Senior renters are now the fastest-growing group in the U.S., with more than 2.4 million Americans aged 65 and older entering the rental market in the past decade. In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down the numbers from U.S. Census and Point2Homes data, and explains what’s driving this powerful demographic shift.

You’ll learn why older Americans are choosing rentals over ownership, which metros are seeing the biggest surge in 55+ renters, and how single-family homes are playing a growing role in this trend. Real estate investor Ken McElroy also weighs in on why 55+ renters are among the most stable and attractive tenants for landlords today.

If you want to stay ahead of the curve, this episode reveals what investors and developers should be watching as Baby Boomers reshape the housing market.

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SOURCES:  

• https://www.credaily.com/briefs/senior-renters-drive-housing-shift-in-the-us/
•  https://kenmcelroy.com/education/this-is-the-fastest-growing-renter-in-america/?utm_campaign=Newsletters&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9i0ejEgzVwis0t8WzqPgTd7YP16P5IhtmKY-vGCOe4ZbqAmmPXptyEWSwzDF0eBZKfg2PsqLnu2Pxu9Q5jo6I8-Xx8Gw&_hsmi=377681519&utm_content=377681519&utm_source=hs_email

The U.S. government is considering one of the biggest cannabis policy shifts in decades—moving marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under federal law. If approved, this change could ease tax burdens, open the door to banking access, accelerate mergers and acquisitions, and reshape the industry’s growth trajectory.

In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down what federal reclassification could mean for investors, including the potential end of IRS rule 280E, how capital might flow back into cannabis businesses, and the impact this could have on real estate investors. She also explains what this shift would not do—like full legalization—and the implications for research, regulation, and market consolidation.

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President Trump’s new executive order could reshape retirement savings. For the first time, 401(k) plans may allow real estate investing, along with other alternative assets like private equity and crypto.

In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down what the rule change means for retirement savers, why real estate has been off-limits in 401(k)s until now, and what risks and opportunities could lie ahead. We’ll also cover how ERISA rules, fiduciary responsibilities, and SEC guidance play into the decision, and what investors should watch for as retirement plans evolve.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you can use a 401(k) to invest directly in real estate, this episode explains the potential changes—and why they matter for your financial future.

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SOURCE:  https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/08/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-democratizes-access-to-alternative-assets-for-401k-investors/

Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway just invested nearly $1 billion in homebuilders Lennar and D.R. Horton. Kathy Fettke unpacks why Buffett is doubling down on housing, what it signals for supply, demand, and policy, and what investors should watch as the market heats up.

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SOURCE: https://www.housingwire.com/articles/berkshire-hathaways-warren-buffett-bets-big-on-homebuilders/

A new GOP bill—the TOO LATE Act—could give President Trump legal power to remove Fed Chair Jerome Powell over interest rate policy. Kathy Fettke breaks down what this means for the Federal Reserve’s independence, future rate cuts, and how it could impact investors, inflation, and market stability.

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SOURCE: https://www.scotsmanguide.com/news/gop-bill-would-provide-a-legal-pathway-for-trump-to-fire-powell/?utm_source=originator&utm_medium=news&utm_campaign=newlayout

Could quantum computing spark real estate’s next gold rush? Just as AI turned data centers into one of the hottest property plays, experts now believe quantum tech could fuel a brand-new wave of demand for specialized facilities.

In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down why analysts see quantum commercialization just a few years away — and what that could mean for commercial real estate investors. From Chicago’s new quantum hub to Silicon Valley startups and the billions already flowing into research, we explore where the opportunities may emerge.

If you’re a real estate investor looking for the next big frontier, this episode will help you understand why quantum tech facilities could become the industry’s next major growth story.

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SOURCE: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/12/quantum-computing-commercial-real-estate-tailwind.html 

The Trump administration is weighing a massive Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac IPO that could value the mortgage giants at $500 billion. What would this mean for real estate investors, housing finance, and mortgage rates? In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down the potential risks and opportunities, from investor windfalls to housing affordability concerns, and why the outcome could reshape U.S. housing markets for decades.

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U.S. household debt just hit a record $18.39 trillion in Q2 2025, according to the latest New York Fed data. Mortgage balances, HELOCs, credit cards, auto loans, and student debt are all climbing—and delinquencies are rising fast. In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down the numbers, explains what’s driving the surge, and shares what it could mean for real estate investors.

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SOURCES: https://www.newyorkfed.org/microeconomics/hhdc  https://www.pymnts.com/consumer-finance/2025/household-debt-rises-to-18-39-trillion-as-auto-mortgage-originations-tick-up/ 

A shocking Airbnb case shows how artificial intelligence can be used to fabricate property damage—and nearly cost one guest thousands. Kathy Fettke breaks down what this means for short-term rental hosts and guests, from the risks of AI-driven fraud to essential steps for protecting your investments. While the rise of AI brings new challenges, it could also drive platforms to adopt stronger verification tools, better dispute resolution processes, and more secure documentation standards—benefiting honest operators in the long run. Learn how to safeguard your properties, your reputation, and your profits in the evolving STR landscape.

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SOURCE: https://www.vice.com/en/article/airbnb-host-accused-of-using-ai-to-fake-16k-in-damage/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=High%20Five%20%20FIRSTNAME%20%21%20It%20s%20almost%20the%20weekend&utm_campaign=Practus%20External%20High%20Five%208%2F7

The EPA’s Energy Star program—best known for its blue label on appliances—is on the chopping block, and its loss could disrupt billions in energy savings, financing terms, and compliance requirements for commercial property owners. Kathy Fettke explains what’s at stake for real estate investors, from the potential loss of Portfolio Manager’s nationwide benchmarking system to the ripple effects on loans, property values, and market standards. While the change could create costly disruptions, some analysts believe it may open the door for more competitive, innovative energy management solutions from the private sector. Learn which markets face the highest risk, how to safeguard your data, and what steps to take now to prepare.

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SOURCE: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/06/energy-star-commercial-real-estate.html