Investors are reshaping housing markets by paying premiums in high-cost regions and scooping up discounted homes in affordable states.
Realtor.com reports investors market share edged up to 10.8% in Q2 2025, even as overall home sales declined.
Investor activity is amplifying price pressures in both luxury and entry-level markets nationwide.
Just when it seemed the housing market was becoming a little more favorable for buyers, investors have returned, snapping up an increasing number of properties and often paying premium prices.
Realtor.coms Investor Report Mid-year Update shows that while overall home sales fell 4.2% year-over-year in the second quarter of 2025, investor purchases declined by only 2.7%. As a result, investors share of the market ticked up to 10.8% the second-highest level since 2022.
Even as investors pull back from pandemic-era activity, theyre facing fewer headwinds than many typical buyers, said Danielle Hale, Realtor.coms chief economist. With affordability still stretched and inventory tight, many would-be buyers remain sidelined, giving investors a larger share of the market and, in some areas, more influence over prices.
The report suggests that investors steady activity, coupled with limited listings, is adding upward pressure on home prices in several regions.
Where investors are paying the highest premiums
In high-cost markets, investors are paying top dollar sometimes tens of thousands above the median price. In Montana, for example, investors paid a median of $574,000, 35% higher than the states overall median price of $425,000. Utah followed closely at a 33.7% premium, while California investors paid 23.3% above market.
Among major metropolitan areas, Los Angeles led with a 19.8% investor premium, followed by San Diego (+9.2%) and New York City (+8.7%). Experts say this reflects investor confidence in short-term rentals and long-term appreciation potential in lifestyle and luxury markets.
While investors are spending big in high-cost regions, many are also seeking bargains in more affordable markets often paying less than half the local median price. In Michigan, the median investor purchase price was just $118,000, 53.1% below the states overall median. Maryland (-45.4%), Virginia (-45.0%), and Delaware (-41.4%) saw similar patterns.
Metro areas like Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Baltimore offered some of the steepest discounts, with investors buying properties at prices 50% to 58% below the local median. These purchases often target entry-level or fixer-upper homes with strong rental yield potential.
High-demand regions see action
The highest investor presence was found in affordable, high-demand regions. Missouri led all states with investors making up 18.9% of buyers, followed by Mississippi (17.1%) and Nevada (15.4%). Memphis topped major metros, where more than one in four homes (25.2%) were purchased by investors. Other metros with high investor shares included St. Louis (20.6%), Kansas City (19.3%), and San Antonio (18.0%).
This geographic divide shows a growing split in investor strategies some chasing cash flow in lower-cost areas, others focusing on appreciation and luxury demand in pricier markets.
In the first half of 2025, investors bought about 41,000 more homes than they sold widening the gap from a year earlier. That imbalance has reduced available inventory, further tightening supply for traditional buyers.
Were seeing a clear split in investor strategy, said Hannah Jones, senior economic research analyst at Realtor.com. Some are doubling down on affordability and rental yield, while others are paying a premium for markets with persistent housing shortages. Both approaches reflect confidence that housing demand and rent potential will remain strong.
USDA issues its first-ever inspection grant for a large-scale cultivated meat factory.
Believer Meats becomes the fifth startup and first non-U.S. company cleared to sell cell-cultured meat in the U.S.
North Carolina facility set to produce 12,000 tonnes of cultivated chicken annually.
Believer Meats, an Israeli startup pioneering cell-cultured meat, has secured the final regulatory greenlight it needs to begin commercial production and sales in the United States. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has completed its first and only inspection grant for a large-scale cultivated meat factory Believers new 200,000-square-foot facility in Wilson County, North Carolina.
The USDA also approved the companys product labeling, officially authorizing Believer Meats to market its cultivated chicken to American consumers. The milestone follows a no questions letter issued in July by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), signaling regulatory confidence in the safety of the companys product, according to Food Safety News.
Founded in 2018 by Yaakov Nahmias, a biomedical engineering professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Believer Meats is now the worlds largest cultivated meat facility. The site includes an innovation center, tasting kitchen, and production lines capable of yielding 12,000 tons of cultivated chicken each year roughly 26 million pounds.
Cell media rejuvenation
Company CEO Gustavo Burger called the USDAs sign-off a major milestone that authorizes us to begin commercial production and sales of our cultivated chicken products in the U.S. and export to international markets. Believers process uses centrifuge-based perfusion and a cell media rejuvenation system to grow meat from spontaneously immortalized fibroblast cells derived from fertilized chicken eggs.
