The REconomy Podcast

Don’t be Alarmed by the Increase in ARMs - EP 39

In this episode of the REconomy Podcast™ from First American, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi explain why the recent increase in adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) does not necessarily signal an impending housing bust.

Understanding the Neutral Rate of Interest, Inflation and the Housing Market - EP 38

In this episode of the REconomy Podcast™ from First American, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi explain why the neutral rate of interest is an important metric in Federal Reserve’s fight against inflation and what it means for the housing market.

Breaking Down the Recency Bias in Housing Market Data - EP 37

In this episode of the REconomy Podcast™ from First American, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi discuss how recency bias is fueling some angst over trends in housing market data and explain why today’s housing market looks a lot like the 2019 housing market, which was the strongest housing market in a decade at the time.

Housing Bubble or No Housing Bubble? - Ep 36

In this episode of the REconomy Podcast™ from First American, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi examine the health of the housing market and address the question, "Housing bubble or no housing bubble?”

What does it mean when mortgage rates are less than the rate of inflation? - EP 35

In this episode of the REconomy Podcast™ from First American, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi examine the extremely rare phenomenon of real, negative mortgage rates – when the average 30-year, fixed mortgage rate is less than the rate of inflation – and explain what it means for the housing market.

What’s the Outlook for the 2022 Spring Home-Buying Season? - EP 34

In this episode of the REconomy Podcast™ from First American, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi examine the housing market’s fundamentals as the 2022 spring home-buying season kicks off.

Why the Homeownership Rate Among Single Women Outpaced Single Men in 2021 - EP 33

In this episode of the REconomy Podcast™ from First American, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi explain why single women are increasingly dispelling the traditional notion that buying a home follows love and marriage and prioritizing homeownership.

Why Approximately 66% of Americans are Protected from Shelter Inflation - EP 32

In this episode of the REconomy Podcast™ from First American, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi explain why homeowners are protected from shelter cost inflation, but potential home buyers are not, and how rising mortgage rates is likely to further reduce the historically low supply of homes for sale.

How the Federal Reserve Can, and Cannot, Influence the Housing Market - EP 31

In this episode of the REconomy Podcast™ from First American, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi explain how the Federal Reserve and tighter monetary policy may impact the housing market in 2022.

The Five Most Affordable Cities for First-Time Home Buyers - EP 30

In this episode of the REconomy Podcast™ from First American, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi explain why affordability should be viewed from the lens of the potential first-time home buyer and reveal the most affordable cities for first-time home buyers.