In this month’s market report, we analyze the shifting dynamics of the real estate market as 2024 came to a close. Nearly 60 major markets, including Raleigh, Salt Lake City, and Fort Wayne, experienced declines in home prices, signaling potential opportunities for investors. However, rising inventory and days on market didn’t lead to price drops everywhere, with some markets holding firm or even appreciating. We explore regional trends, highlight the top-performing and cooling markets, and unco...
Jan 10, 2025•18 min•Ep 1562•Transcript available on Metacast Looking for a way to offset skyrocketing housing costs while generating extra income? House hacking might be your answer. From renting out a room to converting your basement or even building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), this strategy lets you leverage your primary residence for passive income. This guide breaks down modern house hacking, exploring options like small multifamily units, shared living spaces, and ADUs. We’ll also cover the practical steps to rent out part of your home, includi...
Jan 09, 2025•14 min•Ep 1561•Transcript available on Metacast When I first dipped my toes into the world of house flipping, I was filled with excitement and a fair share of naiveté. I had dreams of turning rundown properties into beautiful homes and reaping the rewards of my hard work. But, like many aspiring investors, I faced my share of setbacks. I experienced the sting of failure, but I learned invaluable lessons along the way that helped me rebuild and ultimately thrive in this business. If I could go back in time, there are key insights I wish I had ...
Jan 08, 2025•9 min•Ep 1460•Transcript available on Metacast The Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina, metros grew tremendously over the past five years, with a population growth of 11.53% and 8.81%, respectively (the U.S. average was 2.94%). Raleigh also had a 64.2% increase in its median price, while Charlotte experienced a 76.9% increase (the U.S. average was 46.9%). Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/north-carolina-could-be-the-next-boom-state Subscribe to the BiggerPockets Channel for the best real estate investing edu...
Jan 07, 2025•14 min•Ep 1459•Transcript available on Metacast Real estate investing is one of the best ways to build wealth, but there’s a hidden trap that even seasoned investors fall into—it’s called poor bookkeeping practices that quietly drain profits and put portfolios at risk. You may have written deals on a napkin or put the receipt for purchasing materials in your glove compartment before, but that could leave you scrambling at the worst times. The bookkeeping, accounting, and banking system you choose will determine whether you avoid these headach...
Jan 06, 2025•10 min•Ep 1458•Transcript available on Metacast If you are lucky enough to have a spare room in your house that is not filled with random junk, congratulations—you may be sitting on some extra cash. The threat of a roommate eating your leftovers is not as high as the cash flow you can bring in, so let’s dive into how to turn your extra room into extra revenue. Once you find a tenant, our friends from Baselane will be able to help you screen the tenant, help collect rent online, and mange all your rental finances with a business checking accou...
Jan 05, 2025•13 min•Ep 1457•Transcript available on Metacast “I saved up a million dollars—and all I got was this lousy $40,000 a year.” That’s the metaphorical T-shirt that the average retiree wears. Actually, it’s worse than that. The average retiree aged between 65 and 74 doesn’t have a million dollars saved as a nest egg. They have $609,230, and that’s the mean average, not the median. You can be sure the median is a lot lower. Based on the traditional 4% rule, the average retiree takes an annual income of just $24,369 from that nest egg. Don’t blow t...
Jan 04, 2025•11 min•Ep 1456•Transcript available on Metacast Suburban migration didn’t end with the pandemic. If anything, we’ve seen a long-term shift in American priorities concerning housing, which has led to an increasing number of households moving out of the city and into the suburbs. When people head out to the ‘burbs, real estate investors would do well to follow. We have a saying in real estate that we look for the path of progress. Sometimes, this is revitalizing or rezoning areas to include new housing or businesses. Sometimes, it is simply the...
Jan 03, 2025•10 min•Ep 1455•Transcript available on Metacast In my previous article on the uniquely American suburbs, I delved into their controversial history. Here, I’ll focus on the political and social critiques of America’s particularly car-centric and sprawled form of suburban development. A third and final piece will look at the financial picture, as well as the suburbs’ viability, both for the country and investors. Conspiracy theories that the suburbs were created to drive demand for automobiles are, for the most part, backward. It was, in actual...
Jan 02, 2025•24 min•Ep 1454•Transcript available on Metacast I wrote an article explaining why I am investing in real estate investment trusts (REITs) instead of rental properties. In short, REITs are still discounted, and I expect their lower valuations to result in higher returns in the coming years. Unfortunately, it would seem that many readers miss the point of investing in REITs due to misconceptions. I saw several people in the comment section claim that REITs should be less rewarding investments because: - You don’t enjoy the benefits of leverage....
