May 2026

US Homeownership Holds Near 65% | Carol Strom real estate broker. Founder of USAfitpros.com 50 state Telehealth and Labs bolt-on virtual LegitScript business

In Q1 2026, US homeownership held near 65%, statistically steady quarterly and yearly, keeping the market in its narrow mid-65% range overall. Homeowner vacancy stayed near 1%, while rental vacancy sat in the low-7% range, signaling stabilization after a modest recent inventory recovery phase. The South led vacancy measures, while the Midwest posted the highest...

Will Mortgage Rates Reach 4% Again? | Carol Strom real estate broker. Founder of USAfitpros.com 50 state Telehealth and Labs bolt-on virtual LegitScript business

Mortgage rates are expected to remain around 5.7% to 6.5% through 2026–2027, reflecting a more stable long-term range rather than a return to ultra-low levels A temporary dip toward ~5.5% is possible, but sustained declines to 4% would likely require a major economic downturn, which is not currently expected Inflation above target and a “higher-for-longer”...

Housing Bill Tightens Investor Homebuying Rules | Carol Strom real estate broker. Founder of USAfitpros.com 50 state Telehealth and Labs bolt-on virtual LegitScript business

On March 10, 2026, the housing bill passed the Senate and returned to the House, highlighting bipartisan national focus on homeownership and tougher investor limits. A newly added section would bar large institutional investors owning >350 single-family homes from buying more, making build-to-rent and related strategies harder. The bill defined purchases...

Getting Started As A Real Estate Agent: 102 Tips From Top Realtors

Successful real estate agents advise new agents to specialize in a niche, focus on daily prospecting, and build consistent habits. Mastering lead generation through calls, open houses, and networking is key. Use CRM tools, follow up diligently, and treat clients as long-term relationships. Build your brand by being authentic, visible, and community-involved. Manage time with goals and schedules, and...

Why Agents Stick With a Real Estate Firm

Real estate agents choose brokerages based on strong support, leadership, and reputation. Agents value brokerages that offer ongoing training, accessible help, and tools to grow their business. Building relationships and having brokers involved in the industry provide opportunities and guidance. Stability and ethical standards help agents navigate market fluctuations, while long-term growth support...

What Real Estate Agents Wish They Learned Sooner

Real estate professionals should set realistic goals, manage time effectively, and track progress. Developing soft skills, continuous education, and finding mentors are crucial. Staying updated on market trends, knowing neighborhoods, and understanding competitors help provide value. Effective marketing, leveraging technology, and building strong client relationships are key. Understanding contracts,...

Buyers Seeking Down Payment Help | Carol Strom real estate broker. Founder of USAfitpros.com 50 state Telehealth and Labs bolt-on virtual LegitScript business

Affordability pushed buyers toward down payment help and alternative homes. One-third sought down payment aid; 45% heard zero-down questions. Foreclosure fears rose from job loss, especially ages 35–44. Manufactured homes gained interest, led by first-time buyers in South and West. High equity boosted HELOCs; lenders dismissed crash fears due to...

US Spring Listings Rise, Buyers Lag | Carol Strom real estate broker. Founder of USAfitpros.com 50 state Telehealth and Labs bolt-on virtual LegitScript business

Across the US, new listings ↑3% yearly in the 4 weeks ending April 19, the biggest gain since Late-Fall, while pending sales ↓1.2% yearly. Lower mortgage rates helped activity: avg. 30-yr fixed fell to low-6%. Even so, the current spring buying season started slowly. Sale prices ↑2% yearly, rates stayed above sub-6% levels seen briefly in Mid-Q1, and...

Las Vegas: A Multifamily Investment Hotspot | Carol Strom real estate broker. Founder of USAfitpros.com 50 state Telehealth and Labs bolt-on virtual LegitScript business

Las Vegas ranks second thanks to its strong yields and highly favorable tax conditions that appeal to multifamily investors. The market posts a ~7.07% cap rate combined with a low ~0.50% property tax rate, supporting solid investment performance. It stands out for large properties, with average building sizes reaching nearly ~79K sq ft across multifamily...

Real Estate Tips

Master your local market, communicate effectively, build a strong network, and maintain a professional online presence. New agents should join teams, set clear goals, invest in education, and use CRM tools. Tailor marketing, focus on lead generation, and leverage technology. Prioritize integrity, customer service, and consistent prospecting. Practice negotiation, stay organized, seek accountability, and...

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