Good morning, real estate watchers! 

Let’s talk about something everyone is feeling lately—the cost of housing. The median home price in the U.S. has hit $412,500. That’s now five times the median household income. Yes, you read that right—five times. Imagine if your favorite sandwich cost five times your daily pay:

“That’ll be $800 for your BLT, sir.”

“But I only make $160 a day!”

“Well then… have you considered not being poor?”

 Brutal, right? But let’s unpack what’s actually going on in the real estate world this week:

 1. Commercial Market on Thin Ice
Commercial real estate is feeling the chill. Lending growth in Q1 2025 has slowed to just 1.22%, and delinquencies have climbed to $31.4 billion—a 1.70% rate. Investors are proceeding with caution. (Source: Globe St)

 2. CMBS Special Servicing Rate Surges
In June, the commercial mortgage-backed securities special servicing rate hit 10.57%, the highest since 2013. Office buildings are leading the distress, with a record 16.38% in special servicing. (Source: Trepp)

 3. Musical Chairs in the Apartment Market
National apartment occupancy sits at a healthy 95.6%, but some markets—like Lincoln, Nebraska—are slipping. There, demand hasn’t kept up with new supply, causing a 1% drop in occupancy. (Source: RealPage)

 4. HousingWire Expands Its Empire
HousingWire just acquired The Builder’s Daily, aiming to better cover the entire housing ecosystem—from shovels in the dirt to closings at the kitchen table. (Source: HousingWire)

 5. Gen Z & Millennials Tap the Bank of Mom & Dad
Nearly 24% of young homebuyers used family money (gifts or inheritance) for their down payments. Saving from paychecks is still the top method, but family help is closing in fast. (Source: Redfin)

 6. Housing Shortage Deepens
Despite a pandemic-era building boom, America’s housing shortage has grown to 4.7 million homes. Why? Because 1.8 million new families were formed last year… but only 1.4 million homes were built. Currently, 8.1 million families are doubling up or couch-surfing, while just 3.4 million homes are available for rent or sale. (Source: Zillow)

Heather’s Take
It’s a tough landscape, especially for first-time buyers. But this is why working with a strategic, experienced agent matters more than ever. If you’re navigating buying or selling in this market, I’ve got the tools, resources, and insider know-how to guide you through it—without the $800 BLT.

And don’t forget to check out my local blogs, restaurant recommendations, and things to do around town—because real estate is more than a transaction, it’s a lifestyle.

Let’s talk—because timing, strategy, and the right guidance make all the difference.