The Anton Stetner Podcast

Most people believe Wall Street and corporate investors are the reason housing has become unaffordable. But is that actually true?

In this episode of the Anton Stetner Podcast, we break down one of the biggest housing bills passed by Congress in decades and separate the headlines from the facts. We examine what the legislation actually does, why President Trump delayed signing it, and whether limiting institutional investors will make homes more affordable.

More importantly, we explore the issues that rarely make the news: the nationwide housing shortage, restrictive zoning laws, lengthy permitting processes, and the government red tape that continues to slow new construction. Using real data and examples from Washington State, Seattle, Tacoma, and Austin, Texas, we explain why increasing housing supply—not simply targeting investors—may be the only long-term solution to improving affordability.

We also discuss:

• What Wall Street actually owns in the housing market
• Why most rental homes are owned by mom-and-pop investors
• The impact of rent caps and local regulations
• How housing policy affects buyers, sellers, landlords, and investors
• Why Washington State remains one of the most challenging places to build new housing

Whether you're a homeowner, first-time buyer, investor, builder, or simply interested in housing policy, this episode offers a data-driven look at what's really happening in today's real estate market.

If you enjoy practical conversations about real estate, economics, investing, and Washington State housing, be sure to follow the podcast and share this episode with someone who wants to better understand why housing remains so expensive.

About the Show

Welcome to the Anton Stetner Podcast, where we break down real estate, economics, investing, housing policy, and the trends shaping the future of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Whether you're a homebuyer, investor, business owner, or simply trying to make sense of today's economy, you'll find practical insights, market analysis, and conversations with industry experts designed to help you make smarter financial decisions.

🏡 Looking to buy, sell, or invest in Washington State real estate? Visit: RESG.com

📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for market updates, housing trends, and investment opportunities.

Washington is facing a massive budget crisis — and property owners may be the next target.

In this episode, Anton Stetner breaks down why Washington is going broke, how state spending exploded, and why property taxes could become the easiest way for the government to fill the gap. From King County’s property tax spike to Sound Transit’s taxing power, House Bill 1334, the millionaire tax, and the pressure on homeowners, investors, and small businesses, this episode exposes the financial squeeze happening across Washington State.

Anton and Benji also explain how rising property taxes can directly impact home values, buyer affordability, investment returns, and long-term real estate strategy. If you own a home, plan to buy, invest in real estate, or run a business in Washington, this is an episode you cannot afford to ignore.

Topics covered include Washington’s budget shortfall, state employee raises, business tax pressure, King County and Snohomish County property taxes, Sound Transit levies, House Bill 1334, and the ADU/DADU opportunity for investors and families.

Stay informed, stay prepared, and understand what these tax changes could mean for your money, your property, and your future in Washington real estate.

About the Show

Welcome to the Anton Stetner Podcast, where we break down real estate, economics, investing, housing policy, and the trends shaping the future of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Whether you're a homebuyer, investor, business owner, or simply trying to make sense of today's economy, you'll find practical insights, market analysis, and conversations with industry experts designed to help you make smarter financial decisions.

🏡 Looking to buy, sell, or invest in Washington State real estate? Visit: RESG.com

📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for market updates, housing trends, and investment opportunities.

Everyone is blaming landlords, interest rates, and remote workers for Washington's housing crisis — but what if the real villain is new construction itself?

Washington State is building thousands of new units, politicians are celebrating permit numbers, and yet affordability keeps getting worse. Rents aren't dropping. First-time buyers are still locked out. Working families are leaving for Idaho, Arizona, and Montana.

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on why the way Washington is building new housing is actively making the crisis worse — luxury-first development that skips the middle, zoning rules that strangle density, construction costs so high that workforce housing doesn't pencil, and a political class more focused on ribbon-cutting than results.

Whether you're a renter, a homeowner, an investor, or someone who can't afford to live where you grew up — this one hits home.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly breakdowns on Washington State policy, real estate, and the economy.

About the Show

Welcome to the Anton Stetner Podcast, where we break down real estate, economics, investing, housing policy, and the trends shaping the future of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Whether you're a homebuyer, investor, business owner, or simply trying to make sense of today's economy, you'll find practical insights, market analysis, and conversations with industry experts designed to help you make smarter financial decisions.

🏡 Looking to buy, sell, or invest in Washington State real estate? Visit: RESG.com

📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for market updates, housing trends, and investment opportunities.

