
Hosted by Kathy Fettke / RealWealth · EN

A major labor proposal out of Washington could impact how millions of real estate agents do business. In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down why the National Association of REALTORS is backing a new federal framework for independent contractor classification, what the five-factor "economic reality" test means, and why NAR is pushing for an explicit exemption for real estate professionals. For investors, this could affect brokerage models, agent compensation, and transaction costs across the housing market. Want to learn more? Visit www.NewsforInvestors.com Source: https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/nar-backs-labor-dept-proposal-to-clarify-independent-contractor-rules

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" data-turn-id="8dcbfccd-d39f-4bc2-9e16-196d27907352" data-turn-id-container="8dcbfccd-d39f-4bc2-9e16-196d27907352" data-testid="conversation-turn-11" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user"> *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-69fcd44d-3534-83e8-a6fb-b72f1e8c2427-10" data-turn-id-container= "request-69fcd44d-3534-83e8-a6fb-b72f1e8c2427-10" data-testid= "conversation-turn-12" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> Artificial intelligence and blockchain may soon change one of the slowest parts of real estate: the closing process. In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down CNBC's latest report on how blockchain-based real estate technology is moving from concept to reality. Learn how AI-powered closings, digital property records, and faster transactions could impact investors, title companies, and the future of real estate deals. Want to learn more? Visit www.Newforinvestors.com. Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/07/startup-propy-real-estate-deals-blockchain.html

In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down the April jobs report after the U.S. economy added 115,000 jobs and unemployment held steady at 4.3%. Hiring beat expectations, but beneath the headline, signs of economic strain are emerging—from rising part-time employment to slowing wage growth and sector-specific layoffs. Kathy unpacks what the latest labor data, rising gas prices, and growing global uncertainty could mean for inflation, mortgage rates, and real estate investors in the months ahead. Want to learn more? Visit www.Newsforinvestors.com Source: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm Source: https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/05/08/business/jobs-report-economy

A new study suggests capital gains taxes may be quietly keeping homes off the market, and it could have major implications for real estate investors. In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down how capital gains taxes work, when homeowners may qualify for tax exclusions, why rental property owners can face depreciation recapture, and how what some are calling an "exit tax" may be contributing to today's housing inventory shortage. Plus, Kathy explains why strategies like a 1031 exchange remain an important tool for investors looking to defer taxes and reposition their portfolios in today's market. Want to learn more about investing in turn key rental properties? Visit www.Realwealth.com/Schedule to work with one of our investment counselors. Source: https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/exit-tax-vacant-homes-selling-cost/

America has reached a historic economic milestone. For the first time since World War Two, U.S. public debt has grown larger than the nation's entire economy. In this episode of The Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down what public debt actually means, why federal interest payments have now topped one trillion dollars a year, and how rising debt could affect taxes, consumer spending, Treasury yields, mortgage rates, and the housing market. Most importantly, what should real estate investors be watching next as Washington's debt continues to grow? 🏠 Want to learn more about investing in real estate? Visit www.Realwealth.com/TopCities. Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-debt-exceeds-gdp-first-time-since-wwii/

Kathy Fettke breaks down a surprising trend in commercial real estate—AI and automation aren't reducing warehouse demand… they're expanding it. In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy unpacks new April 2026 data from CommercialCafe and Yardi Research showing how robotics, faster delivery expectations, and growing power demands are reshaping the industrial market. You'll learn why modern warehouses are commanding premium rents, why Dallas and Atlanta are attracting billions in industrial investment, and why older warehouse stock may face growing obsolescence. If you invest in commercial real estate, industrial properties, logistics hubs, or simply want to understand where institutional capital is flowing next--this is an episode you won't want to miss. Want to learn more? Visit www.Newsforinvestors.com. Source: https://www.commercialcafe.com/blog/national-industrial-report/

Could someone steal your rental property without ever stepping foot inside it? In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down the alarming rise in deed theft, title fraud, and tax lien scams targeting property owners across the U.S. From fake quitclaim deeds to fraudulent loans and rental scams, criminals are finding new ways to go after equity-rich investors—especially those with paid-off rentals, vacant homes, out-of-state properties, or assets held in LLCs. Kathy shares the latest cases, including the attempted theft of Graceland, warning signs every landlord should know, and practical steps investors can take right now to protect their properties, equity, and long-term wealth. If you own rental property, this is one episode you don't want to miss. 📈🏡 Read more at www.NewsforInvestors.com. Source: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/deed-theft-and-fraudulent-tax-lien-sales-are-spreading?utm_campaign=REINewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=lterable&utm_channel=28425&utm_content=Marketing&user_id=&utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=campaign_17930340

Could a major policy shift in Washington make housing more affordable and unlock new supply? In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down a major move by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to roll back a 2024 building code requirement tied to FHA and USDA financing. The agencies say the rule was adding as much as $20,000 to $31,000 to the cost of building a new home. Now that mandate has been rescinded. What does this mean for homebuilders, first-time buyers, lenders, and real estate investors? Kathy explores how this policy change could impact housing supply, build-to-rent opportunities, rural development, affordability, and the future of entry-level housing. If you invest in real estate or follow housing policy, this is one update you will want on your radar. 🏠Want to learn more? Visit www.Newsforinvestors.com. Source: https://www.hud.gov/news/hud-no-26-029

*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-69f0de68-d75c-83e8-aff9-ebda099a1f72-7" data-testid= "conversation-turn-8" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down a new Zillow report showing that nearly 1 in 5 U.S. homes are selling within just seven days. She explains why some listings are moving fast and selling above asking price, while others sit on the market for weeks. Kathy also covers what this market split means for real estate investors, why Midwest cities are outperforming many Sun Belt markets, and how pricing, condition, and location matter more than ever in 2026. If you're watching housing trends, buyer demand, and where opportunity may be shifting, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Source: https://www.zillow.com/research/homes-sell-7-days-above-asking-36274/

Why are today's buyers skipping starter homes and aiming straight for forever homes? In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down a new BMO survey showing Americans now expect to buy their first home at age 40. Kathy explains what this shift means for real estate investors, including rising demand for multi-generational homes, flexible floorplans, ADUs, rental income potential, and properties in more affordable markets. If the starter home era is fading, smart investors need to know what comes next. Learn how changing buyer behavior could shape housing demand in 2026 and beyond. Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/housing-market-shifts-as-homebuyers-upsize-to-forever-homes-bmo-real-financial-progress-index-302749561.html