
Hosted by Kathy Fettke / RealWealth · EN

Liability insurance costs are rising fast—and real estate investors are starting to feel it. In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down a growing trend impacting the industry, especially in commercial real estate. From office to retail to large multifamily properties, landlords are seeing premiums surge—some as much as 4x since 2020. What's driving it? More lawsuits. Bigger jury awards. And a rise in so-called "nuclear verdicts" over $10 million. Insurance companies are responding with higher rates, tighter underwriting, and more exclusions—making it harder and more expensive to stay protected. If you're a real estate investor, this shift could impact your cash flow, deal analysis, and long-term risk. Learn what's happening, why it matters, and how to protect your portfolio. Source: https://www.credaily.com/briefs/liability-insurance-costs-surge-for-landlords-nationwide/

Self-storage has been one of the hottest asset classes—but a shift is underway. Cities across the U.S. are pushing back with zoning restrictions, moratoriums, and outright bans. In this episode, we break down what's driving the crackdown, where development is being limited, and what it means for real estate investors. 🏡 Want to learn more? Visit www.NewsforInvestors.com Source: https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/self-storage-market-united-states-601ce24d?utm_source=bestever.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=why-are-cities-banning-self-storage&_bhlid=c1b6c562766372d9d0cda93a4323ca7a359f4b93

Real estate fraud is on the rise again. A new FBI report shows more than $275 million was lost to scams in 2025, impacting over 12,000 victims. In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down how these scams are happening, why AI is making them harder to detect, and what real estate investors can do to protect their money—especially when it comes to wire transfers. Source: https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/online-real-estate-fraud-climbed-to-275m-in-2025-fbi-says

The U.S. housing shortage has reached a staggering 10 million homes, according to a new White House report. In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down what's driving the supply gap, from post-2008 underbuilding to rising regulatory costs, and why affordability continues to worsen. We also explore how potential policy changes could impact new construction, mortgage access, and long-term economic growth. For real estate investors, the takeaway is clear: limited supply continues to support home prices and rents — even in a higher-rate environment. Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/the-u-s-is-short-10-million-houses-a-new-white-house-report-lays-out-a-blueprint-to-fix-that

Storage units are no longer just for storage. They're becoming income-generating spaces. A new study from SpareFoot shows that 28% of renters are using storage units for side hustles, earning an average of $646 per month. From reselling to small-scale production, renters are turning these spaces into business hubs. For real estate investors, this trend signals growing demand for flexible, low-cost space. It also highlights the evolving role of self-storage as more than just a passive asset. In this episode, we break down what's driving this shift, how it impacts occupancy and pricing, and what self-storage owners should watch moving forward. 🏠📈 Want to learn more? Visit www.newsforinvestors.com Source: https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/storage-unit-side-hustles/

Core inflation is still running hot—and rising energy prices could add even more pressure. In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down the latest PCE data, showing inflation at 3%, above the Fed's target. But this report came before the recent surge in oil prices tied to geopolitical tensions. Meanwhile, consumer income is slipping and economic growth has been revised lower—raising concerns about a potential stagflation environment. What does this mean for interest rates, the Fed, and real estate investors? Kathy explains what to watch next and how to navigate a market facing rising uncertainty. Want to learn more? Visit www.Newsforinvestors.com Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/09/core-inflation-was-3percent-in-february-as-expected-key-fed-gauge-shows.html

Homeowners are still renovating in 2026—even with higher costs and economic pressure. But the reason why is changing. In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down new data from Block Renovation showing a major shift toward functionality over resale. More families are choosing to stay put and redesign their homes to fit how they live today. One of the biggest drivers? Multigenerational living. With more households bringing aging parents, adult children, or caregivers under one roof, demand is rising for flexible spaces and accessory dwelling units, or ADUs. We'll also cover how homeowners are funding these projects, the growing role of AI in renovation planning, and why trust in contractors remains a major challenge. For real estate investors, this trend signals a shift in housing demand. It's no longer just about square footage—it's about adaptability, functionality, and long-term livability. Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/block-renovations-how-america-renovates-2026-report-finds-functionality-multigenerational-living-and-ai-are-shaping-renovations-today-302735081.html

The March Jobs Report is in, and while the headline numbers look solid, a closer look shows signs the labor market may be slowing. In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, host Kathy Fettke breaks down the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, including job growth, unemployment, and wage trends. You'll also hear thoughts from Zillow's chief economist, Orphe Divounguy, who says the report may not be as strong as it appears. We cover what's really happening beneath the surface—from slowing hiring and rising discouraged workers to cooling wage growth—and what it could mean for inflation, interest rates, and the Federal Reserve's next move. Tune in to understand what this jobs report means for the housing market—and your investment strategy. Sources: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7446618198294257665/?originTrackingId=XyTXb0TWbkdYLftj6Luhug%3D%3D https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm

A new proposal from lawmakers could pause AI data center development across the U.S.—and it may have bigger implications for real estate than you think. In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down the push for a nationwide moratorium on AI data centers and why it's sparking concern across both political parties. These facilities are driving demand for land, power, and infrastructure. But they also consume massive amounts of electricity—raising concerns about higher utility costs, environmental impact, and strain on local grids. Kathy explains how rising energy demand could impact operating costs, rental affordability, and long-term property values. She also looks at which markets could benefit from data center growth—and which ones may face new restrictions. This is a fast-moving story at the intersection of technology, policy, and real estate. And it's one investors can't afford to ignore. Source: https://apnews.com/article/data-centers-ai-electricity-sanders-aoc-65651bd28c3d911d18eeb46cd54f4c75

Washington State has passed a new millionaire tax, and it could have major implications for real estate investors across the country. In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down the new 9.9% tax on income over $1 million, why it's already facing legal challenges, and how it could influence investor behavior. But that's not all. Washington lawmakers also approved a sweeping package of housing bills designed to increase supply. From allowing more housing in commercial zones to making it easier to build accessory dwelling units, these changes could reshape the state's housing market. Will higher taxes push investors to other states? Could loosening zoning laws help solve the housing shortage? And will other states follow Washington's lead? Tune in as Kathy explains what this means for your portfolio, your strategy, and the future of real estate investing. Source: https://www.realtor.com/news/real-estate-news/washington-state-millionaire-tax/