Blackstone just took a $332 million loss on a Seattle, Washington, skyscraper — and it's one of the loudest signals the smart money has sent in years.

The world's largest real estate investor sold the US Bank Center for 54% less than they paid. Seattle, Washington, now carries the worst office vacancy rate in America — worse than San Francisco, worse than Los Angeles. A doom loop is quietly gutting the city's tax base, and most people don't even see it coming.

But here's the twist nobody is talking about: the money isn't leaving Seattle, Washington. It's moving 10 miles east — and we break down exactly where and why.

We also cover 7 specific real estate plays investors are making right now to turn this disruption into opportunity.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly breakdowns that follow the capital, not the headlines.

About the Show

Welcome to the Anton Stetner Podcast, where we break down real estate, economics, investing, housing policy, and the trends shaping the future of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Whether you're a homebuyer, investor, business owner, or simply trying to make sense of today's economy, you'll find practical insights, market analysis, and conversations with industry experts designed to help you make smarter financial decisions.

🏡 Looking to buy, sell, or invest in Washington State real estate? Visit: RESG.com

📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for market updates, housing trends, and investment opportunities.

Washington State has proudly stood as one of the few states with no income tax — until now. Initiative Petition 26-645 threatens to change everything with a proposed 9.9% income tax on millionaires. But here's what they're NOT telling you: once a state income tax is introduced, it almost never stays contained to the wealthy.

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on IP26-645 — who's behind it, what it really means for Washington's economy, and why every resident should be paying attention, regardless of their income level. We break down the history of "millionaire taxes" in other states and what happened to the middle class just a few years later.

💬 We also explore what YOU can do right now — from signing petitions to contacting your local representatives — before this measure gains unstoppable momentum.

This isn't just about the wealthy. This is about preserving a tax-free legacy that makes Washington one of the most economically competitive states in the nation. Businesses, families, and workers all have skin in this game.

🔔 Subscribe to stay informed on the policies quietly reshaping your financial future.

📌 Share this episode with someone who thinks this doesn't affect them — because it does.

👇 Leave a review and tell us: Should Washington stay income-tax free?

About the Show

Welcome to the Anton Stetner Podcast, where we break down real estate, economics, investing, housing policy, and the trends shaping the future of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Whether you're a homebuyer, investor, business owner, or simply trying to make sense of today's economy, you'll find practical insights, market analysis, and conversations with industry experts designed to help you make smarter financial decisions.

🏡 Looking to buy, sell, or invest in Washington State real estate? Visit: RESG.com

📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for market updates, housing trends, and investment opportunities.

Should you buy a home now or wait for mortgage rates to come down?

In this episode, Anton sits down with veteran mortgage expert Cody Touchette, who brings more than 26 years of lending experience to answer one of the biggest questions facing homebuyers today.

They dive into what's really driving mortgage rates, how inflation and oil prices affect housing affordability, why many buyers may be making a costly mistake by waiting, and what experienced investors are doing in today's market. The conversation also explores Federal Reserve policy, AI-driven job displacement, consumer spending trends, and the economic signals that could shape the housing market over the next few years.

Whether you're a first-time buyer, homeowner, investor, or simply trying to understand where the economy is headed, this episode provides practical insights from someone who has guided clients through multiple market cycles.

Topics include:

• Mortgage rate forecasts
 • Housing market trends
 • Inflation and Federal Reserve policy
 • Oil prices and economic uncertainty
 • AI and the future of employment
 • Buy now vs. wait strategies
 • DSCR loans and investor financing
 • ADUs, DADUs, and real estate wealth building
 • How successful buyers are navigating today's market

If you're considering buying, selling, investing, or refinancing, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

00:00 Meet Mortgage Expert Cody Touchette: 26 Years in Lending

00:39 Is the Housing Market Finally Recovering?

01:23 Why Mortgage Rates Feel Normal Again

03:39 Will Mortgage Rates Ever Return to 3%?

04:00 The Truth About Mortgage Rate Predictions

04:44 Did the Federal Reserve Pull Off a Soft Landing?

06:20 Why 2022–2023 Devastated Real Estate Professionals

07:18 How Global Conflicts Sent Mortgage Rates Higher

08:10 Oil Prices, Inflation & Mortgage Rates Explained

09:08 Should You Buy a House Now or Wait?

