The COVID-19 pandemic changed much of what we consider “normal” for the real estate market. The trends we saw were often unexpected and unprecedented. Now, almost five years later, where are we? The age-old debate between multifamily and single-family rentals continues to rage, but we’re still placing our bets on the latter.

Mortgage rates have already fallen at least a percentage point below their 2024 peak. Cuts are expected to continue through the end of the year and on into 2025. Many of us have been waiting for this – something that will finally jog the frozen real estate market and get us towards more palatable conditions.

2020 turned the real estate market as we know it on its head. While the fundamental rules of the business stayed the same, there’s no denying that the housing market reacted unpredictably. That’s not surprising in light of the uncharted territory of a global pandemic.

U.S. housing inventory is trending in the right direction. 

We saw a 12.9% year-over-year increase in new property listings in February. Although total inventory remains flat, we’re finally not seeing a decline in overall inventory for the first time in nine months.

As you’re likely aware, tight inventory is mainly responsible for the stubbornness of the housing market. Even when active demand seemingly froze market activity, prices haven’t budged. Inventory kept rising interest rates from easing home prices. It’s also made the supply and demand balance unsustainable.

Ideally, this increase in new home listings points to a turning point on the horizon. But there are a few problems – and reasons investors shouldn’t sit back and “wait out” low inventory.

So you’re investing in real estate…but are you investing in yourself? Here’s the harsh truth – none of us are naturally adept at building an ideal financial future on our own. For some, financial success comes from parents who instill lessons of self-discipline and the value of a dollar. For others, it comes from personal research, lots of reading, or even degrees and certifications.

No one expects a passive real estate investor to be an absolute expert. You didn’t sign up for a passive gig just for it to turn into a full-time job! 

Building wealth through real estate is a popular and veritable investment method, and the market is currently seeing a multifaceted expansion. Investing in property has several advantages such as capital growth, wealth creation, retirement planning and of course, tax benefits. Given that this is a highly competitive niche, being successful requires a careful strategy of planning and taking calculated risks.

Although increasing mortgage interest rates have begun to cool the costs of the real estate market, buyers and homeowners are finding themselves going to extremes to keep costs in check.

With the rush of foreclosed homes on the market in the past few years, investors were jumping into the business from every direction.  Here in Memphis, the investment real estate market was booming due to the rush of foreclosures and most were caused by a slowing economy and not necessarily an over-heated housing market.  That created a scenario where not only were houses available, but renters were in abundance as well.

As the real estate market is now recovering, easy buys on bank-owned homes are becoming more scarce. Some investors are opting out of real estate because properties aren’t as easy to acquire. As serious investors knows, the real estate market will continue to change constantly over time. 

We’ve already established that there is no such thing as hands-off real estate investment. “Passive” real estate investment doesn’t usually mean sitting by while other people handle your investments for you as you enjoy a tasty piña colada on the beach of some tropical island (though if you've figured out the secret to this method, please share!).