The Nadlan Group Real Estate Podcast

Rents Keep Falling Nationwide, But Many Workers Still Can’t Afford to Live Alone

The U.S. rental market is cooling, but for many renters, especially those earning the lowest wages, affordability is still a major problem.
New data from Realtor.com shows that median asking rents fell again in November, marking the 28th straight month of year-over-year declines. That’s welcome news after several years of sharp rent increases. Even so, the relief has been modest, and rent remains out of reach for many households.
Across the 50 largest metro areas, the median rent for studios through two-bedroom homes was $1,693 in November. That’s slightly lower than last year and down from October. But compared with before the pandemic, rents are still more than 17% higher. In practical terms, renters are paying far more today than they were just a few years ago.
Seasonal trends are also playing a role. Rents usually soften in winter after peaking in summer, and this year is no different. Still, the bigger issue is affordability, not month-to-month changes.
Using the standard rule that rent should not exceed 30% of income, Realtor.com looked at whether two full-time minimum-wage workers could afford the typical rental in each metro. The result was striking: only five of the 50 largest metro areas met that standard without requiring overtime.
In most cities, even two people working full time at minimum wage would need extra hours just to cover rent.
Wage increases planned for 2026 may help in some markets. In areas where minimum wages are rising, renters should need fewer work hours to afford housing. That could free up money for food, transportation, or savings.
Still, high-cost cities remain especially challenging. Even where wages are increasing, rents are often rising faster, keeping affordability out of reach for many low-income renters.
The bottom line is clear. The rental market is improving, but slowly. Rents are no longer surging, yet they remain high. Until wages rise faster and more housing becomes available, many renters will continue to feel squeezed. For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
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https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2025/12/rents-keep-falling-nationwide-but-many-workers-still-cant-afford-to-live-alone/
#HousingMarket2026 #RealEstateTrends #MortgageRates #HomePrices #HousingForecast

Housing Market Predictions 2026 What Buyers, Renters, and Homeowners Need to Know

The housing market in 2026 is expected to feel calmer than the past few years, but that doesn’t mean homes will suddenly become cheap or easy to buy. For buyers, renters, and homeowners, the year ahead will be more about careful planning than chasing big market shifts.
Mortgage rates are likely to ease slightly, but expectations should stay realistic. Most forecasts point to rates settling in the low-to-mid six percent range. That’s better than recent highs, but far from the ultra-low rates many people still remember. Even small drops may not move the needle much once you factor in high home prices, insurance, and property taxes.
Home prices are expected to grow slowly rather than fall. Limited inventory remains the biggest reason. While more homes are coming on the market, supply in many regions is still well below pre-pandemic levels. That means sellers will continue to have leverage in desirable areas, even if bidding wars become less common.
Renters may see mixed conditions. Some cities with heavy apartment construction could continue offering concessions, while markets with less new supply may see rents level off or rise again. For many households, renting will remain the more flexible option while savings grow.
The biggest takeaway for 2026 is this: the market won’t reward waiting for a perfect moment. Success will depend on knowing your budget, understanding your local market, and being ready when the right opportunity appears. Whether buying, renting, or staying put, steady decisions will matter more than bold predictions.For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
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https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2025/12/housing-market-predictions-2026/
#HousingMarket2026 #RealEstateTrends #MortgageRates #HomePrices #HousingForecast

