Buyer Ban

Is Wall Street really to blame?

January 16, 2026

#121

WELCOME

An encouraging sign for 2026—mortgage rates just posted their biggest drop in months, briefly dipping below levels not seen since 2023. 

Is the near-6% rate an early signal that 2026 is a turnaround year, or a false start with fleeting savings? Either way, for now mortgage rates are moving in the right direction—and this January is starting off with a bang.

SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS: Today’s Top Podcast Rec 🔊

Clayton Collins, CEO of HousingWire, works hard to bring together the most essential industry information agents need to know—often before it hits news outlets. Find out how agents are using this information to accelerate their transactions, make the most of emerging trends, and get ahead in their local market in this practical and application-focused episode of Rise Above the Ranks with James Harris.

TRACK THE MARKET: Kicking out commercial investors

President Donald Trump said last week that his administration is moving to ban Wall Street firms from buying single-family homes, positioning the move as a response to rising housing costs and affordability concerns. While it’s not yet clear what authority would be used or how quickly a new policy could take shape, the announcement alone hit stock prices and financial markets within minutes. The announcement also signals that institutional ownership of single-family homes—in a time when affordability is well below long-term norms in nearly every part of the country—is becoming a core focus for policymakers. 

Key details from the data:

  • In nearly all of the 594 counties analyzed, homes were less affordable than their long-term norms at the close of 2025.

  • Institutional investors owned roughly 450,000 single-family rental homes, representing about 3% of the national single-family rental stock as of mid-2022.

  • Shares of major single-family rental operators fell sharply following the announcement, with some housing-related stocks dropping 2%–6% in a single trading session.

DIVE IN

The Friday Five

📖 Real estate resolutions. 8 resolutions and money moves real estate investors are making for 2026. 

👀 Jessica Simpson’s estate. See inside Simpson’s LA mansion, which sold in just two days.

👀 Buying beyond borders. Why stay stateside when you can shop these incredible international destinations?

💡Perks of Portugal. Why affluent Americans are adding Portugal to their watch list. 

💡$1.6B merger. Compass and Anywhere merged. Here’s what it means for agents.

WHAT’S NEW FROM ESTATE MEDIA

Tracy takes on Portugal

Portugal may seem like the trendy new international destination, but in reality, it’s been a hot spot for golfers, foodies, elite world travelers, and affluent investors for decades. That’s why Tracy had been eager to explore the region herself—and experience the culture and architecture of Villa Mora firsthand. 

Tap to follow Tracy’s guided tour through Victoria Golf Resort & Spa, the luxury resort community with five golf courses, sweeping ocean views, and easy access to the soon-to-be-completed world class equestrian facility expected to be one of Europe’s largest and best-equipped.

FEATURED LUXURY LISTING

The Colorado Building

Set on the sunny side of Telluride’s Main Street, 115 W Colorado offers rare ownership of an entire mixed-use building in the heart of downtown. The 6,630-square-foot property includes two commercial spaces, two one-bedroom residences, and a two-bedroom penthouse with a rooftop deck and ski-area views. With no historic designation, it combines flexibility, income potential, and a true front-row seat to Telluride’s bustling Main Street.

https://estate-elegance.beehiiv.com/p/the-colorado-building

TIPS & TAKEAWAYS

Real talk for rental property investors

Last week in Her Real Estate, Glennda shared her real, step-by-step process of buying “Grandma’s House” next door—and turning it into a ready-to-rent property she expects to double her investment on. If you’re considering investing in rental properties yourself, or you have clients willing to look past bad wallpaper and a dated kitchen, focus on the fundamentals with this deep dive.

Read Glennda’s full take in Her Real Estate for the overall strategy and real numbers behind the buy, here.

HANGS & HAPPENINGS

Inman Connect | New York City, NY | February 3 - 5, 2026
The biggest names in real estate share their secrets to success with our attendees in curated sessions that will equip you with the skills to level up.

Before we go…

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