Latest Issue
Homes for Christmas
December 6, 2024
Ever notice how “home” is so important to our holiday traditions? It’s hard to imagine Christmas without images of a fireplace, a tree, some food, and rooms with festive decorations. Families gather in such rooms to form lifelong bonds and memories.
My neighborhood here in Puerto Rico really goes all out on Christmas decorations. There are more than a few snowmen and other winter decorations that make me smile.
Yet for many, having that kind of home is an elusive dream because our economy isn’t providing enough of them. Whether you want to buy or rent, finding an affordable, comfortable home can be extremely difficult, if not impossible.
The basic reason is clear: Supply just can’t keep up with demand. But the factors behind this mismatch are proving more stubborn than they should. We should all be asking why this is such a problem, for two reasons.
First, a society in which everyone can find an affordable home is more stable, peaceful, and prosperous. And second, if the housing shortage isn’t already affecting you (or your kids and grandkids)… it will soon.
Over Thanksgiving, I learned that one of my kids had bought a nice home in Tulsa, high mortgage rates and all. It got me to thinking about the state of housing in the US.
Let’s Talk Homeownership
65.6% of Americans own their homes, roughly the percentage that it has been for the last 50 years, down slightly the last few years.
Source: DQYDJ
Almost 40% of homeowners own their home free and clear of any mortgage....
Reader Comments
—J.F.
—M.A.
—D.B.
—R.S.
—T.M.
—G.H.
—M.B.
—B.K.
The readers comments are specifically in reference to Thoughts From the Frontline e-letter published by InvestorsInsight Publishing, Inc. These comments in no way are testimonials or comments on the investment advisory firm Millennium Wave Advisors, LLC. For privacy policy reasons initials have been used for each reader's comment.