The REconomy Podcast

You’re Not Alone: the Cost of Living Has Jumped for Everyone - Summer School Series - EP 122

In this episode of The Economy Podcast™, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi 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 with special guest and research author, Senior Economist Sam Williamson. A variety of economic, environmental, and regional factors have pushed the number of cost-burdened households to a new peak in 2023. Their conversation breaks down how rising costs have impacted different age groups, why certain markets have suffered more than others, and what’s next in Sam’s cost of living series.

The “Missing Middle” May Hold the Key to Unlocking the Housing Affordability Crisis - Summer School Series - EP 121

In this episode of The REconomy Podcast™ from First American, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi continue the REconomy Summer School series with a discussion of a possible solution to the housing affordability crisis. From easing zoning restrictions and regulatory hurdles to addressing financing challenges and quelling NIMBY opposition, the episode unpacks how reviving construction of “missing middle” housing can help improve affordability.
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Understanding the Supply Side Challenges – Why Can’t We Build More Homes Where People Want to Live? - Summer School Series - EP 120

In this episode of The REconomy Podcast™ from First American, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi continue season two of The REconomy Summer School series with an in-depth look at the supply side of the housing market, explaining the long-term structural shortage in the nation’s supply of housing and the challenges limiting builders’ efforts to build more homes in the places people want to live.

Why Life Events Still Drive Home-Buying Demand Despite Affordability Challenges - Summer School Series - EP 119

In this episode of The REconomy Podcast™ from First American, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi reconvene season 2 of The REconomy Summer School series with an in-depth discussion of the factors that drive the decision to buy a home – from lifestyle events like marriage, children, and career changes to economic realities like affordability, inventory, and credit constraints – and what that means for today’s housing market.

What is the Foundation of Housing Demand in the U.S.? - Summer School Series - EP 118

In this episode of The REconomy Podcast™ from First American, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi call class back into session as they kick off season 2 of The REconomy Summer School with an in-depth look at the foundation of housing demand – household formation, who forms households and when, and what even counts as a household.

Don’t Mistake a Housing Market Wobble for a Crash - EP 117

In this episode of The REconomy Podcast™ from First American, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi examine growing concerns regarding the health of the housing market, finding that distress is rising and prices are declining in some markets, but the broader fundamentals underpinning housing remain strong.

The State of Homeownership in 2025 - EP 116

In this episode of The REconomy Podcast™ from First American, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi commemorate National Homeownership Month with a deep dive into the state of homeownership, including how it’s measured, the demographics of homeownership and what the future holds for prospective buyers.

Are we on the Verge of a Retail Leasing Apocalypse? - EP 115

In this episode of The REconomy Podcast™ from First American, Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi and Senior Commercial Economist Xander Snyder examine the wave of retailers going out of business and how their abandoned retail space may impact retail leasing dynamics across the country.

Has Market Volatility and Tariff Uncertainty Triggered a Housing Recession? - EP 114

In this episode of The REconomy Podcast™ from First American, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi discuss the impact of recent market volatility and tariff uncertainty, analyzing data to determine if housing has slipped into a recession.

How CRE Property Owners Are Adapting to Rising Property Insurance Rates - EP 113

In this episode of The REconomy Podcast™ from First American, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Senior Commercial Economist Xander Snyder discuss the impact rising insurance premiums are having within the commercial real estate market and how CRE property owners are adapting.