Residential Real Estate Pulse

Inflation and Fed Rate Developments

• 🔥 Hotter PPI Data: February PPI rose +0.7% m/m versus +0.3% estimate and +0.5% prior, with core +0.5% m/m...

• Fed steady on federal funds rate at 3.5%–3.75% for second consecutive meeting.
• Mortgage rates edge lower today after multi-month highs.
• Mixed economic indicators shape the picture, signaling potential DSCR refi window despite policy hold.

Sticky inflation from Feb PPI (+0.7% m/m vs +0.3% est.) dims Fed cut hopes for 2026.

• 30-year yield climbs to 4.89%, eyeing 5%+ with oil surge –...

Mixed demand signals in February pending home sales:

• MoM rebound: Up 1.8% from January
• YoY decline: Down 0.8% or 0.6%
• Slight improvement relative to January's steeper drop

Pros: Track if MoM momentum builds amid weak annual trends.

Key webinar insights on why official inflation misleads—critical for RE pros eyeing rates:

• PCE Flaw: Shelter data lags actual market rents by 2...

MBA mortgage applications plunged 10.9% last week vs. +3.2% prior—the first decline in 5 weeks and largest since September. Key signal for housing demand cooling ahead.

Population shifts drive home prices, rent growth, and real estate demand. Smart investors target these high-growth markets:

• Texas (Dallas &...

Key policy shift targets institutional SFR dominance in Las Vegas:

• Bipartisan push to end REIT commerce tax exemption (>$4M revenue), originally for...

Rising divisions preview fractures at Powell's meeting:

• Up to three governors candidates to dissent
• Stephen Miran expected to favor immediate...

FinCEN's residential real estate reporting rule took effect March 1, 2026, requiring federal reporting for certain residential real estate transactions. Pros handling investments: Compliance checklists urgent as mandates kick in.

Buyers seize lower rates for February's surprise rebound:

• +1.8% to 72.1, vs. -0.6% est. & -1% prior—first rise in 3 months
• Driven by falling...

Builder sentiment edges higher, with the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index rising one point to 38 in March—yet it remains below the 50 breakeven threshold, signaling persistent caution.

Mortgage Rates & Builder Sentiment

• 🔥 30-Year Fixed Slips to 6.29%: Mortgage News Daily showed the average top-tier 30-year fixed rate at 6.29%...

GO Residential REIT (GO.U:CA) declares CAD 0.0533/share monthly dividend, payable April 15 for shareholders of record March 31. This payout reinforces REIT yield stability as a key return signal for residential investors.

OECD alert: Sovereign bond issuance hit record levels in 2025 and will stay near historic highs in 2026, intensifying global debt risks as rates remain high.

• Core proposal: Tax single-family rentals same as other residential properties, blocking higher commercial rates in 7 counties.
• Pro side: Rep. Rudd...

Key 2026 rental trends for investors:

• Viability debate: Potentially a good time to invest amid market trends, but watch pitfalls.
• Cost pressures:...

Key financing active for urban multifamily: JLL arranged $38.1M 3-year CIBC senior construction loan + $6M N3 preferred equity for 149-unit 310 West...

Mortgage rates slip to 6.29% for top-tier 30-year fixed, ahead of Fed decision.

• Homebuilder confidence rises in March per NAHB index, tied to...

NAA analysis flags severe risks from proposed 3% rent caps:

• Boston: 700+ fewer apartments/year, $260M+ value drop, $2M annual tax loss
• Statewide:...