The 2026 elections brought major changes to property taxes and housing policy that could impact real estate investors. Voters in Florida, North Carolina, California, and Hawaii approved measures affecting property tax relief, housing affordability, and infrastructure development.

In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down Florida's expanded homestead exemption and new assessment limits for rental properties, North Carolina's property tax restrictions, California's more than $36 billion in authorized housing bonds, and Hawaii's new infrastructure financing program. Find out how these changes could affect rental property expenses, housing supply, and investment opportunities in the years ahead.

Looking for rental property investment opportunities? Schedule a complimentary strategy session with a RealWealth investment counselor at www.RealWealth.com/Schedule.

Sources:

• Greenberg Traurig: 2026 Florida general election overview
• Florida Senate amendment text (non-homestead 5% cap)
• Florida Trend: new-resident waiting period
• CPA Practice Advisor: NC property tax cap results
• CalMatters: Prop 1 passes
• KQED: Prop 37 homeownership bond passes
• Hoover Institution: Prop 37 details
• Civil Beat: Hawaii RISE bonds results
• Honolulu Star-Advertiser: RISE bonds approved

The Treasury Department has announced 6,576 new Opportunity Zones across the United States, with updated tax incentives taking effect January 1, 2027. The new Opportunity Zones 2.0 program includes fewer designated areas, expanded tax benefits for qualifying rural investments, and new opportunities for real estate development.

In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down what investors need to know about the new Opportunity Zone map, including capital gains tax incentives, changes to the original program, and notable locations receiving designations. From wildfire recovery in Lahaina, Hawaii, to development near Denver International Airport and revitalization efforts in Beaumont, Texas, we look at where the new incentives could attract investment.

Find out how Opportunity Zones 2.0 could impact real estate investors, developers, and communities over the next decade.

Explore real estate investment opportunities and connect with an experienced investment counselor at www.RealWealth.com/Schedule.

Sources: https://opportunityzones.com/2026/11/treasury-designates-oz2/

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sb0682?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.beaumonttexas.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/1006

https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/tax-policy/data-transparency/qualified-opportunity-zones

https://www.flydenver.com/press-release/governor-polis-nominates-denver-international-airport-land-for-opportunity-zone-2-0-designation

https://governor.hawaii.gov/newsroom/office-of-the-governor-news-release-gov-green-announces-hawai%CA%BBis-opportunity-zones-2-0-designations

The U.S. economy added 165,000 jobs in October, beating expectations as unemployment fell to 4.1%. But despite stronger hiring, the housing market continues to struggle. Zillow reports a sharp decline in home sales and pending listings as elevated mortgage rates keep buyers on the sidelines. Kathy Fettke breaks down the latest jobs report, what it could mean for Federal Reserve policy and mortgage rates, and why a resilient labor market could eventually help revive housing demand.

Join us at the Passive Wealth Expo on January 30, 2027, in San Ramon, California. Learn more at RealWealth.com/PassiveExpo.

Sources: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/empsit_11062026.htm

https://www.zillow.com/research/october-2026-jobs-report

Is the housing market in a recession? While the U.S. economy continues to grow, home sales remain near historic lows, buyers are struggling with affordability, and homeowners are reluctant to give up their low mortgage rates. Economists are calling it a "rolling recession," and one warns it could take another five years for the market to return to normal. Kathy Fettke breaks down the latest housing data, what's keeping the market stuck, and what it could mean for real estate investors.

Join us at the RealWealth Passive Wealth Expo on January 30, 2027, in San Ramon, California! Learn more at www.RealWealth.com/PassiveExpo.

Source: https://www.scotsmanguide.com/news/rolling-recession-for-housing-sector-reflects-new-normal/

Home prices are still rising across most of the country, despite high mortgage rates and a sluggish housing market. According to the National Association of Realtors, prices increased in 78% of U.S. metro areas during the third quarter of 2026.

In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down where home prices are rising fastest, why affordable markets in the Midwest and South are seeing strong gains, and how housing affordability continues to challenge buyers. She also explores what these trends reveal about the changing housing market and where real estate investors may find opportunities.

Looking to invest in rental property? RealWealth helps investors identify promising markets and connect with experienced property teams. Visit www.RealWealth.com/Schedule to speak with an investment counselor and explore your options.

