Tune in to Episode 89 of the Housing Matters Podcast with your hosts Jordan Levine, VP and Chief Economist at C.A.R., and Oscar Wei, Deputy Chief Economist at C.A.R. as they discuss the newly released 2022 Housing Market Forecast! Also make sure to check out our other economic sessions from this year's REimagine Expo at: https://www.reimagineexpo.org/

2022 Housing Market Forecast (Episode 89)

C.A.R. Deputy Chief Economist Oscar Wei is joined by N.A.R.'s Head of Consumer Insights, Dr. Jessica Lautz to discuss recent consumer behavior and trends in the wake of the pandemic.

Consumer Trends And Behavior W NARs Dr. Jessica Lautz (Episode 90)

C.A.R. economists discuss the most recent data on the economy and the housing market including a conversation about jobs, wages, interest rates, and inflation. The annual data for 2021 is put into perspective now that the year end tallies have been finalized and the ever-present supply constraint is highlighted as the key headwind to rising sales volumes this year.

Tempered Optimism Amidst Rising Headwinds (Episode 92)

Tune in to Episode 100 of the Housing Matters Podcast with your hosts Jordan Levine, VP and Chief Economist at C.A.R., and Oscar Wei, Deputy Chief Economist at C.A.R. as they discuss the newly released 2023 Housing Market Forecast! Need some visual to go along with the podcast? Check out the poweproint presentation used in this year’s REImagine! forecast session at https://www.car.org/en/marketdata/marketforecast

2023 Housing Market Forecast (Episode 100)

C.A.R. economists discuss the implications of the latest Fed Funds Rate increase and how the housing market has changed from the beginning of 2022 to the end. Broader macro economic trends are analyzed through the lens of what it means for buyers and sellers and how real estate agents can set themselves up for success by embracing consumers and ensuring that they are the local market experts.

2022 Housing Market Wrap-Up (Episode 101)

Join C.A.R. economists as they discuss the latest housing market data for January 2023 along with a round up of the macroeconomic news on inflation, interest rates, retail sales, and the labor market.

January 2023 Housing Market Update (Episode 103)

Join C.A.R. economists as they discuss the recent failure of several California-based banks as the technology sector begins to lose momentum. They also discuss how recent events could impact future Fed rate decisions and the short and medium  term trajectory for mortgage rates before turning to recent developments in the market data and what we can expect as the Spring homebuying season kicks into gear.

California Real Estate After Banking Shocks (Episode 104)

Home sales in California declined further last month as buyers and sellers continued to struggle with the high-mortgage-interest rate landscape not seen in the last two decades. The sharp increase in the past few weeks was due primarily to the Fed’s announcement at their latest meeting that rates will be kept “higher for longer”, which dashed market participants’ hope for more significant rate cuts in 2024. As investors continue to assess the economic outlook and the uncertainty brought on by the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, there will be more volatility on rates in the short term.

Higher-For-Longer Interest Rate Environment Creates Headwinds For The Market (Episode 111)

The housing market had a tough year in 2023 as tight supply and high costs of borrowing continued to create challenges for buyers and sellers. With rates declining to a 7-month low late last year, the market began to see an increase in activity at the start of the year, but the improvement is expected to be gradual. Rising insurance costs and uncertainty in the commercial real estate sector will remain some of the market risks in 2024.

Market Should Turn Around In 2024 But There Are Wild Cards (Episode 113)

Join C.A.R. economists as they discuss the Fed's rate movement, the latest market report, and recent updates on the economy. Fed officials still expect rates to come down by 75 basis points this year, despite sticky inflation in the past few months. Meanwhile, the market continues to do better as home sales grew month-over-month and year-over-year. Inventory and affordability will remain issues in coming months, but consumer sentiment is gradually improving.

The Fed Stayed Put In March But Projected Three Cuts In 2024 (Episode 115)

With interest rates rising further in 2023, housing affordability continued to deteriorate for all ethnic groups last year. While the affordability gaps had narrowed between groups, they remained wide.  The disparity will not likely improve much this year, as home prices are expected to increase moderately in 2024.

Affordability Worsened For All Ethnic Groups As Rates Remained Elevated (Episode 116)

Active listings at the state level continue to climb, with new for-sale properties rising for the fourth straight month in April. Housing supply remained tight, however, and continued to put upward pressure on prices. The statewide median price surged more than 10% from last year and set a new record high in April. As the market continues to speculate on the next Fed’s rate move and its outlook on future rate cuts, interest rates will likely remain volatile in the coming month.

Housing Supply Improves As California’s Median Price Reaches A New High (Episode 117)

The fed funds rate was lowered by half a percentage point for the first time since 2020. The central bank’s latest move and its plan on future rate reductions will benefit homebuyers and home sellers in the coming months. With mortgage rates remaining near the lowest level in two years, housing activity could pick up in the fall.

The Fed Made Its First Rate Cut In Four Years (Episode 121)

The outcome of the election has an impact on the housing market, but the net effect in the short term is yet to be determined. Inflation will likely be stickier next year than previously thought since after the election, while the economy could grow faster in 2025. While interest rates are expected to decline more slowly than what was projected before, the market outlook is murkier than a month ago as the election results created more uncertainty for the market in the path ahead.

