(10-11-2026 09:14 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  FWIW

The average sale price for a home in Wilson County, Tennessee (which is located adjacent to Nashville/Davidson County), was about $280,000 in 2016 (Obama was president at the time), according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

In 2026, and per Zillow, the average cost of a home in Wilson County, Tennessee is about $500,000.

If the numbers are accurate, that is a 44 percent hike in 10 years.

In 2024, Wilson County voted 69.4 percent for Trump and 29.4 percent for Harris.

It's not always a red state vs. blue state dynamic. Housing has gotten pricey in many places. I suppose we could blame both parties. Or maybe it is neither party's fault and simply, at least in the Nashville market, a dynamic involving supply and demand.

A good bit of it is local policies. And the green left likes to restrict development which drives up prices dramatically. When you have a very free reign like Texas, even with drastic growth, prices go up far less than the deep blue cities like Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York.

(10-10-2026 09:55 AM)bullet Wrote:  

(10-09-2026 11:55 PM)Gitanole Wrote:  Why Are Houses So Expensive Right Now?
September 16, 2026 by Jamie Forbes

Home prices are high largely due to a long-term housing shortage—an issue stemming from decades of underbuilding.

Strict zoning laws and investor activity are also limiting supply and shaping the market.

A supply-driven feedback loop is keeping prices elevated as buyers and sellers stay on the sidelines.

Affordability is slowly improving, but homebuilding and supply need to increase for the market to return to life.

It’s not a stretch to say these are unprecedented times for the housing market. Home prices have surged nearly 20% over the past five years, hitting a record $409,000 in June 2026, while elevated mortgage rates and a shaky economy continue to complicate the picture.

The impact shows up in monthly costs. Elevated mortgage rates have pushed payments higher, while rising insurance, inflation, and property taxes are adding even more pressure.

These trends have created a slow and expensive housing market that overwhelmingly favors buyers—many of whom are staying on the sidelines. Homes are taking longer to sell, and many Americans can’t afford a starter home. More people are instead choosing to rent, which is now more affordable than buying in every major city, reshaping how people see the dream of homeownership.



So, why are houses so expensive? ... We break down three factors behind today’s record prices, where costs may be headed, and how buyers and sellers can navigate the market.

“It’s normal for house prices to rise slowly over time, but a decades-long inventory shortage, increasing economic uncertainty, and whiplash from the pandemic has made the current housing market historically slow and expensive. It will take a concerted political and industry-wide effort to close the supply gap, bring down costs to a ‘normal’ level, and make homeownership a viable and appealing option for more Americans.”
– Daryl Fairweather, Redfin Chief Economist

Topics

1. America has a severe housing shortage
2. Zoning laws have limited new construction
3. Investors own a larger share of homes

Will house prices fall in 2026?
How to buy and sell in an expensive housing market
Final thoughts

https://www.redfin.com/blog/why-are-hous...expensive/

Environmental laws have also made it much more difficult to harvest wood. I know some people who do that. So that has driven up wood prices.

The supply disruptions caused by Covid drove up the prices of nearly everything. And the wars in Ukraine and Iran have driven up energy prices which impacts everything else. That is, of course, without even getting into the inflationary policies of the Biden administration and the Green policies whose goal is to converse energy by driving up energy prices.

But there is a differential. Fast growing areas like Houston and DFW don't have nearly the home inflation of California and New York which have strict zoning and development laws.

Hey Bullet isnt it weird Pasadena with a population close to 200K has no zoning laws or Fire Department other than volunteer? I see people with goats pigs chickens and cows in neighborhoods. I have seen hybrid wolves and deer roaming around in chemical plants and coyotes and possoms running through lawns in broad daylight.

(10-11-2026 01:07 PM)BlueDragon Wrote:  

(10-10-2026 09:55 AM)bullet Wrote:  

(10-09-2026 11:55 PM)Gitanole Wrote:  Why Are Houses So Expensive Right Now?
September 16, 2026 by Jamie Forbes

Home prices are high largely due to a long-term housing shortage—an issue stemming from decades of underbuilding.

