Odeta Kushi

Kathy Fettke hosts Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, who offers insightful predictions on the 2026 housing market. They explore expected improvements in affordability as incomes rise faster than prices, along with modest price growth, particularly in resilient regions. Odeta discusses the stabilization of mortgage rates, regional differences in housing demand, and the challenges faced by FHA borrowers. With a focus on single-family rentals and builder strategies, they emphasize progress without foreseeing a housing crash.

Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, delves into the housing market forecast for 2026. She discusses how recent Fed actions influence mortgage rates and the implications of a softening labor market on housing activity. Kushi introduces a normalization framework to identify market trends and addresses the psychological thresholds affecting buyers and sellers. With wages outpacing home prices, she anticipates gradual affordability improvements. Kushi also highlights risks of rising rates and the potential for more foreclosures amidst strong homeowner equity.

Discussing the rise of home ownership rates in single female-headed households and the impact of the pandemic on women's employment and net worth. Analyzing the current state of the spring housing market, forecasting interest rates, and exploring housing market trends among Gen Z and millennials. Emphasizing the need for more inventory to balance the market and providing advice for borrowers and lenders.

The podcast dives into migration patterns impacting real estate markets, with Sun Belt cities growing while expensive coastal cities experience out-migration. Topics include high mortgage rates, leveraging equity, office debt risks, recession risk perceptions, builder sentiment, comparing renting to homeownership costs, and the financial benefits of owning over renting.

Economists discuss personal savings, unemployment, and fiscal stimulus. Consumer debt, demographics, and future economic impact. Real estate refinancing challenges, rising rates, and neutral rates. Remote work's lasting effect on housing demand and population shifts. Analysis of current house price trends and geographic variances.