What the signed stimulus bill means for housing

In today’s episode, Digital Producer Alcynna Lloyd joins HousingWire Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler to discuss the hottest topics coming across HousingWire’s news desk. During the episode, Lloyd and Wheeler review the recent news  that President Donald Trump signed the second COVID-19 stimulus bill and how it could impact homeowners. 

The pair also highlight what some economists say we should expect for the housing market in 2021 and discuss the housing inventory shortage and whether it will impact potential homebuyers.

For more background on what is discussed, here is a preview of today’s interview, lightly edited for length:

HousingWire: Sarah, what stories really caught your eyes last week?

Sarah Wheeler:  The stimulus bill was really the talk of all last week and then, of course, this weekend, with Trump finally signing the $900 billion stimulus bill. We were focused on both the bill and the implications for our industry as we knew it had quite a bit of an impact for renters and homeowners. Notably, we learned that many people who may have been in a good financial position prior to the pandemic could have saved the money they got from the last stimulus bill, which is really interesting. They didn’t travel, and they weren’t able to do many things they normally do, so they might be saving the funds. Currently, we’re looking at the $600 one-time stimulus checks and the unemployment benefits that are going through. That being said, the House is also voting today on increasing those checks to $2,000. However, it’s unclear if the Republican-led Senate will even vote on the amount or if it will pass. 

The HousingWire Daily examines the most compelling articles reported from the HousingWire newsroom. Each afternoon, we provide our listeners with a deeper look into the stories coming across our newsroom that are helping Move Markets Forward. Hosted by the HW team and produced by Alcynna Lloyd and Victoria Wickham.

HousingWire articles covered in this episode:

• Trump signs stimulus bill: Here’s what you need to know
• The good, the bad, and the likely for housing in 2021
• FHFA extends multifamily forbearance through March 31