Why More Americans Are Renting Longer — And What Smart Investors Are Doing About It

Here's something that might surprise you: nearly 44 million households in the U.S. are renters — and that number is growing (U.S. Census Bureau, 2024). Homeownership is becoming harder to reach, not just for low-income families, but for nurses, teachers, firefighters, and municipal workers — the people who keep our communities running every single day.

On a recent episode of Home Story with Veronica on NowMedia Television, I sat down with Sharif T. Mitchell and Edward A. Sarkisyan, Managing Partners at M&S Holdings, to talk about what's really happening in the housing market in 2026 — and what it means for buyers, sellers, renters, and investors alike.

The workforce housing gap is real. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the U.S. is short roughly 7.3 million affordable rental homes. That shortage isn't just a statistic — it's families making impossible choices.

So what are smart investors doing? They're looking at value-add multifamily properties — acquiring underperforming apartment communities, renovating them strategically (think energy efficiency, safety systems, and livability upgrades — not just pretty countertops), and repositioning them to serve working-class renters while delivering strong, risk-adjusted returns.

If you're a real estate investor in Charlotte, NC or anywhere in a high-growth U.S. market, this strategy deserves your attention. Charlotte's population has grown over 18% in the last decade (U.S. Census), making it one of the most active markets for multifamily investing right now.

And if you're a buyer or seller feeling stuck? Sharif and Edward shared a simple truth: stop waiting for perfect conditions. Start making informed, intentional decisions.

Whether you're buying your first home, selling, renovating, or exploring investment properties — this episode will help you move forward with confidence, not panic.

🎙️ Watch the full episode on NowMedia TV: 👉 https://home-story-with-veronica.castos.com/

📺 Or on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzuOlPgckl4J4lMaiEPSmLA