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Housing expert warns pre-pandemic affordability levels may never return in America
Fox Business· 2026-01-14 11:00
Core Insights - The U.S. housing market may not return to pre-pandemic affordability levels, as significant changes in mortgage rates, household incomes, or home prices are deemed unlikely [1][5][12] Group 1: Housing Affordability Challenges - The housing affordability issue in America is identified as a structural problem rather than a cyclical one, indicating long-term challenges [2][6] - To achieve affordability, mortgage rates would need to drop to approximately 2.65%, median household incomes would need to increase by about 56%, or home prices would need to decrease by around 35% [5][12] - Current affordability is defined as a mortgage payment that constitutes about 21% of median household income, compared to over 30% currently [5] Group 2: Policy and Market Dynamics - The Trump administration's proposed policies include directing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase up to $200 billion in mortgage bonds and limiting large institutional investors from buying single-family homes, which could positively impact the market [12][13] - Increasing housing supply is emphasized as a critical step to address the affordability crisis, with suggestions for incentives to encourage developers to build affordable housing [8][14] - The long-term outlook suggests that if current trends continue, a return to pre-pandemic affordability could be delayed until around 2047 [13]
Trump order seeks to ban Wall Street investments in single-family homes. Will this make housing more affordable?
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-13 16:52
Core Insights - President Trump's initiative aims to prohibit large investment companies from purchasing single-family homes to improve affordability for families [1][2] - Experts express skepticism about the effectiveness of this proposal in addressing the housing affordability crisis, emphasizing that the issue is fundamentally a supply problem [11][12] Group 1: Institutional Investors and Market Dynamics - Institutional investors have been linked to rising home prices and rents, but their overall impact on homeownership opportunities remains unclear [3] - Investor activity in the single-family home market increased from 29% in June 2025 to 30% in September 2025, marking a year-over-year rise of three percentage points [3][4] - Over 90% of investor-owned single-family homes are held by small investors with fewer than 11 properties, indicating that large institutional buyers are not the primary drivers of the market [5][6] Group 2: Local Regulations and Construction Challenges - Local building restrictions have significantly contributed to the housing shortage, with research indicating a decline in construction since the 1980s due to restrictive zoning and permitting laws [7][8] - Regulatory burdens account for approximately 25% of the cost of a single-family home, equating to about $100,000 of a $400,000 house [10] Group 3: Potential Impact of Trump's Proposal - Reducing institutional investment could exert downward pressure on home prices by decreasing demand, but institutional investors only represent about 1% to 2% of total home purchases, suggesting a modest overall impact [10] - Limiting institutional activity may lead to a reduction in the single-family rental market supply, potentially increasing rental prices [10] Group 4: Broader Housing Affordability Solutions - Experts agree that addressing the housing shortage requires multiple solutions beyond just restricting institutional investors, as the affordability crisis is deeply rooted in supply issues [11][12] - The combination of regulatory burdens, land use policies, and economic factors creates a "perfect storm" that drives housing prices higher [12]
Why 2026 Might Be Your Year to Buy a New House
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-13 13:19
The first half of the 2020s were not easy for prospective American homebuyers. The COVID-19 pandemic (along with the economic panic and supply-chain shortages that came with it), rising inflation and limited housing availability all conspired to destabilize the housing market. That could all change, though, as 2026 may finally be a good year for homebuyers. Why 2026 Might Be Good for the Housing Market As reported in Yahoo Finance, the inflation rate has slowed to 3% year over year, down from its extre ...
Trump turns to progressives for ideas on affordability
NBC News· 2026-01-13 10:00
Core Viewpoint - President Trump is seeking to align with progressives to address affordability issues and position Republicans favorably for the midterm elections, despite his previous economic policies that have been criticized by the left [1][8]. Economic Policies - Trump has renewed his campaign promise to cap credit card interest rates at 10%, a proposal that has been stagnant in Congress since its introduction [2][14]. - He aims to ban large investors from purchasing single-family homes, a move intended to make housing more affordable for first-time buyers, echoing progressive initiatives [13]. - Trump has directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to invest $200 billion in mortgage bonds to lower mortgage rates and monthly payments, although analysts predict minimal impact on the housing market [2][15]. Political Dynamics - Trump's economic agenda has raised concerns among traditional conservatives, as it deviates from limited-government, free-market principles [5][6]. - The shift towards cost-control policies is seen as a response to recent electoral successes for Democrats, indicating a strategic move to regain voter support [8][10]. - There is skepticism from progressive leaders like Sen. Bernie Sanders regarding Trump's commitment to these policies, given his past actions that favored deregulation [7][20]. Bipartisan Support and Opposition - Some of Trump's initiatives may garner bipartisan support, but significant opposition is expected from business-friendly Republicans and Democrats [10][21]. - The political landscape is complicated, as Trump's policies may force Republicans to support ideas they traditionally oppose, while some Democrats may struggle to vote against him [21][23]. Public Perception and Polling - Recent polling indicates that only 31% of voters approve of Trump's handling of the economy, a decline from 40% shortly after he returned to office [17]. - The gap between Trump's economic perspective and voter sentiment has prompted him to campaign in key states to promote his economic agenda [18][19].
