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Welcome Back,

Hello everyone and happy Monday! I hope you all had an amazing Easter Sunday! Today we will be jumping right back into another real estate market to start the week off. The market we will be going over today is Washington D.C.. We will also be taking a look at a few events that have occurred over the past couple of days that could effect your investment portfolio. Enjoy!

— Ryan Rincon

Subscribe to our neighbor newsletter Early Bird Stock Market News to stay up to date on all things investing to start making money in the stock market.

Daily News Updates:

​Global Economic Discord at IMF Summit​

At the IMF and World Bank spring meetings in Washington, global finance leaders are notably divided, contrasting the unity seen during the 2008 crisis. President Trump's unilateral tariffs have heightened tensions, with some countries preparing retaliatory measures and others seeking new trade alliances that exclude the U.S. ​

JPMorgan Predicts Economic Challenges Amid Tariff Increases​

JPMorgan forecasts that President Trump's aggressive tariff strategy will lead to increased tax rates, potentially rising from 2% to between 10% and 20%. While some trade deals may be achieved, the firm warns of potential economic challenges, including rising unemployment and inflation. Investors are advised to consider structured notes and hedge funds to navigate the anticipated market volatility. ​

DHL Suspends High-Value Shipments to U.S. Consumers​

DHL Express announced it will suspend global shipments over $800 to U.S. consumers starting April 21, citing new U.S. customs regulations requiring formal entry processing for such shipments. Business-to-business shipments will continue but may experience delays, while shipments under $800 remain unaffected. ​

Federal Budget Cuts Impact Kansas City

Massive federal budget cuts under President Trump's administration have significantly affected Kansas City, Missouri, a long-standing hub for federal agencies. The Department of Health and Human Services has reduced its workforce from 82,000 to 62,000 employees, leading to disruptions in critical services and economic challenges for the region. ​

Boeing Jet Returns Amid Tariff Disputes​

A Boeing 737 MAX, initially intended for China's Xiamen Airlines, has returned to the U.S. due to ongoing tariff disputes. The aircraft's return underscores the impact of trade tensions on major manufacturing deals and the broader aerospace industry. ​

Mentorship: A Growth Tool for Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs are discovering that mentoring others not only benefits mentees but also serves as a valuable growth tool for themselves. Engaging in mentorship can enhance leadership skills, expand networks, and provide fresh perspectives, contributing to personal and professional development

Real Estate Investing

Market Snapshot:

The Washington, D.C. housing market in 2025 presents a complex landscape. While the average home value stands at $605,881, reflecting a 2.4% decrease over the past year ​, certain segments, particularly luxury properties, are experiencing heightened activity. Notably, high-profile tech figures have invested tens of millions in prestigious D.C. properties, reshaping markets in elite neighborhoods like Georgetown and Kalorama .​

• Median Home Price: $605,881

• 1-Year Value Change: -2.4%

• Median Days to Pending: 31 days

• Percent of Sales Over List Price: 23.3%

• Percent of Sales Under List Price: 52.9%

Deal Of The Day:

Capitol Hill Fourplex – Classic Charm with Income Stability

If you're looking for a property that’s as much about stability as it is about location, this four-unit multifamily property in Capitol Hill might be your answer. Priced at $1,800,000, each unit is a 2-bed, 1-bath, currently rented for a combined monthly income of $12,000, giving it a solid 7.2% cap rate. That’s well above average for the D.C. multifamily market, where most stable, centrally located properties average closer to 5–6%.

The building itself is a brick beauty with updated interiors, washer/dryers in each unit, and a shared courtyard. It sits within walking distance of Eastern Market, a block from the Metro, and surrounded by parks, making it an attractive option for government workers and young professionals alike. Rental turnover in this area is low — tenants tend to stay, especially if units are well maintained.

Plus, with recent city investments in street and transit infrastructure, this submarket is positioned for long-term appreciation. Whether you’re looking to hold for cash flow or renovate for equity gains, this property checks a lot of boxes.

Deal Rating: 7.8/10

Investment Strategy:

The Equity Swap Move

One of the lesser-known (but incredibly powerful) strategies for scaling your real estate portfolio is what some investors call an “equity swap.” This involves identifying a property you own that has appreciated significantly — and rather than refinancing it or selling it outright, you exchange it for another asset that better matches your current goals.

For example, let’s say you own a single-family rental in Brookland you bought five years ago for $480,000, and now it’s worth $780,000. Instead of simply cashing out and paying capital gains, you could execute a tax-deferred 1031 exchange into a small multi-unit property or a short-term rental-ready home in a nearby state with higher cash flow potential.

The trick here is aligning your investment with your changing risk tolerance and lifestyle needs. Younger investors may want appreciation; older ones, cash flow. The “equity swap” allows you to reposition your portfolio without starting from scratch — and you can keep compounding your wealth tax-deferred.

Current Interest Rates:

Washington, D.C.

