Podcast: A Tale of Two (Very Hot) Cities
In the latest episode of NAHB’s Housing Developments podcast, co-hosts CEO Jim Tobin and SVP Paul Lopez discuss several topics that are divided into the best of times and the worst of times: the economy, Job Corps funding and regulations. Tune in to hear about how new home sales are up in the face of historically-high Fed rates, Congress’ division over appropriations and NAHB’s stance on the Biden administration’s “junk fees” characterization in home building.
The co-hosts also provide information on resources for keeping crews safe while on the job site during this heat wave.
Listen to Housing Developments through your favorite podcast app or watch this episode below.
Latest from NAHBNow
Mar 16, 2026
Builder Sentiment Inches Higher but Affordability Concerns PersistBuilder sentiment inched up in March even as builders continue to express affordability concerns stemming from elevated construction costs and shortages of buildable lots and labor.
Mar 14, 2026
Trump’s Executive Orders on Housing Would Ease Affordability CrisisPresident Trump on March 13 issued two executive orders on housing to remove regulatory barriers and provide better access to mortgage credit that will help ease the nation’s housing affordability crisis.
Latest Economic News
Mar 16, 2026
Builder Sentiment Inches Higher but Affordability Concerns PersistBuilder sentiment inched up in March even as builders continue to express affordability concerns stemming from elevated construction costs and shortages of buildable lots and labor.
Mar 16, 2026
Small Gains for New Single-Family Home SizeNew single-family home size had been falling since 2015 in response to declining affordability conditions. An exception occurred in 2021, when new home size increased as interest rates reached historic lows. However, as mortgage interest rates increased in 2022 and 2023 and affordability worsened, demand shifted back toward smaller homes.
Mar 13, 2026
Flat Conditions for Open Construction JobsThe number of open positions in construction in January was flat year-over-year, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS). The current level of open jobs is down measurably from three years ago due to declines in construction activity, particularly in housing.