Erin McLaughlin tracks homebuilder sentiment and how much difference the Fed’s rate cut has made. She notes that the average age of a first-time home buyer is now 40 (vs 33 pre-Covid), and it’s all about affordability. However, building affordable homes doesn’t give companies the same profit margins. Still, lack of demand means builders are making concessions and cutting discounts, which also hit margins. She thinks conditions will improve next year as mortgage rates are expected to come down.