Let's Talk Housing

The housing market is becoming increasingly divided as higher mortgage rates weaken demand while home prices remain relatively resilient. Steven Thomas and Brennen Thomas examine the widening buyer-seller gap, September home sales, remaining seller’s markets, and why today’s slowdown is very different from the Great Recession. The episode also explains why buyers may have more negotiating power while still facing worse affordability.

Got questions? Drop them in the comments or email us at brennen@reportsonhousing.com for a chance to have them featured in a future episode!

Time Stamps:

00:00-Introduction

01:18-Housing Market Slows as Demand Falls

05:26-Inflation and Mortgage Rate Pressure

07:29-September Home Sales Explained

09:02-Why Home Prices Aren’t Plunging

13:13-Where Seller’s Markets Still Exist

17:44-The Worst Buyer’s Market in History?

21:46-Final Thoughts

The housing market is slowing rapidly as elevated mortgage rates pressure buyer demand and keep inventory from falling normally. Steven Thomas and Brennen Thomas examine rising foreclosure filings, record homeowner equity, increasing price reductions, and the possibility of even higher mortgage rates. The episode also breaks down the biggest economic and housing risks heading into 2027.

Got questions? Drop them in the comments or email us at brennen@reportsonhousing.com for a chance to have them featured in a future episode!

Time Stamps:

00:00-Introduction

01:21-Housing Market Slowdown Accelerates

06:53-Jobs, Inflation, and Mortgage Rates

09:31-Are Foreclosures Becoming a Problem?

12:54-Homeowners Are Sitting on Trillions in Equity

15:11-Why Price Reductions Are Rising

17:59-Could Mortgage Rates Reach 8% or 9%?

20:35-Housing’s Biggest Risks for 2027

23:28-Final Thoughts

Mortgage rates have surged toward 7.5%, putting renewed pressure on housing affordability and buyer demand. Steven Thomas and Brennen Thomas examine rising price cuts, additional Federal Reserve rate hikes, and how elevated rates could affect the housing market through the end of 2026. The episode also explains why today’s adjustable-rate mortgages are fundamentally different from the risky loan products that helped fuel the Great Recession.

Got questions? Drop them in the comments or email us at brennen@reportsonhousing.com for a chance to have them featured in a future episode!

Time Stamps:

00:00-Introduction

01:42-Introducing NerdLabHQ

03:31-Housing Market and Federal Reserve Update

06:34-How High Can Mortgage Rates Go?

10:56-Why Price Cuts Are Rising

14:28-Can Housing Survive More Fed Rate Hikes?

16:55-Are Adjustable Rate Mortgages Really Risky?

20:13-Final Thoughts

Mortgage rates have climbed above 7%, putting renewed pressure on buyers, sellers, and the broader housing market. Steven Thomas and Brennen Thomas examine the rent-versus-buy debate, housing crash predictions, and whether today’s market is becoming increasingly K-shaped. The episode also breaks down why condos and townhomes are struggling more than detached homes and what higher rates could mean heading into 2027.

Got questions? Drop them in the comments or email us at brennen@reportsonhousing.com for a chance to have them featured in a future episode!

Time Stamps:

00:00-Introduction

02:16-Housing Supply, Demand, and the Autumn Market

04:19-Why Mortgage Rates Hit 7%

07:40-What 7% Rates Mean for Housing

10:15-Renting vs. Buying and the Break-Even Point

14:58-Is the Next Housing Crash Closing In?

20:22-Is Housing Becoming K-Shaped?

22:02-Why the Condo Market Is Struggling

25:53-Final Thoughts

The housing market is shifting as affordability remains strained and buyers gain more negotiating power. Steven Thomas and Brennen Thomas examine mortgage rates, home prices, Gen Z’s hopes for a housing crash, and whether America is becoming a nation of renters. The episode also looks at what buyers and sellers can expect through the remainder of 2026.

Got questions? Drop them in the comments or email us at brennen@reportsonhousing.com for a chance to have them featured in a future episode!

