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In this episode of the People Not Titles podcast, host Steve Kaempf and Matt Lombardi sit down with Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi. Fritz shares his journey from managing money as a global investor on the buy-side to stepping into local public service to tackle corruption, favoritism, and systemic inequities in Cook County's property tax assessment system.Tune in as they discuss how financial expertise can be leveraged for the public good, the transition to big data and machine learning in property valuation, and key achievements made during his time in office.Key Topics Covered:Career Arc & Pivot to Public Service: Transitioning from international finance and Stanford Business School to local government reform. Reforming the Assessment Process: Shifting away from opaque practices and patronage to modern, open-source data science models.Major Accomplishments:Eliminating historical assessment biases to save everyday homeowners billions of dollars. Ending federal court monitoring for patronage and political discrimination. Enacting the 2021 Affordable Housing Bill and simplifying exemption auto-renewals for seniors, disabled persons, and veterans.Future Priorities for Good Government: The need for automatic senior freeze renewals, state property tax "circuit breakers", and mandatory commercial data reporting.Demystifying Valuation: How residential and commercial assessments are calculated using market transactions and computational power.Full episodes available at www.peoplenottitles.comPeople, Not Titles podcast is hosted by Steve Kaempf and is dedicated to lifting up professionals in the real estate and business community. Our inspiration is to highlight success principles of our colleagues.Our Success Series covers principles of success to help your thrive!Website: http://peoplenottitles.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@peoplenottitles/videosInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/peoplenottitles/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-kaempf-b66a8013/ X: https://x.com/sjkaempfSpotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/1uu5kTvBhxsbgjskQS1SXK

Housing Slowdown, Spiking Inflation, & Real Estate Lawsuits | Market Trends Welcome back to Market Trends! In this episode, we celebrate crossing 1,000 subscribers, recap our recent Landtrust-a-Palooza event, and dive into the biggest shift in the real estate market: a massive seller surplus alongside a steep decline in active buyers.We cover critical housing data, rising inflation driven by energy costs, builder price cuts, and federal scrutiny over real estate tech and listing practices.Topics Covered in This Episode:Pending Home Sales Drop: Month-over-month pending sales fell 7.3%, while Chicago continues to lead the nation in property de-listings.Inflation & CPI Report: Inflation ticks up to 6% in September, with surging gas and energy prices putting pressure on consumer spending.National Home Sales & Inventory: Existing home sales remain sluggish near 4 million units, while unsold home inventory reaches its highest point since late 2019.Compass vs. CRMLS Lawsuit: Compass files an antitrust lawsuit against California Regional MLS, offering to cover agent fines for off-MLS listings.Senate Investigation Request: Senators Elizabeth Warren and Corey Booker call on the FTC to investigate Zillow, Redfin, and Compass over anti-competitive practices.Builder Sentiment Drops: The NAHB index drops to 29, with 43% of builders slashing prices to convert hesitant buyers amidst 7%+ mortgage rates.The 600K Seller Surplus: Why a record gap between buyers and sellers is giving buyers leverage—without causing a price crash.Mortgage Bankers Association Predictions: What industry leaders expect for interest rates through 2027.Viewer Mail: Tips for managing brokers on capturing lost leads and integrating AI into sales workflows.Submit Your Questions:Have a question for our next episode? Leave a comment down below or visit peopletitles.com to submit your question directly!Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell to stay updated on all things real estate, economy, and market trends!Full episodes available at www.peoplenottitles.comPeople, Not Titles podcast is hosted by Steve Kaempf and is dedicated to lifting up professionals in the real estate and business community. Our inspiration is to highlight success principles of our colleagues.Our Success Series covers principles of success to help your thrive!Website: http://peoplenottitles.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@peoplenottitles/videosInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/peoplenottitles/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-kaempf-b66a8013/ X: https://x.com/sjkaempfSpotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/1uu5kTvBhxsbgjskQS1SXK

