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.

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.

Economists discuss the impact of federal funds rate on mortgage rates and analyze the correlation between 10-year yields and mortgage rates. They explore shelter inflation, predict future mortgage rates and multifamily rents, and compare current economic trends to the 80s.