Housing Market Update 2026: Rates Rise, Inventory Tightens | Mike Simonsen

Mortgage rates are rising again—and it's changing the housing market fast. In this episode of The Real Wealth Show, Kathy Fettke sits down with Mike Simonsen to break down what's really happening in the 2026 housing market—and what it means for you as an investor. Home prices are flat. Sales are down nearly 30% from the pandemic peak. And inventory is shifting in ways most headlines are missing. Mike explains why mortgage rates jumped from under 6% back to around 6.5%, how global events are impacting inflation, and why trying to time the market may be a losing strategy. You'll also hear why rent growth is slowing, how "household formation" drives both rents and home prices, and what investors should be focusing on right now—especially when it comes to cash flow and underwriting deals in today's uncertain market. If you're wondering whether now is a good time to buy, sell, or wait, this episode will give you the data—and the clarity—you need to make smarter real estate decisions. DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to make or consider any investment or course of action. For more information, go to www.RealWealthShow.com

What if you could teach your kids to build wealth before they even turn 25? How to Build Generational Wealth with Real Estate is the focus of this episode of The Real Wealth Show, as Kathy Fettke sits down with longtime RealWealth member Craig Turner and his family. Craig didn't just invest for himself. He made it a priority to teach his children how to invest early. Today, his kids are building their own real estate portfolios, creating a powerful example of what's possible when financial education starts young. In this conversation, you'll hear how this family chose rental properties over luxury spending, and how that decision continues to pay off years later. They share how mindset, consistency, and long-term thinking can turn small investments into lasting wealth. You'll also learn how they manage their properties, track performance, and stay disciplined with their strategy month after month. If you've ever wondered how to create a financial legacy—or how to get your kids involved in real estate investing—this episode will give you both the inspiration and the practical steps to get started. Start planting the seeds today so your future—and your family—can benefit for generations. 🏡 Interested in starting your journey? Visit www.Realwealth.com/Schedule today.  DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to make or consider any investment or course of action. For more information, go to www.RealWealthShow.com

In this episode of The Real Wealth Show, Kathy Fettke sits down with the Chief Economist at AirDNA to break down what's really happening in the short-term rental market in 2026. After years of rapid growth, the Airbnb market has gone through a major reset. Occupancy rates declined as new supply flooded the market. But now, the data is showing signs of a comeback. You'll learn why short-term rental demand is still strong globally, how slowing supply growth is helping stabilize returns, and which markets are seeing the biggest opportunities right now. From U.S. trends to international hotspots, this episode covers where investors are winning—and where risks still remain. If you've been wondering whether Airbnb investing is still worth it in 2026, this episode will give you the data-backed insights you need. ☀️🏠 Would you like to come to our event? Visit www.Realwealth.com/LAEvent DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to make or consider any investment or course of action. For more information, go to www.RealWealthShow.com

If you've been wondering how to create more freedom in your life, real estate might be the answer. In this episode of The Real Wealth Show, Kathy Fettke sits down with RealWealth's Director of Real Estate, Leah Collich, to break down how rental properties can help you reach financial freedom. You'll learn what turnkey real estate investing is, how it works, and why so many investors are using it to build long-term wealth. They also discuss how to choose the right markets, what to look for in a property, and how to build a portfolio that generates passive income. Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale, this episode will give you a clear path to building financial freedom through real estate. If you'd like help getting started, you can connect with the RealWealth team at www.realwealth.com/schedule.  DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to make or consider any investment or course of action. For more information, go to www.RealWealthShow.com

Former pro snowboarder Dan Brisse built a career on risk, discipline, and performance. But like many athletes, he realized early on that one injury could end it all. In this episode, Dan shares why he turned to real estate investing to create long-term financial security—and how multifamily properties helped him build multiple streams of passive income. You'll hear how he went from buying a duplex to scaling into larger deals, the lessons he learned during the multifamily boom and downturn, and why cash flow, tax strategy, and strong operators matter more than ever in today's market. If you're looking to build wealth beyond a paycheck, this episode breaks down the mindset and strategy behind creating true financial freedom. 📈 🏠 Want to learn more? Visit www.Realwealth.com/MultifamilyFund DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to make or consider any investment or course of action. For more information, go to www.RealWealthShow.com

