Is AI fear slowing the housing market in 2026? In this episode of Let’s Talk Housing, Steven Thomas of Reports On Housing breaks down mortgage rates near 6 percent, subdued demand, and why headlines comparing today to 2008 are misleading. Learn how supply, inventory, and homeowner equity differ drastically from the Great Recession and why prices remain sticky despite lower sales.

Get proper context on mortgage spreads, the Federal Reserve, and what could unlock more demand this spring.

Got questions? Drop them in the comments or email us at [email protected] for a chance to have them featured in a future episode!

Time Stamps:

00:00-Introduction

02:25-Supply and Demand Update 2026

05:00-Mortgage Rates Hit 5.99%

06:40-Why Rates Fell in 2026

07:40-Geopolitical Impact on Rates

10:17-Should Buyers Be Worried?

11:40-AI Fear Impacting Demand

15:48-2008 Crash Headlines Debunked

20:00-Why Prices Are Not Plunging

22:43-Has Housing Recalibrated?

26:52-What Happens If Rates Fall

27:56-Capital Gains Tax Discussion

30:44-Conclusion