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In 2024, I penned an article highlighting the alarming trend of renters outpacing homeowners in the United States. The data was clear: renter households were growing three times faster than homeowner households, driven by government overregulation, restrictive zoning laws, and rising interest rates. A year later, in 2025, not only has little changed, but the housing crisis has deepened. It is with great disappointment that I revisit this issue, hoping that my words might finally spur the action our nation so desperately needs.

A Year of Missed Opportunities

In 2024, I had high hopes that our leaders would recognize the severity of the housing crisis and take decisive action. Deregulation—a proven solution to increasing housing supply and reducing costs—seemed like a logical path forward. Yet, instead of lifting the burdens that strangle the housing market, policymakers have largely doubled down on the very regulations that exacerbate the problem. Zoning laws remain rigid, environmental regulations continue to delay projects, and the permitting process is as cumbersome as ever.

“And to every American struggling with housing costs, know that you are not alone. Your voice matters, and your story deserves to be heard.”

For many Americans, this has been a year of stagnation. Home prices have risen by 6.5%, and mortgage rates remain prohibitively high, with the average 30-year fixed rate hovering around 7%. Renters, too, face soaring costs as demand for rental units continues to outpace supply. Families that once dreamed of homeownership now find themselves stuck in a cycle of high rents and limited options.

The inaction is frustrating, especially for those of us in the real estate industry who see firsthand the struggles of everyday Americans. Builders face endless roadblocks, potential homeowners grapple with rising costs, and renters are left with dwindling choices. The question remains: how long can we sustain this broken system before it collapses under its own weight?

The Incoming Administration: A Beacon of Hope?

As we look to 2025, there is a glimmer of hope with the incoming administration. Promises of deregulation and a renewed focus on housing affordability have given many Americans reason to believe that change is on the horizon. However, hope is not a strategy, and the real estate industry cannot afford to wait indefinitely for relief.

The reality is that even with a pro-housing administration, significant change takes time. Overturning decades of overregulation and implementing meaningful reforms will require cooperation between federal, state, and local governments. This is no small task, and the timeline for such changes remains uncertain. How long can the housing market sustain the grossly overreaching arm of the federal government? And how much longer can everyday Americans bear the brunt of this crisis?

Deregulation: A Path Forward

The need for deregulation has never been more urgent. Consider the stark contrast between lightly regulated markets like Houston and heavily regulated cities like San Francisco. In Houston, where zoning laws are minimal, the housing market has thrived. Builders have been able to meet demand, and housing costs remain relatively stable. Meanwhile, in San Francisco, excessive regulations have stifled development, resulting in astronomical housing prices and a severe shortage of homes.

This disparity highlights the critical role that deregulation plays in creating a healthy housing market. By reducing bureaucratic barriers, we can empower builders to construct more homes, increase supply, and drive down prices. This is not theoretical; it is a proven solution. Yet, for reasons that defy logic, many policymakers continue to cling to outdated regulations that serve no purpose other than to hinder progress.

The Impact of Interest Rates

Another major factor contributing to the housing crisis is the Federal Reserve’s manipulation of interest rates. Over the past year, we’ve seen the consequences of high rates firsthand. Prospective homeowners are struggling to qualify for mortgages, and those who do face monthly payments that are often unaffordable. This has forced many would-be buyers into the rental market, further straining an already overburdened system.

“The housing crisis is not insurmountable, but it requires bold leadership and a willingness to embrace change.”

While the Federal Reserve’s actions are intended to combat inflation, they have had a chilling effect on the housing market. The question is, how much longer can the market endure these artificially inflated rates? And at what cost? The dream of homeownership, once a cornerstone of the American dream, is slipping further out of reach for millions of families.

A Nation Divided

One of the most frustrating aspects of the housing crisis is the politicization of the issue. Housing should not be a partisan topic; it is a basic human need. Yet, instead of working together to find solutions, our leaders often use housing as a political football, prioritizing rhetoric over results.

As a real estate professional, I’ve seen how this division impacts the industry. Builders are hesitant to invest in new projects, fearing that shifting regulations will render their efforts unprofitable. Buyers and renters, meanwhile, are left in limbo, unsure of what the future holds. It is a vicious cycle, one that will only end when we put aside our differences and focus on practical, solution-driven initiatives.

The Human Cost

Beyond the statistics and policy debates lies the human cost of the housing crisis. Families are being forced to make impossible choices: Do they spend the majority of their income on rent, leaving little for savings or emergencies? Do they move to less desirable areas in search of affordable housing, sacrificing proximity to jobs, schools, and loved ones? These are not hypothetical scenarios; they are the daily realities for millions of Americans.

I’ve spoken with young couples who have put off starting a family because they can’t afford a home. I’ve met retirees who are forced to stay in the workforce because their housing costs are too high. These stories are heartbreaking, and they underscore the urgency of addressing this crisis. Housing is not just an economic issue; it is a social issue, one that impacts every aspect of our lives.

Looking Ahead

As we move further into 2025, the stakes have never been higher. The housing market is at a tipping point, and the decisions we make today will determine its future. Will we continue down the path of overregulation and government interference, or will we embrace the principles of deregulation and free-market innovation?

I remain cautiously optimistic. The incoming administration has an opportunity to reset the course and implement policies that prioritize housing affordability and accessibility. But this will require bold action and a willingness to challenge the status quo. It will require cooperation at all levels of government and a commitment to putting the needs of the American people first.

A Call to Action

To my fellow real estate professionals, I urge you to join me in advocating for change. Use your voice to push for deregulation and streamlined processes. Educate your clients and communities about the importance of housing reform. And above all, remain steadfast in your commitment to helping Americans achieve the dream of homeownership.

To policymakers, I implore you to listen to the voices of those on the front lines of this crisis. Recognize that housing is not just a policy issue; it is a moral imperative. Take the necessary steps to reduce barriers, encourage development, and make homeownership attainable for more Americans.

And to every American struggling with housing costs, know that you are not alone. Your voice matters, and your story deserves to be heard. Together, we can build a housing market that works for everyone—a market that reflects the values of opportunity, innovation, and community that define our nation.

In 2024, I hoped for action. In 2025, I am still waiting. The housing crisis is not insurmountable, but it requires bold leadership and a willingness to embrace change. Deregulation is not just a policy choice; it is a necessity. The future of the American dream depends on it.

Let us not wait another year to act. The time for change is now. Together, we can create a housing market that provides stability, affordability, and opportunity for all.

John G. Stevens is publisher of Weekly Real Estate News