The Summer Shift Is On

(from FoxBusiness.com)

So, we talked about the housing market heading toward a more buyer-friendly era… but here’s the catch: affordable doesn’t always mean attainable.

A new report from Realtor.com found that in 47 of the 50 largest U.S. metros, the average home now costs more than 30% of the median household’s income, a critical threshold for financial strain. Only Pittsburgh, Detroit, and St. Louis still meet the 30% rule, assuming a 20% down payment and a 6.82% mortgage rate.

Nationwide, the typical home would eat up 44.6% of income, with cities like LA and NYC demanding far more. Realtor.com’s Chief Economist says the path to ownership is “out of financial reach” in most places without major shifts in supply or interest rates.

So while more homes may be hitting the market, many of them are still priced well above what the average buyer can actually afford. The bottom line: we may be approaching a buyer’s market in theory, but affordability is still in crisis mode.

Read more here

Climate vs. Infrastructure: The Price of Falling Behind

(Both articles from ANBC.com)

America’s infrastructure is falling behind, and climate change isn’t helping.

From flooded airports and overheating bridges to failing power grids, our systems were built for a climate that no longer exists. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave the U.S. a “C” grade, warning that nearly every type of infrastructure is at increasing risk from extreme weather. There’s also a $3.7 trillion funding gap over the next decade to fix it.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration is rolling back climate-conscious policies, targeting programs like Energy Star, which has saved consumers $500 billion on utility bills since 1992. The EPA is now planning to eliminate Energy Star altogether, potentially flooding the market with inefficient appliances.

Consumer groups and manufacturers argue this would raise electric bills and remove critical tools for informed shopping. Deregulation fans say the government shouldn’t tell people how powerful their shower should be. But with 87% of Americans supporting energy-efficient standards, backlash is building. Infrastructure experts say designing for future conditions is essential for safety and resilience. And if Energy Star goes away, experts warn it’ll be “buyer beware” for households.

As both roads and refrigerators come under pressure, it’s clear: climate resilience isn’t just about the planet, it’s about your home, your wallet, and your future.

Read more here and here.