
Hosted by Kathy Fettke / RealWealth · EN

A major milestone just happened at the intersection of crypto and housing finance. Better and Coinbase have funded what they say is the first Fannie Mae-backed mortgage that allows borrowers to use Bitcoin as collateral instead of selling it for a down payment. In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down how crypto-backed mortgages work, why lenders are exploring new ways to evaluate wealth, and what this could mean for homebuyers, real estate investors, and the future of mortgage lending. Want to learn more about investing? Visit www.Newsforinvestors.com Source: https://www.fidelity.com/news/article/technology/202606040830BIZWIRE_USPR_____20260604_BW894636

Berkshire Hathaway is making a major bet on U.S. housing. Warren Buffett's company has agreed to acquire homebuilder Taylor Morrison in a deal valued at approximately $8.5 billion, including debt. The move comes at a time when the housing market is still facing elevated mortgage rates, affordability challenges, and slower home sales. So what does Berkshire see that others don't? In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down the deal, why analysts believe it could signal a bottom for housing valuations, and what it may mean for homebuilders, real estate investors, and the broader housing market. She also shares insights from industry experts who believe long-term investors are beginning to position themselves for the next phase of the housing cycle. For more information on RealWealth's current syndication opportunities and multifamily fund, visit www.RealWealth.com/Syndications. Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/06/01/berkshire-taylor-morrison-bet-housing-market-bottom.html

Inflation is moving in the wrong direction, and Americans are feeling the strain. New data shows inflation has climbed to its highest level in roughly three years, while the personal savings rate has fallen to its lowest level since 2022. Consumers are spending more on essentials like housing, food, and energy, even as incomes struggle to keep pace. In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down the latest inflation report, what shrinking savings could mean for the economy, and why persistent price pressures may keep interest rates and mortgage rates higher for longer. She also explains the key takeaways for real estate investors as affordability challenges continue to shape the housing market. Visit www.Newsforinvestors.com to learn more Source: https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/28/economy/us-pce-inflation-april

Housing affordability may be impacting more than homeownership—it could be affecting population growth itself. In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down new research linking rising housing costs to declining birth rates and explores what slowing population growth could mean for future housing demand, home prices, and real estate investors. Plus, lessons from Japan and the demographic trends investors should be watching today. Source: https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/population-decline-2064-housing-market-risk/

Construction costs are rising again, creating a new challenge for the housing market. In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down why copper, lumber, diesel, aluminum, and other building material prices are surging in 2026 and what that could mean for home prices, housing affordability, and real estate investors. You'll hear why builders are struggling to price new homes, how higher construction costs could slow housing supply, and why rising replacement costs may actually benefit owners of existing properties. Kathy also explains how these inflationary pressures could keep mortgage rates elevated and what investors should watch when evaluating renovation budgets, development projects, and long-term real estate opportunities. Source: https://www.wsj.com/finance/commodities-futures/the-housing-markets-latest-hurdles-copper-lumber-diesel-and-aluminum-70b45947?regwall=eafs

What happens to mortgage rates if the Iran conflict ends? In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down new analysis from Logan Mohtashami at HousingWire on the relationship between geopolitical events, inflation, bond yields, and mortgage rates. While easing tensions in the Middle East have helped calm oil markets, mortgage rates remain elevated as inflation stays stubbornly high and Federal Reserve officials take a more hawkish stance. Kathy explains why mortgage spreads have helped prevent rates from moving even higher, what Logan's mortgage rate forecast means for the housing market, and why real estate investors should pay close attention to inflation and Treasury yields. You'll also hear why housing demand has remained resilient despite higher borrowing costs and what could be needed for mortgage rates to move lower. If you're watching the housing market, mortgage rates, or the Federal Reserve's next move, this is an update you won't want to miss. Source: https://www.housingwire.com/articles/what-happens-to-mortgage-rates-if-the-iran-conflict-is-over/

3D-printed homes are moving closer to the mainstream housing market as Wells Fargo begins offering mortgages on homes built with ICON's 3D-printing technology. In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down why this partnership matters, how 3D-printed construction could impact housing affordability, and why major financial institutions are beginning to back alternative homebuilding methods. Learn how faster construction timelines, lower building costs, and new financing options could shape the future of real estate investing and housing development. 🏡 Get our free PDF, "Your Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your First Rental Property," at www.RealWealth.com/FiveQuestions to learn how to find strong rental markets, analyze cash flow, and avoid costly investing mistakes. Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/26/wells-fargo-mortgage-incentives-3d-printed-homes-icon.html

Mortgage lending is entering a major transition as the industry begins testing newer credit scoring models like FICO 10T and VantageScore 4.0. In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down what these modern credit scores are, why lenders are concerned about risk and pricing, and how the changes could impact mortgage approvals, housing demand, and the future of real estate investing. Learn why investors should pay attention as the mortgage market moves toward a new era of credit scoring and lending standards. Source: https://www.housingwire.com/articles/gse-modern-credit-scores/

Homebuilder confidence improved in May as builders saw signs of stronger late spring housing demand, even with mortgage rates climbing back toward 6.6%. In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down the latest National Association of Home Builders sentiment report, what's driving renewed buyer activity, and why affordability challenges are still putting pressure on the housing market. You'll also hear why fewer builders are cutting prices, how incentives are still shaping the new construction market, and which regions of the country are showing the most strength right now. For real estate investors, this episode highlights what builder sentiment could mean for housing supply, buyer demand, and investment opportunities in the months ahead Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/18/may-homebuilder-sentiment-improves.html

Los Angeles has launched a new public rental property database that tracks housing complaints, alleged violations, and tenant disputes across thousands of apartment buildings. In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down what the new "Top 100 Problem Rental Properties" list reveals, why cities are increasing oversight on landlords, and what this could mean for real estate investors operating in heavily regulated markets. From eviction complaints to rent increase disputes, learn why compliance, property management, and transparency are becoming bigger issues in today's rental housing market. 🏘️Receive a FREE Rental Property PDF from RealWealth at www.RealWealth.com/FiveQuestions. Source: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-05-18/l-a-s-100-most-problematic-rental-properties-spotlighted-in-database#:~:text=The%20top%20target%20of%20complaints,Barrington%20Plaza%20ranked%20second.