This week’s news uncovers the quieter trends shaping the housing industry. The weak jobs outlook, highlighted by Jerome Powell, especially among Gen Z, is now paired with unexpected optimism from the NAHB, which reports a surge in demand for skilled trades. Meanwhile, Realtor.com reports that declining birth rates—linked to home unaffordability—could reshape long-term housing demand. When taken together, these stories speak to deeper changes in who’s buying homes, who’s working on them, and how affordability will influence family and housing decisions.
Jerome Powell Warns About Weak Job Prospects for Younger Workers
Read the Full Story → Yahoo Finance
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell isn’t mincing words: while unemployment rates remain low on paper, the labor market is tightening in all the wrong places. Specifically, weak jobs growth is being felt most by entry-level candidates, including recent college grads.
This cooling effect isn’t just anecdotal. Economists note that firms are pulling back on adding new, inexperienced talent. And as AI tools become more commonplace, lower-tier roles are increasingly being replaced or deemed unnecessary.
The bottom line: while the jobs picture isn’t collapsing, it’s uneven. And for young buyers trying to enter the housing market, weak job security may now be a bigger obstacle than interest rates.
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NAHB Spotlights Trades With Strong Demand and Rising Wages
Read the Full Story → NAHB
In contrast to the Fed’s outlook, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is highlighting where the opportunities are. Their latest piece lists nine associate-level construction jobs with growing demand and rising salaries.
These roles—like carpentry, HVAC, plumbing, and welding—don’t require a four-year degree but are seeing a surge in job postings and wage increases. As of June 2025, over 246,000 construction jobs were open nationwide.
NAHB is essentially saying: there are plenty of jobs—just not always the kind being tracked in the traditional white-collar labor data. In this way, trade careers are bucking the trend of weak jobs.
Fewer Babies, Higher Prices: Housing Is a Barrier to Family Planning
Read the Full Story → Realtor.com
The U.S. birth rate fell again in 2024, reaching just 1.6 children per woman—well below replacement levels. Realtor.com connects this to housing affordability: younger families are delaying or forgoing children because they can’t afford homes large enough for growing families.
Many would-be parents are also battling weak jobs or uncertain incomes. Paired with rising home prices, the cost of raising a child in 2025 is becoming prohibitive for many households.
Demographic shifts like this matter. Fewer babies means slower population growth, which eventually softens housing demand. It also may mean smaller homes will become more popular, even in suburban areas.
Loan Officer Perspective
This is a moment to lean into education. Help younger borrowers—especially Gen Z—understand their loan options even with uncertain job prospects. FHA, VA, and other supportive programs may be more relevant than ever.
Those in the trades may represent an increasingly reliable borrower class. Steady job demand and wage growth in construction means a segment of buyers with improving income potential.
Stay up to date on demographic shifts. Fewer children may influence the types of homes people want to buy—this could be a chance to promote more compact, affordable financing solutions.
Real Estate Agent Perspective
First-time buyers may be feeling discouraged, but this is where real estate professionals shine: guiding buyers toward homes that match their reality, not their wish list.
Agents should also understand the upswing in skilled trades. These clients might have better income stability right now and could be looking for homes near job sites or renovation opportunities.
Long-term, shrinking family sizes could mean rising interest in smaller homes, ADUs, and condos. Agents who understand this trend will have a leg up when it comes to future-proofing their business.
Home Buyer & Seller Perspective
If you’re a buyer—especially a younger one—know that weak jobs don’t mean “no hope.” There are still smart pathways into homeownership, especially if you’re in a field like construction or trades.
Sellers should understand that affordability is top-of-mind for many buyers. Homes that are reasonably priced, modest in size, and located near job centers will likely move faster in this environment.
Have questions about how this market affects you? Reach out to the mortgage or real estate professional who shared this post—they’re here to help you sort out your options.
Frank’s Thoughts
According to Powell and others, there aren’t many jobs out there—but the NAHB seems to think otherwise. Their list of high-demand trade roles is a refreshing reminder that the labor market isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Realtor.com’s piece adds another twist: if we’re not making as many new people, eventually, we’ll need fewer homes. That could reshape how we all think about growth in the industry.
Kind of a slow news day overall, but still a good reminder that subtle shifts in labor, affordability, and demographics can ripple through housing in powerful ways. Let’s see what tomorrow brings.
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