NAR’s chief economist, Lawrence Yun, examines real estate under a new presidency

Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist, examines how the real estate market will be impacted by Donald Trump’s victory and Republicans controlling both chambers of Congress. Though Mr. Trump is a real estate man, his policy platform has been largely vague on real estate proposals. Here are his thoughts on how certain real estate issues may play out under President Trump and their potential impact to consumers.

  1. There will no doubt be a short-term stimulus to the economy. A combination of tax cuts and government spending in the form of upgrading nation’s infrastructure and for national defense will provide a short boost to the economy in the first half of 2017. Inflation will likely kick a bit higher from a faster GDP growth and that will lead to modestly higher interest rates. Accompanying gains in consumer confidence will further move the economy higher. Should the faster GDP growth be sustained and arise out of higher productivity, then inflation will be manageable. Moreover, more jobs will automatically mean more tax revenue, which will lessen budget deficit. Should, however, the stimulus impact give only a short term boost and not be durable then a much larger budget deficit will force interest rates notably higher. The future generation will be saddled with more debt. Read More