In this episode of the People Not Titles podcast, host Steve Kaempf sits down with Jason Stratton—a former high-volume trader turned top-producing Chicago real estate broker with Jameson Sotheby's and host of The Jason Theory podcast. Jason brings his sharp financial background and risk-reward mindset into a deep-dive conversation on what it takes to succeed in real estate, business, and life. From transitioning out of the trading pits to breaking down the realities of Chicago’s real estate market, Jason shares actionable insights on building habits, staying intentional, and mastering the process. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: From Floor Trading to Real Estate: How Jason applied his fast-paced trading strategies, risk-reward analysis, and market trend awareness to building a multi-million dollar real estate career. "Own the Dirt": Why real estate remains one of the greatest wealth-building vehicles and the strategic value of land over condo investments. The Power of Intentionality & Routine: How writing down daily goals, protecting your morning routine, and cutting out distractions eliminates anxiety and maximizes productivity. Fall in Love with the Process: Why focusing purely on results leads to burnout, and why loving the daily grind and embracing failure are the true keys to long-term growth. Chicago Real Estate Realities: A candid discussion on Chicago’s current inventory shortages, zoning policies, tax climates, and the impact of landlord-tenant regulations (RTLO) on local mom-and-pop investors. Full episodes available at www.peoplenottitles.comPeople, Not Titles podcast is hosted by Steve Kaempf and is dedicated to lifting up professionals in the real estate and business community. Our inspiration is to highlight success principles of our colleagues.Our Success Series covers principles of success to help your thrive!Website: http://peoplenottitles.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@peoplenottitles/videosInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/peoplenottitles/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-kaempf-b66a8013/ X: https://x.com/sjkaempfSpotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/1uu5kTvBhxsbgjskQS1SXK

In this episode of Market Trends, hosts Matt Lombardi and Steve Kaempf dive into the latest shifts in real estate. From high-stakes industry legal battles and interest rate dynamics to regional market shifts and customer service failures, we break down what you need to know today. In this episode, we cover: Mortgage Rate Breakdown: Why 30-year conforming rates remain elevated around 7.6%, how they tie to 10-year Treasury yields, and the recent 60% surge in creative financing options like assumable mortgages. Compass vs. CRMLS Lawsuit: Inside the massive legal clash between Compass and California Regional MLS over listing control, office exclusives, and potential antitrust claims. Midwest Affordability Crisis: Why the Midwest is losing its title as an affordable housing sanctuary, with over half of its 200 metro areas becoming unaffordable as prices jump. DSCR Loan Market Shifts: How Debt Service Coverage Ratio loans operate, local advantages in multi-family markets, and why major lenders are pulling back in cities like Baltimore and Philadelphia due to fraud risks. Real Estate Customer Service Crisis: The shocking results of the 2026 Pie Piper study revealing that nearly 73% of brokerage phone leads receive zero follow-up within 24 hours. Berkshire Hathaway's Buying Spree: Why Berkshire acquired a 12.5% stake in Lennar stock to bet big on long-term housing supply shortages. Viewer Mail: Tips for agents on helping renters transition to homeownership through cost-benefit analysis and targeted outreach. Full episodes available at www.peoplenottitles.comPeople, Not Titles podcast is hosted by Steve Kaempf and is dedicated to lifting up professionals in the real estate and business community. Our inspiration is to highlight success principles of our colleagues.Our Success Series covers principles of success to help your thrive!Website: http://peoplenottitles.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@peoplenottitles/videosInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/peoplenottitles/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-kaempf-b66a8013/ X: https://x.com/sjkaempfSpotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/1uu5kTvBhxsbgjskQS1SXK

