Author: Brad Beckett

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.

A recent article on Realtor.com says as early as 2035, housing supply could outpace demand, potentially cooling prices in fast-building markets even as shortages persist elsewhere.  Citing data from a recent Mortgage Bankers Association report;  they say the U.S. housing market could shift from a long-standing shortage to potential oversupply over the next decade as housing demand slows. The MBA estimates builders could add between 10.6 million and 14.6 million net housing units between 2025 and 2035. At the same time, household growth is expected to weaken because of an aging population, declining birth rates, and reduced immigration projections.  This…

On a recent episode of the AZREIA Show, host Michael Del Prete sits down with National REIA’s Kevin Coughlin to discuss the critical issues shaping the future of real estate investing across America.  From rent control and property rights to fair housing regulations, emotional support animal policies, property taxes, institutional investors, and seller financing, Kevin shares valuable insights into the legislation and public policy decisions that directly impact real estate investors, landlords, and housing providers. “Learn how National REIA supports local investor associations, protects housing providers, and helps investors navigate an ever-changing regulatory environment.” Click here to listen.

The Tax Foundation says states tax wine differently than beer and distilled spirits, typically placing it between the two based on alcohol content. However, when adjusted for alcohol content, most states still tax wine more heavily, while a few tax beer at much higher rates.   Analysts argue states should replace this outdated categorical system with alcohol-content-based taxation to create a simpler, more neutral policy. Kentucky imposes the nation’s highest wine tax at $3.82 per gallon, followed by Alaska, Florida, and Iowa. California has the lowest rate at $0.20 per gallon. In 2025, wine is expected to generate an estimated $7.2…