Rural Home Prices Jump Faster Than Cities as Buyers Look Beyond Metro Areas

Home prices in rural parts of the U.S. are rising much faster than in major cities, and the gap keeps getting wider.
New data from Realtor.com shows that from late 2019 to late 2025, median home prices in non-metro counties jumped more than 70 percent. During that same period, prices in metro areas rose just over 30 percent. That’s a major shift from past decades, when cities captured most of the growth.
Some of the strongest gains are happening in the Midwest and the South. Take Blackford County, Indiana. In 2019, the typical home there cost under $56,000. By November 2025, that price climbed to nearly $156,000—an increase of about 186 percent. Even after that surge, homes there still cost far less than the national median, which sits around $415,000.
Lauderdale County, Tennessee shows a similar trend. Home prices rose close to 160 percent over six years, driven by job growth, lower taxes, and steady demand from new residents. States like Tennessee continue to attract buyers looking for affordability and fewer tax burdens.
A big reason behind this shift is remote work. During the pandemic, many workers realized they no longer needed to live near big cities. As a result, rural areas saw a sharp turnaround. After years of population loss, more than half a million people moved into non-metro counties between 2021 and 2023.
But there’s a downside. Wages in rural areas haven’t kept up. Rural workers still earn about 15 percent less than urban workers, making it harder for long-time residents to keep pace with rising home prices. Rental options are also limited, adding more pressure.
This isn’t a vacation-home boom. Most buyers are moving in full-time, not purchasing second homes. That’s reshaping local markets in lasting ways.
Going forward, rural housing growth highlights how buyer priorities have changed. Space, flexibility, and price matter more than ever. The challenge now is making sure these communities can grow without pushing out the people who already call them home. For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
 
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
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https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2025/12/rural-home-prices-jump-faster-than-cities-as-buyers-look-beyond-metro-areas/
#HousingMarket #RuralRealEstate #HomePrices #HousingTrends #RealEstateNews

Can the Latest Inflation Numbers Be Trusted Economists Question Delayed CPI Report

The latest inflation report brought a wave of optimism to financial markets, but many economists say the numbers may not tell the full story.
The November Consumer Price Index showed inflation cooling faster than expected. Headline inflation came in at 2.7 percent year over year, while core inflation, which excludes food and energy, fell to 2.6 percent. Both figures were well below forecasts, and markets reacted quickly. Stocks moved higher, bond yields dropped, and expectations for future interest rate cuts increased.
However, beneath that initial reaction, concerns began to surface.
This report was released later than usual because of the recent government shutdown, and October inflation data was never published. That gap forced the Bureau of Labor Statistics to make assumptions to fill in missing information. Those assumptions were not fully detailed, leaving economists unsure how reliable the final numbers really are.
Several analysts believe the lower inflation reading may be partly driven by technical factors rather than real price relief. In some categories, prices may have been carried forward or treated as unchanged due to missing data. That approach can artificially pull inflation lower.
Housing inflation is the biggest area of concern. Owners’ equivalent rent plays a major role in CPI, and some economists suspect it may have been understated. Because housing costs move slowly, any errors here could affect inflation readings for months and potentially lead to a rebound later when data normalizes.
Timing may have also played a role. Much of the data was collected later in November, when holiday discounts are common. That likely pushed goods prices down more than usual, further softening the index.
Markets began to reflect these doubts as the day went on. Early gains faded, bond yields moved off their lows, and investors grew more cautious.
The takeaway is mixed. Inflation does appear to be easing over time, but the unusual data gaps make it risky to rely too heavily on this single report. Future inflation releases with full data will be critical in confirming whether price pressures are truly cooling or simply distorted.
For now, optimism remains—but with a healthy dose of caution. For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
 
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
https://nadlancapitalgroup.com
 
Continue reading on our site: 
https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2025/12/can-the-latest-inflation-numbers-be-trusted-economists-question-delayed-cpi-report/
#MortgageRefinance #HousingMarket #InterestRates #Homeowners #PersonalFinance

Will Refinancing Really Improve Homeowner Affordability in 2026

As housing costs remain high, many homeowners are asking a practical question: will refinancing actually lower monthly payments? According to housing economists, the answer depends less on headlines and more on personal timing, loan details, and future plans.
 
Senior economist Jake Krimmel explains that refinancing often doesn’t make sense for homeowners who plan to move within the next few years. That’s because refinancing only works when the long-term savings are greater than the upfront costs.
 
