Understanding the housing market requires more than headlines — it requires data. We track median home prices, 30-year fixed mortgage rates, housing inventory levels, building permit activity, housing starts, and key economic indicators from the Federal Reserve, Census Bureau, NAR, Freddie Mac, and Case-Shiller. Our analysis goes beyond the numbers to explain why the market moves the way it does — and how government intervention distorts price signals that would otherwise guide supply and demand toward equilibrium.
The Price Inversion: Why New Homes Are Now Cheaper Than Used Ones
In Q4 2025, new homes cost $9,600 less than existing ones — reversing a $66,000 historical premium. What the inversion reveals about rate lock-in, aging supply, and distorted price signals.
Friday Market Recap — March 21, 2026: Fed Holds, Rates Climb to 6.22%, and the Spring Market Stalls
Week of March 17–21: FOMC held at 3.5–3.75%. 30-year rate jumped to 6.22%. Builder confidence stuck at 38 — 21st month below 50.
The Housing Inflation Trap: How Shelter CPI's Grip on the Numbers Is Keeping the Fed's Hands Tied
Shelter CPI rose 3.0% in February 2026 — the single biggest driver of inflation. Here's why the OER lag keeps rates elevated and what only supply can fix.
Friday Market Recap — March 13, 2026: Rates Rebound, Tariffs Hit, and the Spring Market Faces a Dual Squeeze
30-year rate rebounded to 6.11% after briefly breaking below 6%. Tariffs added $10,900+ per home. Full weekly data dashboard.
Housing Market 2026: Key Metrics Every Buyer Should Watch
Mortgage rates, median prices, inventory levels, affordability index — the essential numbers and what they mean.
The Housing Affordability Index: What It Is and Why It's at Historic Lows
The NAR Housing Affordability Index is at its lowest in 40 years. Here's what it measures and what it reveals.