Real Estate News 01/19/2026

From capping credit card interest rates to curbing Wall Street homebuyers, Trump’s latest affordability push blends populist ideas with policies that would require congressional approval.

In The News:

CNN– “4 ways Trump wants to make America more affordable. Will they work?“(01-14-2026)

“Trump promises more details on housing and health care affordability at Davos, but economists question whether his proposals would meaningfully ease Americans’ cost-of-living pressures.”

Realtor.com –“Property Tax Deadlines in January Homeowners Should Know About”(01-14-2026)

“January marks the start of a new year—and in many parts of the country, it’s also time for homeowners to square away their property taxes.”

CNBC –“Mortgage refinance demand surges 40% higher after Trump post briefly tanks interest rates” (01-12-2026)

“For the whole week, the average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan balances, $832,750 or less, decreased to 6.18% from 6.25%.”

Redfin –“Trump’s Mortgage Bond Order Pushes Rates Below 6% For First Time in Nearly 3 Years, Boosting Purchasing Power“(01-14-2026)

“Purchasing power has increased $30,000 in the last six months, with rates falling below 6% the day after President Trump ordered a $200 billion mortgage bond purchase. ”

Mansion Global –“As They Rebuild, L.A.’s Wildfire Victims Focus on a Future That Won’t Go Up in Smoke“ (01-12-2026)

“While some see speed as the highest priority, many residents of Pacific Palisades and Altadena have leaned into fire prevention through innovation in materials and design”