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.

Are you Watching the Big Game? It’s the 2026 Housing Bowl

By Sam Williamson on February 6, 2026
Key Points: In this coastal affordability matchup, stronger supply helps Seattle overcome Boston. Stronger permitting, fuller inventory, and slower price growth give Seattle the supply‑side advantage, widening buyer choice and giving purchasers more leverage. Median home prices increased by 0.4 percent in Seattle, less than half of Boston’s 0.9 ... Read More

Housing Affordability Mortgage Rates Existing-Home Sales

Today’s Housing Market Remains Far from Normal

By Odeta Kushi on February 5, 2026
Key Points: Existing-home sales are improving, but remain well below pre-pandemic norms. Sales equal just 3.3 percent of U.S. households, compared with a pre-pandemic average of 4.2 percent. Closing that gap would require over one million additional sales at today’s household base, underscoring just how far the market still has to go. ... Read More

Housing Affordability Mortgage Rates Existing-Home Sales

More ‘For Sale’ Signs Sparks Cautious Optimism for Existing-Home Sales in 2026

By Odeta Kushi on January 12, 2026
Key Points: Affordability is improving as income growth outpaces home price gains. Inventory has improved, giving buyers more options than a year ago. Mortgage Rate lock-in and uncertainty will likely keep existing-home sales gains incremental in 2026. Existing-home sales increased in November, and our latest Existing-Home Sales Outlook Report ... Read More

Housing Affordability Mortgage Rates Existing-Home Sales

The Housing Market’s Holiday Gift: A Loosening Lock-In Effect

By Odeta Kushi on December 17, 2025
Key Points: Mortgage rate lock-in remains a major constraint, but it is no longer tightening. Home sales are recovering faster in states where lock-in has eased more. Life events—not lower rates alone—are gradually restoring housing market turnover. Existing-home sales increased in October, and our latest Existing-Home Sales Outlook Report ... Read More

Housing Affordability Mortgage Rates Existing-Home Sales

A Season of Gratitude—and Fresh Opportunities for the Next Generation of Homeowners

By Sam Williamson on November 24, 2025
Key Points: After a delayed start, younger generations are gaining ground in homeownership, driven by rising earnings, maturing careers, and the decision to form families. Millennials are accelerating purchases in their thirties, matching Gen X by their early forties and positioned to modestly surpass them as incomes grow and family formation ... Read More

Housing Affordability Mortgage Rates Existing-Home Sales

New Listings are the Key to Unlock the Housing Market

By Odeta Kushi on November 19, 2025
Key Points: Markets with new listings nearer pre-pandemic norms generally have sales activity closer to those norms. Of the 75 metros tracked, 26 are “pace setters,” with both new listings and sales closer to their pre-pandemic averages than the typical market. The strong relationship between new listings normalization and sales volume ... Read More

Housing Affordability Mortgage Rates Existing-Home Sales