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
Workforce Development
Apr 17, 2026
9 NHE Grants Boost Residential Construction VisibilityThe National Housing Endowment (NHE), NAHB's philanthropic arm, created its Homebuilding Education Leadership Program (HELP) to increase the number of qualified graduates entering the home building industry. Since 2009, HELP has invested more than $6.2 million in grants to 60 colleges and universities.
Economics
Apr 16, 2026
Iran War Adds to Economic HeadwindsA multidimensional supply shock is weakening the U.S. economy, fueled by the delayed effects of the 2025 trade wars and tariffs, elevated oil prices, and persistent policy uncertainty. NAHB Chief Economist Dr. Robert Dietz provides a high-level summary of key economic markers.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Apr 17, 2026
Count of Second Homes Declines in 2024In 2024, the number of second homes in the U.S. was 6.2 million, accounting for 4.3% of the nation’s housing stock, according to NAHB estimates. This reflects a modest decline from 2022, when the number reached 6.5 million. This decline suggests some cooling following the pandemic-era surge in second home demand.
Economics
Apr 16, 2026
Young Adults Report More Interest in the Construction Trades: 2026 SurveyNAHB estimates the U.S. has a structural housing deficit of 1.2 million units. Among the myriad of headwinds home builders face trying to close that gap is the industry’s chronic shortage of workers in the construction trades.
Economics
Apr 15, 2026
Builder Sentiment Posts Notable Decline on Economic UncertaintyEconomic uncertainty coupled with rising building material costs and interest rates resulted in a sharp decline in builder sentiment in April as the housing market enters into the heart of the spring buying season.