Strict zoning laws and investor activity are also limiting supply and shaping the market.

A supply-driven feedback loop is keeping prices elevated as buyers and sellers stay on the sidelines.

Affordability is slowly improving, but homebuilding and supply need to increase for the market to return to life.

It’s not a stretch to say these are unprecedented times for the housing market. Home prices have surged nearly 20% over the past five years, hitting a record $409,000 in June 2026, while elevated mortgage rates and a shaky economy continue to complicate the picture.

The impact shows up in monthly costs. Elevated mortgage rates have pushed payments higher, while rising insurance, inflation, and property taxes are adding even more pressure.

These trends have created a slow and expensive housing market that overwhelmingly favors buyers—many of whom are staying on the sidelines. Homes are taking longer to sell, and many Americans can’t afford a starter home. More people are instead choosing to rent, which is now more affordable than buying in every major city, reshaping how people see the dream of homeownership.



So, why are houses so expensive? ... We break down three factors behind today’s record prices, where costs may be headed, and how buyers and sellers can navigate the market.

“It’s normal for house prices to rise slowly over time, but a decades-long inventory shortage, increasing economic uncertainty, and whiplash from the pandemic has made the current housing market historically slow and expensive. It will take a concerted political and industry-wide effort to close the supply gap, bring down costs to a ‘normal’ level, and make homeownership a viable and appealing option for more Americans.”
– Daryl Fairweather, Redfin Chief Economist

Topics

1. America has a severe housing shortage
2. Zoning laws have limited new construction
3. Investors own a larger share of homes

Will house prices fall in 2026?
How to buy and sell in an expensive housing market
Final thoughts

https://www.redfin.com/blog/why-are-hous...expensive/

Environmental laws have also made it much more difficult to harvest wood. I know some people who do that. So that has driven up wood prices.

The supply disruptions caused by Covid drove up the prices of nearly everything. And the wars in Ukraine and Iran have driven up energy prices which impacts everything else. That is, of course, without even getting into the inflationary policies of the Biden administration and the Green policies whose goal is to converse energy by driving up energy prices.

But there is a differential. Fast growing areas like Houston and DFW don't have nearly the home inflation of California and New York which have strict zoning and development laws.

Hey Bullet isnt it weird Pasadena with a population close to 200K has no zoning laws or Fire Department other than volunteer? I see people with goats pigs chickens and cows in neighborhoods. I have seen hybrid wolves and deer roaming around in chemical plants and coyotes and possoms running through lawns in broad daylight.

Well we’ve had deer and coyotes in our backyard here in Atlanta. Along with rattlesnakes and copperheads.

We had possums and raccoons in Houston in our yard less than a mile from Rice U.

(10-11-2026 01:33 PM)bullet Wrote:  We had possums and raccoons in Houston in our yard less than a mile from Rice U.

I grew up near the Liberty County/Chambers County line. We had a bunch of snakes, opossums, and armadillos out here. The snakes are still there, but I haven't seen any armadillos lately. I think we also had some raccoons scavenge through our trash over the years, too.

(10-11-2026 01:38 PM)GeminiCoog Wrote:  

(10-11-2026 01:33 PM)bullet Wrote:  We had possums and raccoons in Houston in our yard less than a mile from Rice U.

I grew up near the Liberty County/Chambers County line. We had a bunch of snakes, opossums, and armadillos out here. The snakes are still there, but I haven't seen any armadillos lately. I think we also had some raccoons scavenge through our trash over the years, too.

One time I was running in the next block down the street and saw a dog rummaging through the trash. I was about to shoo him off but then I realized it was a BIG raccoon. I let him do what he wanted.

$280,000 in 2016 is worth about $391,000 today mainly due to Biden era inflation (eg, 9%).

It is unsurprising prices increase in a fast growing market loaded with out of state buyers with sizable equity fleeing blue states but more needs to be done to increase starter home availability by closely examining zoning laws and regulations and deporting millions and millions of illegal aliens soaking up supply at the expense of Americans.