2026别盼房价崩盘了!楼市分化成定局,冰火两重天!买房记住这4点,别把钱砸在坑里
Sou Hu Cai Jing· 2026-01-12 23:51
家人们,2026年开年就有个房产大V的言论炸了锅!说什么"房价跌了不用慌,家比房子值钱",劝大家别再纠结投资回报,安心住着就行。这话听着暖心, 实则坑人不浅!要是真信了这套,未来几年你可能要为"买错房"付出一辈子都扛不起的代价。今天就用最直白的大白话扒透这事儿:2026年房价根本不会全 面崩盘,反而会越分越清楚——有的房子是金疙瘩,有的房子就是烫手山芋。买对买错,直接决定你家未来十年的财富命运! 一、别被"家比房子值钱"忽悠了!房子贬值的代价你扛不起 那个大V把"住得安心"包装成佛系财富观,仿佛只要家人在,房子贬多少都无所谓。但普通人过日子,哪能这么云淡风轻?一套房子背后,是爸妈一辈子的 养老钱、你夫妻俩的血汗钱,甚至还背着二三十年的房贷。要是房子天天贬值,就像家里的钱袋子破了个大洞,每天都在往外漏钱,你能睡得踏实? 就说我身边一个朋友,三年前在老家小县城买了套大三居,当时想着以后回去养老。结果2026年想卖掉换去省会给孩子凑学区房首付,房子挂在中介一年 多,问都没人问。中介告诉他,现在小县城的二手房库存堆成山,光他们门店就压着上百套待售房源,想成交只能大幅降价,至少要亏二三十万。这可不是 小数目,相当于夫妻 ...
Trouble ahead for US housing, warns 'Oracle of Wall Street' who predicted 2008 crash. Here’s how some can still profit
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-12 17:43
Core Insights - Meredith Whitney, known for predicting the 2008 financial crisis, warns of emerging issues in the U.S. housing market, forecasting that existing home sales in 2025 will be the slowest in over 25 years [1][2] Demographic Shifts - Over 54% of homes in the U.S. are owned by seniors, which is 10% more than in 2008, with 78% of seniors preferring to stay in their current homes rather than downsizing [2][3] Financial Implications for Homeowners - The potential tax implications from selling homes may deter baby boomers from selling, as the IRS allows a deduction of up to $250,000 (or $500,000 for joint filers) from capital gains, a threshold set in 1997 that is less beneficial today [4] Market Conditions - The housing market is described as "part frozen," with many homeowners reluctant to sell due to being locked into lower mortgage rates from the pandemic, which were between 0% and 0.25% [5][6] - The typical U.S. household earns approximately 46% less than the recommended income to afford a median home price of $439,950, which dropped to $415,000 in December, indicating only slight improvement in affordability [6]
‘Something big’ just happened in the U.S. housing market, real estate CEO says. And it could mean the difference of being able to buy a home or not
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-12 17:12
During the pandemic-era housing market, homebuyers enjoyed sub-3% rates, ushering in a wave of homebuying among younger generations. But in the following few years, the American Dream came crashing down as mortgage rates and home prices rose, and inflation and wage stagnation set in. That meant more homeowners in the U.S. had sub-3% mortgage rates compared with today’s 6%-range rates, creating a lock-in effect in which current homeowners refused to let go of their low mortgage rates and sell their homes o ...
Trump housing plan could bring 'big win' for Americans, Pulte says
Fox Business· 2026-01-12 14:23
Core Viewpoint - The U.S. housing market may experience significant improvements due to government actions aimed at making housing more affordable, particularly through the purchase of mortgage bonds worth $200 billion [2][3][5]. Group 1: Government Actions - The Trump administration is directing representatives to buy $200 billion in mortgage bonds to lower mortgage rates and monthly payments, making homeownership more affordable [2][3]. - The Federal Housing Finance Agency Director, William Pulte, emphasized the importance of using the $200 billion in cash available at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to enhance housing affordability [5]. - Pulte expressed confidence in the administration's ability to reverse negative trends in the housing market from the past four years [5][7]. Group 2: Housing Market Dynamics - Pulte criticized the practice of homebuilders selling properties to corporations at significant discounts (20-40%) compared to prices for individual buyers, arguing that this undermines the goal of providing shelter for people [6]. - The administration's recent decision to ban large investment institutions from acquiring single-family homes aims to ensure that homes are available for individuals rather than being held on corporate balance sheets [5][6]. Group 3: Future Outlook - Pulte is optimistic about upcoming meetings with homebuilders and believes that they will resume construction activities, contributing to the housing market's recovery [5][7]. - There is an expectation of executive action followed by legislative codification to support these housing initiatives [7].
Housing, Jobs, And The Affordability Agenda
Seeking Alpha· 2026-01-11 14:00
Core Insights - The article discusses the investment landscape in the real estate sector, particularly focusing on the performance and potential of various real estate investment trusts (REITs) and housing-related companies [2][3]. Group 1: Company Insights - Hoya Capital Research & Index Innovations is affiliated with Hoya Capital Real Estate, which provides investment advisory services and focuses on publicly traded securities in the real estate industry [2]. - The commentary emphasizes that the information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute investment advice or recommendations for specific securities [2][3]. Group 2: Industry Insights - The real estate industry is highlighted as having unique risks associated with investments in real estate companies and housing industry companies, which may not be suitable for all investors [2]. - The article notes that past performance of market data does not guarantee future results, indicating the inherent volatility and unpredictability of the real estate market [3].
Mortgage Rates And Falling Oil Prices | ITK With Cathie Wood
ARK Invest· 2026-01-09 23:30
Greetings everyone and happy new year. Well, it was an eventful turn of the year. the government uh shutdown did end.And uh here we are. We're catching up with uh economic statistics. Uh I'm going to be doing something a little different this time instead of the normal drill.uh because uh I'd like to give you a preview of a letter that we're going to be putting out uh uh at least show you some of the charts uh and um really go through the line of thinking um that we have been processing over the last year a ...