BiggerPockets Daily

Home sales in seasonal towns like Aspen, Miami, and Palm Springs are falling faster than in non-seasonal markets as second-home buyers retreat amid high costs and tighter short-term rental rules. Inventory is piling up, prices are flattening, and some sellers are cashing out—creating both risks and opportunities for investors in vacation destinations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The housing market is shifting, with one in six sellers reducing their prices as buyers gain leverage. Nearly 4% of homes sold are below the list price, marking a significant change. Single-family homes are seeing the steepest cuts, while some coastal markets are resisting the trend. High costs, rising inventory, and economic uncertainty are driving these price drops. Buyers are encouraged to negotiate on stagnant listings, whereas sellers are advised to set realistic prices and be patient.

The condo market has shifted to favor buyers significantly, with a surge in sellers due to rising HOA and insurance costs. Florida and Texas are highlighted as key areas experiencing this trend. However, prospective buyers should remain cautious of new regulations and long-term risks. Negotiation power is stronger than ever, allowing buyers to secure price reductions and concessions. Key advice includes thorough due diligence on HOA finances and understanding the risks versus potential rewards in this evolving market.

A recent survey reveals that 17% of Americans are putting off major purchases like homes and cars due to concerns about the government shutdown. Matt explores how this situation impacts federal workers, with uncertainties regarding pay and furloughs looming large. The discussion highlights the paradox of a buyer's market with rising inventory yet declining consumer confidence. Fears surrounding job security and AI disruption are also linked to hesitancy in committing to long-term financial decisions, casting a shadow over future spending.

Rental scams are increasingly sophisticated, with landlords facing challenges from forged pay stubs to fake listings. Data reveals alarming fraud rates across regions, particularly in the South. Learn about shocking real-life scams and how AI complicates document verification. Key protective steps include strengthening tenant screening and using traceable payments. Awareness of overpayment scams and managing subleasing can further shield landlords from potential losses. Stay informed to safeguard your investments!

Buyer’s agent commissions are on the rise again, averaging 2.43% in Q2. Despite initial fears from the NAR settlement, commissions didn't collapse as anticipated. A surplus of sellers has given buyers the upper hand, leading to higher commissions. Interestingly, commissions have increased across various price tiers, and most buyers still seek 3%. While high-end listings typically hover around 2%, flexibility in commission structures is now possible thanks to the settlement, though immediate changes are minimal. The future may see tech and AI reshaping the real estate landscape.

Read the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/how-local-politics-is-ruining-the-american-dream America’s housing shortage isn’t just a “problem”—it’s a disaster. We’re already short 5 to 6 million homes, and without major changes, that gap could balloon to 15 million within a decade. In this episode, we’ll trace how the Great Recession and decades of restrictive zoning set the stage for today’s crisis, explain why local politics keep killing affordable housing projects, and show how lot sizes, setback rules, and “neighborhood character” arguments drive up costs. Finally, we’ll explore why state-level reform may be the only path forward if the American Dream is to remain within reach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

House flipping is cooling off fast. A new survey from John Burns Research and Consulting and lender Kiavi shows flippers are struggling with higher costs, longer timelines, and shrinking profits. Investor activity is down nationwide, condo sales have tanked, and oversupply in the Sunbelt is making deals harder to find. But opportunities remain in older housing stock, especially across the Northeast and Midwest. In this episode, we break down why flops are outpacing flips, the regional pressures squeezing investors, and the strategies flippers can use to survive—and even thrive—in today’s tougher market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A staggering half a million new rental apartments are expected to flood the U.S. market in 2025, with Florida and Texas leading the charge. As these new units reshape vacancy rates and rental dynamics, we explore how policy changes and rising construction costs could derail future projects. Texas metros like Dallas and Austin are ramping up their supply, while New York City continues to push new completions. The conversation also highlights how smaller landlords might benefit from affordability issues that new luxury apartments fail to address.