The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is reporting that the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.3% in June, 2025. The all items index was up 2.7% for the 12 months ending in June. The shelter index increased 0.2% and was the primary factor in the all items monthly increase. The indexes for used cars & trucks, new vehicles, and airline fares were among the major indexes that decreased in June. Click here to read the full release at the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Author: Brad Beckett
Brad Beckett
Director of Education & Outreach, National Real Estate Investors Association
The U.S. Census Bureau says that from 2023-2024, the population aged 65+ increased by 3.1% (to 61.2 million) while the population under age 18 decreased by 0.2% (to 73.1 million). Interestingly, this means ongoing growth among older folks, coupled with persistent annual declines those under 18 has reduced the gap between these two groups from just over 20 million in 2020 to just below 12 million in 2024. Indeed….Stay safe and have a Happy Friday!!! Click here to read the full report at the U.S. Census Bureau.
The Tax Foundation says as we head into the summer months, many Americans enjoy a cold beer at the end of a long day. However, beer taxes might dampen the vibe. They point out that here in the U.S., taxes are the single most expensive ingredient in beer. This burden accounts for more of the final price of beer than labor & ingredients combined – as much as 40.8% of the retail price. Check out their interactive map below. Key changes in 2025: Connecticut reduced the tax rate on beer from $0.24 per gallon to $0.19 per gallon. Kentucky reduced…
In late June, Airbnb issued an important update to their Payment Terms. According to a release, updates to their Payments Terms are effective immediately for all first time users and for existing users on September 8, 2025. If you have Airbnb rentals in your portfolio, it is important to take a look at these new terms and how they may (or may not) impact your business. Be sure to dig deep into the details as some reports are noting that the payout schedules have been changed. “We updated the Payments Terms of Service to explain the instances and terms under…
On a recent episode of the Idaho Real Estate Investor Show, Jonna Weber talks with Patrick Penner from Coast to Coast Mortgage, about creative financing options for real estate investors. They explore strategies such as Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat (BRRR), Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loans, and the importance of asset protection. Patrick shares insights from his 30+ years in the mortgage industry, emphasizing the value of planning and pre-approval before investing. Click here to listen.
CNBC is reporting that while homeowner’s insurance premiums vary widely from state to state, they are all going up. They say that according to experts, increasingly severe storms and other disasters, combined with rising housing costs, are pushing rates higher. In fact, California’s recent wildfires could cause insurance premiums to go up by 21% across the state. “An event like that in California just has a really significant impact on how much we project premiums to go up,” said Chase Gardner, data insights manager at Insurify. He added that when insurance companies “are paying out more than they’re bringing in…
Several states across the nation are holding sales tax holidays during the back-to-school season. Whether you think this is good or bad public policy is for another day; the bottom-line is saving your hard-earned money! The data has been provided by the Sale Tax Institute and actually covers the entire year – as well as many more products than just school supplies & clothing. Be sure to read your state’s “fine-print” for this exemption at their corresponding web site. This list is subject to change and some states have already had sales tax holidays in 2025. 2025’s Upcoming States: Alabama…
In their new State of the Nation’s Housing Report, Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies says the US housing market is shrouded in uncertainty. Among their conclusions, they say high home prices and interest rates have pushed sales to their lowest level in 30 years; insurance premiums and property taxes are rising; and high rents have left many cost burdened. “There must be a concerted effort to do more to address the affordability and supply crises…The potential consequences of inaction are simply too harmful to the macroeconomy and the millions of households striving for a safe, affordable place to call…
Recent analysis from the Associated General Contractors said construction employment increased year-over-year in 33 states and the District of Columbia in May. In addition, Association officials noted that employment gains in the industry have been muted amid questions about a range of federal labor, tax and trade policies. “Construction has been in a holding pattern for several months, with gains in a small majority of states…Uncertainty over tariffs, immigration, federal funding, taxes and other policy shifts is causing many types of projects to be put on hold across the country.” Said Ken Simonson, the AGC’s chief economist. Texas added the…
The Visual Capitalist asks; How much do prices actually differ across America? Today’s graphic takes a look at price parity across the U.S. by looking at things like the price of food, bills, gas, and other living costs. Not surprising, California is the nation’s most expensive state with Arkansas, Mississippi, and Oklahoma being the least expensive. Stay safe, watch your wallet and have a Happy Friday!!! Hat tip to the Visual Capitalist.
