Support the fact-based journalism you rely on with a donation to Marketplace today. Give Now!

Why are homebuilders more optimistic?

Oct 18, 2024
They’re expecting to pay less interest on loans to build houses — and their clients are anticipating lower mortgage rates.
Builders are feeling better, in part, because they're paying less interest on their loans.
Scott Olson/Getty Image

As housing inventory ticks up, how does that impact home prices?

Sep 23, 2024
Both supply and demand for housing are increasing. The trajectory of home prices will depend on whether supply or demand grows faster.
Falling mortgage rates could encourage more homebuilders to construct new housing.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

First-time homebuyers are a growing share of the market

Jul 17, 2024
But not because it's easier to buy.
Michael and Lauren James, with real estate agent Joy Sushinsky, center, bought their first house this summer.
Amy Scott/Marketplace

Years after the pandemic started, homebuilding materials are still hard to find

Feb 19, 2024
The industry's mood continues to brighten, a trade group says, but sourcing sophisticated equipment remains a challenge.
There’s currently high demand for sophisticated construction equipment, said John Kirk of the Lightpath Co.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Home prices aren't guaranteed to skyrocket this year

Jan 19, 2024
Housing demand has been improving in recent months, as mortgage rates have ticked down. And while that's putting upward pressure on home prices, there are a few factors that could keep a lid on home price appreciation.
One factor that's already been increasing housing inventory is new home construction.
George Rose/Getty Images

Could 3D-printed homes help solve the affordable-housing crisis?

Dec 4, 2023
Upstart companies hope 3D printing can disrupt the sector by creating structures in a fraction of the time traditional methods require.
A finished Alquist 3D printed home. The technology only prints concrete walls, while elements like roofs, trusses and porches are still completed using traditional techniques.
Courtesy Alquist 3D

Contractors are busy building single-family homes. That's good news on a lot of fronts.

Nov 24, 2023
Construction supports businesses throughout the supply chain and keeps the national housing deficit from growing.
While mortgage rates are still high, so is demand for homes — and there aren't enough houses on the market.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Why there's so much new multifamily construction right now

Apr 21, 2022
Rents are up, providing builders an incentive.
Higher rents in outlying suburbs have been an incentive for builders to construct more apartments.
Al Bello/Getty Images

The pandemic has been driving demand for bigger new homes

Apr 19, 2022
Now that people are working, eating, exercising all in one place, some want more room. But what do bigger homes do to affordability?
The demand for larger houses is trending upward, which could lead to disruption in the market.
SDI Productions / Getty Images

What does the existing home market look like, especially with mortgage rates rising?

Mar 18, 2022
The housing market for homes that have been occupied before is already tight and may become even more competitive.
Housing strategist Majora Carter says that the trend is especially pronounced in low-income neighborhoods, where private equity firms and other companies use all-cash deals to rapidly snap up housing.
Scott Olson/Getty Images