Podcast: NAHB Puts a Spotlight on Housing in the Media and on the Hill
On the latest episode of the NAHB podcast, Housing Developments, hosts CEO Jim Tobin and COO Paul Lopez are on the road as they discuss housing and economics with key press outlets in New York City. Media are eager to hear what NAHB members are seeing in the housing market. Topics of note include the latest release of the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), as well as the challenges in the housing market, such as high mortgage rates, housing affordability and shortage of skilled workers.
NAHB is getting the message out to legislators as well, as first Vice Chairman Carl Harris and Second Vice Chair Buddy Hughes headed to Capitol Hill this week to urge congressional leaders to address the challenges facing home builders.
NAHB continues to gear up for the International Builders’ Show, taking place Feb. 27-29 in Las Vegas — less than two weeks away.
Listen to the latest episode below and subscribe to Housing Developments through your favorite podcast provider.
Latest from NAHBNow
ConstructionSkillsMap.org, a new nationwide tool funded by the National Housing Endowment, makes it easier to find skilled trades training opportunities in communities across the country.
The newly released 2025 National Green Building Standard (NGBS) provides many options for building more sustainably. NGBS Green Certification provides independent, third-party verification for a home, building, or land development. For those who wish to provide even more value for their clients, NGBS Green+ certifications recognize NGBS Green homes that go “above and beyond” in one or more areas of sustainability. Here are the seven certification options.
Latest Economic News
Existing home sales continued to slow in July as record-high home prices and elevated mortgage rates weighed on buyers. Mortgage rates resumed an upward trend after the ceasefire ended in early July.
Demand for all types of residential mortgages was weaker, while lending standards for most were essentially unchanged in the second quarter of 2026, according to the recent release of the Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey (SLOOS).
Wage growth for residential building workers continued to lose momentum in the second quarter of 2026, reflecting softer housing construction activity and weaker labor demand. According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, both nominal and inflation-adjusted wages have weakened further, extending the cooling trend that emerged after the strong wage gains of the post-pandemic period.