Housing Matters Podcast

Join C.A.R. economists as they break down the Fed's latest rate decision, market volatility and where California housing affordability stands. They also look at why sentiments of consumers and business leaders may not necessarily align with current economic growth pace right now.

Join C.A.R. economists as they share the 2027 California housing market forecast, including what to expect for home sales, prices, mortgage rates, and housing supply.

In this episode, C.A.R. economists discuss the latest Fed's policy rate hike and whether more increases could be ahead. They also examine the ongoing rising mortgage rate trend, persistent inflation, resilient consumer spending, and why homeownership remains a priority for many people, especially younger generations.

In this episode, C.A.R. economists break down how buyers and sellers are adapting to today’s shifting housing market. As the job market maintains its “low hire, low fire” stasis while mortgage rates remain elevated, buyers and sellers continue to face challenges but still find ways to achieve their American Dreams.

In this episode, C.A.R. economists take a closer look at the latest factors shaping the interest rate outlook. Rising national debt and increased Treasury buybacks could influence rates over the long run, while softer macroeconomic fundamentals may affect the lending environment in the near term. The discussion also explores how these evolving developments could shape California’s housing market i...

In this episode, C.A.R. economists unpack whether California’s housing market is finally gaining momentum, discuss the potential risks for the rest of the year, and how new federal housing legislation may shape the road ahead.

In this episode, C.A.R. economists discuss the first half of 2026 and what the housing market tells us so far. While elevated rates and inflation remain a challenge, steady job growth, easing economic uncertainty, and improving homeownership sentiment offer encouraging signs for the rest of the year.

Join C.A.R. economists as they discuss how the strong job gains, steady consumer spending, and rising inflation are presenting challenges for the housing market’s recovery. They also provide insights on what directions mortgage rates and insurance premiums will trend in the second half of 2026 and how they could affect the path going forward for the California housing market.

In this episode, C.A.R. economists discuss the momentum gain in the market in April, with home sales improving and median price reaching a new high. Inflation continues to be an issue, however, as job growth exceeded expectations and businesses' confidence started picking up. Will the housing market be able to stay on track for the rest of 2026?

Join C.A.R. economists as they discuss the newly released first quarter's economic and affordability reports. In this episode, we also break down what the Fed’s pause means for buyers, the headwinds in the housing market, and a closer look at affordability by ethnicity.

In this episode, C.A.R. economists walk through the March 2026 housing market update and examine how global events are influencing prices, buyer demand, and confidence across the economy.

In this episode, C.A.R. economists examine the escalating conflict in the Middle East, its impact on global oil supply, and the implications the war has on inflation, mortgage rates, and the housing market. We also break down the February 2026 home sales data, the latest update on inflation, and the Fed’s March rate decision.

In this episode, C.A.R. economists unpack the crosscurrent shaping the 2026 economy, from a labor market that added 130,000 jobs in January to a slowdown in retail sales as consumers pulled back at the end of 2025. They also explore how moderating prices, rising inventory, and slowing population growth could affect the housing market in the months ahead.

In this episode, C.A.R. economists break down the 2025 housing market report card, examining December home sales, prices, and inventory trends across California. They also provide insights on the implications of the latest macroeconomic indicators and discuss the potential risks and opportunities facing the housing market in 2026.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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. cr...

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.