471: Catching Up on Real Estate

Wealth Formula Podcast

We’re now in the 4th quarter, and our will have one last chance to leverage a 60% bonus depreciation on multifamily properties this year. If you haven’t signed up for the yet, be sure to do so, as I will be sending out information on this opportunity in the next few days. While tax benefits are a major reason to invest in real estate, there are many other reasons to enter the market soon. After a period of uncertainty, I believe we’ve entered a growth phase in the real estate cycle, even if it isn’t obvious to everyone. The market is showing clear signs of recovery, making apartment building investments more attractive than they’ve been in over a decade. Despite recent economic turbulence, the U.S. economy has held up better than expected. Inflation is cooling, growth is stabilizing, and real estate is benefiting. Big money is returning, lenders are easing back in, and the gears of the market are finally turning again. For those who’ve been on the sidelines, I truly believe now is the time to jump back in. As always, the key to real estate is making smart buys in the right locations. While some areas are oversaturated, others are thriving with job growth and migration. Cities like Austin, Charlotte, and Phoenix, where tech and business sectors are booming, are absorbing new housing supply with ease. Demand for rentals in these high-growth cities remains incredibly strong, so vacancy isn’t a concern in the markets that matter. Furthermore, multifamily properties have never been more attractive to institutional investors. People will always need housing, and with homeownership still expensive, rental demand continues to rise. Even with new units hitting the market, the long-term outlook is solid, driven by a nationwide housing shortage. As interest rates stabilize, transaction volumes are expected to increase, unlocking liquidity and driving prices up. But remember, the best deals happen when you buy at the right time. You have to beat the froth. Prices are favorable now, but they won’t stay that way for long. We’re seeing a slowdown in new construction, with starts down 45% from pre-pandemic levels. By 2026, fewer new properties will come to market, tightening supply and driving stronger rent growth and higher occupancy rates. Getting in now positions you perfectly for when the market heats up. Look at cities like Phoenix, Dallas, and Tampa—economic vitality and population growth are fueling demand and supporting rent growth. Even major cities like New York and Los Angeles, which struggled during the pandemic, are bouncing back as people return to urban areas. The opportunity is clear: markets with strong job growth and migration are primed for outperformance. If you identify these high-growth areas early, you could see significant returns as the market recovery gains momentum. This is no longer just about surviving a tough period—it’s about thriving. By focusing on regions with booming economies, rising populations, and a persistent housing shortage, you’re setting yourself up to capitalize on the next wave of growth. The market is moving, and multifamily investments are where the smart money is. Those who act now will be the ones to come out on top. That’s it for my take. This week’s guest on the Wealth Formula Podcast will share his thoughts on the topic as well. He’s a real estate economist and consultant who writes for U.S. News & World Report, so tune in to hear his expert perspective! 07:33 Introduction to Real Estate Trends 14:43 Current State of Single Family Homes 18:01 Multifamily Market Dynamics 21:09 Impact of Climate Change on Housing 24:09 Demographic Shifts and Migration Patterns 26:03 Election Policies and Real Estate 28:04 Technology's Role in Real Estate 30:58 Changes in Real Estate Commissions