@odetak.bsky.social
Deputy Chief Economist at First American
Real Estate & Housing Finance
Co-host of REconomy podcast
Albanian-American
📍DC
Real Estate & Housing Finance
Co-host of REconomy podcast
Albanian-American
📍DC
This week, I shared insights with @bloomberg.com and @reuters.com on the 2026 housing market outlook. Below is the link to my Reuters interview. In the next post, you’ll find our full 2026 outlook report.
www.reuters.com/video/watch/...
www.reuters.com/video/watch/...
www.reuters.com
November 14, 2025 at 7:50 PM
This week, I shared insights with @bloomberg.com and @reuters.com on the 2026 housing market outlook. Below is the link to my Reuters interview. In the next post, you’ll find our full 2026 outlook report.
www.reuters.com/video/watch/...
www.reuters.com/video/watch/...
Reposted
“Progress without a breakout.”
This, in essence, is what to expect of the housing market in 2026. In @odetak.bsky.social latest, she covers First American's housing outlook for 2026. It'll be characterized by a slow improvement in affordability via...
This, in essence, is what to expect of the housing market in 2026. In @odetak.bsky.social latest, she covers First American's housing outlook for 2026. It'll be characterized by a slow improvement in affordability via...
November 13, 2025 at 6:36 PM
“Progress without a breakout.”
This, in essence, is what to expect of the housing market in 2026. In @odetak.bsky.social latest, she covers First American's housing outlook for 2026. It'll be characterized by a slow improvement in affordability via...
This, in essence, is what to expect of the housing market in 2026. In @odetak.bsky.social latest, she covers First American's housing outlook for 2026. It'll be characterized by a slow improvement in affordability via...
While a little late for Halloween, in this episode of the REconomy Podcast, we shine a light on the housing market’s scariest headlines. Listen below or on your favorite podcast platform!
blog.firstam.com/reconomy-pod...
blog.firstam.com/reconomy-pod...
The REconomy Podcast™: Bubble Busters – Debunking the Scariest Housing Headlines
In this episode of the REconomy Podcast™, Mark and Odeta debunk scary housing headlines, revealing a rebalancing market, not a crash.
blog.firstam.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:45 PM
While a little late for Halloween, in this episode of the REconomy Podcast, we shine a light on the housing market’s scariest headlines. Listen below or on your favorite podcast platform!
blog.firstam.com/reconomy-pod...
blog.firstam.com/reconomy-pod...
Reposted
Midwestern industrial markets are resetting. After years of record demand and construction, investors are finding that less might actually be more.
A quick thread on why industrial investment strategies are shifting.
A quick thread on why industrial investment strategies are shifting.
November 4, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Midwestern industrial markets are resetting. After years of record demand and construction, investors are finding that less might actually be more.
A quick thread on why industrial investment strategies are shifting.
A quick thread on why industrial investment strategies are shifting.
Our latest analysis examines generational trends and their implications for the future of homeownership.
Read the full analysis and check out the interactive visuals:
blog.firstam.com/economics/fr...
Read the full analysis and check out the interactive visuals:
blog.firstam.com/economics/fr...
From Boomers to Zoomers: The Great Housing Handoff Poised to Drive Housing Dynamics for Decades
Demographic shifts are reshaping housing as Boomers and Gen X sell prime homes, while Millennials, Gen Z, and future buyers form households and purchase.
blog.firstam.com
October 30, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Our latest analysis examines generational trends and their implications for the future of homeownership.
Read the full analysis and check out the interactive visuals:
blog.firstam.com/economics/fr...
Read the full analysis and check out the interactive visuals:
blog.firstam.com/economics/fr...
Reposted
Despite ongoing affordability challenges, homeownership continues to be a major vehicle for wealth accumulation over time. Even homeowners who bought at the 2006 peak have built roughly $181K in equity, according to First American Data & Analytics, outpacing what renters paid over that same period.
October 29, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Despite ongoing affordability challenges, homeownership continues to be a major vehicle for wealth accumulation over time. Even homeowners who bought at the 2006 peak have built roughly $181K in equity, according to First American Data & Analytics, outpacing what renters paid over that same period.
In this episode of the REconomy Podcast, we break down whether the commercial real estate market has reached peak distress, explaining why shifts in debt maturities, delinquency rates and sales activity across asset classes may offer a glimmer of optimism.
blog.firstam.com/reconomy-pod...
blog.firstam.com/reconomy-pod...