(10-10-2026 10:52 AM)memtigbb Wrote:  Is there even a such thing as a "starter home" now? I remember a long time ago seeing neighborhoods being built that were "starter homes" that were like 900sq ft with a garage to make it look larger. I havent seen any built in a very very long time though. Which makes me believe they stopped building them because people stopped buying them. We have a problem now where kids want to move out of their parents house into something even bigger and better than their parents house. They dont want a 900sq ft house, they want a 3200 sq ft for their very first house but then cry because they cannot afford "500k" houses and all houses cost "500k" etc. They watch too much tik tok and think they are supposed to live in luxury at all times even without doing anything to earn it.

People very much want to buy starter homes. The problem is no one wants to build starter homes, because they are difficult to make money on. Many cities and counties have zoning restrictions that require a minimum lot size, and the permitting process adds themselves of thousands of dollars in cost.

Depending on the market, there may be older homes available that would make suitable starter homes, but that is dependent on the previous occupant being able to move somewhere. People locked into low mortgage rates who bought prior to or before the pandemic find they cannot afford to move.

(10-09-2026 11:55 PM)Gitanole Wrote:  Why Are Houses So Expensive Right Now?
September 16, 2026 by Jamie Forbes

Home prices are high largely due to a long-term housing shortage—an issue stemming from decades of underbuilding.

Strict zoning laws and investor activity are also limiting supply and shaping the market.

A supply-driven feedback loop is keeping prices elevated as buyers and sellers stay on the sidelines.

Affordability is slowly improving, but homebuilding and supply need to increase for the market to return to life.

It’s not a stretch to say these are unprecedented times for the housing market. Home prices have surged nearly 20% over the past five years, hitting a record $409,000 in June 2026, while elevated mortgage rates and a shaky economy continue to complicate the picture.

The impact shows up in monthly costs. Elevated mortgage rates have pushed payments higher, while rising insurance, inflation, and property taxes are adding even more pressure.

These trends have created a slow and expensive housing market that overwhelmingly favors buyers—many of whom are staying on the sidelines. Homes are taking longer to sell, and many Americans can’t afford a starter home. More people are instead choosing to rent, which is now more affordable than buying in every major city, reshaping how people see the dream of homeownership.



So, why are houses so expensive? ... We break down three factors behind today’s record prices, where costs may be headed, and how buyers and sellers can navigate the market.

“It’s normal for house prices to rise slowly over time, but a decades-long inventory shortage, increasing economic uncertainty, and whiplash from the pandemic has made the current housing market historically slow and expensive. It will take a concerted political and industry-wide effort to close the supply gap, bring down costs to a ‘normal’ level, and make homeownership a viable and appealing option for more Americans.”
– Daryl Fairweather, Redfin Chief Economist

Topics

1. America has a severe housing shortage
2. Zoning laws have limited new construction
3. Investors own a larger share of homes

Will house prices fall in 2026?
How to buy and sell in an expensive housing market
Final thoughts

https://www.redfin.com/blog/why-are-hous...expensive/

Sounds to me like its not an under supply of housing. In fact, the housing inventory in most markets is far in excess of the typical 6 months of absorption---meaning its a buyers market in most areas of the nation. Of course there are highly desirable submarkets where demand still exceeds supply----but for most macro housing markets----we are looking at an over supply of inventory and a buyers market. The reality is in most markets the median household income is insufficient to afford the median home in that market. Ive said man times----that is unsustainable over the long term. Given that inventories are now in "oversupply" in most areas---I would suggest that price discovery is underway and when its all over---we will likely see a substantial retreat in home values.

(10-11-2026 12:13 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(10-11-2026 09:14 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  FWIW

The average sale price for a home in Wilson County, Tennessee (which is located adjacent to Nashville/Davidson County), was about $280,000 in 2016 (Obama was president at the time), according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

In 2026, and per Zillow, the average cost of a home in Wilson County, Tennessee is about $500,000.

If the numbers are accurate, that is a 44 percent hike in 10 years.

In 2024, Wilson County voted 69.4 percent for Trump and 29.4 percent for Harris.

