In this episode of Everyday Economics, we break down the growing standoff in the U.S. housing market. Inventory is rising in some cities. Prices are softening. Mortgage rates remain high. And millions of homeowners are locked into ultra-low 3% mortgages they don’t want to give up. The result? A housing market that feels frozen — with buyers waiting for prices to fall and sellers refusing to move. 🏠 In this episode: 🔹 Why homeowners are becoming “accidental landlords” instead of selling 🔹 Whether the housing market is truly broken — or simply normalizing 🔹 Why affordability is slowly improving despite high mortgage rates 🔹 What cities like Austin, Raleigh, Phoenix, and San Antonio reveal about inventory and prices 🔹 Why more housing supply could still be the key to fixing affordability We also examine the debate around rising delinquencies, falling prices in some markets, and why economists say the biggest issue may not be demand — but the lack of homes actually available for sale. As always, Everyday Economics cuts through the headlines to explain what the latest housing data means for your wallet, your mortgage, and the future of homeownership in America.

Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Everyday Economics, we take a closer look at one of the most overlooked drivers of America’s housing affordability crisis: government policy. Homebuilders say government fees, permitting costs, and local regulations are adding tens of thousands — even more than $100,000 — to the cost of a new home before construction even begins. We unpack where those costs come from, how they affect buyers, and why housing shortages are often the result of policy decisions rather than market failures. 🏠 In this episode: 🔹 Why government fees can add over $140,000 to the cost of a new home 🔹 How zoning laws, permitting delays, and regulations reduce housing supply 🔹 Why builders aren’t producing enough homes to meet demand 🔹 How tax policy and migration patterns are reshaping housing markets 🔹 Why affordability challenges are often created by local government decisions We also explore how policy changes in states like California, New York, and New Jersey are driving migration and putting pressure on nearby housing markets — and what that means for home prices in 2026. As always, Everyday Economics breaks down the data behind the headlines so you can better understand what’s happening with housing, affordability, and your financial future.

Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Everyday Economics, we break down what the latest consumer spending and housing data are really telling us about the state of the U.S. economy. Retail sales rose in March and pending home sales posted one of their strongest months in years — but beneath the surface, the picture is more fragile than the headlines suggest. Inflation is still eating into household budgets, higher gas prices are squeezing consumers, and signs of financial strain are beginning to show. 📈 In this episode: 🔹 Why rising retail sales may not mean stronger consumer demand 🔹 How inflation is masking weakness in real consumer spending 🔹 Why pending home sales jumped despite affordability challenges 🔹 What improving housing inventory means for buyers in 2026 🔹 How oil prices and household debt could reshape the second half of the year As always, Everyday Economics cuts through the noise to explain what the latest economic data means for your wallet, your mortgage, and the months ahead.

Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.