The most important concept to understand is the breakeven point. This is the amount of time it takes for your monthly savings to recover the closing costs of a refinance. A simple way to calculate it is by dividing total closing costs by your expected monthly savings. If you expect to sell your home before reaching that point, refinancing likely won’t pay off.
 
Many homeowners assume that recent Federal Reserve rate cuts automatically make refinancing attractive. But mortgage rates don’t move in lockstep with Fed decisions. Instead, they follow long-term Treasury yields. As a result, mortgage rates are expected to ease only slightly, averaging around 6.3 percent in 2026. That small drop isn’t enough to help most borrowers.
 
Refinancing usually only works when the new rate is at least half a percent to one percent lower than your current rate. The challenge is that more than 80 percent of homeowners already have rates below 6 percent, many locked in years ago between 3 and 4 percent. For them, refinancing would actually raise costs, not lower them.
 
The homeowners who benefit most are those who bought in the last two or three years, when rates were closer to 7 or 8 percent. If they have large loan balances and plan to stay put for several years, even a modest rate drop can lead to real monthly savings.
 
Finally, rates alone don’t tell the full story. Credit score, equity, debt levels, and shopping around all play a major role in what rate a borrower can actually secure.
 
The bottom line is simple: refinancing can help—but only for a narrow group of homeowners. Before making a move, it’s critical to calculate the breakeven point and focus on your own financial situation, not just what’s happening at the Fed. For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
 
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
https://nadlancapitalgroup.com
 
Continue reading on our site: 
https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2025/12/will-refinancing-really-improve-homeowner-affordability-in-2026/
#MortgageRefinance #HousingMarket #InterestRates #Homeowners #PersonalFinance

Mortgage Market Slows for the Holidays Despite Key Economic Reports

Two of the most important economic reports of the month were released this week, and under normal conditions, both would have pushed mortgage rates noticeably lower. Instead, rates only improved slightly, and the overall market reaction was far more muted than expected. The reason comes down to timing, data details, and the reality of holiday trading.
First, the November jobs report showed the unemployment rate rising to 4.6 percent, the highest level since 2021 and well above expectations. Normally, a jump like that would send bond yields lower and pull mortgage rates down with them. But this time, the market barely reacted.
Looking deeper, the details softened the headline number. Labor force participation increased, meaning more people were actively looking for work. The unrounded unemployment rate rose only slightly, and much of the increase came from temporary layoffs rather than permanent job losses. Taken together, the labor market didn’t appear as weak as the top-line number suggested.
Then came Thursday’s inflation report. The Consumer Price Index for November came in lower than expected, which is usually very good news for interest rates. But once again, the response was limited. Data collection had been disrupted by the recent government shutdown, raising concerns about accuracy. By the time CPI was released, most of the rate improvement had already happened, leaving little follow-through.
Another major factor is the calendar. The second half of December is known for thin trading. With fewer traders active, markets often drift sideways, ignore data that would normally matter, or move briefly before reversing. Many investors are choosing to wait until January, when fresh data and full participation return.
Looking ahead, holiday closures and half-days will further limit activity. That means mortgage rates could continue to move in small, sometimes unpredictable ways through year-end.
The bottom line is simple: even though the data supported lower rates, the market is in holiday mode. A clearer trend is more likely once January’s economic reports arrive and normal trading resumes. For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
https://nadlancapitalgroup.com
 
Continue reading on our site: 
https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2025/12/mortgage-market-slows-for-the-holidays-despite-key-economic-reports/
#MortgageRates #HousingMarket #EconomicData #InterestRates #HomeFinance

