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Today’s News Synopsis:   Berkeley’s push to turn ADUs into for-sale condos passed despite debate over tenant protections, with most councilmembers arguing stricter rules could discourage housing creation. In The News:   U.S. News – “Would You Buy a Backyard Cottage? Berkeley Legalizes Sales of ADUs“ (01-22-2026) “Berkeley’s City Council has approved a proposal allowing […]

Today’s News Synopsis:   Zillow forecasts Hartford, Connecticut, as the nation’s hottest housing market in 2026, driven by tight inventory, strong price growth and buyer demand that continues to outpace supply. In The News:   Zillow – “Dethroned: Why Hartford Claims the Crown as 2026’s Hottest Market Over Buffalo“ (01-08-2026) “Despite slower nationwide growth expected

    In Part 2, Bruce Norris and economist Christopher Thornberg examine interest rates through a historical lens and discuss how inflation, political narratives, and global economics shape today’s market. They also explore the role of artificial intelligence, weighing its potential benefits against societal risks, and emphasize the importance of adapting through education and workforce

Today’s News Synopsis:   A plan to levy a one-time 5% tax on California billionaires faces major hurdles, with business leaders mobilizing against it and voters set to decide whether taxing extreme wealth is worth the risk. In The News:   LA Times – “Explaining California’s billionaire tax: The proposals, the backlash and the exodus“

Today’s News Synopsis:   From capping credit card interest rates to curbing Wall Street homebuyers, Trump’s latest affordability push blends populist ideas with policies that would require congressional approval. In The News:   CNN – “4 ways Trump wants to make America more affordable. Will they work?“ (01-14-2026) “Trump promises more details on housing and

  In Part 1 of this episode, economist Christopher Thornberg joins Bruce Norris to break down the current state of the housing market. They discuss market stability, the impact of low interest rates and refinancing, growing affordability challenges, and why rising federal debt poses long-term economic risks investors should not ignore. Christopher Thornberg, Ph.D. is a

Today’s News Synopsis:   Los Angeles’ wildfire recovery is becoming a proving ground for faster, fire-resistant housing — from prefab modular homes to 3D-printed concrete builds — as officials ease permits to address the city’s chronic housing shortage. In The News:   Bloomberg – “New LA Home Designs, Reimagined By Fire“ (01-7-2026) “As rebuilding begins

Today’s News Synopsis:   U.S. and UK bank stocks slid after President Trump called for a one-year cap on credit card interest rates, raising fears of lost revenue amid ongoing rate uncertainty In The News:   Reuters – “Financial stocks fall as Trump’s credit card rate cap plan rattles investors“ (01-13-2026) “Trump on Friday called for

Today’s News Synopsis:   In a Truth Social post, Trump said soaring inflation has pushed homeownership out of reach for many Americans — especially younger buyers — and proposed blocking institutional investors from purchasing single-family properties. In The News:   FOX Business – “Trump announces plans to ban institutional investors from buying single-family homes“ (01-07-2026)

Today’s News Synopsis:   The idea of the “starter home” is fading. With builders favoring larger floor plans, nearly half of new homes now have four or more bedrooms — pricing many first-time buyers out of the market. In The News:   The Detroit News – “Why America stopped building the ‘starter home’Why America stopped