09:47 Why Lower Mortgage Rates Could Push Home Prices Higher

10:21 California's Housing Market Is Heating Up Again

11:47 Inflation, Recession, or Soft Landing? What's Next?

12:25 Consumer Spending Signals Most Experts Are Missing

14:09 Does the Federal Reserve Really Control Mortgage Rates?

16:03 The Real Driver of Mortgage Rates: Inflation

17:08 How to Track Mortgage Rates Like a Professional

18:29 New Federal Reserve Leadership and Mortgage Rates

19:44 Why Oil Prices Matter for Homebuyers and Investors

22:14 Is Stagflation the Next Threat to the Economy?

23:49 Will AI Replace Jobs and Reshape the Workforce?

27:14 New Careers and Opportunities Created by AI

29:30 Mortgage Strategies Smart Homebuyers Are Using Today

30:04 Buy Before You Sell: The Wealthy Homeowner Strategy

33:00 How Fast-Track Mortgage Approval Helps Buyers Win

35:08 Mortgage Programs Most Homebuyers Never Hear About

35:56 DSCR Loans Explained for Real Estate Investors

38:15 Asset Depletion and Bank Statement Loans Explained

40:00 Why Mortgage Brokers Often Beat Traditional Banks

44:02 ADUs and DADUs: The Hidden Real Estate Wealth Strategy

48:08 What Smart Real Estate Investors Are Buying Right Now

51:22 The Biggest Mistakes Homebuyers Are Making Today

52:20 How Seller Buydowns Can Save Buyers Thousands

55:26 Mortgage Rate Forecast for the Next 12 Months

57:00 What Happens to Home Prices When Rates Fall?

58:22 How to Invest $100,000 in Real Estate Today

01:00:00 Connect with Mortgage Expert Cody Touchette

About the Show

Welcome to the Anton Stetner Podcast, where we break down real estate, economics, investing, housing policy, and the trends shaping the future of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Whether you're a homebuyer, investor, business owner, or simply trying to make sense of today's economy, you'll find practical insights, market analysis, and conversations with industry experts designed to help you make smarter financial decisions.

🏡 Looking to buy, sell, or invest in Washington State real estate? Visit: RESG.com

📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for market updates, housing trends, and investment opportunities.

Mortgage rates are surging again — but what if this chaos is actually creating one of the biggest buying opportunities in today’s housing market?

In this episode of the Anton Stettner Podcast, Anton breaks down how war, oil prices, inflation, bond markets, and Federal Reserve policy are directly impacting mortgage rates, real estate, and affordability across Washington State and the Seattle metro.

The conversation dives deep into:

•  Why mortgage rates suddenly jumped 
•  How Iran and global oil supply affect housing 
•  Why inflation may stay elevated longer than expected 
•  The hidden economic data buyers should watch 
•  AI layoffs and the changing labor market 
•  Why smart investors buy during fear 
•  How buyers are negotiating better deals right now 
•  The real opportunities emerging in today’s market 

Anton also explains why rising inventory, slowing consumer confidence, and temporary market fear are creating leverage for buyers and investors who know how to read the data.

If you're thinking about buying a home, investing in real estate, relocating to Washington State, or simply trying to understand where the economy is headed, this episode gives a practical breakdown of what’s happening behind the headlines.

📍 Washington State Real Estate
 📈 Housing Market Analysis
 🏡 Buyer & Investor Strategy
 ⚡ Inflation, Oil & Mortgage Rates Explained

Reach out to the team at RESG.com if you want help navigating today’s market.

About the Show

Welcome to the Anton Stetner Podcast, where we break down real estate, economics, investing, housing policy, and the trends shaping the future of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Whether you're a homebuyer, investor, business owner, or simply trying to make sense of today's economy, you'll find practical insights, market analysis, and conversations with industry experts designed to help you make smarter financial decisions.

🏡 Looking to buy, sell, or invest in Washington State real estate? Visit: RESG.com

📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for market updates, housing trends, and investment opportunities.

In this episode, we uncover why so many Washington real estate projects are failing long before construction even begins. While most people blame interest rates or the economy, the real problems are happening inside city halls, planning departments, and local permitting systems.

We break down the growing gap between pro-housing political messaging and the harsh reality developers, builders, and investors face when trying to get projects approved in places like King County and Snohomish County. From permit delays and bureaucracy to rising costs and public data exposure, the process is becoming increasingly difficult—and now even dangerous.