It's not always a red state vs. blue state dynamic. Housing has gotten pricey in many places. I suppose we could blame both parties. Or maybe it is neither party's fault and simply, at least in the Nashville market, a dynamic involving supply and demand.

A good bit of it is local policies. And the green left likes to restrict development which drives up prices dramatically. When you have a very free reign like Texas, even with drastic growth, prices go up far less than the deep blue cities like Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York.

Local policies can contribute to the problem, bullet. No doubt. Another factor: the most desirable and expensive housing in America, generally speaking, is found in the heart of vibrant and cosmopolitan cities (an exception to that rule is ocean-front residential property). True, such places tend to be governed by Dems. But I have to wonder if the cost of housing in, say, Honolulu, Boston and New York would be high even with, hypothetically, Republican leadership.

(10-11-2026 04:39 PM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(10-11-2026 12:13 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(10-11-2026 09:14 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  FWIW

The average sale price for a home in Wilson County, Tennessee (which is located adjacent to Nashville/Davidson County), was about $280,000 in 2016 (Obama was president at the time), according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

In 2026, and per Zillow, the average cost of a home in Wilson County, Tennessee is about $500,000.

If the numbers are accurate, that is a 44 percent hike in 10 years.

In 2024, Wilson County voted 69.4 percent for Trump and 29.4 percent for Harris.

It's not always a red state vs. blue state dynamic. Housing has gotten pricey in many places. I suppose we could blame both parties. Or maybe it is neither party's fault and simply, at least in the Nashville market, a dynamic involving supply and demand.

A good bit of it is local policies. And the green left likes to restrict development which drives up prices dramatically. When you have a very free reign like Texas, even with drastic growth, prices go up far less than the deep blue cities like Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York.

Local policies can contribute to the problem, bullet. No doubt. Another factor: the most desirable and expensive housing in America, generally speaking, is found in the heart of vibrant and cosmopolitan cities. True, such places tend to be governed by Dems. But I have to wonder if the cost of housing in, say, Honolulu, Boston and New York would be high even with, hypothetically, Republican leadership.

Houston and Dallas suburbs are governed by Republicans. Houston has had moderate Democrats generally. Dallas used to have Republicans running it. Despite being two of the fastest growing places in the country, Houston and Dallas have had very moderate price inflation compared to the vast majority of other major urban area (slow to negative growth midwest cities are the exception).

https://wealthvieu.com/mortgages/homeown...e-by-city/

(10-11-2026 07:40 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(10-11-2026 04:39 PM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(10-11-2026 12:13 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(10-11-2026 09:14 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  FWIW

The average sale price for a home in Wilson County, Tennessee (which is located adjacent to Nashville/Davidson County), was about $280,000 in 2016 (Obama was president at the time), according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

In 2026, and per Zillow, the average cost of a home in Wilson County, Tennessee is about $500,000.

If the numbers are accurate, that is a 44 percent hike in 10 years.

In 2024, Wilson County voted 69.4 percent for Trump and 29.4 percent for Harris.

It's not always a red state vs. blue state dynamic. Housing has gotten pricey in many places. I suppose we could blame both parties. Or maybe it is neither party's fault and simply, at least in the Nashville market, a dynamic involving supply and demand.

A good bit of it is local policies. And the green left likes to restrict development which drives up prices dramatically. When you have a very free reign like Texas, even with drastic growth, prices go up far less than the deep blue cities like Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York.

Local policies can contribute to the problem, bullet. No doubt. Another factor: the most desirable and expensive housing in America, generally speaking, is found in the heart of vibrant and cosmopolitan cities. True, such places tend to be governed by Dems. But I have to wonder if the cost of housing in, say, Honolulu, Boston and New York would be high even with, hypothetically, Republican leadership.

Houston and Dallas suburbs are governed by Republicans. Houston has had moderate Democrats generally. Dallas used to have Republicans running it. Despite being two of the fastest growing places in the country, Houston and Dallas have had very moderate price inflation compared to the vast majority of other major urban area (slow to negative growth midwest cities are the exception).

https://wealthvieu.com/mortgages/homeown...e-by-city/

Interesting. I did not know that.

