From Stagnation to Celebration?: The Housing Market’s Path Forward in 2026.

In this December 15, 2025 episode of "Market Trends," hosts Steve Kaempf and Matt Lombardi discuss the new "Housing for the 21st Century Act," analyze the 2026 housing market forecast, and offer advice for real estate agents preparing for 2026. The episode also covers Zillow’s legal battles, regional trends in the Midwest, and includes a lighthearted sports segment.Introduction and Episode Overview (00:00:00)Studio Banter and Show Start (00:00:29)Housing for the 21st Century Act Unveiled (00:01:17)Key Proposals in the Housing Act (00:02:39)Additional Provisions and Impact (00:03:35)Expanding Affordable Housing Options (00:05:26)Education and Generational Wealth (00:06:40)2026 NAR Forecast Summit Key Takeaways (00:07:51)NAR’s 2026 Market Predictions (00:08:44)Midwest Market and Home Sales Outlook (00:09:45)Mortgage Rates and Buyer Readiness (00:11:02)NAR’s 2026 Economic Forecast (00:11:45)Agent Preparation for 2026 (00:13:36)Inventory Mix and Market Segments (00:15:31)Builder Adjustments and Townhome Trends (00:16:55)Migration Trends and Midwest Affordability (00:18:10)Uneven Recovery Across Markets (00:20:04)Zillow’s 2025 Legal Woes (00:21:37)Compass vs. Zillow Antitrust Lawsuit (00:22:40)CoStar vs. Zillow Copyright Lawsuit (00:23:42)Regulators vs. Zillow: Antitrust Concerns (00:24:08)Class Action Lawsuits Against Zillow (00:24:46)Zillow’s Market Dominance and Speculation (00:25:41)Sponsor Message (00:27:05)Three Forces Shaping the 2026 Housing Market (00:27:12)Stagnation, Stagflation, and Market Outlook (00:27:47)Affordability Improvements and Regional Differences (00:28:12)Psychological Factors in Housing Decisions (00:29:31)Life Events Reawakening Demand (00:30:06)Inventory Slowly Thawing (00:31:35)Creative Options for Homeowners (00:32:19)2026 Market Summary and Rate Expectations (00:32:37)Historical Perspective on Mortgage Rates (00:33:25)Cook County Tax Sale System Ruled Unconstitutional (00:34:02)How Cook County Tax Sales Work (00:35:25)Illinois as Last State with Old Tax Sale Laws (00:36:36)Closing Remarks and Holiday Wishes (00:37:41)Sports Segment: Chicago Bears Recap (00:39:03)Year-End Wrap-Up and Farewell (00:40:46)Podcast Outro and Sponsor Message (00:41:18)Full episodes available at www.peoplenottitles.comPeople, Not Titles podcast is hosted by Steve Kaempf and is dedicated to lifting up professionals in the real estate and business community. Our inspiration is to highlight success principles of our colleagues.Our Success Series covers principles of success to help your thrive!www.peoplenottitles.comIG - https://www.instagram.com/peoplenotti...FB - https://www.facebook.com/peoplenottitlesTwitter - https://twitter.com/sjkaempfSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1uu5kTv...