is 2.3% lower than one year ago.  Authorizations of units in buildings with five units or more were at a rate of 445k in June.…

Local Market Monitor recently released their monthly National Economic Outlook where they share their thoughts on developments taking place in the U.S. economy. Click here to read more at Local Market Monitor.

The National Association of Realtors is reporting that pending home sales were down 5.4% in June and down 0.3% year over year.  The NAR’s Pending Home Sales Index (a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings) came in at 73.8 in June.  Month-over-month declined in all four major U.S. regions and year-over-year pending home sales increased in the Northeast and Midwest but declined in the South and West. “The highest mortgage rates in nearly a year and the record-high national median home price together are contributing to a tepid housing market that is especially difficult for first-time homebuyers…However, job gains can…

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is reporting that the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) decreased 0.4% on a seasonally adjusted basis in June. The BLS says this decline in the all items index was the largest 1-month decrease since April 2020 when it fell 0.8%. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 3.5% before seasonal adjustment. The index for all items less food and energy rose 2.6% over the past 12 months and the shelter index increased 3.3% over the last year. bls.govClick here to read the full release at the Bureau of…

With the World Cup concluding this weekend (the last game is scheduled for 7/19 in New Jersey), Statista says traveling to North America for the World Cup cost fans thousands of dollars once flights, lodging, food, transportation and match tickets are included.  Today’s graphic (citing data from AirDNA ) illustrates how the World Cup affected short-term rental rates in the US, Canada and Mexico.   Stay safe and have a Happy Friday!!! Hat tip to Statista.