(10-11-2026 01:33 PM)bullet Wrote:  We had possums and raccoons in Houston in our yard less than a mile from Rice U.

Damn possums. They run along my fence at night and get my beagles all worked up. Then I have to go try to shoo them down the fence so the dogs will come inside. I am sure my neighbors love it when it happens.

(10-11-2026 07:40 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(10-11-2026 04:39 PM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(10-11-2026 12:13 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(10-11-2026 09:14 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  FWIW

The average sale price for a home in Wilson County, Tennessee (which is located adjacent to Nashville/Davidson County), was about $280,000 in 2016 (Obama was president at the time), according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

In 2026, and per Zillow, the average cost of a home in Wilson County, Tennessee is about $500,000.

If the numbers are accurate, that is a 44 percent hike in 10 years.

In 2024, Wilson County voted 69.4 percent for Trump and 29.4 percent for Harris.

It's not always a red state vs. blue state dynamic. Housing has gotten pricey in many places. I suppose we could blame both parties. Or maybe it is neither party's fault and simply, at least in the Nashville market, a dynamic involving supply and demand.

A good bit of it is local policies. And the green left likes to restrict development which drives up prices dramatically. When you have a very free reign like Texas, even with drastic growth, prices go up far less than the deep blue cities like Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York.

Local policies can contribute to the problem, bullet. No doubt. Another factor: the most desirable and expensive housing in America, generally speaking, is found in the heart of vibrant and cosmopolitan cities. True, such places tend to be governed by Dems. But I have to wonder if the cost of housing in, say, Honolulu, Boston and New York would be high even with, hypothetically, Republican leadership.

Houston and Dallas suburbs are governed by Republicans. Houston has had moderate Democrats generally. Dallas used to have Republicans running it. Despite being two of the fastest growing places in the country, Houston and Dallas have had very moderate price inflation compared to the vast majority of other major urban area (slow to negative growth midwest cities are the exception).

https://wealthvieu.com/mortgages/homeown...e-by-city/

Two additional things that really holds prices down in Houston is "no zoning" and the fact a ton of generally flat buildable land surrounds the city in all directions. The immediate city only has about 2.4 million residents---but the greater Houston area that includes all its surrounding suburbs is approaching 8 million people.

(10-11-2026 01:31 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(10-11-2026 01:07 PM)BlueDragon Wrote:  

(10-10-2026 09:55 AM)bullet Wrote:  

(10-09-2026 11:55 PM)Gitanole Wrote:  Why Are Houses So Expensive Right Now?
September 16, 2026 by Jamie Forbes

Home prices are high largely due to a long-term housing shortage—an issue stemming from decades of underbuilding.

Strict zoning laws and investor activity are also limiting supply and shaping the market.

A supply-driven feedback loop is keeping prices elevated as buyers and sellers stay on the sidelines.

Affordability is slowly improving, but homebuilding and supply need to increase for the market to return to life.

It’s not a stretch to say these are unprecedented times for the housing market. Home prices have surged nearly 20% over the past five years, hitting a record $409,000 in June 2026, while elevated mortgage rates and a shaky economy continue to complicate the picture.

The impact shows up in monthly costs. Elevated mortgage rates have pushed payments higher, while rising insurance, inflation, and property taxes are adding even more pressure.

These trends have created a slow and expensive housing market that overwhelmingly favors buyers—many of whom are staying on the sidelines. Homes are taking longer to sell, and many Americans can’t afford a starter home. More people are instead choosing to rent, which is now more affordable than buying in every major city, reshaping how people see the dream of homeownership.



So, why are houses so expensive? ... We break down three factors behind today’s record prices, where costs may be headed, and how buyers and sellers can navigate the market.

