Economists Warn Trump's Tariff Strategy Risks Repeating 1910s-Era Economic Pitfalls

Written by: Internal Analysis & Opinion Writers

Economists are raising red flags over former President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policy, warning that the reintroduction of steep tariffs could undo decades of global economic integration and steer the U.S. economy back toward the protectionist practices of the early 20th century. Recent estimates suggest that average U.S. tariff levels are now approaching highs not seen since 1910—a period marked by isolationism and economic volatility.


Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.

Zillow Bans Private Listings, Intensifying Industry Debate Over Transparency

Written by: Internal Analysis & Opinion Writers

Zillow has announced a sweeping policy shift that aims to clamp down on the widespread use of “pocket listings”—properties marketed privately without being listed on a Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Starting May 1, homes that have been publicly marketed outside the MLS will no longer be allowed on Zillow’s platform. The move is being positioned as a step toward greater transparency and equal opportunity in home buying.


Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.

Mortgage Rates Rise Again Despite Tariff Delays, Deepening Affordability Challenges

Written by: Internal Analysis & Opinion Writers

Mortgage rates continued to climb last week despite the Trump administration’s decision to delay certain trade tariffs, adding fresh pressure to an already strained housing market. The increase in borrowing costs came as a surprise to many industry watchers who had expected rate relief following news that some of the proposed tariffs would be postponed. Instead, the rise underscores the persistent influence of broader economic forces—especially inflation expectations and bond market volatility—on the cost of home loans.


Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.

FHFA Shutters Several Biden-Era Policies and Programs

Written By: Joel Palmer, Op-Ed Writer

The new director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) spent much of last week issuing orders that rescinded or terminated policies put in place during the previous administration. FHFA Director William Pulte posted the series of orders on his X.com account last week.


Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.

New FHFA Director Emphasizes Efficiency in First Days on the Job

New FHFA Director Emphasizes Efficiency in First Days on the Job

Written By: Joel Palmer, Op-Ed Writer

The new director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) took the opportunity of his swearing in to echo the Trump administration’s emphasis on government efficiency. William J. Pulte was confirmed by a 56-43 vote of the U.S. Senate last week as FHFA Director for a five-year term. Three Democrats voted with the Republican majority to approve President Trump’s nomination.


Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.

FHFA Director Nominee Expresses Big Goals for Agency During Senate Hearing

FHFA Director Nominee Expresses Big Goals for Agency During Senate Hearing

Written By: Joel Palmer, Op-Ed Writer

The likely next leader of the federal agency that oversees a key part of the mortgage industry testified told members of Congress last week he is prepared to lead the effort to “usher in the Golden Age of housing and mortgage accessibility.” William J. Pulte, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), was one of four administration nominees to appear at a joint confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs.


Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.

Increased Buyer Leverage May Bring More Mortgage Applications to Lenders

Increased Buyer Leverage May Bring More Mortgage Applications to Lenders

Written By: Joel Palmer, Op-Ed Writer

Housing and mortgage experts are beginning to see a market shift in favor of buyers but remain cautious as to whether that will bring more originations for mortgage processors and underwriters. National real estate brokerage Redfin reported last week that the U.S. housing market tilted in favor of buyers for the first time this decade in January. The 3.7 months of for-sale inventory was the highest in six years.


Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.

Home Listings are Rising and Home Buying Demand is Falling

Home Listings are Rising and Home Buying Demand is Falling

Written By: Joel Palmer, Op-Ed Writer

Real estate brokerage Redfin reported that new listings of U.S. homes for sale rose 7.9 percent from a year earlier during the four weeks ending February 2. Meanwhile, pending sales are improving slightly, but still down 8.1 percent year over year. The uptick in new listings and lack of sales is contributing to a growing pool of supply for homebuyers to choose from.


Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.

Fannie Downgrades 2025 Housing, Mortgage Forecasts

Fannie Downgrades 2025 Housing, Mortgage Forecasts

Written By: Joel Palmer, Op-Ed Writer

Fannie Mae economists interpret a recent rise in the 10-year Treasury yield as a sign that home sales are far from rebounding from 30-year lows. In Fannie’s first monthly commentary of 2025, its Economic and Strategic Research Group raised its forecast on where 30-year mortgage rates will land by the end of the year. Fannie now sees rates closing this year at 6.5 percent instead of its previous forecast of 6.2 percent.


Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.

How Will Donald Trump's Second Term Affect Mortgage Lenders?

How Will Donald Trump's Second Term Affect Mortgage Lenders?

Written By: Joel Palmer, Op-Ed Writer

Later this month, Donald Trump will be inaugurated into his second term as President of the United States. Since his election victory two months ago, many have speculated what impact his administration will have on housing and the mortgage industry the next four years. Already, the transition to a second Trump administration has impacted a key federal agency.


Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer For NAMU® Library Articles: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®. Nothing contained in this articles should be considered legal advice.