Jan 01, 2025•16 min•Ep 1453•Transcript available on Metacast Certain cities across the United States are emerging as economic powerhouses, creating ideal conditions for real estate investors. I’ve published two previous articles on cities with growing tech hubs and high income increases, both of which are highly correlated with price appreciation. Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/13-real-estate-hotspots-with-the-best-economies Subscribe to the BiggerPockets Channel for the best real estate investing education online! Becom...
Dec 31, 2024•15 min•Ep 1542•Transcript available on Metacast Affordable housing might be a priority for the government, but that doesn’t mean banks share the same view. According to a recent CoStar article, 11 federal home loan banks say that government pressure to fund their housing programs could threaten their stability. The Biden administration requires federal banks to contribute money through grants for affordable housing initiatives. According to a White House press release, the president proposed that “each Federal Home Loan Bank double its annual...
Dec 30, 2024•12 min•Ep 1541•Transcript available on Metacast If there’s a downside to investing in real estate, it’s dealing with nonpaying tenants. Many people prefer to put their money in the stock market because even with diligent screening, it’s inevitable that you’ll encounter tenants who fall behind on their rent. When that happens, your real estate becomes a massive headache. However, according to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, rent problems could be well on their way out. Keep reading the article here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/b...
Dec 29, 2024•11 min•Ep 1540•Transcript available on Metacast Does this scenario sound familiar? “I distinctly remember a conversation I had with my boyfriend shortly after submitting an offer on my very first rental property. We were sitting at his son’s Little League baseball game, and my mind was wandering (if you’ve ever watched a Little League baseball game, you understand). I turned to my boyfriend and said, ‘What happens if they actually accept my offer on that property?’ The truth of the matter was, I was a 28-year-old with not even an ounce of ren...
Dec 28, 2024•13 min•Ep 1539•Transcript available on Metacast Data privacy is an ever-increasing concern, particularly in finance, where sensitive information like personal and business bank statements, loans, credit information, driver’s licenses, and Social Security numbers are involved. Because of this, real estate is particularly vulnerable. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI), which allows more data to be transferred through apps and social media, further increases the need for robust laws and cybersecurity. Keep reading the article here: https...
Dec 27, 2024•14 min•Ep 1538•Transcript available on Metacast Finding promising equity deals in today’s real estate market can feel like a needle in a haystack. Whether you’re an active or passive real estate investor, facing this challenge means it’s crucial to focus on making the most of your existing investments. By optimizing your current holdings, you can enhance their performance and ensure they align with your long-term goals—and put more money in your pocket along the way. Here’s a straightforward guide on how to do just that. Keep reading the arti...
Dec 26, 2024•13 min•Ep 1537•Transcript available on Metacast When you start them early enough, your investments can perform shocking feats of strength. They can even keep pace with the runaway cost of college tuition—which has more than doubled since 2000. The average cost of private college tuition and fees has reached $38,768, according to the Education Data Initiative, and you can expect that to keep skyrocketing between now and when your little one reaches college age. Fortunately, real estate can help. Try these creative approaches to paying for your...
Dec 25, 2024•12 min•Ep 1536•Transcript available on Metacast You have finally decided to enter the short-term rental (STR) market, and your biggest concern is a call from the local fire department stating that your house is ablaze or that your guest is suing you for a twisted ankle during their stay. Luckily, if you prepare with the proper insurance and care for your property, these types of situations can be managed. Listing your property on Airbnb can bring in extra income—and extra headaches if you are not covered properly. Don’t rely on your regular h...
Dec 24, 2024•12 min•Ep 1535•Transcript available on Metacast Knowing how to price your rental property has been an issue since the dawn of time (or whenever the first rental was). Before the internet and modern technology, investors were driving around hoping to see a “for rent” sign and writing down (on paper) how much each place was going for. Fast-forward to today, and calculating how much to set the rent for your property has changed dramatically. Let’s jump into how to correctly price your rental in today’s world from our friends at Baselane. Keep re...
Dec 23, 2024•11 min•Ep 1534•Transcript available on Metacast The last two years have felt like a slow-motion car crash in commercial real estate. That goes for office space, of course, but it also goes for multifamily and other commercial property classes. Look no further than this piece by BiggerPockets if you need a refresher. Two regional banks went under because of the industry’s woes in 2023. But even in one of the worst stretches for commercial real estate on record, many operators and passive investors have continued earning solid returns. Since 20...
