The Nadlan Group Real Estate Podcast

U S Home Prices Keep Climbing Slowly as Housing Market Levels Off

U.S. home prices continued their slow climb in October, rising 0.3% month over month according to Redfin’s latest Home Price Index. That’s slightly higher than September’s 0.2% gain and reinforces a pattern we’ve seen throughout 2025: steady, modest price growth rather than any major acceleration. On a yearly basis, prices were up 2.9%, a slight cooldown from September’s 3.1% increase and part of a broader moderation trend that began earlier this year after annual gains regularly topped 5%.
 
What’s driving today’s price growth isn’t stronger demand — it’s shrinking supply. Earlier this year, inventory surged and helped cool the market. But in recent months, new listings have pulled back as homeowners hold onto their low mortgage rates. With fewer people willing to sell unless they absolutely have to, supply has tightened just enough to keep prices hovering upward, even as buyer demand remains soft.
 
Redfin’s Head of Economic Research, Chen Zhao, describes the current market as “moving sideways.” Buyers face high borrowing costs and fewer appealing options. Sellers, meanwhile, are only entering the market when life changes force their hand. The result is a steady but subdued environment, with neither side feeling strong motivation to make big moves.
 
One sign of stabilization is that fewer major metros are seeing price declines. In October, 14 out of the 50 largest metros posted year-over-year declines — down from 20 metros in September and 30 in August. This marks the third straight month of improvement after a summer slowdown that peaked in July.
 
The regional picture remains mixed. San Francisco, Chicago, and West Palm Beach posted the largest monthly price gains, while Fort Lauderdale, Philadelphia, and Dallas saw declines. On an annual basis, Cleveland, Chicago, and Milwaukee continue to lead in price growth, while Tampa, Austin, and Dallas show the steepest declines — a reversal for many Sun Belt markets that soared during the pandemic boom.
 
Overall, the data points to a housing market that is settling into balance. Prices aren’t surging, but they aren’t falling broadly either. Limited supply continues to support values, while high mortgage rates and economic uncertainty hold demand in check. As we move toward 2026, the trend appears to be slow, steady growth with wide regional variation — and a market gradually finding its footing. For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
 
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
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Continue reading on our site: 
https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2025/12/u-s-home-prices-continued-their-slow-steady-rise-this-fall/
#FederalReserve #InterestRates #EconomyUpdate #Inflation #HousingMarket

Labor Market Weakness Set to Shape This Week’s Expected Fed Rate Cut

The Federal Reserve meets this Wednesday, and analysts expect another interest rate cut — but this decision comes at one of the most complicated economic moments in years. Inflation is still running above target, the labor market is weakening, and policymakers lack key data due to the government shutdown. That combination is creating unusually high uncertainty around this week’s announcement.
 
Most economists predict a 25-basis-point cut, marking the Fed’s third straight reduction. But expectations have been volatile. Just a few weeks ago, the odds of a cut plunged to 30% before rebounding to nearly 87% as new signs of labor market stress emerged. That shift reflects how divided the data — and the Fed — have become.
 
Minutes from the November meeting show some officials worried that cutting too soon could stall progress on inflation. Others argued that weakening employment makes additional support necessary. And the job market is indeed showing strain. Announced layoffs have surged to 1.17 million so far this year — the most since the pandemic — and ADP reported 32,000 private-sector job losses in November, driven mostly by small businesses.
 
At the same time, inflation remains stubborn. The Fed’s preferred gauge, the PCE index, is still stuck near 2.8% to 2.9%, well above the 2% target. With shutdown delays holding back October and November job data, policymakers must make a major rate decision without the full picture.
 
Economists say the Fed faces three big questions: how long tariff-driven inflation will persist, how weak the labor market truly is, and whether rates are already close to neutral. Most expect a cut — but also expect dissent from officials on both sides of the debate.
 
This week also brings a new Summary of Economic Projections, which may show a slightly higher unemployment forecast for 2025 and little change in the Fed’s expected path for rate cuts in 2026. Even with policy easing, mortgage rates are likely to drift down slowly, not sharply, staying in the low-6% range.
 
Still, affordability is improving. Slower home-price growth, rising incomes, and lower rates are helping buyers regain some purchasing power.
 
