HousingWire Daily Josh Romney on lending opportunities in 2026
Jan 12, 2026
Josh Romney, Chairman of Intercap Lending and a seasoned expert in the housing and mortgage industry, shares insights on the lending landscape for 2026. He discusses the emerging opportunities amid rising wages and fixed mortgage rates, while highlighting the challenges of affordability and supply constraints. Romney advocates for focusing on increasing construction rather than simply lowering rates. He emphasizes the impact of demographic shifts, particularly Hispanic homebuyers, on future market trends and warns about the challenges posed by immigration on construction labor.
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2026 Likely A Normal Year — With Big Risks
- 2026 looks likely to be another relatively normal year after 2025's stabilization.
- Josh Romney warns many variables could still derail the outlook and produce wild outcomes.
Stick To A Steady Business Strategy
- Run a steady course and avoid reacting to every headline when planning your lending business.
- Prepare to adapt for pitfalls but don't make huge operational shifts based on short-term policy swings.
Diverging Consumer Sentiment Shapes Demand
- Consumers are split: some living paycheck-to-paycheck feel nervous while investors and higher earners feel bullish.
- Romney highlights mortgages as attractive because payments stay fixed while wages typically rise.