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.

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

Six for 2026: Predicting Next Year’s Housing Market

By Odeta Kushi on November 13, 2025
Key Points: Mortgage rates are likely to hover in the low-6s, so affordability improves mostly because price growth cools while incomes rise. Inventory edges higher as the rate lock-in effect loosens, but the recovery is uneven by region. New homes keep an edge over the existing-home market as builders sell what’s already built with targeted ... Read More

Housing Affordability Mortgage Rates Existing-Home Sales

“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

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

Where New Listings Grow, Sales Flow

By Odeta Kushi on August 20, 2025
Key Points: National sales remain weak despite rising inventory, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between active listings and new listings. Across the top 75 markets, sales are strongly correlated with the flow of new listings. The outlook for new listings growth—and thus sales—will hinge on the tension between the mortgage rate ... Read More

Housing Affordability Mortgage Rates Existing-Home Sales