Because my clientele is so profit-focused, I get daily questions about current real estate market trends.

How do you think these trends will affect them in the states with declining populations?

Then, if you can trend over time you'll want to see where the "path of progress" is going/moving and attempt to buy in that path of progress to gain some appreciation in the future.

-Bill Mcbride newsletter if you want narrow and deep insights about weekly trends in housing -JBRE is a good one for deep dive on housing stats.

After watching the trends and digging into the numbers, one thing is crystal clear: New-home sales 2025are shaping up to be the silver lining in what’s otherwise been a challenging market.

Focus on cities with favorable price-to-rent ratios, population growth, and employment trends, such as Des Moines, Oklahoma City, and Charlotte, while considering factors like landlord-friendliness and property taxes.

Here are a few to watch out for:Property Condition: Most distressed properties need extensive repairs or renovations, which add to your initial investment.Competitive Market: With Phoenix's popularity among investors, competition for the best deals can be intense.Complex Deals: Foreclosures, auctions, or short sales are much more complicated compared to regular real estate transactions and usually require specialized knowledge.Tips to Successfully Navigate the MarketDo Your Research: Understand the local market conditions, including neighborhood trends, property values, and potential rental income.Build a Strong Network: Work with professionals who specialize in distressed properties-such as brokers, contractors, and legal experts-to make the best decisions.Assess Costs Carefully: Factor in the cost of repairs, holding costs, and any potential financing issues when evaluating a property’s profitability.Be Patient: Finding the right distressed property takes time.

What trends are you seeing in the area right now?

Does focusing on macro trends (Population growth, rental and appreciation growth, good jobs) offset the 1% rule?

Rental Market Trends: Is this zip code trending positively for investors looking for cash flow, or should I expect stagnant rents and challenges with appreciation?