In this episode of Market Trends, hosts Steve Kaempf and Matt Lombardi break down the latest economic news, real estate data, and industry headlines shaping the housing market locally and nationally. From sticky inflation figures and shifting employment trends to the impending "Silver Tsunami" of home inventory, we dive deep into what these changes mean for buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals. Plus, we analyze the cost gap between buying and renting across major US cities and discuss why Chicago remains a unique sweet spot. 📌 In this episode, we cover: Economic & Job Market Updates: Breakdown of the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, gas price spikes, core inflation drops, and September's nonfarm payroll data. Buyer Leverage Shift: Insights from the Q3 Zudellio Resi Club survey showing 74% of agents reporting a shift toward buyer leverage nationwide. The "Silver Tsunami": Realtor.com’s project on 13.9 million boomer-owned homes entering the market between 2026 and 2036—and why it won't solve the starter home shortage. Failed Brokerage Mergers: Why Fathom Holdings and Neighborhood Intelligence (Bed Bath & Beyond) called off their planned merger. Renting vs. Buying Gap: A breakdown of the $936 national "buyer premium" and why Chicago’s lower cost gap keeps its real estate market strong and competitive. SERHANT. Expands to Illinois: Celebrity broker Ryan Serhant launches in Illinois with a roster of top-producing local agents. Viewer Mail: Answering your questions on making 5-year mortgage rate predictions amidst market uncertainty. Full episodes available at www.peoplenottitles.comPeople, Not Titles podcast is hosted by Steve Kaempf and is dedicated to lifting up professionals in the real estate and business community. Our inspiration is to highlight success principles of our colleagues. Our Success Series covers principles of success to help your thrive! Website: http://peoplenottitles.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@peoplenottitles/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peoplenottitles/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-kaempf-b66a8013/ X: https://x.com/sjkaempf Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/1uu5kTvBhxsbgjskQS1SXK

What if the fastest way to grow your business is not doing more, but using AI to get your life back? Tim Hooper makes the case that the real opportunity right now is not another tool, platform, or hustle tactic—it is learning how to become a more human, more focused connector in a noisy world.On this episode of People Not Titles, host Stephen Kaempf sits down with Tim Hooper, senior vice president at Fidelity National Financial and founder of Energy for Sales, for a wide-ranging conversation about career growth, sales, leadership, and the mindset shift that changed everything for him. Tim shares how a military-brat upbringing, early responsibility, and years of hands-on work shaped the systems-first approach that helped him open more than 150 automotive accounts, build sales playbooks, and eventually move into title insurance.You'll hear how Tim went from a $7.20-an-hour job to running budgets, building SOPs, and asking the question that kept opening new doors: “Will this move me closer to sales?” He breaks down the habits that actually create momentum for young professionals, why initiative beats waiting for permission, and how the bonus mindset helped him reframe stress, grief, and caregiving after personal loss and his wife's cancer journey.Tim also gives a practical preview of the AI session he'll bring to Land Trust Palooza, including why most people are drowning in noise, what work should be delegated to technology, and what should never be handed over. You'll discover how AI can help you automate the back end, sharpen your follow-up, and free yourself to do the one thing tech cannot replace—build trust, create real connection, and tell a better story.Stephen and Tim also get real about identity, loyalty, boundaries, productivity, and why the next generation may be more ready than ever for authentic leadership. If you are a sales professional, entrepreneur, title or mortgage leader, or simply someone trying to grow without burning out, this conversation delivers both perspective and practical takeaways.Perfect for anyone who wants to work smarter, stay grounded, and leave with more energy, more clarity, and a better way to show up for the people who matter most.Full episodes available at www.peoplenottitles.comPeople, Not Titles podcast is hosted by Steve Kaempf and is dedicated to lifting up professionals in the real estate and business community. Our inspiration is to highlight success principles of our colleagues.Our Success Series covers principles of success to help your thrive!Website: http://peoplenottitles.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@peoplenottitles/videosInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/peoplenottitles/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-kaempf-b66a8013/ X: https://x.com/sjkaempfSpotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/1uu5kTvBhxsbgjskQS1SXK