The REconomy Podcast™: Can we all just De-stress about Distress in Commercial Real Estate?
In this episode of the REconomy Podcast™, Odeta and Xander explore if commercial real estate has hit peak distress and signs of renewed optimism.
blog.firstam.com
October 24, 2025 at 3:41 PM
In this episode of the REconomy Podcast, we break down whether the commercial real estate market has reached peak distress, explaining why shifts in debt maturities, delinquency rates and sales activity across asset classes may offer a glimmer of optimism.
blog.firstam.com/reconomy-pod...
blog.firstam.com/reconomy-pod...
In this episode of the REconomy Podcast, we break down why Fed rate cuts don’t always translate into lower mortgage rates and how today’s complex economic environment may make the housing market less rate sensitive than many believe.
blog-firstam-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/blog.fir...
blog-firstam-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/blog.fir...
The REconomy Podcast™: Why the Housing Market Recovery is Less Reliant on Federal Reserve Rate Cuts than Many Believe
blog-firstam-com.cdn.ampproject.org
October 9, 2025 at 5:14 PM
In this episode of the REconomy Podcast, we break down why Fed rate cuts don’t always translate into lower mortgage rates and how today’s complex economic environment may make the housing market less rate sensitive than many believe.
blog-firstam-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/blog.fir...
blog-firstam-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/blog.fir...
In part 2 of our Midwest industrial reset series, we dig into how the pandemic-era boom in mega-warehouses is now creating serious challenges for landlords and markets.
If you to see what this means for specific Midwestern markets, read the full post here:
blog.firstam.com/cre-insights...
If you to see what this means for specific Midwestern markets, read the full post here:
blog.firstam.com/cre-insights...
October 6, 2025 at 6:49 PM
In part 2 of our Midwest industrial reset series, we dig into how the pandemic-era boom in mega-warehouses is now creating serious challenges for landlords and markets.
If you to see what this means for specific Midwestern markets, read the full post here:
blog.firstam.com/cre-insights...
If you to see what this means for specific Midwestern markets, read the full post here:
blog.firstam.com/cre-insights...
Housing affordability across the nation improved by 2.3% YoY in July.
Affordability improvements, however, are not uniform across the country. Check out the blog to learn more about where affordability is improving the most.
blog.firstam.com/economics/af...
Affordability improvements, however, are not uniform across the country. Check out the blog to learn more about where affordability is improving the most.
blog.firstam.com/economics/af...
October 1, 2025 at 7:38 PM
Housing affordability across the nation improved by 2.3% YoY in July.
Affordability improvements, however, are not uniform across the country. Check out the blog to learn more about where affordability is improving the most.
blog.firstam.com/economics/af...
Affordability improvements, however, are not uniform across the country. Check out the blog to learn more about where affordability is improving the most.
blog.firstam.com/economics/af...
I spoke with Schwab Network about recent house price trends and the overall state of the new and existing home markets. Check out the segment linked below!
schwabnetwork.com/video/the-bi...
schwabnetwork.com/video/the-bi...
The Big Picture on the Housing Market | The Watch List| Schwab Network
Odeta Kushi and Eric Winograd break down the housing market and the most recent housing data. Eric sees an oversupply of new homes but a “frozen” market for existing homes, with mortgage rates leaving...
schwabnetwork.com
October 1, 2025 at 7:31 PM
I spoke with Schwab Network about recent house price trends and the overall state of the new and existing home markets. Check out the segment linked below!
schwabnetwork.com/video/the-bi...
schwabnetwork.com/video/the-bi...
Pending home sales rose 4% MoM and were up 3.8% YoY. As a forward-looking indicator, the data suggests that while buyers are re-engaging, caution remains. Improvements in mortgage rates, affordability, and inventory are helping, but not yet driving a full recovery in housing demand.
September 29, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Pending home sales rose 4% MoM and were up 3.8% YoY. As a forward-looking indicator, the data suggests that while buyers are re-engaging, caution remains. Improvements in mortgage rates, affordability, and inventory are helping, but not yet driving a full recovery in housing demand.
Reposted
... Mark and @odetak.bsky.social compare past and present affordability - even lining up NFL divisions to see who's winning the housing game. Listen to it on your favorite podcatcher, or watch the video version right here:
blog.firstam.com/reconomy-pod...
blog.firstam.com/reconomy-pod...
