Housing Matters Podcast

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 the Fed’s March rate decision.

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 growth could affect the housing market in the months ahead.

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 facing the housing market in 2026.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 latest housing market data, consumer spending and construction trends.

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.

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.

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 take a closer look at June's housing report, including a drop in the median home price below $900K and another decline in pending sales.

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 sentiment could affect the market outlook for the rest of the year.

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 due to worsening affordability. Although the tariff situation has slightly improved, the recent U.S. credit downgrade has adversely affected rates, likely causing the housing market to stall in the coming months.

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.

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.

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 inflation appears to be ok for now, recently implemented tariffs could create headwinds in coming months. Interest rates may also remain elevated as the the Fed suggests that they could "wait-and-see" for a little longer.

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.

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.

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 expected to decline more slowly than what was projected before, the market outlook is murkier than a month ago as the election results created more uncertainty for the market in the path ahead.

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.