Existing Home Sales Rise Slightly, but Buyers Stay Cautious Heading Into Winter

Existing-home sales posted a small gain in November, marking the third straight month of improvement. Still, the overall picture remains mixed, as many buyers continue to sit on the sidelines due to affordability pressures, rising prices, and uncertainty about the economy.
According to the latest data, existing-home sales increased slightly to an annual pace of just over 4.1 million homes. While that’s a positive monthly move, sales are still lower than this time last year, showing that demand remains cautious.
Lower mortgage rates earlier in the fall helped bring some buyers back into the market. But that boost may be fading. Fewer homeowners are listing their properties as winter sets in, especially since many already hold strong equity positions and there’s little pressure to sell. As a result, inventory dipped from October, even though it’s still higher than a year ago.
Prices also continue to rise. The national median price climbed above $409,000, marking nearly two and a half years of uninterrupted annual price growth. Single-family homes led the market, with modest sales gains and steady price increases. Condos and co-ops, however, struggled, partly because rising HOA fees are making them less attractive despite lower purchase prices.
Regional trends remain uneven. The Northeast and South saw sales improve, while the Midwest slipped and the West remained flat. Price growth was strongest in the Midwest, while the West was the only region to post a slight annual price decline.
Affordability remains the biggest hurdle. Even with lower rates, higher prices and everyday cost pressures are keeping many buyers cautious. Monthly payments haven’t changed much compared with last year, which limits the impact of rate relief.
Looking ahead, housing activity is expected to stay slow through winter. Mortgage rates may ease further in 2026, but job market concerns and tight inventory in popular areas could continue to hold buyers back.
The takeaway is clear: sales are improving slightly, but meaningful recovery will depend on better affordability and more available homes. For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
 
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
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https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2025/12/existing-home-sales-rise-slightly-but-buyers-stay-cautious-heading-into-winter/
#HousingMarket  #ExistingHomeSales #RealEstateTrends #MortgageRates  #HomeBuying

Mortgage Rates Ease Slightly, Hovering Near Two Week Lows Unlisted

Mortgage rates wrapped up the week just a touch higher, but they’re still sitting close to the lowest levels we’ve seen in more than two weeks. Even with some talk around overseas central bank decisions, the U.S. mortgage market barely reacted, keeping things relatively calm.
For most lenders, Friday brought only a very small increase. Even so, rates ended the day at the second-lowest point of the week, with Thursday offering slightly better pricing. To put it in context, you’d have to go back to December 4 to find rates meaningfully lower than where they are now.
So why was Friday so quiet?
The answer lies in the bond market, which plays a major role in setting mortgage rates. Trading activity was light, and while there was speculation that moves by foreign central banks could ripple into U.S. markets, nothing significant actually happened. Without a strong catalyst, rates simply held their ground.
This steady pattern has been common throughout much of December, with rates moving within a tight range rather than showing a clear upward or downward trend.
Looking ahead, things could get a bit less predictable. As the market moves deeper into the holiday season, trading volume typically drops. Fewer active traders can lead to unusual price movements that don’t always have a clear explanation.
During the holidays, there’s no reliable pattern. Some years, rates drift sideways with little change. Other years, we see sudden jumps or dips that seem to come out of nowhere. That means short-term volatility can increase, even without major news or data.
A clearer direction is more likely to emerge in January, when regular economic reports return. Key updates on inflation and employment tend to have a much stronger influence on rates and usually help set the tone for the months ahead.
For now, the takeaway is simple. Mortgage rates remain close to recent lows, even after Friday’s small uptick. While the rest of December may bring some random movement due to holiday trading, the overall picture is stable—and that’s encouraging news for borrowers keeping a close eye on rates. For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
https://nadlancapitalgroup.com
 
Continue reading on our site: 
https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2025/12/mortgage-rates-ease-slightly-hovering-near-two-week-lows/
#MortgageRates #HousingMarket #InterestRates #HomeLoans #RealEstateNews