The REconomy Podcast™: Housing Affordability Through the Lens of History and the NFL
Explore housing affordability past and present in the REconomy Podcast™, with insights, NFL comparisons, and the 2025 Affordability Bowl rankings.
blog.firstam.com
September 25, 2025 at 4:48 PM
... Mark and @odetak.bsky.social compare past and present affordability - even lining up NFL divisions to see who's winning the housing game. Listen to it on your favorite podcatcher, or watch the video version right here:
blog.firstam.com/reconomy-pod...
blog.firstam.com/reconomy-pod...
Just released Q2 2025 NMDB data reveals:
- 20.4% of mortgaged homes have a rate <3%
- 32.1% have a rate 3.0 - 3.99%
- 17.9% have a rate 4.0 - 4.99%
- 9.9% have a rate 5.0 - 5.99%
- 19.7% have a rate >= 6%
80% of mortgaged homes have a rate below 6%.
- 20.4% of mortgaged homes have a rate <3%
- 32.1% have a rate 3.0 - 3.99%
- 17.9% have a rate 4.0 - 4.99%
- 9.9% have a rate 5.0 - 5.99%
- 19.7% have a rate >= 6%
80% of mortgaged homes have a rate below 6%.
September 25, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Just released Q2 2025 NMDB data reveals:
- 20.4% of mortgaged homes have a rate <3%
- 32.1% have a rate 3.0 - 3.99%
- 17.9% have a rate 4.0 - 4.99%
- 9.9% have a rate 5.0 - 5.99%
- 19.7% have a rate >= 6%
80% of mortgaged homes have a rate below 6%.
- 20.4% of mortgaged homes have a rate <3%
- 32.1% have a rate 3.0 - 3.99%
- 17.9% have a rate 4.0 - 4.99%
- 9.9% have a rate 5.0 - 5.99%
- 19.7% have a rate >= 6%
80% of mortgaged homes have a rate below 6%.
Reposted
Existing home sales are stuck in a slump, hovering near 4 million annually, or roughly 21% below the pre-pandemic average rate of 5.4 million. What's causing this persistent slowness?
September 24, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Existing home sales are stuck in a slump, hovering near 4 million annually, or roughly 21% below the pre-pandemic average rate of 5.4 million. What's causing this persistent slowness?
The NFL season is back, and so is our annual housing market face-off. This year, we scanned the NFL divisions to see where first-time buyers have the best shot to move the chains toward the homeownership end zone.
blog.firstam.com/economics/th...
blog.firstam.com/economics/th...
September 23, 2025 at 4:11 PM
The NFL season is back, and so is our annual housing market face-off. This year, we scanned the NFL divisions to see where first-time buyers have the best shot to move the chains toward the homeownership end zone.
blog.firstam.com/economics/th...
blog.firstam.com/economics/th...
Reposted
How has the wave of new industrial supply impacted Midwestern markets, and where do the largest cities stand in the supply-demand rebalancing process ? I investigate these questions in detail in my latest X-Factor blog post, which is part one of a three-part series on Midwest industrial markets.
September 22, 2025 at 5:32 PM
How has the wave of new industrial supply impacted Midwestern markets, and where do the largest cities stand in the supply-demand rebalancing process ? I investigate these questions in detail in my latest X-Factor blog post, which is part one of a three-part series on Midwest industrial markets.
In June, prices declined or grew less than 1 percent annually in 27 of the 50 markets we track. While sellers may feel the pinch of waning pricing power, slower price growth—paired with rising incomes—is finally giving buyers a much-needed edge.
More in the blog: blog.firstam.com/economics/af...
More in the blog: blog.firstam.com/economics/af...
August 29, 2025 at 9:19 PM
In June, prices declined or grew less than 1 percent annually in 27 of the 50 markets we track. While sellers may feel the pinch of waning pricing power, slower price growth—paired with rising incomes—is finally giving buyers a much-needed edge.
More in the blog: blog.firstam.com/economics/af...
More in the blog: blog.firstam.com/economics/af...
In this episode of The REconomy Podcast, we wrap up The REconomy Summer School series by diving into the findings of a recently published multi-part research series on the rising costs of living.
Listen on your favorite podcast platform!
blog.firstam.com/reconomy-pod...
Listen on your favorite podcast platform!
blog.firstam.com/reconomy-pod...