“It’s normal for house prices to rise slowly over time, but a decades-long inventory shortage, increasing economic uncertainty, and whiplash from the pandemic has made the current housing market historically slow and expensive. It will take a concerted political and industry-wide effort to close the supply gap, bring down costs to a ‘normal’ level, and make homeownership a viable and appealing option for more Americans.”
– Daryl Fairweather, Redfin Chief Economist

Topics

1. America has a severe housing shortage
2. Zoning laws have limited new construction
3. Investors own a larger share of homes

Will house prices fall in 2026?
How to buy and sell in an expensive housing market
Final thoughts

https://www.redfin.com/blog/why-are-hous...expensive/

Environmental laws have also made it much more difficult to harvest wood. I know some people who do that. So that has driven up wood prices.

The supply disruptions caused by Covid drove up the prices of nearly everything. And the wars in Ukraine and Iran have driven up energy prices which impacts everything else. That is, of course, without even getting into the inflationary policies of the Biden administration and the Green policies whose goal is to converse energy by driving up energy prices.

But there is a differential. Fast growing areas like Houston and DFW don't have nearly the home inflation of California and New York which have strict zoning and development laws.

Hey Bullet isnt it weird Pasadena with a population close to 200K has no zoning laws or Fire Department other than volunteer? I see people with goats pigs chickens and cows in neighborhoods. I have seen hybrid wolves and deer roaming around in chemical plants and coyotes and possoms running through lawns in broad daylight.

Well we’ve had deer and coyotes in our backyard here in Atlanta. Along with rattlesnakes and copperheads.

Georgia?

(10-13-2026 01:09 PM)Attackcoog Wrote:  

(10-11-2026 07:40 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(10-11-2026 04:39 PM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(10-11-2026 12:13 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(10-11-2026 09:14 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  FWIW

The average sale price for a home in Wilson County, Tennessee (which is located adjacent to Nashville/Davidson County), was about $280,000 in 2016 (Obama was president at the time), according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

In 2026, and per Zillow, the average cost of a home in Wilson County, Tennessee is about $500,000.

If the numbers are accurate, that is a 44 percent hike in 10 years.

In 2024, Wilson County voted 69.4 percent for Trump and 29.4 percent for Harris.

It's not always a red state vs. blue state dynamic. Housing has gotten pricey in many places. I suppose we could blame both parties. Or maybe it is neither party's fault and simply, at least in the Nashville market, a dynamic involving supply and demand.

A good bit of it is local policies. And the green left likes to restrict development which drives up prices dramatically. When you have a very free reign like Texas, even with drastic growth, prices go up far less than the deep blue cities like Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York.

Local policies can contribute to the problem, bullet. No doubt. Another factor: the most desirable and expensive housing in America, generally speaking, is found in the heart of vibrant and cosmopolitan cities. True, such places tend to be governed by Dems. But I have to wonder if the cost of housing in, say, Honolulu, Boston and New York would be high even with, hypothetically, Republican leadership.

Houston and Dallas suburbs are governed by Republicans. Houston has had moderate Democrats generally. Dallas used to have Republicans running it. Despite being two of the fastest growing places in the country, Houston and Dallas have had very moderate price inflation compared to the vast majority of other major urban area (slow to negative growth midwest cities are the exception).

https://wealthvieu.com/mortgages/homeown...e-by-city/

Two additional things that really holds prices down in Houston is "no zoning" and the fact a ton of generally flat buildable land surrounds the city in all directions. The immediate city only has about 2.4 million residents---but the greater Houston area that includes all its surrounding suburbs is approaching 8 million people.

Well, north and west. Flood plains, the Gulf of Mexico and Galveston Bay are a hindrance in the south and east.

(10-13-2026 01:48 PM)BlueDragon Wrote:  

(10-11-2026 01:31 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(10-11-2026 01:07 PM)BlueDragon Wrote:  

(10-10-2026 09:55 AM)bullet Wrote:  

(10-09-2026 11:55 PM)Gitanole Wrote:  Why Are Houses So Expensive Right Now?
September 16, 2026 by Jamie Forbes

Home prices are high largely due to a long-term housing shortage—an issue stemming from decades of underbuilding.

Strict zoning laws and investor activity are also limiting supply and shaping the market.

A supply-driven feedback loop is keeping prices elevated as buyers and sellers stay on the sidelines.

