The Fox News Rundown Business Rundown: The President's Plan To Make Housing Affordable Again
Jan 16, 2026
Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors, shares her insights on the housing market's current state. With mortgage rates recently dropping, she explains President Trump's plan to buy $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities to lower borrowing costs. Lautz also discusses the idea of using 401(k) funds for home down payments, highlighting its risks. Additionally, she addresses the impact of institutional investors on the housing market and the necessity of increasing supply to improve affordability.
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Housing Market Is Climbing Off The Bottom
- The housing market has begun recovering with falling mortgage rates and rising applications since August.
- Jessica Lautz says 2026 looks like a year of recovery as sales climb off a decades-low pace.
Sales Still Far Below Pre-Pandemic Levels
- Existing home sales are well below pre-pandemic averages and near 1990s levels.
- Lautz notes we must rebuild toward a ~5 million annual pace to restore normal activity.
Consider Financial Assets For Down Payments
- First-time buyers already tap financial assets including 401(k) loans to fund down payments.
- Jessica Lautz highlights that 26% of first-time buyers used financial assets last year.