Chicago is outperforming the country on home prices, mortgage rates may be heading lower over the next five years, and title fraud is getting more sophisticated. If you buy, sell, invest, or advise clients in real estate, this episode explores the numbers, risks, and talking points to keep in mind. Steve and Matt break down the latest market trends, including Chicago’s home-price performance and what inflation means for real returns. They also discusses a five-year mortgage-rate forecast and how it could shape decisions about waiting to buy, refinancing, and choosing between a 30-year mortgage and an adjustable-rate mortgage. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why the 10-year Treasury matters for mortgage pricing Bull and bear scenarios for mortgage rates through 2031 How to approach the “I’ll just wait” mindset with clients The opportunities and risks of tapping home equity Seller impersonation fraud—and warning signs to watch for Recent housing data from Illinois and Wisconsin What shrinking inventory could mean for Chicago-area home prices Potential uses for AI in real estate beyond listing descriptions and social posts The conversation also covers ALTA’s fraud study, how title companies are responding to spoofed contact information and deepfake voices, and why choosing a trusted title partner matters. Plus, Steve and Matt respond to a listener question about AI’s untapped potential for real estate professionals. Full episodes available at www.peoplenottitles.comPeople, Not Titles podcast is hosted by Steve Kaempf and is dedicated to lifting up professionals in the real estate and business community. Our inspiration is to highlight success principles of our colleagues. Our Success Series covers principles of success to help your thrive! Website: http://peoplenottitles.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@peoplenottitles/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peoplenottitles/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-kaempf-b66a8013/ X: https://x.com/sjkaempf Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/1uu5kTvBhxsbgjskQS1SXK

The Fed has raised rates for the first time in three years, and 30-year mortgages are now hovering around 7%. In this week's Market Trends episode, Matt Lombardi and Steve Kaempf break down what the hike means for buyers, why refinancing has dropped 65%, and how to protect yourself with smart rate shopping. Plus: multifamily construction falls 22.5% in August, pending home sales edge up 0.3%, cities like Indianapolis and Rockford are cutting red tape to build faster, and how AI and coordinated service teams are changing the way agents win clients. New episodes of Market Trends drop every week — subscribe so you don't miss the next one. #MortgageRates #FedRateHike #HousingMarket2026 #RealEstateNews #MarketTrends #7PercentMortgage #HomeBuilders #RealEstateInvesting #ChicagoRealEstate #RealtorLife #peoplenottitles Full episodes available at www.peoplenottitles.comPeople, Not Titles podcast is hosted by Steve Kaempf and is dedicated to lifting up professionals in the real estate and business community. Our inspiration is to highlight success principles of our colleagues. Our Success Series covers principles of success to help your thrive! Website: http://peoplenottitles.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@peoplenottitles/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peoplenottitles/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-kaempf-b66a8013/ X: https://x.com/sjkaempf Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/1uu5kTvBhxsbgjskQS1SXK

Zillow just lost a key court battle against eXp and Compass, with a federal judge denying its injunction request. In this week's market trends episode, Matt Lombardi and Steve Kaempf break it down, plus August CPI ticks up on gas prices, existing home sales hit a 14-month low, 81% of US markets are overvalued per Fitch, malls are outperforming every other commercial sector, and NAR wins another MLS membership lawsuit. New episodes of Market Trends drop every week — subscribe so you don't miss the next one. #Zillow #housingmarket2026 #realestatenews #markettrends #compass #realestateinvesting #chicagorealestatebroker #mortgagerates #realtorlife #commercialrealestate #realestateupdate Full episodes available at www.peoplenottitles.comPeople, Not Titles podcast is hosted by Steve Kaempf and is dedicated to lifting up professionals in the real estate and business community. Our inspiration is to highlight success principles of our colleagues. Our Success Series covers principles of success to help your thrive! Website: http://peoplenottitles.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@peoplenottitles/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peoplenottitles/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-kaempf-b66a8013/ X: https://x.com/sjkaempf Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/1uu5kTvBhxsbgjskQS1SXK