Affordability is slowly improving, but homebuilding and supply need to increase for the market to return to life.

It’s not a stretch to say these are unprecedented times for the housing market. Home prices have surged nearly 20% over the past five years, hitting a record $409,000 in June 2026, while elevated mortgage rates and a shaky economy continue to complicate the picture.

The impact shows up in monthly costs. Elevated mortgage rates have pushed payments higher, while rising insurance, inflation, and property taxes are adding even more pressure.

These trends have created a slow and expensive housing market that overwhelmingly favors buyers—many of whom are staying on the sidelines. Homes are taking longer to sell, and many Americans can’t afford a starter home. More people are instead choosing to rent, which is now more affordable than buying in every major city, reshaping how people see the dream of homeownership.



So, why are houses so expensive? ... We break down three factors behind today’s record prices, where costs may be headed, and how buyers and sellers can navigate the market.

“It’s normal for house prices to rise slowly over time, but a decades-long inventory shortage, increasing economic uncertainty, and whiplash from the pandemic has made the current housing market historically slow and expensive. It will take a concerted political and industry-wide effort to close the supply gap, bring down costs to a ‘normal’ level, and make homeownership a viable and appealing option for more Americans.”
– Daryl Fairweather, Redfin Chief Economist

Topics

1. America has a severe housing shortage
2. Zoning laws have limited new construction
3. Investors own a larger share of homes

Will house prices fall in 2026?
How to buy and sell in an expensive housing market
Final thoughts

https://www.redfin.com/blog/why-are-hous...expensive/

Environmental laws have also made it much more difficult to harvest wood. I know some people who do that. So that has driven up wood prices.

The supply disruptions caused by Covid drove up the prices of nearly everything. And the wars in Ukraine and Iran have driven up energy prices which impacts everything else. That is, of course, without even getting into the inflationary policies of the Biden administration and the Green policies whose goal is to converse energy by driving up energy prices.

But there is a differential. Fast growing areas like Houston and DFW don't have nearly the home inflation of California and New York which have strict zoning and development laws.

Hey Bullet isnt it weird Pasadena with a population close to 200K has no zoning laws or Fire Department other than volunteer? I see people with goats pigs chickens and cows in neighborhoods. I have seen hybrid wolves and deer roaming around in chemical plants and coyotes and possoms running through lawns in broad daylight.

Well we’ve had deer and coyotes in our backyard here in Atlanta. Along with rattlesnakes and copperheads.

Georgia?

Yes.

There are 3 reasons why house prices are up and they all can be laid at Democrats feet.

Let’s Review

1. Open Borders where literally millions flooded into our country

2. Aftermath of Covid inflation exasperated by the Dem lead INFLATION PRODUCTION ACT

This same act has made living expenses in general MORE EXPENSIVE

3. Higher Interest Rates which cause higher House and Rent payments.

Supply and Demand 101

(10-13-2026 02:16 PM)BlueDragon Wrote:  There are 3 reasons why house prices are up and they all can be laid at Democrats feet.

Let’s Review

1. Open Borders where literally millions flooded into our country

2. Aftermath of Covid inflation exasperated by the Dem lead INFLATION PRODUCTION ACT

This same act has made living expenses in general MORE EXPENSIVE

3. Higher Interest Rates which cause higher House and Rent payments.

Supply and Demand 101

Democrats literally f*** up everything they touch.

And then they have the f***ing balls to blame Trump and Republicans for their problems.

GTFOH with that BS.

Democrats can't do anything right except hate white people, Christians and Jews.

(10-10-2026 04:49 AM)BirdHawkEagle Wrote:  The answer is illegal immigration.

That is definitely a driver.

I'm not buying it as the only reason, but the value of my home increased almost 100% over the years since I bought it in 2005. As it stands now, the value has been declining, which started during the Biden era. And no, it's not the neighborhood. I live in an area with fairly high property values on average, made up of large 3 and 4 bedroom multilevel homes that sit on almost full acre lots.

Let's see, what was the most memorable thing our vegetable-in-chief did? Oh yeah, he opened the floodgates.