U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in a wide-ranging interview on ‘Mornings with Maria,’ weighs in on President Donald Trump’s assembly with Vladimir Putin, updates U.S.-China commerce talks and housing affordability disaster options.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on Thursday that considered one of his prime priorities is addressing the U.S. housing affordability disaster.
“We’re actually going to work on this housing affordability disaster. That is considered one of my massive tasks for the autumn,” Bessent informed FOX Enterprise’ Maria Bartiromo throughout an interview on “Mornings with Maria.”
Bessent stated that the White Home is exploring the best way to monetize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which may contain promoting all or a part of the federal government’s stake within the enterprises. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac play a crucial function within the residence financing business and have been below federal conservatorship because the 2008 monetary disaster.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on Thursday that considered one of his prime priorities is addressing the U.S. housing affordability disaster. (Reuters/Elizabeth Frantz / Reuters)
HOUSING CRISIS DEEPENS AS 47 MAJOR METRO AREAS NOW REQUIRE HOMEBUYERS TO SPEND MORE THAN 30% OF INCOME
Bessent stated the administration is the best way to get one of the best worth for taxpayers in terms of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and the best way to preserve mortgage charges from rising – or decrease them – so as to repair the persisting affordability disaster.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated the administration is the best way to get one of the best worth for taxpayers in terms of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (ROBYN BECK/AFP by way of Getty Photographs / Getty Photographs)
The housing disaster, in the meantime, is barely deepening with excessive residence costs and elevated rates of interest lowering homebuying to its lowest degree because the mid-Nineteen Nineties, based on the annual State of the Nation’s Housing report from the Joint Middle for Housing Research (JCHS) of Harvard College.
AMERICA’S HOUSING CRISIS: REALTOR.COM CEO SAYS THERE IS A WAY TO SOLVE IT
To exacerbate points, owners and landlords are additionally going through increased insurance coverage premiums and property taxes. The exorbitant lease has additionally left “extra individuals than ever value burdened, and has contributed to a pointy rise in homelessness,” based on the report.

The housing disaster, in the meantime, is barely deepening with excessive residence costs and elevated rates of interest lowering homebuying to its lowest degree because the mid-Nineteen Nineties. (Photographer: Tierney L. Cross/Bloomberg by way of Getty Photographs / Getty Photographs)
Actual property transactions are likely to peak from Might by means of August, with June traditionally being the busiest month, based on housing business consultants. However throughout this summer season season, exercise has remained “sluggish” for present properties and new ones, based on Realtor.com senior economist Joel Berner.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
Whereas some homebuyers who’ve been relegated to the sidelines by excessive financing prices received some encouragement final week, Berner stated it might take a bit longer to get extra of them again within the recreation.

Actual property transactions are likely to peak from Might by means of August, with June traditionally being the busiest month, based on housing business consultants. (Paul Morris/Bloomberg by way of Getty Photographs / Getty Photographs)
“The Federal Reserve’s choices subsequent month may have a serious influence on the housing market, however this Fed has confirmed to be cautious in terms of slicing charges, so it is going to take extra constructive information on the inflation entrance to encourage them to carry rates of interest down,” Berner stated.