Believer Meats, formerly known as Future Meat Technologies, has raised $123 million in venture funding to date. It joins a short list of cultivated meat startups cleared by both U.S. regulators and stands out as the first non-American firm to do so.
While several states have moved to ban the sale of cell-cultured meat, North Carolina has taken a more welcoming stance. The North Carolina Biotechnology Center (NCBiotech) has publicly backed Believer Meats arrival as part of the states growing bioindustrial ecosystem.
This is the first and only large-scale cultivated meat facility to have earned this approval, Burger said, calling it the final word from U.S. regulators before the company brings its alternative chicken to market.
Rising prescription costs and pharmacy closures are making it harder for many Americans to afford and access their medications.
Nearly 1 in 3 adults skip doses or stop taking prescriptions because of high out-of-pocket prices, according to Visory Healths Alexandra Robertson.
Experts recommend exploring cost-saving options like generic drugs, free prescription discount cards, and patient assistance programs to stay on track with treatment.
For millions of Americans, managing a health condition comes with a second diagnosis: sticker shock. Between rising prescription costs, shrinking insurance coverage, and fewer local pharmacies especially after major closures like Rite Aids many consumers are finding it harder than ever to fill (and afford) their medications.
ConsumerAffairs spoke with Alexandra Robertson, Senior Vice President of Growth at Visory Health, about how consumers can better navigate these financial hurdles.
From understanding generic alternatives to using prescription discount platforms, Robertson shares practical ways to reduce out-of-pocket costs and improve medication adherence without sacrificing care.
Prices affect adherence
Robertson also explained that many consumers are foregoing their medications when prices become too high, which can lead to any number of health concerns.
The impact of high prescription prices is direct and deeply alarming, she said. They are forcing millions of Americans into the heartbreaking reality of choosing between critical medications and basic living expenses like groceries, electricity, or rent.
This financial burden is the primary driver of non-adherence. High prescription costs are forcing people to divert from their doctor-recommended treatment plans. About three in ten adults report not taking their medicines as prescribed, specifically because of the cost.
Saving on medications
Rather than skipping your medication, Robertson encourages consumers to take action, as there are ways to save on prescription drugs.
Here are her top tips:
Generic brand vs. brand-name. Have an open dialogue with providers and pharmacists about switching from brand-name to generic medications when its possible and make sense. This is a proven cost-saving strategy given the price difference between a brand drug and a generic drug. Generics contain the same active ingredients and usually offer the same efficacy as their name-brand counterparts but at a fraction of the price.
Free prescription discount cards. This is perhaps the most accessible and straightforward cost-saving strategy. These tools empower patients to save a significant percentage on thousands of drugs, sometimes up to 80% off or more depending on the medication. They are especially beneficial for individuals without insurance, those on high-deductible health insurance plans facing significant out-of-pocket expenses, and even seniors who dont have Medicare Part D. Prescription discount cards are easily accessible by searching their phone's app store, and dont require you to share your information or make an account.
Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs). These can be a true lifeline for those who are underinsured or living on fixed incomes. These programs, offered by pharmaceutical manufacturers, provide free or low-cost access to expensive brand-name medications. Many people are unaware that such options exist, so it's critical to ask your provider if you might be eligible.
Empowering people with knowledge about affordable options is more critical than ever," Robertson said. "No one should have to choose between refilling a prescription and buying groceries.
Not every November deal is a must-buy: It may be better to hold off on big-ticket items like furniture, linens, and fitness gear until after the holidays.
Start shopping early but smartly: November offers great savings ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, giving shoppers time to compare prices and plan purchases without the chaos.
Online shopping stretches your dollar further: Stacking promo codes, cash back, and rewards online to maximize savings and make your holiday budget work harder.
November is one of the biggest shopping months of the year, and for good reason. Between early Black Friday promotions, Cyber Week deals, and pre-holiday markdowns, its easy to get swept up in the excitementand the spending. But not every discount is as good as it looks.
To help consumers make the most of their money, ConsumerAffairs spoke with Stephanie Carls, shopping expert at RetailMeNot, about the best and worst categories to shop this month. Carls says November offers deep discounts on certain items like electronics and home goods, while others like winter apparel and furniture are often cheaper later in the season.
Whether youre shopping for holiday gifts or just trying to stretch your budget, knowing what to buy (and what to wait on) can make a big difference heading into the holidays.
Not everything is a must-buy
The biggest piece of advice for shopping in November: dont rush! You dont need to add everything to your cart to get the best deals.In fact, Carls recommends waiting on certain things.
