Housing Market Trends

From the First American Economic Center

The First American Economic Center has you covered with in-depth analysis and expert insights on the latest data and trends in the industry.

From Boomers to Zoomers: The Great Housing Handoff Poised to Drive Housing Dynamics for Decades

By Sam Williamson on October 30, 2025
Key Points: Boomers and Generation X dominate homeownership today, but as they age out, tens of millions of family homes will become available. Millennials and Generation Z—followed by Generations Alpha and Beta—will soak up that supply by forming households first and shifting into ownership later as they mature, sustaining demand for decades. The ... Read More

Affordable housing Housing Affordability

Homeownership Remains a Wealth-Generating Engine

By Mark Fleming on October 29, 2025
Key Points: National affordability improved on an annual basis for the sixth consecutive month, yet remains low historically. In deciding whether to rent or own, it’s important to remember the wealth-building power of equity accumulation. Even homeowners who bought at the height of the housing boom in 2006 have gained approximately $181,000 in ... Read More

Housing Real House Price Index Affordability Mortgage Rates

“Life-Events” Spur Housing Market Recovery on Road Back to Normal

By Odeta Kushi on October 15, 2025
Key Points: Sales activity has increased modestly as mortgage rates ease and affordability improves. Mortgage applications hint at rising demand, but not enough to restore “normal” market levels. Potential sellers, who would also likely be buyers, remain reluctant, keeping a lid on the recovery. After a prolonged slump, the existing-home market is ... Read More

Housing Affordability Mortgage Rates Existing-Home Sales

Affordability Improves for Fifth Straight Month, Offering a Glimmer of Hope for the Housing Market

By Mark Fleming on October 1, 2025
Key Points: Housing affordability improved 2.3 percent year over year in July, marking the fifth consecutive month with an annual gain. Affordability improved in 39 of the top 50 markets, with the strongest gains in markets where active inventory increased the most. Affordability may improve further this year, but gains will likely be modest. ... Read More

Housing Real House Price Index Affordability Mortgage Rates

Why Can’t Existing-Home Sales Break Out of their Slump?

By Odeta Kushi on September 24, 2025
Key Points: Existing-home sales remain well below historical data would suggest for a market of today’s size. Active listings are still 22 percent lower than the 2015–2019 average, and the annual pace of improvement is slowing. Lower mortgage rates and improved affordability should encourage some buyers and discouraged sellers to re-enter the ... Read More

Housing Affordability Mortgage Rates Existing-Home Sales

The 2025 Affordability Bowl: First-Time Buyers Face 4th-and-Long, But the Game Isn’t Over

By Mark Fleming on September 23, 2025
Key Points: Only 26 percent of homes were affordable to the median renter nationally in Q2 2025, down from 28 percent at the end of 2024. The AFC South leads the 2025 Affordability Bowl standings, with Jacksonville and Indianapolis offering the most accessible housing markets. With mortgage rates easing, incomes rising, and price growth slowing, ... Read More

Housing Affordability