Builder inventory is at a 15-year high, prompting major players like Lennar to launch investor-targeted platforms to offload unsold homes. Meanwhile, multifamily construction is fueling a national surge in housing starts, and international buyers are making a comeback in the U.S. housing market. This week’s mortgage and real estate updates highlight shifting inventory strategies, new construction momentum, and foreign capital flowing back into American real estate—all of which spell opportunity for loan officers and real estate agents alike.
Builder Inventory: Lennar’s Unsold Homes Push Builder Toward Investor Market
Read the Full Story → Fast Company
With a swelling backlog of completed but unsold builder inventory, Lennar—one of the country’s largest homebuilders—is testing a new way to move inventory. The company has launched the “Lennar Investor Marketplace,” a platform connecting mom-and-pop landlords with new homes that are ready to rent out.
The marketplace includes tools that help investors compare properties based on estimated rent, appreciation, and financing options. This move is designed to appeal to smaller investors who may not be on institutional radars but are still hungry for rental property opportunities.
Lennar’s pivot toward the investor market highlights how builder incentives and inventory-clearing strategies could create openings for mortgage professionals who can deliver qualified buyers or investor clients.
Multifamily Surge Drives Housing Starts to Highest Level Since February
Read the Full Story → MPA
U.S. housing starts rose to 1.428 million in July, a 5.2% monthly increase and the highest since February. Multifamily construction led the charge, with starts jumping to 470,000 units—marking the strongest showing for that segment in over a year.
While single-family starts saw only a modest increase to 939,000, completions in that category climbed 11.6%, reflecting a steady pipeline of new homes entering the market. Multifamily completions, however, fell nearly 3%, continuing a downward trend compared to last year.
Despite the uptick, builder confidence remains tempered due to affordability challenges, elevated mortgage rates, and buyer hesitancy, which all contribute to ongoing caution when issuing new permits.
Foreign Buyers Are Back: Existing-Home Sales to Non-U.S. Citizens Jump 33%
Read the Full Story → LinkedIn News
International buyers are showing renewed interest in U.S. real estate. Existing-home sales to foreign nationals rose 33% over the past year, according to new data—the first year-over-year gain since before the pandemic.
Florida, California, Texas, and New York remain top destinations, with foreign buyers often paying in cash and seeking second homes, rental properties, or long-term investments. This activity not only supports pricing in select markets but also creates fresh opportunities for agents and lenders.
The rebound suggests that the U.S. continues to be viewed as a stable, attractive market—especially amid global economic uncertainty.
Just Because…
Radioactive Shrimp Recall Hits Walmart Freezers
Read the Full Story → SAN
In an unexpected twist far from the housing world, the FDA has issued a recall for a batch of Great Value frozen shrimp sold at Walmart. The issue? Potential contamination with cesium-137, a radioactive isotope.
The shrimp in question was distributed to 13 states and carries a “best by” date of March 2027. So far, no reports of illness have emerged, but the FDA urges consumers to dispose of the affected product immediately.
Consider it your reminder to double-check the freezer aisle—especially if you’re in the market for dinner and not just new listings.
Loan Officer Perspective
This week’s headlines offer a major opening for proactive loan officers. Builders with excess inventory—like Lennar—may be more open than ever to partnerships with outside lenders. If you can bring in buyers or investor leads, there’s a strong chance they’ll extend similar incentives to what they give in-house teams.
The uptick in multifamily starts also suggests opportunity in investor or builder finance products. Pair that with renewed interest from international buyers—who often purchase in cash or need cross-border financing expertise—and there’s plenty of room to grow your pipeline.
Real Estate Agent Perspective
If you’re an agent, this is a great time to explore builder partnerships. Builders have homes they need to move—and they may welcome agents who can match buyers or investors to that inventory. Multifamily and investor-friendly properties should be on your radar.
Foreign buyers are also back in play. Position yourself as a local expert who can help international clients navigate the process, find the right property, and connect with financing partners who understand their needs.
And yes, it may be time to ask your clients what’s in their freezer, too.
Home Buyer & Seller Perspective
Buyers, especially investors or those open to new construction, may find great deals from builders eager to move inventory. Sellers should pay attention to market shifts—particularly the uptick in new home completions that may impact resale pricing.
For foreign buyers, this is a window of opportunity to enter the U.S. market with strong potential for appreciation and rental income. If you’re thinking about buying or selling, contact the mortgage or real estate pro who shared this post. They’ll help you make sense of these shifts and guide you through your next move.
Frank’s Thoughts
I just have to believe that with all this overbuilt and aging builder inventory, now is the moment for loan officers to step in and make a difference. Builders want help moving homes—and if you bring the buyers, many will be willing to work with you on incentives or financing flexibility.
This isn’t just a theory—it’s happening now. We’ve seen Lennar launch a whole platform to attract investor buyers, and that speaks volumes about the opportunity on the table. The door is open, you just have to walk through it.
If you’re a loan officer wondering how to start building those relationships, I can’t recommend Kevin Gillespie enough. He’s been instrumental in helping LOs break into the builder space. Don’t wait—now is the time to act.
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