Author: Brad Beckett

A new report from Redfin says one third (33.5%) of baby boomers who own their home say they will never sell, with another 30% saying they’ll sell their home at some point, but not within the next 10 years.  As for the younger generations, 25% of Gen X and 21% of millennial/Gen Zers say they’ll never sell….Subject to change, of course, for all of the above generations, especially as the equity builds. There are several financial and lifestyle reasons why older Americans are much more likely than younger Americans to stay put. Many baby boomers who own their home don’t…

According to the NAR’s 2025 Title Deed & Fraud Survey report, 63% of respondents reported awareness of such fraud in their markets within the past 12 months, with the Northeast experiencing the highest prevalence at 92%.  The NAR says these scams are more common in central cities and suburban areas, frequently involving vacant land rather than owner-occupied properties, with only 12% involving owner-occupied homes. Click here to read the full report at the NAR.

The U.S. government is reporting that privately‐owned housing starts in May, 2025 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,256,000, which is 9.8% lower than April’s revised number but and is 4.6% lower than one year ago.  May’s rate for buildings with five units or more was 316k.  Privately‐owned housing units authorized by building permits in May were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,422,000, which is 2% below than April’s revised number and is 1% lower than one year ago.  Authorizations of units in buildings with five units or more were at a rate of 444k in…

According to the latest National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes climbed three points to 32 in June 2025 – 3rd lowest since 2012. They say their index has only posted a lower reading two times since 2012. The NAHB has been conducting the monthly survey for more than 35 years with a score of 50 is considered the breakeven point. “Buyers are increasingly moving to the sidelines due to elevated mortgage rates and tariff and economic uncertainty…To help address affordability concerns and bring hesitant buyers…

A long time ago, some long forgotten wise sage said it best;  Cash is king….  Today’s graphic from the Realtors says 26% of homebuyers last year paid cash for their purchase.  Next, they take it one step further by showing who exactly is carrying around all that cash.  Their data came from their latest Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends report.   As always, stay safe and have a Happy Friday!!! Hat tip to the Realtors.

Local Market Monitor, a National REIA preferred vendor, recently released their monthly National Economic Outlook where they share their thoughts on developments taking place in the U.S. economy. “In a low-growth economic environment, demand for real estate will be softer and competition for consumer dollars will push companies and investors into more questionable strategies.” Click here for more information about Local Market Monitor.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is reporting that the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increases 0.1% in May, 2025.  The all items index was up 2.4% for the 12 months ending in May.  The shelter index increased 0.3% and was the primary factor in the all items monthly increase.  The indexes for airline fares, used cars and trucks, new vehicles, and apparel were among the major indexes that decreased in May. Click here to read the full release at the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

On a recent episode of the Real Wealth Show, Kathy Fettke talks with National REIA’s Rebecca McLean.  They discuss generational investing trends, evolving wholesaling laws, property taxes and the biggest challenges investors face in 2025. From rising interest rates to regulatory shifts, this episode offers a national pulse on today’s real estate market.   This is one you won’t want to miss. “…be a member of the National REIA! Get involved!” – Kathy Fettke Click here to listen.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 139k in May, 2025 with the unemployment rate coming in at 4.2% – about the same as April.  In addition, the report says employment continued to trend up in health care, leisure and hospitality, and social assistance.  Once again, employment with the government saw declines. Click here to read the full report at the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

According to Cotality’s (formerly CoreLogic) latest Loan Performance Indicators report, the number of mortgages in some kind of delinquency (30 or more days past due, including foreclosures) remained at 2.8%, showing no year-over-year change.  As for delinquencies, Serious Delinquencies (90 days or more past due, including loans in foreclosure) saw slight increase from March 2024 and continues its downward trend from a high of 4.3% in August 2020.   Cotality’s Loan Performance Indicators analyzes mortgage delinquencies nationally and across major metropolitan areas. “Mortgage delinquency rates held steady at a low level in the first quarter of 2025. Roughly 40% of metropolitan…