Lease News Today — October 28, 2026
The national cost-per-square-foot is wrong in both directions and more — today's lease signal.
The real estate industry is seeing a mix of shifts in leadership, expansion in services, and a focus on education and advocacy. On the residential side, the USDA has announced an expansion of its rural home loan pilot program with six lenders, providing more options for homebuyers in rural areas. Meanwhile, industry leaders are also focusing on education and advocacy, with NAMB's Michael Farrell outlining his priorities for 2027, which include mortgage education, advocacy, and member benefits.
In other news, there are changes in leadership and business strategy. Budge Huskey is stepping back as CEO of Premier Sotheby's, but plans to remain involved with the company. Stylecraft Builders, on the other hand, is focusing on laser-focused local scale, with a playbook that seems to be working for the company. Additionally, there's a discussion around the accuracy of the national cost-per-square-foot metric, which appears to be flawed in both directions. These developments highlight the ongoing evolution of the real estate industry, with a focus on growth, education, and local expertise.
Today's signal:
• The national cost-per-square-foot is wrong in both directions (housingwire.com)
• NAMB’s Michael Farrell on 2027 priorities of mortgage education, advocacy and member benefits (housingwire.com)
• USDA expands rural home loan pilot with six lenders (housingwire.com)
• Budge Huskey steps back as Premier Sotheby’s CEO, but retirement isn’t in the plan (housingwire.com)
• Inside Stylecraft Builders’ playbook for laser-focused local scale (housingwire.com)