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  • Housing affordability increases in Q1 2026

    Housing affordability increases in Q1 2026

    Housing affordability conditions for first-time and entry-level buyers are improving at a reasonable pace. According to the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Wells Fargo Cost of Housing Index (CHI), in Q1 of 2026 the income share needed to buy a new home dropped 4% from Q2 2025.

    Despite mortgage rate changes and overall economic uncertainty, this exhibits promising signs for housing affordability for everyday Americans. The trend continues to existing homes, where income share needed to purchase dropped from 37% in Q2 2025 to 32% in Q1 2026.

    “The U.S. data for the percentage of earnings needed to purchase a new home in the first quarter is based on a national median new home price of $403,200 and median income of $106,800, said Rose Quint, assistant vice president for survey research at NAHB. “The first quarter median new home price is down slightly from $405,300 in the fourth quarter of 2025.”

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  • These 5 design trends make a kitchen feel timeless

    These 5 design trends make a kitchen feel timeless

    Regardless of fluctuating kitchen design trends, interior designers agree on one thing: Homeowners want a kitchen that feels timeless. From natural materials to layered lighting, five design trends can give the kitchen that desired look.

    When it comes to designing a timeless kitchen, Diana Farberov, the founder of Artemuse Design, refers to historic homes and their finishes for guidance. She lists marble, quartzite, polished nickel and unlacquered brass as timeless elements to integrate into a kitchen design for an unchanging feel.

    Luxury interior designer Krista Watterworth Alterman said that a kitchen is defined by its layered lighting, a mix of recessed, flush mount and pendant fixtures. Hardwood floors, classic tile and hidden functionality are additional features that enhance a kitchen’s design.

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  • HUD releases report on best homebuilding practices

    HUD releases report on best homebuilding practices

    The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released the State and Local Best Practices for Home Construction Report, a series of regulatory actions for state and local governments to increase efficiency and ease regulatory barriers to housing construction and affordability. The report provides a clear starting point for all state and local governments to begin or continue an active effort to remove unnecessary burdens to home construction. Best practices are sorted into three categories: Cut Home Construction Costs, Unlock Land for New Housing Supply and Accelerate Construction Timelines.

    “HUD is encouraging our state and local partners to take inventory of their regulations and policies and make changes that will lower the cost to build and enable more efficient housing supply growth,” said HUD Secretary Scott Turner. “These best practices are an initial list of recommendations to facilitate growth while respecting communities’ unique needs. Adding efficiency to local building processes will result in more affordable homeownership opportunities for all Americans.”

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  • Builder sentiment reports steady increase in May

    Builder sentiment reports steady increase in May

    The National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) of Builder sentiment reported a modest gain in May, bouncing back after April’s decrease. The HMI posted a 37 for newly built single-family homes.

    NAHB cites the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act could settle builders’ concerns while increasing housing supply.

    “The housing market remains soft as higher mortgage rates, rising gas prices and economic uncertainty related to the war in Iran continue to dampen buyer demand,” said NAHB Chairman Bill Owens. “However, efforts in the House to modify the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act could increase the nation’s housing supply and help ease builder concerns.”

    Regionally, the Builder sentiment in Midwest registered a slight, one-point gain to 43 and the Northeast followed with a one point increase to 42. The South reported no change at 35, while the West dipped one point to 28.

    “Recent increases for long-term interest rates will continue to hold back home buyer demand,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “Although some regional markets, including parts of the Midwest, are showing relative strength, the housing market continues to face significant affordability challenges.”

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Exclusive Feature >

  • New Homes for Healing Families

    New Homes for Healing Families

    We are excited to celebrate the Shepherd’s Gate building expansion, adding three two-bedroom cottage apartments, a laundry facility and pantry…

    by

    Sofia Feeney

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