Is the 30% Rent Rule Still Realistic in Today’s High Cost Housing Market

For decades, renters have heard the same rule of thumb: don’t spend more than 30% of your income on rent. The idea is simple—if housing stays under that limit, there should be enough money left for food, transportation, savings, and emergencies.
But as rents keep rising faster than wages in many cities, more renters are asking an honest question: does the 30% rule still work today?
The rule has been around for a long time. More than a century ago, housing researchers noticed that working families could usually manage rent that equaled about one week’s pay each month. During the Great Depression, similar standards were used to identify households under financial stress. By the 1960s, U.S. housing programs set affordability at about 20% to 25% of income. In the early 1980s, that limit was raised to 30%, where it remains today.
For many households, the rule is still useful—as a starting point. It gives renters a quick way to check whether housing costs might crowd out other essentials. For people earning around the middle of their local income range, it often works reasonably well.
The problem is that one number doesn’t fit everyone. High earners can spend well over 30% on housing and still live comfortably. Low earners, on the other hand, may struggle even if their rent is below 30%, because there simply isn’t enough income left to cover basics like food, health care, and transportation.
Real-world budgets show this clearly. Studies of household finances in major cities found that only a small share of renters could cover rent and all basic expenses at the same time—and those households typically had two earners and no children. Everyone else came up short.
In high-cost cities, staying under 30% is often unrealistic. Young workers and people early in their careers are especially affected. Many accept higher rent burdens temporarily, hoping that income growth will catch up over time.
That’s why experts say a personal budget matters more than a fixed rule. Start by listing non-negotiable expenses—food, transportation, health care, emergency savings. What’s left after those costs is a more accurate guide to what you can afford in rent.
The bottom line is this: the 30% rule isn’t useless, but it isn’t a hard law either. It’s a guideline, not a guarantee. In today’s market, understanding your full financial picture matters far more than hitting a single percentage. For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
https://nadlancapitalgroup.com
 
Continue reading on our site: 
https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2025/12/is-the-30-rent-rule-still-realistic-in-todays-high-cost-housing-market/
#MortgageRates #HousingMarket #AdjustableRateMortgage #HomeBuying #Affordability

More Homebuyers Choose Adjustable Rate Mortgages as High Rates Continue

Many homebuyers still remember the role adjustable-rate mortgages played during the 2008 housing crash. That history makes some buyers cautious. Still, adjustable-rate mortgages—often called ARMs—are making a clear comeback as buyers look for ways to manage today’s high mortgage rates.
For much of the past three years, fixed mortgage rates have stayed above 6%. That has made monthly payments harder to afford, especially with home prices still elevated. As a result, more buyers are turning to ARMs as a short-term solution.
An ARM typically starts with a lower fixed rate for a set period, often five, seven, or ten years. After that, the rate adjusts based on market conditions. While that adjustment can raise payments later, many buyers are focused on reducing costs right now.
Industry experts say today’s ARMs are very different from the risky loans seen before 2008. Lending rules are stricter, and borrowers are qualified based on the fully adjusted rate—not just the low introductory rate. That means buyers must show they can afford the loan even if rates rise later.
Data shows ARM use has been climbing steadily. About 10% of borrowers now choose an ARM, up from around 6% in the years following the housing crash. In new-home purchases, ARMs are even more common, making up roughly one-quarter of loans.
The savings can be significant. A typical five-year ARM has recently offered rates nearly a full percentage point lower than a 30-year fixed loan. On a $400,000 mortgage, that can mean about $200 less per month—enough to make homeownership possible for some buyers.
ARMs work best for borrowers who plan ahead. Many hope to refinance before the adjustable period begins, especially if rates fall. The risk comes if rates are higher when the loan resets.
The bottom line is simple: adjustable-rate mortgages are gaining popularity because they offer short-term relief in a tough affordability environment. They can be useful tools, but only for buyers who understand the risks and have a clear plan. For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
https://nadlancapitalgroup.com
 
Continue reading on our site: 
https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2025/12/more-homebuyers-choose-adjustable-rate-mortgages-as-high-rates-continue/
#MortgageRates #HousingMarket #AdjustableRateMortgage #HomeBuying #Affordability