Dec 22, 2024•16 min•Ep 1533•Transcript available on Metacast Pre-pandemic, short-term rentals (STRs) seemed to answer burned-out landlords’ prayers. Guests paid their money upfront, eliminating the need to evict, and homeowners could use their personal residences to earn extra income should they wish to travel or rent out individual rooms. The hotel industry quaked and pressured cities to introduce restrictions. However, STR fever was rampant. Soon, entire apartment buildings were dedicated to the vacation rental phenomenon. Everyone with a granny flat, R...
Dec 21, 2024•13 min•Ep 1532•Transcript available on Metacast On this episode, Austin Wolff dives into the Federal Reserve's latest rate cut and what it really means for property investors. In this eye-opening episode, Austin demystifies the complex web connecting Fed policy, inflation, and mortgage rates – revealing why a Fed rate cut doesn't automatically lead to cheaper mortgages. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, you'll gain invaluable insights into what's driving today's mortgage market. Austin explores the critical relationship...
Dec 20, 2024•13 min•Ep 1531•Transcript available on Metacast Starting a short-term rental business sounds like a dream—passive income, glowing reviews, and a thriving property portfolio. But before you dive into the STR game, there are critical steps to master for long-term success. This guide breaks down the five essentials: budgeting and financing, market research, choosing the right property, preparing and listing, and building a seamless management plan. From dynamic pricing strategies to standout amenities and tools like Hospitable for automation, we...
Dec 19, 2024•13 min•Ep 1530•Transcript available on Metacast Turnover can make or break your cash flow as a landlord. In this episode, we dive deep into strategies for reducing tenant turnover, speeding up make-ready processes, and optimizing your rental property operations. Learn how proactive maintenance, lease renewal incentives, and efficient contractor management can slash vacancy costs and boost profitability. Plus, discover why standardizing materials, leveraging scope-of-work templates, and tracking key performance metrics can transform your turno...
Dec 18, 2024•18 min•Ep 1529•Transcript available on Metacast The Federal Reserve is poised for another quarter-point rate cut, marking its third consecutive reduction and signaling a potential shift in monetary policy. In this episode, we break down what this latest decision means for consumers, from credit cards and mortgages to auto loans and savings rates. Will this be the last rate cut for a while? How will President-elect Trump’s fiscal policies influence the Fed’s next move? And what can borrowers and savers expect in the months ahead? Join us as we...
Dec 17, 2024•16 min•Ep 1528•Transcript available on Metacast Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina, are booming with population growth and skyrocketing real estate values, but what makes the Tar Heel State stand out beyond its pandemic-era gains? In this episode, we dive into North Carolina’s business-friendly tax environment, its vibrant Research Triangle with prestigious universities driving STEM innovation, and the long-term growth potential these metros hold. Discover how corporate tax cuts, demographic shifts, and expert insights from local agents ar...
Dec 16, 2024•15 min•Ep 1527•Transcript available on Metacast Why do states like West Virginia and Mississippi, with some of the lowest incomes per capita, also have the highest homeownership rates? In today’s episode, we explore the surprising data behind this phenomenon and what it means for real estate investors. We’ll dive into the role of housing affordability, zoning laws, and shifting migratory patterns as Americans move away from big cities to smaller towns. Plus, learn how corporate expansions by big-box retailers like Chipotle and Starbucks can o...
Dec 15, 2024•12 min•Ep 1526•Transcript available on Metacast As a landlord, taxes can either be your worst enemy or your secret weapon. In this episode, we uncover the ultimate guide to minimizing your tax bill and maximizing your rental income. From leveraging depreciation and deducting expenses to reducing capital gains taxes and appealing over-assessed property values, you’ll learn the tips and tricks that keep more money in your pocket. Whether you’re a hands-on landlord or prefer to outsource, these strategies will transform how you approach tax seas...
Dec 14, 2024•11 min•Ep 1525•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we dive into Realtor.com’s predictions for the top real estate markets in 2025. From affordable Sunbelt cities to thriving tech hubs, these 10 metros promise strong growth, increased sales, and high investment potential. Discover why cities like Raleigh, Phoenix, and Miami are leading the charge and what makes them prime opportunities for flippers, landlords, and BRRRR investors. Plus, we’ll explore how affordability, population diversity, and government-backed loans are shaping...
Dec 13, 2024•19 min•Ep 1524•Transcript available on Metacast With the college football playoffs starting, short-term rental hosts can reflect on the college towns that saw their properties fill up faster than a stadium on game day. Going forward, which towns offer the best investment opportunities for short-term rentals, and how can you strategize for success? In this episode, we break down the top 10 college towns for STRs, diving into occupancy rates, appreciation potential, and rental revenue during football season and beyond. From Tuscaloosa’s dominan...
Dec 12, 2024•12 min•Ep 1523•Transcript available on Metacast 
