Average Mortgage Payments Hit Record Highs What’s happening: - Average monthly mortgage payment now over $2,000 - Up 44% since 2021 Why this matters: - Buyers stretched → affordability crisis deepens - Many stuck renting or relying on family support 👉 Insight: This is a wealth gap accelerator in real estate. @Christopher Astillero @Nicole Turner @Harry Dennis @Gabe Orozco @Martin Magana @Tracie Hasse @Aris Anagnos

@Ruben Austria @Christopher Astillero @Simi Rush @Martin Magana @Tracie Hasse @Nicole Turner Here's our NEWS article for Friday U.S. Housing Affordability Crisis Worsens The current housing affordability crisis, driven by rising prices and a significant housing shortage, requires both investors and homebuyers to adjust their approach rather than wait for better conditions. Success today comes from being flexible, strategic, and focused on creating opportunities within the market as it exists. For homebuyers, this means prioritizing entry into the market over finding the perfect home. Exploring different locations, considering multi-unit properties, or using strategies like house hacking can help offset costs. Leveraging financing options such as rate buydowns, seller credits, or partnerships can also improve affordability. The focus should shift from purchase price to managing a sustainable monthly payment. For investors, the strategy should center on cash flow, value-add opportunities, and long-term growth. Identifying properties with potential for improvements, additional units, or higher rental income can create stronger returns. Expanding into emerging markets and using creative financing or partnerships can also open doors in a high-cost environment. Ultimately, those who adapt, stay disciplined, and focus on fundamentals will find ways to move forward despite the challenges.

This Friday, we’re diving into a real conversation every investor thinks about, the “1% rule.” It’s a simple strategy that helped one investor build strong monthly cash flow, but today’s market is changing the game. What used to work doesn’t always work now. We’re breaking down how real investors are adapting, balancing cash flow, appreciation, and real-world expenses. Is the 1% rule still the move, or is it time to rethink the strategy? Here are some ideas on how we can approach this. Let’s talk about it live. 1. The 1% Rule: Filter or Foundation? - Is the 1% rule still relevant in today’s higher-priced markets? - Should investors adjust this benchmark by market (e.g., San Diego vs Midwest)? - When does it become a deal killer vs. deal indicator? 2. Cash Flow vs Appreciation Strategy - Should investors prioritize immediate cash flow or long-term equity growth? - How do you balance low cash flow markets with strong appreciation potential? - What’s your strategy in a “market reset” environment? 3. Beyond the Numbers: Real Profitability - How do expenses (rates, taxes, maintenance) reshape deals that “look good on paper”? - What metrics do you use beyond the 1% rule (cash-on-cash return, cap rate)? - How do lenders view cash-flowing properties when scaling portfolios? Let me know your thoughts @Ruben Austria @Nicole Turner @Rafael Davis @Chad Sliwa @Martin Magana @Stephanie Sundell @Tracie Hasse

Happy Tuesday, LEARNin Local Academy! @Ruben Austria @Arnold Shackelford @Nicole Turner @Rafael Davis For this Friday’s LEARNin San Diego LIVE, this is the official article we’ll be discussing as a community:AP News Housing Market Article This piece highlights the current shift in the housing market—where buyers are gaining more leverage with increased inventory and slower sales, while higher mortgage rates continue to impact affordability. Take some time to read through it, think about how it applies to your market, your clients, and your strategy. Come ready this Friday, April 10 to share your insights, perspectives, and real-world experiences. This is your opportunity to step into the conversation, join the panel, and contribute to what we’re building together—educating, empowering, and inspiring through real-time market discussions. Let’s show up prepared and ready to lead.

@Ruben Austria @Christopher Astillero @Stephanie Sundell @Tracie Hasse @Martin Magana @Henry Flynn @Aris Anagnos @Harry Dennis Happy Thursday folks! Check this article out. Seems to be pretty fresh out of the box and would be a great topic to discuss for tomorrows News segment Here's a positive overview that can be discussed for tomorrow What we’re seeing in San Diego isn’t a crash, it’s a market reset creating new opportunities. With both home prices and rents easing, buyers and investors finally have more leverage, more options, and time to make smarter decisions. Homes are sitting longer, negotiations are opening up, and deals are becoming more accessible. At the same time, San Diego’s fundamentals remain strong—low inventory, high demand, and long-term growth driven by lifestyle and economic stability. This shift isn’t about fear, it’s about rebalancing the market and setting up the next wave of opportunity. https://www.sd-cash-buyer.com/blog/san-diego-great-housing-reset-2026-prices-rents-decline/?utm_source=chatgpt.com