Builder confidence in the single-family housing market slipped again in February, according to the latest Housing Market Index from the National Association of Home Builders. The index fell to 36, marking the second straight monthly decline and signaling continued weakness in builder sentiment.

Affordability remains the biggest challenge. High home price-to-income ratios, elevated land costs, and stubborn construction expenses are keeping many buyers on the sidelines. Even with incentives widely available, buyer traffic remains low.

In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down what falling builder confidence means for housing supply, pricing power, remodeling demand, and real estate investors in 2026. If inflation eases and mortgage rates follow, conditions could improve — but for now, affordability continues to shape the market.

🏘️ Want to learn more? Visit www.Realwealth.com/Deals

Sources: https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/press-releases/2026/02/builder-sentiment-edges-lower-on-affordability-concerns

The Supreme Court has struck down many of President Trump's tariffs, ruling that the emergency law used to impose them does not authorize broad trade taxes.

In this breaking news update, Kathy Fettke explains what the decision means for inflation, construction costs, and the housing market. Some tariffs remain in place, but others may be reversed — and billions in potential refunds could follow.

How could this impact builders, mortgage rates, and real estate investors? We break it down in simple terms and explain what to watch next.

🏘️ Want to learn more? Visit www.NewsforInvestors.com

Sources: : https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/supreme-court-strikes-trumps-tariffs-major-blow-president-rcna244827
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/02/20/us/trump-tariffs-supreme-court

A new study is challenging one of the biggest narratives around tariffs — and the implications could directly affect inflation, interest rates, and your real estate portfolio.

Research from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York finds that Americans are paying nearly 90% of recent tariffs, not foreign exporters. In other words, higher import taxes are largely flowing through to U.S. consumers and businesses.

Why does that matter?

Because when prices rise, inflation stays elevated. And when inflation runs hot, the Federal Reserve may delay rate cuts — keeping mortgage rates higher for longer.

In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down what the data actually says, how tariffs influence Fed policy, and what it means for borrowing costs, housing demand, and real estate investors in 2026.

🏘️ Want to learn more? Visit www.NewsforInvestors.com

Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/ny-fed-report-says-americans-pay-almost-all-trumps-tariffs-2026-02-12/