In this episode of The REconomy Podcast™, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi dig into the question on every potential home buyer’s mind, “where are mortgage rates headed through the end of the year?” Their conversation highlights why rates are not the only driver of market activity and explain the “dual lock-in ... Read More ›
The REconomy Podcast™: Housing Market at a Crossroads – Where Will Mortgage Rates and Sales Go from Here?
The REconomy Podcast™: You’re Not Alone – the Cost of Living Has Jumped for Everyone
In this episode of The REconomy Podcast™, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi wrap up The REconomy Summer School series by diving into the findings of a recently published multi-part research series on the rising costs of living with special guest and research author, Senior Economist Sam Williamson. A variety of ... Read More ›
The REconomy Podcast™: The “Missing Middle” May Hold the Key to Unlocking the Housing Affordability Crisis
In this episode of The REconomy Podcast™ from First American, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi continue the REconomy Summer School series with a discussion of a possible solution to the housing affordability crisis. From easing zoning restrictions and regulatory hurdles to addressing financing challenges and ... Read More ›
The REconomy Podcast™: Understanding the Supply Side Challenges – Why Can’t We Build More Homes Where People Want to Live?
In this episode of The REconomy Podcast™ from First American, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi continue season two of The REconomy Summer School series with an in-depth look at the supply side of the housing market, explaining the long-term structural shortage in the nation’s supply of housing and the challenges ... Read More ›
The REconomy Podcast™: Why Life Events Still Drive Home-Buying Demand Despite Affordability Challenges
In this episode of The REconomy Podcast™ from First American, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi reconvene season 2 of The REconomy Summer School series with an in-depth discussion of the factors that drive the decision to buy a home – from lifestyle events like marriage, children, and career changes to economic ... Read More ›
The REconomy Podcast™: What is the Foundation of Housing Demand in the U.S.?
In this episode of The REconomy Podcast™ from First American, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi call class back into session as they kick off season 2 of The REconomy Summer School with an in-depth look at the foundation of housing demand – household formation, who forms households and when, and what even counts ... Read More ›
The REconomy Podcast™: Don’t Mistake a Housing Market Wobble for a Crash
In this episode of The REconomy Podcast™ from First American, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi examine growing concerns regarding the health of the housing market, finding that distress is rising and prices are declining in some markets, but the broader fundamentals underpinning housing remain strong. Read More ›
The REconomy Podcast™: The State of Homeownership in 2025
In this episode of The REconomy Podcast™ from First American, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi commemorate National Homeownership Month with a deep dive into the state of homeownership, including how it’s measured, the demographics of homeownership and what the future holds for prospective buyers. Read More ›
The REconomy Podcast™: Are We on the Verge of a Retail Leasing Apocalypse?
In this episode of The REconomy Podcast™ from First American, Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi and Senior Commercial Economist Xander Snyder examine the wave of retailers going out of business and how their abandoned retail space may impact retail leasing dynamics across the country. Read More ›