Real Estate News 01/07/2026

Today’s News Synopsis:

In The News:

The Detroit News – “Why America stopped building the ‘starter home’Why America stopped building the ‘starter home’“ (01-05-2026)

“What qualifies as a “starter home” these days? Do its owners need to be a certain age or plan to live in it fewer than five years, or maybe 10? Or does the answer simply come down to price?”

CNN Business – “Trump promised ‘aggressive’ housing reform next year. Here’s what to expect for home prices in 2026” (12-26-20258)

“Next year may mark a turning point for the US housing market.After several years in a deep freeze, with high borrowing costs and soaring prices locking many Americans out of homeownership, economists say conditions may begin to shift in 2026.”

FOX Business – “Renting vs buying: What’s the better option in the current economy?” (12-30-2025)

“Real estate economists say renting still cheaper in 49 of 50 largest metros but trend changing”

Forbes – “How AI Is Saving Distressed Real Estate From The ‘Carbon Cliff’“ (12-30-2025)

“By late 2025, the commercial real estate sector will likely face a convergence of challenges that analysts have long predicted. For owners of aging office stock, three distinct pressures are colliding: stubbornly high vacancy rates due to hybrid work patterns, the maturity of loans originating in the low-interest era, and the implementation of strict municipal carbon legislation. ”

CNBC – “The 11 large U.S. cities where home prices are expected to rise the most in 2026“ (01-05-2026)

“Home prices are expected to rise by about 2.2% nationally in 2026, but some large U.S. cities — mostly in the Midwest and Northeast — could see prices climb much faster.”