Observations – Page 3

Builder Sentiment Posts Gain in May but Affordability Persist

Story By National Association of Home Builders | June 2026 Builder confidence posted a modest gain in May even as buyers grapple with rising mortgage rates and economic uncertainty while builders continue to contend with [READ MORE]

Property Tax Reform Raises Concerns for Housing Affordability

Story By Jay Iverson, Executive Officer of the Home Builders Association of Iowa | May 2026 As the 2026 session concluded, the Iowa Legislature approved a sweeping property tax overhaul in Senate File 2472. While [READ MORE]

Builder Sentiment Posts Decline on Economic Uncertainty

Story By The National Association of Home Builders | May 2026 Economic uncertainty coupled with rising building material costs and interest rates resulted in a sharp decline in builder sentiment in April as the housing [READ MORE]

Baby Boomers Remain Largest Share of Home Buyers

Story By National Association of REALTORS® | May 2026 Baby Boomers remained the largest generational group of home buyers this year, while the share of first-time buyers fell to the lowest level on record, according [READ MORE]

First Quarter of 2026, Des Moines Metro Lot Analysis

Story By Nathan Drew, Broker/Owner of Drew Realty | May 2026 I’ve been thinking a lot about competition recently. Soccer season has started for #TheDrewGirls. I’m coaching two teams! We won both games last weekend. [READ MORE]