November is full of amazing deals, but not everything is a must-buy, she said. Big items like furniture, fitness gear, and winter sports equipment are worth waiting on since the real markdowns hit in January.
The same goes for linens; the best prices pop up during the White Sales after the holidays. My rule of thumb is to shop for fun stuff now. Think beauty sets, cozy pajamas, and tech gifts you actually want to give. Save the boring stuff for later.
Savings all season long
While Black Friday and Cyber Monday get a lot of press, Carls said that there are deals to be found all holiday season long.
The best deals start rolling in around November, but the truth is there are savings all season long, she said. November gives you the head start. You have more time to compare, plan, and stack your savings without the holiday chaos creeping in. December still brings plenty of sales, but it can feel more like a sprint.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are still major shopping moments, but they no longer hold all the power, Carls added. Great deals drop all month, and the smartest shoppers are spreading out their purchases instead of waiting for one weekend. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are more of a highlight reel than a starting gun. If you shop early, you can grab some of the same prices without the stress. Saving money is not about chasing every deal. Its about shopping with purpose and knowing where your money works hardest.
Online > in-person shopping
When it comes to how you do your holiday shopping, Carls recommends opting for online instead of in-store for now.
Online shopping has the edge right now, she said. You can stack promo codes, cash back, and rewards without ever leaving the couch, and that is where the real savings magic happens.
In-store deals can still be great for doorbusters or quick pickups, but they rarely beat the total value you can get online. The smartest approach is to mix and match. Shop online to stack your savings, and then use in-store pickup to skip shipping costs and score your gifts faster.
Make your budget work for you
With so many money-saving and earning tools at consumers fingertips these days, Carls hopes that shoppers feel good about where and how they spend their money this season.
Holiday shopping is no longer about finding the cheapest price, she said. Its about being intentional with your purchases. Shoppers are planning earlier, comparing smarter, and looking for ways to make their money go further.
I always say the best feeling is when your cart gives something back. Whether that is cash back, rewards, or bonus offers, the goal is simple. Spend thoughtfully, save strategically, and make your budget work for you this season.
The bikes seat post assembly can break during use, posing fall and injury hazards to the user.
Remedy:
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled exercise bikes and contact Peloton for a free repair. Peloton is offering consumers a free seat post that can be self-installed.
Inkari recall for thousands of plush alpaca toys posing choking hazard
Parents should immediately stop use of Inkari plush alpaca toys and seek a refund due to a choking risk for young children.
Detachable eyes on toys violate small parts ban and create choking hazard
About 64,000 Inkari plush alpaca toys in multiple colors and sizes recalled
Consumers should stop use and contact Inkari for a refund
Inkari B.V., of the Netherlands, has recalled about 64,000 plush alpaca toys due to a serious choking hazard. The toys, sold under five collections and in various sizes and colors, have eyes that can detach, violating federal small parts regulations for toys intended for children under three years old. No injuries have been reported, but the risk of choking is significant.
The hazard
The eyes on the recalled Inkari plush alpaca toys can detach, creating a small part that poses a choking hazard to young children. The toys were marketed for children under three, making this a violation of the federal small parts ban.
What to do
Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact Inkari for a full refund.
Company contact
Inkari toll-free at 833-799-0368 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email support@inkari-alpaca.com or visit www.inkari-alpaca.com/pages/product-recall for more information.
Recall of over 1,000 Vevor baby swings for suffocation risk
Caregivers should stop using Vevor baby swings immediately and contact Sanven Technology for a refund.
Swings violate infant sleep product safety standards with improper incline
About 1,020 units affected, sold online in early 2025
Consumers urged to stop use and request a refund
Sanven Technology has recalled about 1,020 Vevor baby swings due to a risk of suffocation. The swings were marketed for infant sleep but have an incline greater than 10 degrees, which violates the mandatory safety standard for infant sleep products and the ban on inclined sleepers.
The hazard
The Vevor baby swings were sold with an incline that exceeds the legal limit, posing a potentially deadly suffocation hazard for infants. No injuries have been reported.
What to do
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled swings and contact Sanven Technology for a refund.
WYBITNY recall for childrens bed rails due to entrapment risk
Owners of WYBITNY bed rails sold on Amazon should stop use and request a refund to prevent injury.