Source: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/10/29/3391413/0/en/home-prices-increased-in-78-of-metro-areas-in-third-quarter-of-2026.html

Democrats have won control of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections, but will the political shift actually impact real estate? A new Cushman & Wakefield report suggests interest rates, inflation, and economic growth matter far more than which party controls Washington. Kathy Fettke breaks down what history tells us about real estate performance after midterms, the outlook for commercial properties, and what investors should be watching as we head into 2027.

Learn more about the housing market at www.RealWealth.com.

Source: https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/en/united-states/insights/midterms-2026?utm_source=bestever.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=how-midterm-results-will-hit-cre&_bhlid=cb0324d8f56ebaac297916a3be6caca6931e039b

The AI data center boom is bringing billions of dollars in investment to communities across America, but growing voter opposition could put major projects at risk.

OpenAI is trying to change the conversation by rebranding data centers as "compute campuses." Meanwhile, communities are raising concerns about electricity costs, water usage, and infrastructure demands. With data center-related measures on ballots across the country, the industry's rapid expansion is facing new challenges.

In this episode, Kathy Fettke explores what's driving the backlash, how AI infrastructure investment could bring jobs and economic growth to smaller markets, and what the boom could mean for housing demand and real estate investors.

For more housing market news and real estate investing insights, visit www.RealWealth.com.

Sources: https://www.bisnow.com/news/national/data-center-community-relations/openai-plans-data-center-rebrand-to-make-projects-palatable-to-voters

https://poll.qu.edu/Poll-Release?releaseid=3968&utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://ballotpedia.org/Daily_Brew:_November_2,_2026?utm_source=chatgpt.com

America's largest homebuilder is feeling the pressure of higher mortgage rates and slowing buyer demand. D.R. Horton reported an 18% drop in quarterly profits, fewer new home orders, and rising cancellations. Now, the company is warning that housing market challenges could continue into 2027. Kathy Fettke breaks down what the latest earnings report reveals about the housing market, why builders are offering more incentives, and where opportunities may be emerging for real estate investors. Looking to purchase a rental property before the end of the year? RealWealth works with smaller builders offering concessions, including mortgage rates as low as 3.75% in select markets. Visit www.RealWealth.com/Schedule to speak with one of our investment counselors.

Source: https://www.wsj.com/business/earnings/d-r-horton-profit-down-as-mortgage-rates-weigh-eef4427b?regwall=eafs

The U.S. economy grew a stronger-than-expected 3.4% in the third quarter, fueled by consumer spending and a surge in artificial intelligence investment. But while AI spending is booming, the housing market is moving in the opposite direction.

Residential investment fell for the sixth time in seven quarters as high mortgage rates continued to weigh on buyers and builders. Kathy Fettke breaks down what's driving economic growth, why housing is falling behind, and how the AI boom and slowing construction could create new opportunities for real estate investors.

Learn more about building wealth through real estate at RealWealth.com.

Sources: https://www.npr.org/2026/10/29/nx-s1-6021008/economy-gdp-inflation-midterms-voters-affordability

https://www.bea.gov/news/2026/gdp-advance-estimate-3rd-quarter-2026

Commercial real estate delinquencies are rising as higher interest rates and refinancing challenges put pressure on property owners. A new report from the Mortgage Bankers Association shows growing stress in the office and multifamily sectors, with more loans approaching maturity.

Kathy Fettke breaks down the latest numbers, why refinancing is becoming more difficult, and what these challenges could mean for real estate investors.

Not sure where to invest in today's economy? Download RealWealth's free guide comparing real estate, stocks, gold, and REITs at www.RealWealth.com/AssetClasses.

Source: https://www.mba.org/news-and-research/newsroom/news/2026/10/27/delinquency-rates-for-commercial-properties-increased-in-the-third-quarter-of-2026?utm_source=chatgpt.com

The Federal Reserve is holding interest rates steady after September's rate hike, but inflation concerns could keep borrowing costs elevated. Rising energy prices tied to the war with Iran are complicating the Fed's next move, and two Fed officials are already pushing for another increase.

Kathy Fettke breaks down the latest Fed decision, changes to its rate-setting schedule, and what persistent inflation could mean for mortgage rates and the housing market.

For more housing market news, expert insights, and forecasts, visit www.RealWealth.com/Webinars.

Source: https://www.cnn.com/2026/10/28/business/live-news/federal-reserve-interest-rate-october