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.

Recent Posts by Mark Fleming

Mark Fleming is the chief economist for First American Financial Corporation and leads First American’s Decision Sciences team.

Affordability Improved Again in April, Thanks to a More Balanced Market

By Mark Fleming on June 29, 2026
Key Points: Housing affordability improved 7 percent annually in April as slower house price appreciation boosted consumer house-buying power. Months' supply of existing homes increased from 3.5 months in April 2024 to 4.4 months in April 2026, helping slow annual nominal house price growth from approximately 6 percent to nearly zero. Generally, ... Read More

Housing Real House Price Index Affordability Mortgage Rates

The Spring Housing Market’s Affordability Momentum Faces a New Headwind

By Mark Fleming on May 27, 2026
Key Points: Housing affordability improved 7.8 percent annually in March, marking the sixth consecutive month of annual affordability gains. Mortgage rates increased from 6.05 percent in February to 6.18 percent in March and moved even higher in April and May, reducing some of the affordability momentum entering the spring housing market. ... Read More

Housing Real House Price Index Affordability Mortgage Rates

Affordability Improves in All Top 100 Markets

By Mark Fleming on April 28, 2026
Key Points: Housing affordability improved 11 percent year over year in February, with all top 100 markets posting gains for the first time since October 2024. In today’s dollars, homes are more affordable now than they were in the early 1980s because house-buying power is greater today due to lower mortgage rates and higher income levels. ... Read More

Housing Real House Price Index Affordability Mortgage Rates

Affordability Reached Best Level Since 2022 in January

By Mark Fleming on March 30, 2026
Key Points: Affordability improved nearly 11 percent year over year in January, reaching its highest level since August 2022. Income growth has outpaced house price growth for 19 straight months, boosting house-buying power even as mortgage rates remain elevated. Markets with declining home prices had the largest affordability gains, while areas ... Read More

Housing Real House Price Index Affordability Mortgage Rates

Affordability Improved in All 50 States in 2025, Giving Home Buyers a Boost Heading into 2026

By Mark Fleming on February 24, 2026
Key Points: Affordability jumped nearly 9 percent year over year in December, the 10th consecutive annual gain. Affordability improved on an annual basis in all 50 states and in 48 of the top 50 markets. Markets with inventory at, or above, pre-pandemic levels tend to have the strongest affordability gains. Affordability ended 2025 on its ... Read More

Housing Real House Price Index Affordability Mortgage Rates

House-Buying Power Jumps Nearly 10 Percent Annually

By Mark Fleming on January 27, 2026
Key Points: Income gains and lower mortgage rates boosted house-buying power by roughly $36,600 year-over-year in November. Nominal price growth has slowed to near-zero, and 47 of 50 major metros posted affordability improvements. Inventory is the decisive wild card — if inventory levels don’t deteriorate dramatically, house price growth will ... Read More

Housing Real House Price Index Affordability Mortgage Rates