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On Thursday, FHFA Director Melvin Watt told a senate committee that the future of the U.S. housing finance system is unsustainable as-is. He implored Congress to solve numerous tough questions involved in moving Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac out from under federal conservatorship. If not, taxpayers could be on the hook.

Housing affordability is finally starting to improve. According to a new index, affordability is up from Q4 of 2016. More than 60 percent of all homes sold in Q1 were affordable for the nation's median income of $68K.

For those looking to save on housing, heading southward may be the answer. According to a new study, Mississippi and Alabama have the lowest housing costs in the nation, coming in 31.6 percent and 26 percent lower than the national average, respectively. Mississippi was also named the most affordable city in the country, taking into account healthcare, housing, utlities, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses.

The industry's inventory problem may begin to ease, as move-up buyer confidence rises and more homeowners put their homes on the market. According to a new survey, repeat buyer confidence is up, with a confidence level of 75 out of 100. That’s higher than the confidence levels of first-time buyers, non-homeowners, and all Americans as a whole.

New research reveals the nation's top "sweet spots" for new grads, offering a healthy job market and affordable living. These sweet spots include Detroit; Seattle; Baltimore; Pittsburgh; Dayton, Ohio; and Hartford, Connecticut. The cities with the best market for recent grad jobs are likely out-of-budget for most.

According to new analysis, loosening zoning regulations in the nation's most productive cities could help spur economic growth. These regulations are keeping developers from building new housing opportunities. Ultimately, this restricts Americans to more affordable, smaller cities where they're less productive.

Homeowner estimates and appraised values continue diverge, with April marking the fifth consecutive month the gap between the two has widened. Appraised values were 1.9 percent lower than homeowner expectations for the month. Discrepancies were highest in the West.

Decreases in construction jobs have just added to the inventory problems. According to analysis form the National Association of Homebuilders and the BLS Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, construction jobs saw a dip in March. Additionally, construction costs have been on the rise, possibly adding to this decline in construction sector employment.

A new poll shows about half of non-homeowning Americans plan to buy a home in the next five years. Another 20 percent will buy in the next decade. Intent to purchase was highest with those between 35 and 54, as well as those located in the Southern U.S.

A recent housing report showed new construction increased in some of the country’s major metropolitan areas during the first quarter of this year. Much of this increase appears to be driven by increased housing demands and decreased supply. However, higher prices, rising construction costs and proximity to where consumers want to be are impacting just how much of an increase can be realized.