Slate Daily Feed Slate Money | The Correct Opinion on 50-Year Mortgages
Nov 15, 2025
This week, a Trump-backed proposal for 50-year mortgages ignites outrage among conservatives. The hosts debate whether these long-term loans truly solve housing affordability or just inflate prices. They also discuss the potential influence of billionaires if the White House limits proxy advisers in shareholder voting. Lastly, Robinhood's new cash delivery service raises questions about its practicality and safety. Expect lively banter filled with insights into these timely financial issues!
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Posterboard Pitch That Sparked A Policy Idea
- Bill Pulte showed Donald Trump a 3x5 poster with FDR and a 30-year mortgage versus Trump and a 50-year mortgage, which led Trump to publicly endorse the idea.
- The episode describes how that visual pitch sparked heated public backlash and media coverage.
Longer Terms Raise Prices Not Affordability
- 50-year mortgages lower monthly payments but mostly just bid up house prices, leaving payments similar while increasing purchase costs.
- The hosts stress that longer terms without increasing supply won't improve affordability.
Build More Homes, Don't Extend Terms
- If policymakers want affordability, focus on increasing housing supply rather than changing mortgage terms.
- Pairing loan-term changes with a major construction push could make policy meaningful, otherwise avoid tinkering with mortgage lengths alone.