Wednesday’s decision — along with the updated projections and Chair Powell’s comments — will offer the clearest signal yet of how the Fed plans to navigate a weakening labor market and inflation that refuses to fade.For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
https://nadlancapitalgroup.com
 
Continue reading on our site: 
https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2025/12/labor-concerns-likely-to-heavily-influence-this-weeks-fed-cut-decision/
#FederalReserve #InterestRates #EconomyUpdate #Inflation #HousingMarket

Are Mortgage Rates About to Shift as the Fed Prepares for a Key Decision

Mortgage rates have been steady for months, but that calm may be about to break. All eyes are on the Federal Reserve’s December 10 meeting, which could be the most important rate decision in more than a year. For the first time since mid-2024, a rate cut is not guaranteed — and that uncertainty is already shaping market expectations.
 
According to Fed Funds Futures, investors see an 85% chance of a cut next week. Normally, confidence would be above 95% by now. That gap matters, because it means the market could still be surprised.
 
But here’s what many borrowers don’t realize: even if the Fed does cut rates, mortgage rates may not fall. Mortgage rates are driven by the bond market, which focuses on long-term economic expectations, not just the Fed’s short-term rate moves.
 
One of the biggest drivers this week will be the Fed’s dot plot, the chart that shows where each Fed official thinks rates should go over the next few years. It is released only four times per year — and often has more influence than the rate decision itself.
 
That means we could see something counterintuitive: the Fed cuts rates… yet mortgage rates rise. If the dot plot suggests fewer rate cuts in 2026, the bond market could react by pushing yields higher immediately.
 
Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s press conference adds another layer of uncertainty. Thirty minutes after the announcement, Powell will speak — and his tone can move markets dramatically. If he signals a slower path for future cuts, mortgage rates could rise, even if the Fed just eased policy. But if his comments lean dovish, rates could drift lower.
 
Meanwhile, another major piece of the puzzle is missing: the October jobs report. Because of the government shutdown, it was never completed and won’t be released until December 16 — along with November’s report. Without this key labor data, traders are hesitant to make big moves.
 
The one early signal we will get is Tuesday’s Job Openings report. Thanks to the unusual reporting schedule, it will be the first meaningful look at October labor conditions — and could move the bond market before the Fed meeting even begins.
 
Put it all together, and mortgage rates may be nearing the end of their months-long sideways pattern. Between the Fed decision, the dot plot, Powell’s comments, the job openings data, and the delayed employment reports, the next week could bring the biggest rate volatility we’ve seen in months. For now, rates remain near the lowest levels in almost a year — but the quiet may not last. For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
 
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
https://nadlancapitalgroup.com
 
Continue reading on our site: 
https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2025/12/are-mortgage-rates-about-to-move-because-of-the-fed/
#HousingMarket2025 #StarterHomes #RealEstateTrends #HomeBuying #MarketUpdate

Treasury Secretary Bessent Predicts 3% GDP Growth and Strong Holiday Spending to Close 2025

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the U.S. economy is on track to finish 2025 much stronger than many expected. In a recent interview on CBS News’ Face the Nation, Bessent highlighted robust holiday shopping, steady economic momentum, and improving growth data as signs that the year will close with about 3% real GDP growth.
 
Bessent emphasized that the economy outperformed earlier concerns, noting that the U.S. even saw 4% growth in multiple quarters. Despite the disruptions from the Schumer shutdown, he said, the overall direction remains positive. After a weak first quarter—when GDP fell 0.6%—the economy rebounded sharply in Q2 with 3.8% growth. And projections from the Atlanta Federal Reserve now show Q3 tracking at about 3.5% annualized. Updated numbers from the Bureau of Economic Analysis are due on December 23, but early data supports the optimistic outlook.
 
Still, many Americans don’t feel that strength. Consumer sentiment remains far below last year’s levels. The University of Michigan’s December reading came in at 53.3—up slightly from November but still 28% lower than a year ago. Households continue to struggle with higher prices, especially for essentials like groceries, which climbed just over 3% year-over-year. Inflation overall was up 3% in September, according to recently released government data.
 
That disconnect has intensified political debate. President Donald Trump recently dismissed affordability concerns as a “Democrat scam,” arguing that critics are exaggerating household financial pressure. But polls tell a different story: an NBC News survey found that two-thirds of voters believe the administration is falling short on managing the economy and cost of living.
 
When asked about the president’s remarks, Bessent said Americans may not fully appreciate how strong the economy actually is. He argued that the administration inherited major inflation challenges and blamed earlier policies—particularly around energy—for creating scarcity that fueled today’s affordability issues. Looking ahead, Bessent predicts a shift toward “prosperity” in 2026.
 
For now, the holiday season is offering a bright spot. Bessent said consumer spending has been “very strong,” helping reinforce the picture of an economy that, while facing real challenges, continues to show resilience as it heads into the new year.For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
 
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
https://nadlancapitalgroup.com
 
Continue reading on our site: 
https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2025/12/starter-home-sales-tick-up-as-housing-supply-hits-near-decade-high/
#HousingMarket2025 #StarterHomes #RealEstateTrends #HomeBuying #MarketUpdate

Starter Home Sales Rise as Supply Reaches Highest Level in Nearly a Decade

 
Starter-home sales showed a meaningful rebound in October, rising nearly 5% year-over-year as buyers finally encountered more listings and steadier prices. According to Redfin’s latest data, this wasn’t just an entry-level trend — mid-priced and high-priced homes also saw slight gains after months of declines, signaling a market beginning to thaw, even if slowly.
 
Redfin categorizes homes by price tier, and their newest three-month analysis highlights how the starter-home segment continues to outperform the rest of the market. Starter-home prices rose modestly nationwide, with the strongest gains seen in cities like Milwaukee, St. Louis, and Detroit. Meanwhile, places such as Jacksonville, Austin, and San Antonio posted meaningful price drops, reflecting ongoing cooling in parts of the Sun Belt.
 
Sales activity also varied sharply by metro. San Francisco, Providence, and Portland saw the biggest jump in starter-home sales, while markets like San Antonio and Detroit recorded notable declines. Inventory, however, was the defining factor across nearly every region. Starter-home listings jumped 13% year-over-year — the highest October level since 2016 — giving buyers more options and more negotiating power than they’ve had in years.
 
Mid-tier and high-tier listings also grew, though at a slower pace, and homes across all price categories spent more days on the market compared with last year. In cities like Las Vegas, Newark, and San Diego, inventory surged, while markets such as San Francisco, San Jose, and Tampa 
 
Agents on the ground say the tone of the market has shifted. Buyers are no longer rushing to waive contingencies or compete within hours. With higher supply and slower price growth, even well-priced homes may sit longer, especially if they lack standout features.
 
Altogether, the data points to a market gradually moving in buyers’ favor — not because affordability has dramatically improved, but because higher inventory and softer competition are finally giving shoppers breathing room. For many first-time buyers, the path into homeownership remains challenging, but the landscape is clearly becoming more manageable as the market cools.For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
 
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
https://nadlancapitalgroup.com
 
Continue reading on our site: 
https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2025/12/starter-home-sales-tick-up-as-housing-supply-hits-near-decade-high/
#HousingMarket2025 #StarterHomes #RealEstateTrends #HomeBuying #MarketUpdate

Experts Predict Slow but Steady Improvement in Housing Affordability for 2026

Housing affordability improved for the seventh straight month in September 2025 — the longest run of progress since late 2019. New data from First American shows that after years of steep declines, the affordability picture is finally shifting in a meaningful way.
 
Now, affordability is still about 66% lower than it was before the pandemic. But for the first time in years, the three factors that shape buying power — income, mortgage rates, and home prices — are slowly moving in a buyer-friendly direction.
 
According to First American Chief Economist Mark Fleming, incomes are rising, mortgage rates have eased off their peaks, and home-price growth has cooled dramatically. These trends are helping buyers regain some of the ground they lost during the explosive market of 2020 through 2023.
 
Real House Buying Power Is Improving
The Real House Price Index, which adjusts for income and interest rate movements, shows a gradual increase in buying power through 2025. Fleming expects this progress to continue into 2026.
 
Mortgage rates are projected to drift slightly lower — not dramatically, but enough to help. Income growth is expected to remain steady. And even though home prices will keep rising, they’re rising much more slowly.
 
Will Mortgage Rates Drop More in 2026?
The Federal Reserve is easing cautiously as inflation cools, but long-term rates — which actually matter for mortgages — remain elevated. Heavy Treasury issuance, sticky inflation expectations, and larger fiscal deficits are keeping the 10-year Treasury yield higher than pre-pandemic norms.
 
Most forecasts expect the 30-year mortgage rate to settle around 6.2% by the end of 2026. That means no dramatic rate crash, but gradual improvement is still possible.
 
Home Prices Will Rise — Just Barely
Experts do not expect widespread home-price declines. Even with softer demand, the U.S. still has a major housing shortage, and homeowners locked into low mortgage rates are not selling.
 
Price appreciation is expected to cool to around 1% per year, the slowest pace in over a decade.
 
Income Growth Is the Game-Changer
For the first time in years, incomes are rising faster than home prices. The New York Fed reports expected household income growth of 2.8% over the next year.
 
When incomes grow while price growth slows — even modestly — affordability improves. Fleming estimates affordability could rise 3% by late 2026, bringing conditions back to mid-2022 levels.
 
A Slow but Real Turning Point
Affordable housing is still a major challenge. But 2026 may become the first year in a long time when the fundamentals consistently move in a positive direction. The recovery will be slow — more like a ship gradually turning — but after years of deterioration, even incremental improvement is meaningful.
 
Buyers waiting for relief may finally see the market start to shift in their favor, one small step at a time.For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
 
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
https://nadlancapitalgroup.com
 
Continue reading on our site: 
https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2025/12/experts-offer-housing-affordability-predictions-for-2026/
#HousingAffordability #RealEstateMarket #MortgageRates #HomePrices #EconomicUpdate

Mortgage Rates Inch Higher, But Market Braces for Volatility Next Week

Mortgage rates closed out the week with a slight uptick, but overall they’re still lower than where they started on Monday and Tuesday. Despite several economic reports coming out over the last few days, the market remained unusually calm. That stability suggests investors may be waiting for bigger events on the horizon — and next week could bring exactly that.
 
So far, rate movement this week has been modest, controlled, and not strong enough to shift December’s broader trend. But the quiet tone in the market likely won’t last long.
 
The first major catalyst arrives Tuesday with the release of the JOLTS report — the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey. This report takes on extra importance because it will be the first meaningful look at October labor conditions from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The federal government shutdown delayed most economic releases, and importantly, there will be no full October jobs report at all. That means JOLTS carries even more weight than usual. Any surprise in job openings could easily shake bond markets, and when bonds move, mortgage rates move right along with them.
 
But the biggest event of the week hits on Wednesday: the Federal Reserve’s next interest rate decision. Markets expect another rate cut, but this time, the confidence level is lower than usual. Investors will closely watch three key elements:
 
First, the rate decision itself — even a predictable cut can trigger volatility.
 
Second, the updated dot plot, which reveals each Fed member’s forecast for interest rates in the years ahead. Any shift in expectations for 2026 or beyond could move markets quickly.
 
And third, Jerome Powell’s press conference. Powell’s tone and comments often influence mortgage rates more than the actual policy decision.
 
It’s important to remember: Fed rate cuts do NOT directly lower mortgage rates. In fact, it’s often the opposite. Historically, mortgage rates frequently rise after a Fed cut because cuts can signal expectations for economic strength — pushing long-term yields upward.
 
Looking ahead, the combination of JOLTS, partial employment data, and the Fed meeting means the calm we’re seeing now probably won’t last. Market volatility is likely, and rates could move in either direction depending on how the data unfolds.
 
For now, mortgage rates remain steady — but this may be the calm before a very active week in the financial markets.For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
 
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
https://nadlancapitalgroup.com
 
Continue reading on our site: 
https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2025/12/mortgage-rates-could-see-more-volatility-next-week/
#MortgageRates #FederalReserve #HousingMarketUpdate #EconomicNews #RealEstateInsights

Fair Market Rents Surge Nationwide Since 2021, Putting Added Pressure on Renters

New research from LendingTree reveals just how dramatically rents have climbed in the United States over the past five years. Fair Market Rents — the federal benchmark used to determine housing assistance levels — have risen sharply between 2021 and 2026, reflecting a rental market still struggling with post-pandemic inflation, migration surges, and long-standing housing shortages.
 