Time Stamps:

00:00-Introduction

01:54-Housing Supply, Demand, and the Fall Market

04:44-Inflation, Mortgage Rates, and the Federal Reserve

08:06-Is This Really the Worst Time to Sell?

10:24-Why Buyers Have More Negotiating Power

11:56-Why Gen Z Wants a Housing Crash

15:19-Is America Becoming a Nation of Renters?

18:02-What to Expect for the Rest of 2026

19:41-Final Thoughts

This episode of Let’s Talk Housing features Steven Thomas of Reports On Housing explaining why affordability remains the single biggest force shaping today’s housing market. The discussion explores how mortgage rates, home prices, and household incomes work together to determine affordability, why the market remains frozen, and what could finally improve conditions for buyers. It also addresses common misconceptions about affordability and why meaningful change takes time.

Got questions? Drop them in the comments or email us at brennen@reportsonhousing.com for a chance to have them featured in a future episode!

Time Stamps:

0:00-Introduction

01:38-What Happens in the Fall Housing Market

06:14-Why Inflation and Jobs Matter

11:30-What Affordability Really Means

15:00-Affordability vs Mentality

17:37-Can Affordability Improve Over Time?

19:36-The Biggest Affordability Misconception

22:56-Conclusion

This episode of Let’s Talk Housing explores why the housing market is cooling as summer progresses, but remains far from a crash. Steven Thomas of Reports On Housing breaks down the economic reports that matter most, including inflation, jobs, and Federal Reserve policy. The discussion also examines the difference between sluggish and collapsing demand, the three ingredients required for a housing crash, and why today’s market conditions look very different from those of the Great Recession.

This data-driven episode provides important context for understanding current housing trends.

Got questions? Drop them in the comments or email us at brennen@reportsonhousing.com for a chance to have them featured in a future episode!

Time Stamps:

00:00-Introduction

00:37-What Happens in August

04:40-Economic Reports That Matter

06:07-Inflation and the Fed

10:13-Cooling vs Crashing Housing Market

13:53-The Three Crash Ingredients

16:38-Housing Crash Headlines Explained

20:12-Why the Data Says Otherwise

20:50-Conclusion

The housing market is shifting as inventory rises, buyer demand declines, and mortgage rates remain elevated. Steven Thomas and Brennen Thomas examine the new housing legislation, institutional investors becoming net sellers, price reductions, inflation, and the economic forces influencing the second half of 2026. The discussion also separates declining asking prices from actual home-value trends and addresses concerns that the United States may eventually build too many homes. Buyers and sellers receive practical guidance for navigating a slower and increasingly price-sensitive housing market.

Got questions? Drop them in the comments or email us at brennen@reportsonhousing.com for a chance to have them featured in a future episode!

Time Stamps:

00:00-Introduction

01:58-Housing Supply, Demand, and Market Time

05:28-Mortgage Rates and the Second Half of 2026

07:59-Inflation, Oil Prices, and the Federal Reserve

10:28-The New Housing Bill Explained

15:15-Why Institutional Investors Are Selling

16:58-Are Home Prices Really Dropping

20:18-Is America Building Too Many Homes

24:17-Advice for Buyers and Sellers

27:48-Final Thoughts

This episode of Let’s Talk Housing features Steven Thomas of Reports On Housing breaking down the latest housing market trends following the Fourth of July holiday. The discussion covers the June jobs report, rising home flipping profits, record equity withdrawals, and whether today’s affordability challenges signal a true breaking point for housing. It also explains why the market remains frozen rather than crashing and what to watch as mortgage rates and the economy continue to evolve.Got questions? Drop them in the comments or email us at brennen@reportsonhousing.com for a chance to have them featured in a future episode!Time Stamps:

00:00-Introduction

00:59-Fourth of July Housing Update

02:49-Jobs Report Breakdown

05:21-Home Flipping Returns

07:06-Homeowners Tap More Equity

09:58-Housing's Breaking Point

13:20-Why Prices Remain Sticky

15:24-Conclusion

This episode of Let’s Talk Housing features Steven Thomas of Reports On Housing discussing the latest housing market trends as summer gets underway. The conversation covers inflation, mortgage rates, the first Federal Reserve meeting under Kevin Warsh, and why inventory remains constrained despite elevated delistings. It also examines rising existing home sales, homeowner lock-in behavior, and the debate over whether the median U.S. single-family home price could eventually reach $1 million.