In this episode of the People Not Titles podcast, host Steve Kaempf sits down with Jonathan Klemm, owner of Quality Builders. Jonathan shares his inspiring journey from getting laid off from a tech startup in 2020 to founding a successful general contracting and construction company.Whether you're a first-time investor, home hacker, or seasoned real estate professional, Jonathan breaks down the essential processes, mindsets, and strategies needed to navigate renovations and scale a business without losing your shirt.Key Topics Covered in This Episode:From Tech to General Contractor: How losing a job during the pandemic became the catalyst for building a million-dollar real estate business.Real Estate Investing Realities: Why finding your niche and building repeatable processes is critical for long-term growth.The Power of Preconstruction: Why Quality Builders prioritizes meticulous planning, material selection, and upfront numbers before kicking off projects.Navigating Renovation Loans: The truths and challenges behind 203(k) loans and how to ensure your budgets align.Entrepreneurship & Growth Mindset: Jonathan's advice on overcoming past setbacks, reading, networking, and taking decisive action.Business Scaling & Culture: How Quality Builders sets clear steps for pre-sale, pre-con, active construction, and post-construction phases while maintaining team values.Full episodes available at www.peoplenottitles.comPeople, Not Titles podcast is hosted by Steve Kaempf and is dedicated to lifting up professionals in the real estate and business community. Our inspiration is to highlight success principles of our colleagues.Our Success Series covers principles of success to help your thrive!Website: http://peoplenottitles.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@peoplenottitles/videosInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/peoplenottitles/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-kaempf-b66a8013/ X: https://x.com/sjkaempfSpotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/1uu5kTvBhxsbgjskQS1SXK

Is the housing shortage actually a myth? A new report from Zelman and Associates argues the real crisis isn't a quantity shortage — it's an affordability shortage concentrated in starter homes, while deficit estimates from the White House, Realtor.com, and Harvard vary wildly. In this week's Market Trends podcast episode, Matt Lombardi and Steve Kaempf break down the data, plus a strong August jobs report (162,000 jobs added), mortgage rates holding at 6.7% as buyers get squeezed, institutional investors pulling back sharply after new housing legislation, Chicago's revised renter protection ordinance, and September's realtor safety month with key tips for agents in the field. New episodes of Market Trends drop every week — subscribe so you don't miss the next one. #HousingShortage #MortgageRates #HousingMarket2026 #RealEstateNews #MarketTrends #JobsReport #RealEstateInvesting #ChicagoRealEstate #RealtorLife #FederalReserve #peoplenottitles Full episodes available at www.peoplenottitles.comPeople, Not Titles podcast is hosted by Steve Kaempf and is dedicated to lifting up professionals in the real estate and business community. Our inspiration is to highlight success principles of our colleagues. Our Success Series covers principles of success to help your thrive! Website: http://peoplenottitles.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@peoplenottitles/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peoplenottitles/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-kaempf-b66a8013/ X: https://x.com/sjkaempf Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/1uu5kTvBhxsbgjskQS1

Only 8% of home sellers think a combined 6% buyer agent commission is fair, and 59% didn't even know they could opt out of paying it. In this week's market trends episode, Matt Lombardi and Steve Kaempf break down a new survey on how confused sellers still are about commissions, and why 93% who actually negotiated got a lower rate. Plus: Fed Chair Kevin Warsh signals inflation isn't fully tamed at Jackson Hole, with markets now pricing in a 64-65% chance of a September rate hike; Compass settles its three-year lawsuit with Northwest MLS; an AI startup called Ridley claims it's saved home sellers an average of $43,000 per transaction; and new data shows Americans are moving less than ever, choosing to renovate and "stay put" instead. New episodes of Market Trends drop every week — subscribe so you don't miss the next one. #RealEstateCommission #HousingMarket2026 #RealEstateNews #MarketTrends #FederalReserve #RealEstateInvesting #ChicagoRealEstate #HomeSellers #RealtorLife #AIRealEstate #peoplenottitles #markettrends Full episodes available at www.peoplenottitles.comPeople, Not Titles podcast is hosted by Steve Kaempf and is dedicated to lifting up professionals in the real estate and business community. Our inspiration is to highlight success principles of our colleagues. Our Success Series covers principles of success to help your thrive! Website: http://peoplenottitles.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@peoplenottitles/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peoplenottitles/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-kaempf-b66a8013/ X: https://x.com/sjkaempf Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/1uu5kTvBhxsbgjskQS1SXK

