In May 2025, the Southern California housing market saw a decline in home sales, with a 7.6% year-over-year drop, largely driven by high mortgage rates and broader economic uncertainty. While home prices remained relatively stable, rising slightly in some counties and falling in others, the region remains significantly more expensive than the national average. Inventory levels are rising, signaling a shift toward a more balanced market, though it still slightly favors sellers. Read More
Read MoreDay: July 2, 2025
Top 10 Remodeling Design Trends for 2025
Outlining the top home remodeling trends for 2025, there is an emphasis on a blend of timeless design and modern comfort. Highlighted are features such as architectural arches, radiant floor heating, wellness spaces and customized storage solutions aimed at improving both function and style. The trends reflect a growing desire for homes that are personalized, efficient and supportive of everyday comfort and well-being. Read More
Read MoreConstruction Employment: A Tale of Two Cities
The U.S. construction industry has seen uneven growth, with employment rising in half of metro areas but stalling in others due to policy uncertainty and a shortage of skilled labor. While some regions, like Arlington and Boise, gained jobs thanks to strong investment and infrastructure demand, others, such as Riverside and New York, saw declines. Experts attribute the downturn to labor shortages and unclear federal policies, urging greater support for career and technical education to stabilize the workforce and then Emerald. Read More
Read MoreThe State of the Nation’s Housing 2025
The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies’ State of the Nation’s Housing 2025 report highlights mounting affordability pressures as high home prices, rising interest rates, insurance premiums and rents push home sales to a 30‑year low and burden a record number of households, particularly renters, with excessive housing costs. Despite a surge in multifamily development and inventory growth, supply remains misaligned with need, favoring higher-cost units while lower-rent stock continues to decline. Read More
Read MoreHome Depot acquires billions in the building supply business
Home Depot is acquiring specialty building products distributor GMS for $4.3 billion in equity, as part of its ongoing strategy to expand in the professional building materials sector. This follows its $18 billion purchase of SRS Distribution last year, further strengthening its ability to serve residential and commercial contractors. The deal positions Home Depot to compete more aggressively by creating a massive supply network with over 1,200 locations and 8,000 delivery trucks. Read More
Read MoreDemand for new construction is quickly weakening
After years of resilience, homebuilders are now grappling with a sharp slowdown in the housing market as high prices, mortgage rates and economic uncertainty dampen buyer demand. New home sales fell 14% in May, and many builders, including Lennar and KB Home, are cutting prices and scaling back development plans amid rising unsold inventory. Despite increased supply from both new and existing homes, sales remain sluggish in most markets. According to Yahoo Finance, “Consumers grew increasingly apprehensive about the economy and rising geopolitical tensions, driving consumer confidence to a 13-year…
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