BiggerPockets Daily

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Get ready for an insightful dive into the current housing market! Autumn is bringing significant discounts, giving buyers an upper hand. Home sales are showing a decline, with properties selling below listing prices and remaining on the market longer. Sellers are adjusting their expectations as demand wanes, while some markets are experiencing a correction. Investors are keeping an eye on specific cities for opportunities as trends shift, especially in regions like San Francisco and Florida. Tune in for valuable insights on navigating this changing landscape!

With the dollar falling, inflation creeping back up, and the government mired in shutdowns and lawsuits, political instability is spilling into the economy. In this episode, we break down five ways to protect your wealth from political and economic chaos—from inflation- and recession-resilient investments to global diversification and even second residencies abroad. Learn how to hedge against risk, preserve your cash flow, and keep your portfolio steady no matter which way the political winds blow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the first time since 2016, the number of U.S. homeowner households has slipped—while renter households jumped by 2.6%. We’ll explore what’s driving this shift, from high mortgage rates and record home prices to changing life stages, and what it means for rental demand and real estate investors across different markets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In August, nearly one in six sellers cut their prices, with homes selling around 4% below list prices—the steepest drop since 2019. Inventory is rising while demand cools, leaving sellers struggling to adapt to market shifts. Single-family homes are particularly affected, with major price reductions noted in cities like Denver and Indianapolis. Coastal markets like San Francisco are less impacted. Buyers are encouraged to leverage listings that linger on the market for better negotiations, while sellers are advised to price realistically and exercise patience.

Discover nine clever methods to lower your mortgage rate beyond the usual options. Learn why locking in your mortgage midweek can save you money. Explore adjustable-rate mortgages for short-term holds and the benefits of strong credit and larger down payments. Find out how to negotiate seller credits and consider a 2-1 buydown for early payment relief. Discover the potential of buying now and refinancing later, plus tips on optimizing your debt-to-income ratio and using FHA loans for smart investing.

Explore the alarming rise of rental scams targeting landlords, especially vulnerable mom-and-pop operations. Discover common schemes like fake listings and overpayment scams. Learn how AI is making fraud more sophisticated with realistic forged documents. Geographic hotspots like Atlanta and Dallas face escalating risks. Practical tips include comprehensive background checks, monitoring listings, and secure payment methods. With scams evolving, it's crucial for landlords to stay vigilant and strengthen their defenses.

Sellers now outnumber buyers by 37%, giving buyers a rare negotiating edge. Texas and Florida top the list of metros where buyers can score deep discounts. However, rising costs and high monthly payments are keeping many potential buyers on the sidelines. Despite a softening demand, carrying costs like mortgage rates are preventing drastic price drops. Meanwhile, some Midwestern cities remain strongholds for sellers, making it a challenging environment for house hunters.

Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using AI-generated documents and stolen identities to exploit landlords. Small property owners are particularly vulnerable due to limited resources. Trends like remote leasing and new construction are fueling these fraudulent activities. Important tactics for landlords include requiring in-person viewings and adopting strict lease policies before accepting rent. Additionally, advanced screening tools are recommended to help identify potential fraud and keep properties safe from evolving scams.

The ongoing federal shutdown is causing significant disruptions in the housing market. FHA, VA, and USDA loans are stalled, impacting real estate transactions. Rental applications and mortgage closings are delayed, raising concerns for mom-and-pop landlords facing cashflow issues. The shutdown also threatens commercial properties housing federal workers and pauses tax credit approvals for affordable housing. As consumer spending dips, investors are urged to stay informed and prepare for potential distressed sales.