Realtor.com says most homeowners appreciate having a nearby grocery store – but the store’s true value may depend on the brand. They analyzed research from data site Home Economics and found that in neighborhoods where a Trader Joe’s opens, home prices outperform the national average by 5.6% over the following three years. However, those neighborhoods where a new Walmart opens, home prices under-perform the national average by 3.8%. Hmmm… Click here to read the full story on Realtor.com.
Author: Brad Beckett
Brad Beckett
Director of Education & Outreach, National Real Estate Investors Association
According to the latest Federal Housing Finance Agency’s (FHFA) House Price Index (HPI), home prices rose 0.1% in January, 2026. In addition, prices were up 1.6% year-over-year The FHFA HPI is the nation’s only collection of public, freely available house price indexes that measure changes in single-family home values based on data from all 50 states and over 400 American cities that extend back to the mid-1970s. Click here to read the full report at the FHFA.
Citing data from the most recent American Community Survey, the NAHB’s Eye on Housing says the median age of owner-occupied homes in the U.S. is 42 years. They point out that the age of housing stock is an important remodeling market indicator. They say older homes tend to be less energy-efficient than newly built homes and are more likely to require repairs, upgrades, and renovations in the future. Indeed… “…as people increasingly use their homes for multiple purposes and demand additional space, older housing represents an investment opportunity for homeowners.” Click here to read the full report at the NAHB’s…
According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 178k jobs in March, 2026. March’s unemployment rate came in at 4.3% – down slightly from February’s number. The BLS said job gains occurred in health care, in construction, and in transportation and warehousing. Federal government employment continued to decline. Click here to read the full report at the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
According to Apartment List’s National Rent Report for April, 2026, national median rent increased 0.4% in March to $1,363 – the 2nd consecutive monthly increase. In addition, they report that rent prices nationally are down 1.7% compared to one year ago. Year-over-year rent growth is now at the lowest level that they’ve seen – going back to 2017 (excluding the Pandemic). Click here to read the full report at Apartment List.
The Tax Foundation says property taxes are the primary tool for financing local government as well as generating revenue in some states. In fact, they point out that, in FY 2023 alone, property taxes generated 28.9% of total state and local tax collections and 70% of local tax revenue. Also, in 2023 property taxes accounted for 70% of local tax collections. So, where do people pay the most in property taxes? See the interactive chart below and be sure to read the full report. “Local governments rely heavily on property taxes to fund schools, roads, police departments, fire and emergency…
We love posts about moving….they provide great data about market trends & conditions all around the country. On that note, today’s graphic from the Visual Capitalist says nearly 15 million Americans moved in 2025, with many relocating across state lines in search of lower costs, job opportunities, and warmer climates. Stay safe and have a Happy Friday!!! “Southern and Mountain West states dominated the rankings for inbound migration, while several high-cost coastal states continued to lose residents.” Hat tip to the Visual Capitalist.
According to ATTOM’s Year-End 2025 U.S. Home Flipping Report, 297,045 single family homes and condominiums were flipped nationwide in 2025, accounting for 7.4% of all home sales. ATTOM says these were the fewest number of recorded home flips in a year since 2020, and down 3.9% from 2024. In addition, they point out that profit margins have shrunk. The typical flipped home netted $65,981 in gross profit, down from $77k in 2024, resulting in a 25.5% ROI, the lowest recorded rate since 2008 and down from 32.1% the prior year. “Competition for homes remains strong in many markets due to…
On a recent episode of the Idaho Real Estate Investor Show, Jonna Weber shares reflections from a recent trip along Florida’s Gulf Coast and talks about something she sees all the time when it comes to real estate investing – people waiting for “someday.” She also shares a bit of her own journey, from a stay-at-home mom looking for financial stability to building long-term wealth through real estate. This episode is about more than investing. It’s about not postponing the experiences and freedom you want for your future. “Many people believe they need the perfect market, the perfect deal, or…
Recent data posted by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis’ FRED site show regional price parities by state and metro area for 2024 (most recent data). FRED says that while these data can be incredibly useful for understanding cost differences around the nation, they may not match an individual’s personal experience when moving from one location to another. In addition, they also say the cost of housing varies significantly across the nation. IE; In places where housing is more expensive, people will choose smaller lots and homes so they can afford other goods and services. Indeed… FRED compares the…