Spring is here, and the housing market is starting to shift—but is it a surge or just a slow thaw? In this episode of The Real Wealth Show, Kathy Fettke sits down with Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, to break down what investors should expect in the 2026 spring housing market. Kathy and Odeta explore why this spring may feel more like a "thaw" than a boom, and what that means for buyers and investors trying to time the market. They also discuss what's driving affordability, how shifting supply is impacting opportunities, and where investors should be paying attention as the market evolves. If you're trying to decide when and where to invest in 2026, this episode will give you a clear, data-driven look at the forces shaping today's housing market. 📈 🏠 Want to learn more? Visit www.Realwealth.com/Tours.  DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to make or consider any investment or course of action. For more information, go to www.RealWealthShow.com

A new federal reporting rule could impact how real estate investors buy and transfer property. In this episode, Kathy Fettke sits down with asset protection attorney Clint Coons to break down the new FinCEN real estate reporting requirements that took effect March 1. The rule targets certain residential real estate transactions involving business entities and cash purchases, requiring detailed reporting to the U.S. Treasury. Clint explains which transactions are now reportable, what exemptions exist, and why many investors are reconsidering how they structure property ownership. He also discusses strategies investors are using to maintain privacy and asset protection, including the role of land trusts and LLCs. If you buy investment property, transfer property into an LLC, or purchase real estate with cash, this is an important update you won't want to miss. 📈 🏠 Want to learn more? Visit www.Realwealth.com/Clint to learn more.  DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to make or consider any investment or course of action. For more information, go to www.RealWealthShow.com

Are short-term rentals still a good investment in today's market? In this episode of The Real Wealth Show, Kathy Fettke talks with real estate investor and Short-Term Shop founder Avery Carl about what's really happening in the short-term rental market in 2026. Despite headlines claiming "Airbnb is dead," Avery says the market is stabilizing after the post-COVID boom. Inventory is higher, deals are easier to negotiate, and experienced investors are still finding profitable opportunities. They discuss how vacation markets like Destin, the Smoky Mountains, and Myrtle Beach are performing, what kind of income investors should realistically expect today, and why buying the right property in the right location still matters most. Avery also shares common mistakes new investors make, how to evaluate short-term rental numbers, and why amenities and over-leveraging can quickly destroy cash flow. If you're thinking about investing in a vacation rental—or wondering if the short-term rental boom is really over—this episode breaks down what investors need to know now. 📈 🏠 Want to learn more about RealWealth and turn key investment properties? Visit www.Realwealth.com/Tours to learn more.  DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to make or consider any investment or course of action. For more information, go to www.RealWealthShow.com

The global economy is facing new uncertainty — from the Iran conflict to tariffs and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. What could it all mean for real estate investors? In this episode of The Real Wealth Show, Kathy Fettke talks with investor J Scott about the biggest economic risks right now. They discuss how the Iran conflict could affect oil prices, inflation, and interest rates, why tariffs and policy uncertainty are impacting business decisions, and how AI could reshape jobs, rents, and property values over the next decade. Despite these risks, J Scott explains why he remains bullish on real estate and why hard assets have historically held up well during periods of economic uncertainty. 📈 🏠 Want to learn more about RealWealth and turn key investment properties? Visit www.Realwealth.com/Tours to learn more.  DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to make or consider any investment or course of action. For more information, go to www.RealWealthShow.com 00:00 – Introduction 00:43 – Meet J Scott 01:28 – How the Iran Conflict Could Affect the Economy 03:12 – Why Oil Prices Matter 03:54 – The Biggest Risks From the Iran Conflict 08:35 – What Happens to Interest Rates Next 11:03 – What Real Estate Investors Should Do Right Now 14:50 – Housing Market Outlook 16:11 – Tariffs, the U.S. Economy, and the Labor Market 21:29 – The Biggest Long-Term Risk for Investors: AI  

Many real estate agents spend their careers helping others build wealth—but never build their own. In this episode, Kathy Fettke talks with Bay Area real estate agent Olivia McNally about why agents should also become investors. Olivia shares her journey from a six-figure government job to real estate sales, how she learned the business from the ground up, and why she's now focused on flipping homes, buying rentals, and building long-term wealth. They also discuss the realities of today's San Francisco housing market and why agents need both income and investments to succeed long term. 📈 🏠  Want to learn more about investing in real estate? Just visit www.Realwealthshow.com where you can access 500 free webinars, online resources, and potential investment properties.  DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to make or consider any investment or course of action. For more information, go to www.RealWealthShow.com.