Join host Steve Kaempf on the People Not Titles podcast for a deep dive into the 30+ year real estate career of Greg Phillips. In this episode, Greg shares his fascinating professional journey—from his early days opening legendary 1990s nightclubs in downtown Chicago to building a thriving real estate business entirely from scratch. Discover what it takes to transition from an individual producer to an impactful leader, how to navigate major industry shifts like the 2008 market crash, and why continuous personal growth is the ultimate asset for any professional. Greg also opens up about his recent step into servant leadership as the President-elect of Main Street Realtors, discussing the association's unique value propositions, industry consolidation, and their vital advocacy initiatives. Whether you are just starting your career journey or are a seasoned industry veteran, Greg's insights on taking action, staying grounded, and leaning into your "leadership arc" offer invaluable lessons for everyone. Key Topics Covered: Greg’s transition from the restaurant/nightclub industry into real estate The early days of real estate before the internet and social media Making the hard choice to step away from active production to focus fully on managing and leadership Leading through industry consolidation and the "only the strong survive" mentality of market crashes Main Street Realtors' goals, including their unique healthcare program for independent contractors The "From Strength to Strength" leadership arc and leveraging experience for the future #RealEstate #Leadership #Podcast #PeopleNotTitles #MainStreetRealtors #BairdAndWarner #CareerJourney #ServantLeadership Website: http://peoplenottitles.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@peoplenottitles/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peoplenottitles/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-kaempf-b66a8013/ X: https://x.com/sjkaempf Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/1uu5kTvBhxsbgjskQS1SXK

Vacation rental listings have hit a record high of 1.77 million, but national occupancy has crashed to around 50%. In this week's market trends episode, Matt Lombardi and Steve Kaempf break down why so many short-term rental investors are now underwater and quietly selling off. Plus: a new bill (the MOVE Act) proposes letting homeowners transfer their low mortgage rate to their next home, Zillow pays Redfin $100 million to settle an FTC antitrust case, NAR launches a new Commercial Real Estate Demand Index, the Sitzer-Burnett settlement is officially upheld on appeal, and a new report names Illinois the most affordable state in the US for typical buyers. They also break down July housing stats for Illinois, Chicago Metro, and Wisconsin — where Chicago inventory is down over 26% year-over-year. New episodes of Market Trends drop every week — subscribe so you don't miss the next one. #VacationRentals #HousingMarket2026 #RealEstateNews #MarketTrends #Zillow #MortgageRates #RealEstateInvesting #ChicagoRealEstate #ShortTermRentals #RealtorLife #markettrends #peoplenottitles Full episodes available at www.peoplenottitles.comPeople, Not Titles podcast is hosted by Steve Kaempf and is dedicated to lifting up professionals in the real estate and business community. Our inspiration is to highlight success principles of our colleagues. Our Success Series covers principles of success to help your thrive! Website: http://peoplenottitles.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@peoplenottitles/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peoplenottitles/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-kaempf-b66a8013/ X: https://x.com/sjkaempf Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1uu5kTvBhxsbgjskQS1SXK

HOA fees have surged 26% since 2019, with older condos now costing double in monthly dues — while pending home sales dropped 2.3% month-over-month, the second straight monthly decline. In this week's market trends episode, Matt Lombardi and Steve Kaempf break down why buyers are getting squeezed on both fronts, plus July CPI showing inflation still cooling, single-family housing starts sinking 8.1%, a new bill that could double the capital gains exclusion on home sales, and the newly approved Real/RE-MAX merger. New episodes of Market Trends drop every week — subscribe so you don't miss the next one. #HOA #HousingMarket2026 #RealEstateNews #MarketTrends #PendingHomeSales #RealEstateInvesting #ChicagoRealEstate #CondoFees #RealtorLife #CapitalGains #markettrends #peoplenottitles Full episodes available at www.peoplenottitles.comPeople, Not Titles podcast is hosted by Steve Kaempf and is dedicated to lifting up professionals in the real estate and business community. Our inspiration is to highlight success principles of our colleagues. Our Success Series covers principles of success to help your thrive! Website: http://peoplenottitles.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@peoplenottitles/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peoplenottitles/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-kaempf-b66a8013/ X: https://x.com/sjkaempf Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/1uu5kTvBhxsbgjskQS1SXK