Inflation accelerated sharply in March, reversing earlier signs of stabilization. The increase was driven largely by energy, with gasoline and fuel costs rising significantly amid disruptions tied to the Iran conflict.
Headline Inflation Jumps as Iran War lifts Energy Costs Read More »
The Housing Market Hotness Index moved into the stable range in early April, signaling a slight improvement in activity. However, overall conditions remain similar to last year, with modestly higher inventory offset by softer sales. Regional differences continue to shape the market, with strong demand in some areas and more muted activity in others.
Housing Market Hotness Index Apr 05, 2026 Read More »
Home insurance premiums are rising sharply across the country, coverage is becoming harder to obtain, and the cost of rebuilding continues to climb. As insurance shifts from a secondary expense to a core affordability constraint, it is quietly reshaping demand, pricing, and access to homeownership.
The Insurance Crisis No One Is Pricing into Housing Read More »
The brief optimism that emerged in the housing market at the start of 2026 has quickly faded. Mortgage rates have surged back above 6% as rising oil prices, inflation concerns and shifting Fed expectations push borrowing costs higher. The result is a market once again constrained by affordability, where demand is pulling back and activity is slowing.
Mortgage Rates Jump as Iran War Pushes Oil and Inflation Higher Read More »
The U.S. housing market is becoming increasingly regional as 2026 approaches. While affordability and steady demand are supporting several Midwest and Northeast metros, many Sun Belt markets are grappling with slowing prices after years of rapid growth. Understanding local supply, demand, and affordability conditions is now essential for buyers, sellers, and investors alike
How Affordability Is Drawing the Housing Map in 2026 Read More »
Mortgage rates are down, but homebuyers aren’t rushing back. Prices are still high, inventory remains tight, and many Americans are cautious about the economy. We break down why the market isn’t moving, even with cheaper loans
Why Lower Mortgage Rates Aren’t Boosting Home Sales Read More »
The U.S. unemployment rate remains at historically low levels even as job growth slows and labor market cracks widen. Retirements, discouraged workers, fewer working mothers, and declining immigration are shrinking the labor force, keeping the rate artificially low.
Why the Unemployment Rate Looks Stronger Than the Labor Market Feels Read More »
The U.S. housing market remains slow in early 2026, with data showing a decline in existing home sales. Although mortgage rates have eased and incomes are rising faster than home prices, affordability challenges and economic uncertainty are preventing a meaningful rebound
The Housing Market Should Be Improving. It Isn’t. Here’s Why. Read More »
The Federal Reserve lowered its benchmark interest rate to its lowest level in three years in an effort to support a cooling labor market. While inflation remains contained, policymakers are divided on whether another rate cut in December is warranted. Mortgage rates have already fallen to a one-year low, but further declines will depend on upcoming economic data and inflation trends.
Fed Cuts Rate But Signals No Guarantee of More Easing Read More »
As the housing affordability crisis deepens, a once-unthinkable idea has entered the mainstream conversation: the 50-year mortgage. With home prices at record highs and mortgage rates still well above their 2020–2021 lows, some policymakers are searching for creative ways to
Is a 50-Year Mortgage the Answer to Today’s Affordability Crisis? Read More »
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