Fair Market Rent represents the estimated median cost of modest housing, including utilities. Because these figures determine how much help low-income renters receive, rising FMRs directly affect affordability for millions of households. According to LendingTree, one-bedroom FMRs in the nation’s 50 largest metros rose an average of 40.7%, or about $457, while two-bedroom units climbed 37.3%, averaging a $505 increase. For many renters, that’s hundreds of extra dollars a month — money they simply don’t have. As LendingTree’s Chief Consumer Finance Analyst Matt Schulz explains, “A few hundred dollars more in rent each month can make a huge difference.”
 
Every major metro saw rents rise, but some cities experienced massive jumps. New York, San Diego, and Miami lead the nation in one-bedroom increases, each climbing more than $750. Two-bedroom units saw similar spikes, with Miami up $885, San Diego up $877, and New York up $857. These cities were already expensive, and the pandemic brought a surge of new residents — remote workers, retirees, and families seeking warmer climates — pushing demand far beyond supply.
 
Even metros with smaller increases are feeling the pressure. San Francisco posted the smallest gains of any major market, with only about $50 added to both one- and two-bedroom FMRs. But despite the modest rise, San Francisco remains one of the most expensive rental markets in the country, with two-bedroom FMRs exceeding $3,600.
 
Several metros in the South and Midwest — including Birmingham, Oklahoma City, San Antonio, and St. Louis — also recorded relatively smaller increases. But even these “lower” hikes, between $264 and $326, still represent meaningful financial strain for renters with tight budgets.
 
LendingTree points to three major reasons behind the steep rise in FMRs. First, the pandemic unleashed one of the fastest periods of rent inflation in modern history, as demand soared and available units couldn’t keep pace. Second, a massive national reshuffling — with millions of renters relocating to new cities — intensified competition in areas that weren’t prepared for the influx. And third, the country’s long-term housing shortage, years in the making, has left supply too limited to absorb even modest increases in demand.
 
The bottom line: renting has become significantly more expensive everywhere, not just in coastal cities. For millions of Americans, the rising Fair Market Rent highlights a deepening affordability crisis that continues to challenge renters and policymakers alike.For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
 
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
https://nadlancapitalgroup.com
 
Continue reading on our site: 
https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2025/12/fair-market-rents-are-up-dramatically-since-2021/
#RentalMarket #HousingAffordability #RealEstateNews #RentInflation #EconomicUpdate

Cooling Housing Market Slows Home Remodeling Activity as Consumers Hold Back

The slowdown in the U.S. housing market is now extending into the home improvement sector, as homeowners grow more hesitant to take on major renovation projects. Retailers and remodeling companies are beginning to feel the impact.
 
Home Depot, the nation’s largest home improvement chain, reported quarterly earnings that fell short of expectations. Executives say the softer results reflect a consumer who is increasingly cautious about the economy and uncertain about where the housing market is headed. Chief Financial Officer Richard McPhail noted that the company expected demand to rebound as interest rates eased late in the year. Instead, rates stayed higher for longer, and homeowners kept delaying big projects. According to McPhail, consumers have been in a “deferral mindset” since 2023, holding off on remodeling until borrowing becomes more affordable.
 
That hesitation is creating real strain. Newpro, a Massachusetts remodeling company, abruptly shut down and filed for bankruptcy, leaving customers with unfinished projects. Though the company did not directly blame the housing downturn, industry analysts say its collapse reflects the broader pressure facing the sector.
 
Despite these challenges, national renovation spending is not collapsing. According to Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, growth will remain modest but steady through mid-2026. Their Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity projects spending to rise 2.4% in early 2026 and 1.9% by summer, reaching a record $524 billion.
 
Harvard researchers say this resilience reflects long-term factors that continue to support the remodeling industry. American homes are aging, with more owners taking on repairs and system upgrades. Older homeowners are also investing heavily in accessibility improvements to stay in their homes longer. Rising home values have boosted equity, giving households more financial flexibility to fund upgrades. And the increasing frequency of extreme weather means disaster-related repairs remain a significant share of renovation spending.
 
