Trump’s Housing Agenda: Unclear

New Construction in White Plains

Donald Trump’s presidential win is already impacting the mortgage market. Concerns over tax changes and tariffs have fueled inflation fears and pushed up the 10-year Treasury yield, leading to higher mortgage rates. Analysts anticipate that Trump’s administration will encourage freer markets, reduced oversight, with potential plans to privatize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The Mortgage Bankers Association has expressed optimism, expecting reduced regulatory burdens and lower costs for the mortgage industry over the next four years.

Ralph’s Take

There’s much to consider for housing under the new Trump administration, and with policy details still unfolding, mortgage rates are likely to…

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Are Townhouses the New American Dream?

The Willows Community in Somers, New York

The Willows in Somers

While rising interest rates and higher home prices have created additional barriers to homeownership, the primary issue remains a shortage of homes. In response, developers are ramping up construction, with national single-family home building spiking by 16% in September. What if the answer isn’t simply building more homes, but building smaller, more efficient ones? Enter the townhouse — a growing trend that may just be the new American dream, according to Realtor.com. Additional reasons townhouse demand is on the rise:

  • Affordability

    Townhouses are generally more affordable than single-family homes.

  • Lower Maintenance

    Many townhouses offer…

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Reader Q&A 

Question: Your Halloween newsletter was a fun read. Did you ever have a paranormal experience during a house showing?


Answer: I think so — I’ve felt uneasy in homes before, but one tour stands out.

The home was a short sale with a lot of deferred maintenance and the lockbox was on a side door. Inside the side entrance was a small dog barking persistently into the house, paying us no attention.

Inside, a shattered glass door led us through the dining room and into the kitchen, where the dog still stood by the side door, keeping his distance and barking into the empty rooms. That’s when I noticed a cross over each doorway, a bottle of holy water on the counter, and above it, a picture of the Last…

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The Presidential Election ‘Bounce Back Effect‘

Each year, home sales naturally ease up a bit in the fall but during an election year, the slowdown tends to be a bit more pronounced. This year, nearly 23% of first-time buyers are hitting pause until after the election, likely waiting for a clearer view of what’s ahead.

Historical Market Responses:

Home Sales: Home sales typically rebound quickly. With the political uncertainties in the rearview, both buyers and sellers regain confidence, fueling a more active market. Data from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) show that home sales increased the year following 9 of the past 11 presidential elections — a…

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