Election Outcome and the Housing Market (Episode 123)

C.A.R. research discusses the latest housing market update as well as the final fed rate cut for 2024 and how that will affect the forecast for 2025.

2024 in Review and 2025 Outlook (Episode 124)

C.A.R. economists discuss the aftermath of the wildfires in LA County, the economic/regulatory implications of the new administration to the market, and the latest trend on inflation.

Impact of the Wildfires and the Effect of the New Administration (Episode 125)

In this episode, C.A.R. economists discuss the latest concerns about the economy and the odds of a recession. We dive into how some of the macroeconomic variables are affecting everything from retail sales slowing down to consumer confidence hitting its lowest point since 2021. And while inflation appears to be ok for now, recently implemented tariffs could create headwinds in coming months. Interest rates may also remain elevated as the the Fed suggests that they could "wait-and-see" for a little longer.

Navigating Uncertainty: Inflation, Interest Rates, and Recession Risks (Episode 126)

In this episode, C.A.R. economists break down the latest Federal Reserve decision to keep interest rates unchanged. They also discuss the first negative economic growth in three years, the impact of rising tariffs, home price fundamentals, and the latest update on insurance.

Fed Holds Rates Steady, Now What? (Episode 128)

California home sales have declined for the second time in four months compared to the previous year, as elevated interest rates and ongoing economic uncertainty continue to impact the market. The condo market, which previously provided more opportunities for first-time buyers, has also softened due to worsening affordability. Although the tariff situation has slightly improved, the recent U.S. credit downgrade has adversely affected rates, likely causing the housing market to stall in the coming months.

Slow Start for the Season as Price Hits New High (Episode 129)

In this episode, C.A.R. economists explore the latest decline in the statewide median price, and its implications to the housing market in the months ahead. We also discuss the recent Fed's decision on rates, the drop in retail sales, and how the shifting in  consumer confidence and builder sentiment could affect the market outlook for the rest of the year.

First Dip in Price in Nearly Two Years, Should We Be Worried? (Episode 130)

In this episode, C.A.R. economists break down the latest economic data, including a modest rise in CPI while PPI remain flat. We explore why mortgage rates are trending upward, how tariffs are hitting consumers more than producers, and what these trends could mean for the housing market. We also take a closer look at June's housing report, including a drop in the median home price below $900K and another decline in pending sales.

Are Tariffs Finally Hitting Inflation... Or Not? (Episode 131)

Join C.A.R. economists as they discuss the second quarter GDP report, their take on the latest FOMC meeting, and the progress on recent trade deals.

U.S. Economy Surprises on the Upside as the Fed Keeps Rates Unchanged (Episode 132)

July’s data shows headline inflation steady at 2.7% annually while job growth slows. Tune in to listen to our economists' discussion on the latest CPI trends, labor market revisions, shifts in business confidence, and the Federal Reserve’s next move on rates in September.

Signs of Economic Weakness Could Help the Housing Market? (Episode 133)

California home sales and prices declined again in July while pending sales posted their steepest fall since November 2023. Mortgage rates, however, fell to their lowest level since last fall as the Fed suggests a possible rate cut in September. Join C.A.R. economists as they break down the latest housing market data, consumer spending and construction trends.

Home Sales Slip but the Market Could Bounce Back as Rates Hit 10-Month Low (Episode 134)

Join C.A.R. economists as they discuss the latest economic update and market predictions for 2025 and 2026. We also discuss the Fed’s September meeting, resilience in retail sales, and the latest CPI report.

2026 Housing Market Forecast (Episode 135)

Join C.A.R. economists as they discuss the trade tension between U.S. and China, the on-going government shutdown, and what it means for the economy and housing market. With job growth stalling and consumer confidence fading, lower rates are giving homebuyers a boost amid uncertainty.

Trade Tensions and Shutdown Impact on the Housing Market (Episode 136)

Join C.A.R. economists as they discuss the Fed’s recent rate cut, the Q3 housing affordability, the delayed inflation report, the latest job market update, and the current status on the government shutdown.

Are we in a K-Shaped Economy (Episode 137)

California home sales have reached their highest level since February, driven largely by low interest rates. As the market transitions into the holiday season, housing demand is expected to ease, with statewide sales projected to close 2025 with a modest increase over 2024. Ultimately, the trajectory of market momentum will depend on underlying macroeconomic fundamentals.

Home Sales Hit 8-Month High but Will the Momentum Last? (Episode 138)

In this episode, C.A.R. economists breakdown the Fed's latest rate cut and why policymakers are signaling only one cut in 2026. We discuss the cooling job growth, flat retail sales, and what a rising California home sales with flat prices means for the year ahead.

Fed Cuts Rates Again, Signals Pause Ahead (Episode 139)

C.A.R.'s Chief Economist and Deputy Chief Economist guide you through the first housing market numbers of 2021 (hint: the market did surprisingly well in January) and dive deeper into recently released housing affordability data in California.

Updated 2021 Market Forecast (Episode 81)

The California Association of REALTORS® and its new institute the Center for California Real Estate (CCRE) are dedicated to advancing real estate knowledge. The goal of the center, and by extension this Housing Matters Podcast, is to arm our 180,000 members with ideas that help them become more knowledgeable, professional, and insightful in their work as practitioners and stakeholders in the future of real estate. 

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