Bed rail openings can entrap children, risking serious injury or death
About 120 WYBITNY bed rails affected, sold in June and July 2025
Full refund available from WYBITNY; discontinue use immediately
Shanghai Siwu Jidan Shangmao Youxian Gongsi, dba WYBITNY, has recalled about 120 portable childrens bed rails due to entrapment risks. The product fails to meet federal safety standards and can allow a child to become trapped in or around the rail.
The hazard
The openings in the WYBITNY childrens bed rails allow for possible entrapment, posing a risk of serious injury or death if a child becomes trapped in the rail or between the rail and the mattress.
What to do
Consumers should immediately stop using the bed rails and contact WYBITNY for a full refund.
Umeyda recall for children's nightgowns over burn risk
Parents should stop using Umeyda nightgowns sold on Amazon and contact the company for a refund.
Nightgowns fail flammability standards, posing burn risk to children
About 200 Umeyda children's nightgowns recalled in various colors and sizes
Refund available; discontinue use immediately
Xindu District Miuwola Clothing Store dba Umeyda Company has recalled about 200 children's nightgowns due to violation of federal flammability standards. These garments pose a significant risk of burn injuries.
The hazard
The recalled Umeyda nightgowns do not comply with required flammability standards for childrens sleepwear, increasing the risk of burns.
What to do
Consumers should immediately stop using the nightgowns and contact Umeyda Company for a full refund.
Recall of thousands of Yall Can DIY fireplace fuel containers for flash fire hazard
Owners of Yall Can DIY bioethanol fireplace fuel should stop use and request a replacement due to missing safety features.
Missing flame mitigation device creates flash fire and burn risk
About 14,000 fireplace fuel containers recalled, sold on Amazon in 2025
Remedy is a free replacement; stop use immediately
Astemrey has recalled about 14,000 Yall Can DIY liquid bioethanol fireplace fuel containers. The fuel containers lack required flame mitigation devices, posing a risk of serious injury or death from flash fires.
The hazard
The recalled fireplace fuel containers violate federal safety rules, as they do not have the flame mitigation devices required for portable fuel containers. This significantly increases the risk of flash fire.
What to do
Consumers should stop using the recalled fireplace fuel containers immediately and contact Astemrey for a replacement.
Lezyne USA recall for thousands of bicycle floor pumps due to injury risk
Cyclists should stop using Lezyne Pressure Over Drive pumps and contact the company for a replacement.
Pump canister can eject forcefully, causing serious injury
About 7,500 bicycle floor pumps recalled in the US
Replacement pump available; discontinue use immediately
Lezyne USA Inc. has recalled about 7,500 Pressure Over Drive bicycle floor pumps after a report of the canister ejecting from the base and causing serious facial injuries.
The hazard
The pumps canister can forcefully eject from the base under pressure, posing a risk of severe injury to users or bystanders.
What to do
Customers should immediately stop using the recalled pumps and contact Lezyne for a replacement.
Company contact
Lezyne toll-free at 888-998-8881 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, email recall@lezyne.com, or visit ride.lezyne.com/recall for more information.
Neaude recall for over 3,000 adult portable bed rails due to entrapment and asphyxiation risk
Consumers should stop using Neaude adult bed rails and request a refund due to serious safety hazards.
Bed rails can entrap users and lack required warning labels
About 3,294 Neaude adult portable bed rails recalled, sold on Amazon
Refund available; discontinue use immediately
Ruiyewenhuachuanboshenzhenyouxiangongsi, dba Neaude, has recalled about 3,294 adult portable bed rails due to entrapment and asphyxiation risks. The rails also lack federally required warning labels.
The hazard
The recalled Neaude bed rails violate safety standards and can entrap users between the rail and the mattress or within the rail itself. This poses a risk of serious injury or death by asphyxiation.
What to do
Consumers should immediately stop using the bed rails and contact Neaude for a full refund.
STIHL recall for tens of thousands of backpack blowers over laceration risk
Owners of STIHL BR 800 backpack blowers should stop using affected units and seek a free repair.
Fan wheel can break apart, posing laceration hazard
About 47,800 STIHL BR 800 blowers with certain serial numbers recalled
Free repair available; check serial number and contact dealer
STIHL Incorporated has recalled about 47,800 BR 800 Magnum backpack blowers after the fan wheel was found to pose a risk of breaking apart, which could cause lacerations.
The hazard
The fan wheel inside the affected STIHL blowers can break apart during use, increasing the risk of serious lacerations to the operator or bystanders.
What to do
Consumers should immediately stop using recalled blowers and contact an authorized STIHL dealer for a free repair. Only units with serial numbers from 546515117 to 547916107 are included in the recall.