This data-driven discussion provides insight into where housing may be headed next.

Got questions? Drop them in the comments or email us at brennen@reportsonhousing.com for a chance to have them featured in a future episode!

Time Stamps:

00:00-Introduction

01:56-Summer HousingMarket Update

03:53-Inflation and Economic Trends

06:48-Kevin Warsh and the Federal Reserve

11:43-Iran Conflict and Inflation Impact

14:02-Existing Home Sales Rise

17:27-Why New Listings Remain Low

21:50-The $1 MillionHousing Market Debate

24:44-Conclusion

This episode of Let’s Talk Housing explores a market sending mixed signals as demand begins its seasonal decline while inventory continues to grow. Steven Thomas of Reports On Housing breaks down inflation, mortgage rates, Zillow’s latest forecast, and the ongoing impact of global conflicts on housing. The discussion also examines rising delistings, seller behavior, and why today’s market remains remarkably balanced despite affordability challenges. Plus, a preview of the new Nerd Lab HQ platform for housing professionals and subscribers.

Got questions? Drop them in the comments or email us at brennen@reportsonhousing.com for a chance to have them featured in a future episode!

Time Stamps:

00:00-Introduction

02:34-Summer HousingMarket Outlook

04:08-Demand Has Peaked

05:41-Why the s

06:48-Inflation and the Economy

09:40-Iran Conflict -and Mortgage Rates

11:42-Are Sellers Becoming More Realistic

14:18-Zillow’s Housing Forecast

18:09-Delistings Are Rising

21:58-NerdLabHQ Preview

23:30-Conclusion

This episode of Let’s Talk Housing features Steven Thomas of Reports On Housing breaking down whether today’s frozen housing market is becoming permanent. The discussion covers supply and demand trends, mortgage rate volatility, geopolitical risks, and why affordability remains the biggest challenge for buyers. It also examines why forecasting rates has become increasingly difficult and what today’s elevated price reductions actually mean for the market.

This data-driven episode explains the realities shaping housing in 2026.

Got questions? Drop them in the comments or email us at brennen@reportsonhousing.com for a chance to have them featured in a future episode!

Time Stamps:

00:00-Introduction

03:48-Supply, Demand, and Market Speed

06:02-Iran Conflict and Mortgage Rates

08:35-Is Housing Permanently Broken

11:42-Buyers Returning to the Market

13:48-Can Mortgage Rates Be Forecasted

18:07-Price Reductions in 2026

21:23-Why Sellers Keep Missing the Market

23:35-Conclusion

This episode of Let’s Talk Housing features Steven Thomas of Reports On Housing breaking down why today’s economy and housing market feel increasingly uncertain. The discussion covers rising demand, the latest Federal Reserve meeting, mortgage rates, inflation pressures, and the ongoing impact of the Iran conflict on the broader economy. It also examines the “silver tsunami” narrative, why home prices continue rising in many markets, and the growing divide within today’s K-shaped economy.

This episode delivers a data-driven look at the forces shaping housing in 2026.

Got questions? Drop them in the comments or email us at brennen@reportsonhousing.com for a chance to have them featured in a future episode!

Time Stamps:

00:00-Introduction

02:38-Surprise Housing Market Shift

05:40-Federal Reserve Meeting Breakdown

07:30-Why Rate Cuts Are Fading

08:46-Jobs Report and Mortgage Rates

11:27-Will a Silver Tsunami Flood the Market

15:7-Why Home Prices Are Still Rising

19:07-Iran Conflict and Housing Risks

23:55-The K-Shaped Economy Explained

26:38-Conclusion

This episode of Let’s Talk Housing features Steven Thomas of Reports On Housing breaking down why the 2026 housing market continues to mirror recent years. The discussion covers inventory trends, steady demand, and the impact of economic uncertainty and interest rates. It also explores property type performance, clickbait narratives, and evolving buyer behavior. This episode provides clear, data-driven insight into what is actually driving today’s housing market.Got questions? Drop them in the comments or email us at brennen@reportsonhousing.com for a chance to have them featured in a future episode!Time Stamps:

00:00-Introduction

03:16-Market Feels Like Groundhog Day

04:20-Inventory and Demand Breakdown

05:15-Why Rates Still Matter

05:56-Market Speed and Pricing

06:36-Fed and Economic Outlook

09:09-Global Conflict Impact

12:42-Listener Questions

13:00-Property Type Trends

17:20-Clickbait and Media Narratives

21:49-Algorithm and Market Fear

23:50-Gen Z and Homeownership

28:24-Luxury Market Trends

33:02-Conclusion

This episode of Let’s Talk Housing breaks down the April 2026 housing market and explains why home prices remain resilient. It covers supply, demand, mortgage rates, and the impact of inflation and global events on today’s market. A key focus is the difference between expected market time and average days on market, highlighting why one is more accurate. Additional topics include wildfire recovery timelines, rising FHA delinquencies, and the state of the American Dream.

Got questions? Drop them in the comments or email us at brennen@reportsonhousing.com for a chance to have them featured in a future episode!

Time Stamps:

00:00-Intro

02:38-Spring housing market overview

05:10-Rates inventory and demand trends

06:24-Inflation, jobs, and Iran impact

09:20-Expected market time vs days on market

14:55-Why DOM is misleading

19:32-Wildfire rebuild timeline and pricing

23:09-FHA delinquencies and foreclosure reality

26:48-Is the American Dream slipping away

31:02-Conclusion

What is really happening with mortgage rates and the 2026 housing market? In this episode of Let’s Talk Housing, Steven Thomas from Reports On Housing breaks down rising volatility, global economic uncertainty, and why buyer demand is beginning to stall despite inventory growth. From Federal Reserve policy to AI fears and misleading Google search trends, this episode separates headlines from reality. Watch to understand where the housing market is headed and what it means for home prices this year.

Got questions? Drop them in the comments or email us at brennen@reportsonhousing.com for a chance to have them featured in a future episode!

Time Stamps:

00:00-Introduction

02:28-Housing Supply and Demand Update

03:27-Mortgage Rates Volatility Explained

05:03-Why Spring Market Is Slowing

06:18-Federal Reserve and Inflation Data

07:57-Economic Uncertainty Rising

10:23-Mortgage Rates Near 6.5%

12:05-2026 Housing Market Outlook

15:10-Why Homes Are Not Selling

17:22-Accidental Landlords Explained

19:20-Silver Tsunami Housing Myth

22:23-AI Fear and Housing Market

25:10-Google Search Trends Misleading

29:05-Final Thoughts and Wrap Up

Mortgage rates are rising again, and it could reshape the 2026 spring housing market. In this episode of Let’s Talk Housing, economist Brennen Thomas and housing expert Steven Thomas from Reports On Housing break down why rates are moving higher, the impact of rising oil prices, and what it means for homebuyers and sellers. They also address concerns about stagflation, new legislation targeting institutional investors, and why housing demand may resemble the last three years. If you want data-driven insights into the real estate market, this episode provides a clear breakdown of what to expect next.Got questions? Drop them in the comments or email us at brennen@reportsonhousing.com for a chance to have them featured in a future episode!Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction

02:06 Housing Supply Demand Update

02:19 Expected Market Time Explained

03:22 How Fast the Housing Market Is Moving

04:13 Transition Into Spring Housing Market

05:01 Why Spring Inventory Always Surges

05:35 Mortgage Rates Move Back Toward 6.5%

06:12 CPI and PCE Inflation Reports Explained

06:47 Weak Jobs Report Impact

07:28 Oil Prices Driving Mortgage Rates Higher

08:28 Mortgage Rates Rising Quickly

09:27 Global Events Impacting Housing Market

10:18 Gas Prices and Economic Pressure

10:30 Stagflation Concerns Explained

11:07 What Real Stagflation Looks Like

12:05 Oil Prices Impact Food and Supply Chains

13:09 Why Mortgage Rates Should Have Fallen

13:55 Institutional Investor Housing Bill

14:26 Impact on Build-To-Rent Housing

15:27 How Policy Could Reduce Home Construction

16:26 Why Institutional Investors Are Not the Main Buyers

16:48 Housing Market Positives for Buyers

17:38 Entry Level Inventory Increasing

18:24 Possible Tepid Spring Housing Market

19:14 2026 Housing Demand Outlook

20:12 Why Housing Prices Should Stay Stable

21:05 Conclusion

Is AI fear slowing the housing market in 2026? In this episode of Let’s Talk Housing, Steven Thomas of Reports On Housing breaks down mortgage rates near 6 percent, subdued demand, and why headlines comparing today to 2008 are misleading. Learn how supply, inventory, and homeowner equity differ drastically from the Great Recession and why prices remain sticky despite lower sales.

Get proper context on mortgage spreads, the Federal Reserve, and what could unlock more demand this spring.

Got questions? Drop them in the comments or email us at brennen@reportsonhousing.com for a chance to have them featured in a future episode!

Time Stamps:

00:00-Introduction

02:25-Supply and Demand Update 2026

05:00-Mortgage Rates Hit 5.99%

06:40-Why Rates Fell in 2026

07:40-Geopolitical Impact on Rates

10:17-Should Buyers Be Worried?

11:40-AI Fear Impacting Demand

15:48-2008 Crash Headlines Debunked

20:00-Why Prices Are Not Plunging

22:43-Has Housing Recalibrated?

26:52-What Happens If Rates Fall

27:56-Capital Gains Tax Discussion

30:44-Conclusion

Is the housing market entering a new crisis, or are the headlines exaggerating the data? In this February 2026 episode of Let’s Talk Housing, Brennen Thomas and Steven Thomas of Reports On Housing break down rising demand, falling mortgage rates near 6 percent, underwater mortgages, and new construction incentives. They explain why certain markets like Texas and Florida are softer while much of the country remains stable with strong equity. Get the proper context behind negative equity, builder buy-downs, and what to expect heading into the spring housing market.Got questions? Drop them in the comments or email us at brennen@reportsonhousing.com for a chance to have them featured in a future episode!Time Stamps:00:00-Introduction02:31-Winter Market Thaw Explained03:19-Year Over Year Demand Rising04:30-Hottest Spring Market Ahead05:00-Mortgage Rates Drop to 6%06:44-Inflation and CPI Update08:32-Could Rates Fall Into the Fives09:06-January Sales Tank Headline10:47-Expected Market Time Explained11:35-Housing Market Flywheel Effect13:23-One Million Underwater Homeowners13:52-Negative Equity Explained16:55-Texas and Florida Weakness17:55-2026 Labor Market Outlook20:28-Federal Reserve Trend Analysis21:47-Dr Horton 3.99 Percent Buydown22:34-New Construction Inventory Surge24:15-Builder Strategy Explained25:35-Conclusion

Brennen Thomas and Steven Thomas break down the 2026 U.S. housing market trends and provide insights for buyers and investors. From winter market activity to mortgage rates, inventory changes, and the Federal Reserve’s impact, this video explains the real story behind current headlines. Learn why purchasing a home today can still be a strong long-term investment and how market timing affects your buying power.

Stay informed with expert analysis you won’t see anywhere else.

Time Stamps:

00:00-Introduction

01:01-Personal Updates

01:25-Winter Market Trends

03:00-Best Time To List Homes

04:28-Interest Rates and Buying Power

06:18-Home Inventory Trends

07:07-Federal Reserve Insights

10:56-Kevin Warsh and Fed Leadership

12:09-Government Shutdown and Data Delays

13:53-Housing Crash Narrative Explained

15:42-Buying Vs Renting

18:08-Historical Home Values

20:51-San Diego Market Context

22:01-Hunkering Down Trend Update

24:47-Conclusion