The conversation also dives into a disturbing new trend: sophisticated AI-generated scam emails targeting developers and construction projects using publicly available permit information. These fake invoices and government impersonation scams are becoming incredibly convincing, creating new risks for anyone involved in real estate development.

If you care about housing affordability, Washington real estate, development, investing, or the future of construction in the Pacific Northwest, this episode provides an inside look at what’s really happening behind the scenes.

Topics include:

•  Washington housing crisis 
•  Permit delays and city hall bureaucracy 
•  AI-generated fraud targeting developers 
•  Public permit data risks 
•  Construction and development challenges 
•  King County & Snohomish County housing issues 
•  The future of Washington real estate development

About the Show

Welcome to the Anton Stetner Podcast, where we break down real estate, economics, investing, housing policy, and the trends shaping the future of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Whether you're a homebuyer, investor, business owner, or simply trying to make sense of today's economy, you'll find practical insights, market analysis, and conversations with industry experts designed to help you make smarter financial decisions.

🏡 Looking to buy, sell, or invest in Washington State real estate? Visit: RESG.com

📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for market updates, housing trends, and investment opportunities.

Is Washington State heading toward a recession—and most people just don’t see it yet?

In this episode, we break down the real forces quietly impacting the economy, from rising energy costs to what many are calling a “hidden tax” affecting everyday residents. While national headlines dominate the conversation, the truth is happening locally—and Washington State is facing unique pressures that could hit harder and faster than expected.

We connect the dots between gas prices, policy decisions, and inflation, showing how these factors are already impacting homeowners, investors, and anyone trying to navigate today’s market. This isn’t theory—this is what people are feeling right now in their day-to-day lives.

If you care about where the economy is heading, this conversation matters.

In this episode:

• Why rising energy costs may be acting like a hidden tax
• How policy decisions are impacting the local economy
• What this could mean for real estate and cost of living
• Why Washington State may be more exposed than other markets

👉 Follow the show for weekly breakdowns on real estate, policy, and the economy
👉 Share this episode with someone who needs clarity on what’s happening

This is one of those conversations that helps you see what others are missing.

About the Show

Welcome to the Anton Stetner Podcast, where we break down real estate, economics, investing, housing policy, and the trends shaping the future of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Whether you're a homebuyer, investor, business owner, or simply trying to make sense of today's economy, you'll find practical insights, market analysis, and conversations with industry experts designed to help you make smarter financial decisions.

🏡 Looking to buy, sell, or invest in Washington State real estate? Visit: RESG.com

📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for market updates, housing trends, and investment opportunities.

On April 29, the Federal Reserve is making a decision that could directly impact your home value—and most people aren’t paying attention.

In this episode, we break down what’s really happening behind the headlines and why the Fed is almost certain to hold interest rates in 2026. From geopolitical tension and oil shocks to leadership changes inside the Federal Reserve, this is the full picture of what’s driving uncertainty in today’s housing market.

But here’s the part most people miss…

This isn’t just about rates. It’s about how fear, volatility, and timing are quietly reshaping the Washington housing market—creating hesitation for some and opportunity for others.

We walk through:

•  Why mortgage rates aren’t controlled the way most people think 
•  How global events are impacting your monthly payment 
•  What the Fed’s next move could signal for the rest of the year 
•  Real data from Snohomish and King County (what’s actually happening vs. what’s reported) 
•  Where buyers, sellers, and investors should be focusing right now 

If you own a home, are thinking about buying, or are waiting for the “right time,” this conversation matters.

While most people are sitting on the sidelines, a small group is positioning itself to win.

👉 Share this episode with someone who needs to understand what’s happening
 👉 Follow the show for weekly breakdowns on real estate, policy, and the economy

This is one of those moments where being informed isn’t optional—it’s everything.

About the Show

Welcome to the Anton Stetner Podcast, where we break down real estate, economics, investing, housing policy, and the trends shaping the future of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Whether you're a homebuyer, investor, business owner, or simply trying to make sense of today's economy, you'll find practical insights, market analysis, and conversations with industry experts designed to help you make smarter financial decisions.

🏡 Looking to buy, sell, or invest in Washington State real estate? Visit: RESG.com

📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for market updates, housing trends, and investment opportunities.