Company contact
STIHL Inc. toll-free at 800-233-4729 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit www.stihlusa.com/safety/recalls/br800 for more information.
Napei recall for thousands of infant bath tubs due to battery ingestion hazard
Caregivers should stop using Napei infant bath tubs and request a free repair kit to secure the battery.
Thermometer battery compartment accessible to children, risking ingestion
About 7,800 Napei infant bath tubs recalled, sold on Amazon
Free repair available; stop use until repaired
Sefon Store has recalled about 7,800 Napei collapsible infant bath tubs due to violation of safety standards for products containing button cell batteries. The built-in thermometers battery compartment can be easily accessed by children, posing a life-threatening ingestion hazard.
The hazard
If children access and swallow the button cell batteries in the thermometer, this can cause internal chemical burns, serious injury or death.
What to do
Consumers should stop using the bath tubs immediately and contact Sefon Store for a free repair kit to secure the battery compartment.
Company contact
Sefon Store via email at Napeiservice00@outlook.com.
Konges Sljd recall for childrens scooters after wheel detachment injuries
Owners of three-wheeled childrens scooters from Konges Sljd should stop use and request a refund.
Left front wheel can detach, causing falls and injuries
About 50 scooters recalled after reports of injuries including broken arm
Refund available; discontinue use immediately
Konges Sljd, of Denmark, has recalled about 50 three-wheeled childrens scooters due to a risk of the left front wheel detaching during use, resulting in multiple injury reports.
The hazard
There have been 18 reports of the front wheel detaching, resulting in three injuries, including a broken arm and loss of a childs tooth.
What to do
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled scooters and contact Konges Sljd for a refund.
39% of shoppers already started buying to spread out costs and beat possible tariff-related price jumps
Most are tightening up: 61% say higher prices mean fewer gifts, more sale items, and more practical stuff
Gift cards and big online/big-box retailers are winning because they make spending predictable and price-comparison easy
A new holiday survey from InMarket says 39% of Americans have already started shopping because tariffs and higher prices are making them nervous about what things will cost later.
At the same time, 61% say higher prices are already changing their plans, and most of those shoppers say the fix is simple: buy fewer gifts and buy whats on sale. Heres what that means if youre still building your list.
What shoppers are doing differently
Buying earlier. Four in 10 shoppers are getting a head start to spread out costs and grab deals before prices creep up.
Buying fewer gifts. 59% say theyll trim the number of presents to stay on budget.
Shifting to useful gifts. Only 27% are buying the same types of gifts they usually do. Everyone else is moving to practical stuff, discounted items, or cheaper brands.
Buying gift cards.Gift cards are at the top of the list this year (58%), even ahead of clothing at 52%. Thats a big tell that people want predictable spending.
Shopping the biggest sites and stores. Online-only retailers (62%) and big-box stores (58%) are where shoppers plan to go first. This makes sense as shoppers can compare prices quickly and often find the lowest price.
Why its happening
Shoppers are getting squeezed by both inflation (toys, home items, furniture), and continued tariffs. This has made many believe that some things will cost more later in the season.
That uncertainty pushes people into the buy it now if the price is right mindset.
Price is the main factor this year as 32% said it matters the most. But other factors like quality, what friends and family ask for, and overall value still show up right behind it. So retailers that can show this is on sale and its good will win those early dollars.
What consumers should do right now
1. Make gift cards work harder
If gift cards are your default, buy them at a retailer that offers bonus cards or store rewards during the holidays. That turns a safe gift into an even better-value gift. Or better yet, buy them at Costco or Sams Club at a discounted price. At Costco for example, you can typically get four $25 gift cards for only $79.99.
2. Lock in sale-priced practical gifts now
Because so many shoppers are switching to on-sale and useful items, those categories can potentially sellout first. So, if you see a price you like on small appliances, winter clothing, beauty gift sets, or toys, buy it now rather than waiting for mid-December.
3. Compare across big-box and online on the same day
Since most shoppers are heading to the same places (Amazon and big-box stores) you should too. When shopping online, open two tabs and compare prices, especially on toys, electronics, and dcor. Holiday pricing is moving around a lot right now.
4. Set a hard gift count
Because 59% of people said theyll buy fewer gifts, copy that strategy. Decide on a number of people or a dollar limit per person and dont let late-season price bumps push you over it.
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Tue, 14 Oct 2025 03:00:00 GMT A Consumer Reports investigation found that more than two-thirds of tested protein powders and shakes contained more lead per serving than what food safety experts deem safe for daily consumption.
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