Looking ahead, the remodeling market is shifting from rapid post-pandemic growth to a more stable, predictable pace. Homeowners may continue postponing large discretionary projects until interest rates come down, but essential repairs, equity-driven improvements, and aging-home upgrades will keep overall spending steady. If rates ease in 2026 and housing activity rebounds, renovation demand could strengthen again. For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
 
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
https://nadlancapitalgroup.com
 
Continue reading on our site: 
https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2025/12/weak-housing-market-dampens-enthusiasm-for-home-remodeling/
#HousingMarket #HomeImprovement #RemodelingTrends #RealEstateNews #EconomicUpdate

New Study Reveals the U S Housing Markets Most at Risk in 2025

A new Housing Risk Report from ATTOM reveals that the U.S. housing market has become increasingly uneven, with certain counties facing far greater financial stress than others as of Q2 2025. While home prices remain close to record highs nationwide, deeper indicators such as affordability, foreclosure rates, underwater mortgages, and unemployment show a growing divide between stable and vulnerable markets.
 
ATTOM’s analysis of 579 counties found that the greatest concentrations of risk are in the South and West. Four counties in Louisiana, seven in Florida, five in New Jersey, and fourteen in California ranked among the 50 most at-risk markets in the country. These areas are especially strained by high unemployment, rising foreclosure activity, and worsening affordability.
 
One of the clearest signs of financial pressure is the burden on household income. Nearly 20% of all counties require buyers to spend half their annual income just to afford basic homeownership costs. And in over 60% of counties, households would need to devote at least one-third of their income to staying in their homes — a level the industry considers cost-burdened.
 
The report identifies five counties facing the highest overall housing risk: Charlotte County, Florida; Humboldt, Shasta, and Butte Counties in California; and Cumberland County, New Jersey. All five have unemployment levels above the national average and foreclosure activity well above typical levels. Several of these California counties have also endured repeated wildfire impacts, which add both economic strain and insurance challenges.
 
Affordability remains a pain point nationwide, but some counties face extreme conditions. In places like Marin, Santa Cruz, and San Luis Obispo in California; Maui in Hawaii; and Kings County in New York, homeownership now costs the equivalent of nearly — or more than — a full year’s wages. These markets continue to push homeownership further out of reach for average earners.
 
The report also highlights where underwater mortgages are most common — a sign that rising prices don’t necessarily translate to healthy equity. While the national rate of seriously underwater properties stands at 2.7%, many counties far exceed that. Louisiana dominates this category, with seven out of the ten most underwater markets, including Rapides, Calcasieu, and Caddo Parishes.
 
Foreclosures are another pressure point. Nationally, about one in every 1,400 homes saw a foreclosure filing in Q2. But some counties are seeing rates three to four times higher — including Dorchester County, South Carolina; Charlotte County, Florida; and Oswego County, New York.
 
Unemployment also plays a major role in driving local housing risk. While one-third of counties have jobless rates above the national 4.4% average, some areas face far more severe conditions. Imperial County, California reported unemployment near 19%, while Yuma County, Arizona, and Tulare and Merced Counties in California also showed double-digit jobless rates.
 
But not all regions are struggling. The Northeast and Midwest contain many of the nation’s most stable housing markets. Counties in New York, Wisconsin, Tennessee, and New Hampshire ranked among the lowest risk, supported by stronger job markets, low foreclosure rates, and far more manageable homeownership costs. In counties like Chautauqua, New York; Potter County, Texas; and Madison County, Alabama, homeowners spend less than a quarter of their income on housing — a stark contrast with high-risk areas.
 
ATTOM CEO Rob Barber emphasized that home prices alone don’t determine a market’s health. True stability comes from the combination of affordability, employment, equity, and low foreclosure risk. And while national numbers may suggest stability, the local picture is far more uneven.
 
As households continue to face high prices, rising insurance costs, and regional economic challenges, the gap between stable and vulnerable housing markets may continue to widen in the months ahead.For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
 
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
https://nadlancapitalgroup.com
 
Continue reading on our site: 
https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2025/12/study-identifies-most-at-risk-u-s-housing-markets/
#HousingMarket #RealEstateNews #HomeAffordability #ATTOMReport #ForeclosureTrends