Here’s your 2026 Q1 Market Pulse for the Twin Cities real estate scene. We break down how interest rates, inflation, and the 10-year Treasury are shaping prices, rents, and deals in 2026. You’ll hear straight talk on inventory pressure, rent control effects, and why creative financing is getting more traction right now.

Host Kevin Amolsch is joined by local pros Mike Jacka (President & Founder, MNREIA) and Sean Blomquist (Pine Financial Group) to sort through national headlines and local data. From the new Fed chair discussion to St. Paul rent control tweaks, this conversation connects the macro to what’s happening on real streets and spreadsheets.

What you’ll learn:

How the 10-year Treasury and risk spreads influence mortgage rates
Why sub‑2 months of supply still keeps price pressure on
St. Paul rent control updates and the ripple effects on valuations
Rents: short-term softness vs. late‑2026 outlook
Insurance and tax shocks: what to review on your PITI
Creative deals (subject‑to, CFD, lease options) in a tight market
Buy‑and‑hold outlook: demand drivers and timing

Guest bios:

Mike Jacka — President & Founder of MNREIA (est. 2002). Leads one of the largest real estate investor associations in the country, focused on education and local dealmaking.
Sean Blomquist — Minnesota Loan Officer at Pine Financial Group, specializing in private lending for fix‑and‑flip, buy‑and‑hold, and value‑add projects.

Resources mentioned:

MNREIA — Meetings, education, and local investor community
Pine Financial Group — Private lending and fund info

Enjoyed this Market Pulse? Subscribe for more local data, practical strategies, and clear explanations. Share this with someone comparing buy‑and‑hold vs. sit‑and‑wait. Want more? Check related videos on creative financing, rental analysis, and due diligence. Follow on socials for updates and upcoming MNREIA events.

Chapters/Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction

02:08 - Fed chair talk & the 10‑year

08:54 - Dollar, oil, and global confidence

16:20 - Twin Cities inventory & pricing

23:45 - Rents now vs. late‑2026 outlook

30:12 - St. Paul rent control impacts

38:05 - Insurance, taxes & PITI reality

46:40 - Creative financing in 2026

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Twin Cities Real Estate Market Pulse Update - February 2026