Interest rates continue to hover at levels that feel uncomfortably high to anyone who bought pre-2022. For investors and buyers in D.C., that means strategy matters more than ever. Here’s what current rates look like in the District:

• 30-Year Fixed Residential: 6.83%

• 15-Year Fixed Residential: 6.09%

• Commercial/Multi-Family Rates: 5.36% – 6.25% depending on credit and property class

• Bridge Loans: 7.5%+, often interest-only

The silver lining here? High rates are cooling demand just enough to give smart investors breathing room. You’re no longer competing with 15 offers on every property. That means more room to negotiate seller concessions, rate buydowns, and even creative financing like seller carrybacks. D.C.’s rental demand hasn’t wavered — so while borrowing costs are higher, rents are up too, helping to balance the equation.

Some lenders are offering interest-only options or ARM products to help preserve monthly cash flow until rates ease. As always, run your numbers with a margin of safety — assume a worst-case rate, and make sure the deal still works.

Real Estate Tip:

Understand Local Regulations

Before you dive into investing in D.C. real estate, take some time to really get to know the local rules—especially when it comes to rent control and tenant rights. Washington, D.C. has unique laws that can directly affect how much rent you can charge, how you handle lease renewals, and what your responsibilities are as a landlord. These regulations aren’t just legal checkboxes—they shape the day-to-day experience of managing a property and building relationships with tenants.

Understanding these laws upfront helps you avoid surprises down the road and keeps you from running into compliance issues that can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. More importantly, being well-informed shows that you care about doing things the right way—for yourself and for the people who'll be calling your property home. It's a smart move that builds trust and sets the foundation for long-term success in D.C.’s unique rental market.

How to Navigate a Shifting Market

Let’s face it — this isn’t the easiest real estate market to jump into. Interest rates are high, home prices are still elevated (especially in prime cities like D.C.), and economic signals are sending mixed messages. But smart investors know that moments like this are where long-term wealth is built. The key to navigating this environment is not to wait for perfect timing — it’s to adapt your strategy.

Start by looking for properties that need light cosmetic updates. In a market like D.C., buyers are often turned off by outdated finishes — even if the bones are good. This creates room for value-add plays without the need for heavy renovations.

You can often pick up a property for 5–10% below market simply because of poor presentation, do $20K in updates, and add $60–$80K in value within six months. Also, consider longer due diligence periods, lease-back options, or negotiating seller rate buydowns — tactics that weren’t available during the pandemic-era frenzy. Flexibility and patience are your superpowers right now.

And finally, shift your lens: don’t only hunt for appreciation. Go back to the basics — look for cash flow, good neighborhoods, job proximity, and tenant demand. In cities like D.C., the market doesn’t collapse — it just changes gears.

Economic Conditions

D.C. Job Growth, Government Spending & Inflation’s Local Impact

Washington, D.C.’s economy is in a transitional phase. Unemployment sits at 5.6%, slightly above the national average, due in part to contraction in nonprofit and education sectors — both heavily concentrated in the capital. At the same time, federal hiring has picked up again after a slowdown in 2023–2024, bringing renewed job stability across law, defense, and administrative roles. This foundational government presence is one reason D.C. remains one of the most resilient housing markets in the country during national downturns.

Inflation in the region is estimated at 2.4%, lower than in many other major metros — largely because D.C. has fewer logistics and food processing centers (which were heavily affected elsewhere). Still, construction costs have risen over 6% YoY, making new development projects pricier and riskier. As a result, many builders are slowing projects, which could tighten supply again by late 2025.

For investors, this signals that buy-and-hold rentals will likely see continued demand, especially in underserved submarkets east of the river or near Metro expansion zones. Long story short: the broader economy in D.C. is sending mixed signals — but for those who know how to read between the lines, there’s plenty of opportunity under the surface.

Market Rating:

Key Takeaways:

• Market Update: D.C. home prices are down 2.4% YoY; inventory up 56% — it’s finally a buyer’s market in many areas.

• Deal of the Day: A Capitol Hill fourplex earns $12,000/month with a 7.2% cap rate — solid long-term potential.

• Strategy: Use equity swaps and 1031 exchanges to reposition and grow — without resetting your tax clock.

• Interest Rates: 30-year residential is at 6.83%; commercial loans offer better cash flow opportunities.

• Economic Insight: Inflation low, but construction costs are high; government job stability still anchors demand.

• Investor Article: Focus on flexible buying, cosmetic value-adds, and cash flow — not just appreciation.

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That’s All For Today

I hope you enjoyed today’s issue. If you have any questions regarding today’s issue or future issues feel free to ask. Come back tomorrow for information on how to grow your income and wealth. I hope to see you.

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^_Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational and educational purposes only and reflects the opinions of its editors and contributors. The content provided, including but not limited to real estate tips, stock market insights, business marketing strategies, and startup advice, is shared for general guidance and does not constitute financial, investment, real estate, legal, or business advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investment, real estate, and business decisions involve inherent risks, and readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence and consult with qualified professionals before taking any action. This newsletter does not establish a fiduciary, advisory, or professional relationship between the publishers and readers.