Housing Matters Podcast
by CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS and the CENTER FOR CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE
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.
Episodes
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Fed’s Latest Decision Could Limit Improvement on Affordability (Episode 153)
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.
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2027 Housing Market Forecast (Episode 152)
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.
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The Fed Raised Rates for the First Time in Three Years. What’s Next? (Episode 151)
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...
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How Buyers and Sellers Are Adjusting to a Shifting Market (Episode 150)
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…
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What Could Move the Interest Rate Needle? (Episode 149)
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....
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Housing Market Risks for the Second Half of 2026 (Episode 148)
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.
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2026 Midyear Housing Market Report Card (Episode 147)
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...
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Strong Job Growth, Surging Inflation, and a Recovering Housing Market at a Crossroads (Episode 146)
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…
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Is the Housing Market Finally Turning Around? (Episode 145)
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...
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Fed Held Rates Steady as the Economy Remains Resilient (Episode 144)
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.
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Housing Feeling the Heat as Global Conflict Freezes Buyers (Episode 143)
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.
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The Effect of the US-Iran War on the Housing Market (Episode 142)
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...
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Will Momentum Pick Up Before the Buying Season? (Episode 141)
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...
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Housing Ended 2025 with a Positive Note, but What about 2026? (Episode 140)
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...
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Fed Cuts Rates Again, Signals Pause Ahead (Episode 139)
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.
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Are we in a K-Shaped Economy (Episode 137)
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.
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Trade Tensions and Shutdown Impact on the Housing Market (Episode 136)
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.
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2026 Housing Market Forecast (Episode 135)
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.
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Home Sales Slip but the Market Could Bounce Back as Rates Hit 10-Month Low (Episode 134)
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…
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Signs of Economic Weakness Could Help the Housing Market? (Episode 133)
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.
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U.S. Economy Surprises on the Upside as the Fed Keeps Rates Unchanged (Episode 132)
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.
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Are Tariffs Finally Hitting Inflation... Or Not? (Episode 131)
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...
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First Dip in Price in Nearly Two Years, Should We Be Worried? (Episode 130)
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...
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Slow Start for the Season as Price Hits New High (Episode 129)
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...
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Fed Holds Rates Steady, Now What? (Episode 128)
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.
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What To Expect This Homebuying Season (Episode 127)
In this episode, C.A.R. economists break down the latest trends in inflation, retail activity, and the consumer sentiment. They also discuss the March home sales report, the latest housing affordability by ethnicity index, and the outlook for the spring homebuying season.
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Navigating Uncertainty: Inflation, Interest Rates, and Recession Risks (Episode 126)
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…
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Impact of the Wildfires and the Effect of the New Administration (Episode 125)
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.
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2024 in Review and 2025 Outlook (Episode 124)
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.
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Election Outcome and the Housing Market (Episode 123)
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…
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2025 Housing Market Forecast (Episode 122)
With mortgage rates expected to moderate further in 2025, California homes sales and price are projected to increase as buyers and sellers return to the market. Join C.A.R. economists as they discuss the latest economic update and look ahead at potential market changes in the upcoming year.
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The Fed Made Its First Rate Cut In Four Years (Episode 121)
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...
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Is July The Start Of A Market Turnaround? (Episode 120)
California home sales bounced back to the highest level in five months in July, while more listings became available. With mortgage rates reaching the lowest level since May 2023, the market should see more sales and an increase in housing supply in the second half of the year. Meanwhile, the...
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2024 Mid-Year Market Update (Episode 119)
With inflation easing more sustainably in the last couple months, interest rates have been trending down to the lowest level in the past five months. Despite having a softer-than-expected first half in 2024, the housing market should improve in sales in the next six months. Join C.A.R. economists...
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Federal Reserve Still Indicates Rate Cuts Later This Year (Episode 118)
The Federal Reserve decided to keep rates unchanged in the latest FOMC meeting but signaled that at least one rate cut is still on the table. Meanwhile, rate volatility has stabilized over the past couple weeks and more properties continued to be listed on the market. Home sales in the California...
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Housing Supply Improves As California’s Median Price Reaches A New High (Episode 117)
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...
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Affordability Worsened For All Ethnic Groups As Rates Remained Elevated (Episode 116)
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...
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The Fed Stayed Put In March But Projected Three Cuts In 2024 (Episode 115)
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...
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Housing Market Kicks Off 2024 With A Positive Note (Episode 114)
California had a good start in 2024 with both housing supply and buyer demand showing signs of improvement in January. The housing market could face headwinds in the coming months though, as mortgage rates remain on the rising trend. Inflation is expected to stabilize throughout the next 12…
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Market Should Turn Around In 2024 But There Are Wild Cards (Episode 113)
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...
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Mortgage Rates Moderate As Home Sales Continue To Slump (Episode 112)
Mortgage rates have shown improvements lately as Fed’s officials softened their tones after their latest FOMC meeting and suggested that the Central Bank could be done with rate hikes. Meanwhile, sales of existing homes in California dipped again by double-digits on a year-over-year basis in...
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Higher-For-Longer Interest Rate Environment Creates Headwinds For The Market (Episode 111)
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...
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2024 Housing Market Outlook (Episode 110)
With Fed policymakers seeing rates staying higher for longer, what will the economy and the housing market look like in 2024? What could some of the risks be in the upcoming year? Tune in to listen to our economists discuss the latest California economic and market outlook.
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Mortgage Rates Hit Highest Level Since 2001, What's Next? (Episode 109)
Join C.A.R. economists as they discuss mortgage rates continuing to trend up and has reached the highest level in 21 years. With costs of borrowing staying high, housing affordability dipped in the second quarter and will likely stay low for the rest of the year. Homebuyers, while still very...
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Fed Rate Hike & 2023 Econ Update (Episode 108)
Join C.A.R. economists as they discuss the latest Fed rate hike in July of 2023. This is contextualized against a backdrop of an economy that remains increasing resilient to external pressures and higher interest rates with jobs and GDP still running ahead of expectations. This has also…
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Fed Pauses Rate Hikes (Episode 107)
Join C.A.R. economists as they discuss the results of the June 2023 Federal Reserve meeting and the expected impact on mortgage rates. They also discuss the broader macroeconomic environment including the likelihood of the U.S. dipping into recession and an update on the California housing market...
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The Debt Ceiling, Interest Rates, & Housing (Episode 106)
Join C.A.R. economists as they discuss the latest developments on the debt ceiling debate moving through congress, the implications for interest rates, and the broader macro-economic context as the Fed prepares to meet again in June for another rate decision.
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Macro Check-In and Market Update (Episode 105)
Macro Check-In and Market Update (Episode 105) by CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS and the CENTER FOR CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE
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California Real Estate After Banking Shocks (Episode 104)
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...
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January 2023 Housing Market Update (Episode 103)
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.
About this show
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.
Hosted by
CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS and the CENTER FOR CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE
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