The U.S. Government is reporting that sales of new single-family houses in April, 2026 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 622k, which is 6.2% lower than March’s revised rate and is 11.3% lower than one year ago. The median sales price of new houses sold in April was $422,500 with an average sales price of $508,800. There were an estimated 489k new houses for sale at the end of April representing an 8-month supply at the current sales rate. Click here to read the full report at the U.S. Census Bureau.
Author: Brad Beckett
Brad Beckett
Director of Education & Outreach, National Real Estate Investors Association
Rental information site Zumper recently released their latest monthly National Rent Report for May, 2026. According to their data, median rent for 1-bedroom apartments was $1,519 (up 0.7%) and $1,903 (up 0.4%) for two-bedrooms. Be sure to check out their list of the 100 top metros. “National averages are masking two very different housing markets right now…In supply-constrained coastal cities, pricing power has returned quickly. Across much of the Sun Belt, operators are still working through the inventory wave delivered over the last several years. Demand is there, but supply still needs time to normalize.” Said Zumper CEO Shawn Mullahy. …
According to ATTOM Data’s latest Vacant Property and Zombie Foreclosure report, there were nearly 1.4 million U.S. homes sitting vacant in Q2 2026, unchanged from a year earlier. Of the 245,376 homes in foreclosure, 8,312 were abandoned “zombie” properties. Zombie foreclosures increased in most states, with the largest jumps in Georgia, North Carolina, Indiana, Iowa, and South Carolina. Only two states with at least 50 zombies saw their numbers drop: Washington (down 13.1%) and New York (down 2.2%). Click here for a 50-state list of Zombie foreclosures. “The increase in zombie foreclosures across most states may reflect a foreclosure market…
According to Zillow’s top 10 Hottest Rental Markets for Summer 2026, Providence ranked as top city, surpassing New York and San Francisco as demand outpaces housing supply. They say limited new construction in the Northeast and coastal California has intensified competition, driving up rents and lowering vacancies. Meanwhile, “Sun Belt” cities like Austin, Tampa, and Phoenix have added enough rental housing to moderate rent growth. In addition they point out that markets that aren’t as competitive still see strong demand, but they’ve been more effective at adding new housing supply. Zillow’s top 10 hottest rental markets for summer 2026: Providence…
The Visual Capitalist reminds us that life expectancy varies widely across the U.S., however there are clear regional patterns emerging with the latest data. Citing data form the CDC, today’s graphic illustrates life expectancy by state. Interestingly, the Northeast and West Coast tend to have higher life expectancy, while the South and Appalachia rank lower. Stay safe and have a Happy Friday!!! Hat tip to the Visual Capitalist.
A recent article on Realtor.com says a new luxury rental development in Miami Beach is attracting wealthy renters who prefer flexibility over homeownership. Many affluent newcomers are from high-tax states New York and California and are renting to preserve liquidity, avoid high HOA fees and insurance costs, and test Miami before buying. Developers say demand reflects shifting priorities toward mobility, tax advantages, and hassle-free luxury living. Indeed… “Both L.A. and New York are having a very hard time getting their act together,” Lynn tells Realtor.com. “People talk about taxes a lot, but people don’t mind paying taxes. They hate not…
Real Estate Cruises Are My Favorite Way of Networking by Pete Youngs Most any serious real estate investor will agree that one of your most valuable tools in being successful is the art of networking. In many cases the first thing I would advise is to join your local real estate investment club. This gives you access to many like-minded people who like you want to buy, sell trade and rent properties. I look forward to the annual National REIA cruise and have been aboard for this networking cruise for almost two decades now. As a faithful follower of National…
Local Market Monitor recently released their monthly National Economic Outlook where they share their thoughts on developments taking place in the U.S. economy. “Consumer debt is $40,000 per family – not even counting mortgages – and the delinquency and loss rates on credit cards are at the highest level since the 2008 recession.” Click here to read more at Local Market Monitor.
The U.S. government is reporting that privately‐owned housing starts in April, 2026 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,465,000, which is 2.8% lower than March’s revised number and is 4.6% higher than one year ago. April’s rate for buildings with five units or more was 529k. Privately‐owned housing units authorized by building permits in April were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,442,000, which is 5.8% higher than March’s revised number and is 0.2% lower than one year ago. Authorizations of units in buildings with five units or more were at a rate of 514k in April.…
According to ATTOM Data’s April 2026 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report, there were 42,430 residential properties with foreclosure filings (default notices, scheduled auctions or bank repossessions) down 8% from March and up 18% from a year ago. ATTOM says, nationwide, one in every 3,388 housing units had a foreclosure filing in April. States with the worst foreclosure rates were Delaware (one in every 1,739 housing units with a foreclosure filing), South Carolina followed closely behind (one in every 1,745), followed by Florida (one in every 2,092), Indiana (one in every 2,129), and Illinois (one in every 2,262). In addition, they point…