The REconomy Podcast™: You’re Not Alone – the Cost of Living Has Jumped for Everyone
In this REconomy Podcast™ episode, experts break down new research on increasing living costs, the growing number of cost-burdened households, and who is affected most.
blog.firstam.com
August 14, 2025 at 6:37 PM
In this episode of The REconomy Podcast, we wrap up The REconomy Summer School series by diving into the findings of a recently published multi-part research series on the rising costs of living.
Listen on your favorite podcast platform!
blog.firstam.com/reconomy-pod...
Listen on your favorite podcast platform!
blog.firstam.com/reconomy-pod...
In the final installment of our “cost of living” series, we explore the role of geography in housing affordability, examining how the share of cost-burdened households differ across the country. Interactive visual included in the post!
blog.firstam.com/economics/ma...
blog.firstam.com/economics/ma...
Mapping the Landscape of Affordability: Why Where You Live Shapes What You Pay
Housing affordability varies by region due to prices, taxes, and income. In costly metros, like SF & NYC, high expenses impact homeownership affordability.
blog.firstam.com
August 13, 2025 at 9:45 PM
In the final installment of our “cost of living” series, we explore the role of geography in housing affordability, examining how the share of cost-burdened households differ across the country. Interactive visual included in the post!
blog.firstam.com/economics/ma...
blog.firstam.com/economics/ma...
We are at the beginning of a new "more normal" housing market, but this time the reasons for growth will be different. Read on to find out more!
blog.firstam.com/economics/ho...
blog.firstam.com/economics/ho...
Housing Market Turning Point: Setting the Stage for a New Real Estate Cycle
The 2025 housing market is rebalancing, not busting. Affordability is slowly improving. New-home sales stay strong while existing-home sales lag.
blog.firstam.com
August 8, 2025 at 7:15 PM
We are at the beginning of a new "more normal" housing market, but this time the reasons for growth will be different. Read on to find out more!
blog.firstam.com/economics/ho...
blog.firstam.com/economics/ho...
In this episode of The REconomy Podcast, we continue the Summer School series with a discussion of a possible solution to the housing affordability crisis. The episode unpacks how reviving construction of “missing middle” housing can help improve affordability.
blog.firstam.com/reconomy-pod...
blog.firstam.com/reconomy-pod...
The REconomy Podcast™: The “Missing Middle” May Hold the Key to Unlocking the Housing Affordability Crisis
In this REconomy Podcast™ episode, explore how building more “missing middle” housing could ease the housing affordability crisis in the U.S.
blog.firstam.com
July 31, 2025 at 4:05 PM
In this episode of The REconomy Podcast, we continue the Summer School series with a discussion of a possible solution to the housing affordability crisis. The episode unpacks how reviving construction of “missing middle” housing can help improve affordability.
blog.firstam.com/reconomy-pod...
blog.firstam.com/reconomy-pod...
In the week ending July 25, 2025, the seasonally adjusted purchase index declined 5.8% from the previous week but remains 17% higher than the same week last year. However, purchase mortgage applications are still 31% below the pre-COVID average.
July 30, 2025 at 3:28 PM
In the week ending July 25, 2025, the seasonally adjusted purchase index declined 5.8% from the previous week but remains 17% higher than the same week last year. However, purchase mortgage applications are still 31% below the pre-COVID average.
Pending home sales dipped 0.8% in June from the prior month and were down 2.8% YoY. As a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, this suggests the housing market continues to hover near the bottom, showing little sign of renewed momentum heading into the second half of the year.
July 30, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Pending home sales dipped 0.8% in June from the prior month and were down 2.8% YoY. As a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, this suggests the housing market continues to hover near the bottom, showing little sign of renewed momentum heading into the second half of the year.
In this episode of The REconomy Podcast™ Summer School series we take an in-depth look at the supply side of the housing market and the challenges limiting builders’ efforts to build more homes.
blog.firstam.com/reconomy-pod...
blog.firstam.com/reconomy-pod...
The REconomy Podcast™: Understanding the Supply Side Challenges – Why Can’t We Build More Homes Where People Want to Live?
Explore the housing supply shortage with First American economists on The REconomy Podcast™—why it persists and what’s holding builders back.
blog.firstam.com
July 17, 2025 at 10:12 PM
In this episode of The REconomy Podcast™ Summer School series we take an in-depth look at the supply side of the housing market and the challenges limiting builders’ efforts to build more homes.
blog.firstam.com/reconomy-pod...
blog.firstam.com/reconomy-pod...