Looking for (and Finding) Positives in the U.S. Housing Market

Quartz shares a collection of data showing reasons for optimism on the road to a long, slow recovery.

1 minute read

July 8, 2015, 2:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


After describing that the U.S. housing market as "an enduring symbol of the 2008 financial crisis," Melvin Blackman shares a number of metrics that show positive signs.

Positive signs from the market, as described by Blackman:

  • Housing starts on the rebound.
  • More existing houses being sold.
  • First-time buyers are increasing as cash-only buyers decrease.
  • Lenders loosening credit.

Each of those points is illustrated with charts and links to the data backing up the claim. But like many in the industry, Blackman notes that the current condition of the market falls short of a "full throated real estate boom." Indeed, the recent "State of the Nation's Housing" report by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University described the market as losing momentum and full of bad news for renters.

Wednesday, July 8, 2015 in Quartz

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog