Realtor’s Guide to 2024: Trump vs Kamala Housing Policies Explained

The Texas Real Estate & Finance Podcast with Mike Mills

Are you ready to discover which presidential candidate's housing policies could make or break the real estate market? In this episode, we dive into the differences between Trump’s and Kamala Harris’s stances on housing, with expert insight from D.C. insider Michael Williams. Join us as we uncover which policies might truly impact your business—and what you need to know before election day!

Episode Overview

In this timely episode of The Texas Real Estate and Finance Podcast, we tackle the hot topic of the 2024 presidential election and its potential impact on real estate. Host Mike Mills sits down with Michael Williams, an experienced Washington lobbyist and policy strategist, to break down the differences between Trump’s and Kamala Harris’s housing policies. With the election just days away, they explore how these contrasting policy approaches could influence housing affordability, real estate investments, and the regulatory landscape that Realtors navigate daily. From affordable housing proposals to deregulation debates, this episode answers crucial questions that real estate professionals need to consider as they head to the polls. Whether you're an agent, investor, or loan officer, gain valuable insights into how this election could reshape the real estate industry.

Key Takeaways

The Reality of Affordable Housing Promises

Michael Williams discusses why sweeping federal affordable housing programs often fail due to complex local regulations and red tape. He highlights the challenge of aligning federal funding with state-level incentives to boost housing supply effectively.

Down Payment Assistance Programs: Do They Work?

We explore Kamala Harris’s proposal for $25,000 in down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers. Williams explains how this type of assistance could increase demand but won’t solve supply issues, potentially driving prices even higher.

The Limits of Deregulation in Real Estate

Williams shares his view on Trump’s deregulation promises, explaining why federal deregulation might not make a noticeable difference in housing supply, as zoning regulations are largely determined at the state and local levels.

Systemic Challenges to Housing Policy Implementation

Both Williams and Mills highlight the logistical and structural hurdles in implementing long-term housing policies, noting how temporary political goals often overshadow the sustained efforts needed for real change.

Why Your Vote Matters in Housing Policy

With a deep dive into how policies affect everyday housing, Williams stresses that Realtor and consumer participation in elections is essential for driving policies that prioritize real estate issues. Voter turnout directly impacts whether housing policies become a priority in Washington.

Guest Bio

Michael Williams is a seasoned lobbyist and policy strategist with nearly two decades of experience in Washington, D.C., specializing in financial services, housing policy, and legislative affairs. His career includes working with influential political figures and administrations, such as Governor Mario Cuomo and President Bill Clinton, where he was involved in groundbreaking initiatives across trade, tax, and banking regulations. As a political consultant, Williams now advises top financial institutions and government bodies on critical housing and finance policies. Known for his practical approach to navigating policy challenges, Williams brings valuable insider knowledge on the legislative process and its impact on the real estate market. His insights shed light on the policy contrasts between presidential candidates, offering real estate professionals an in-depth understanding of how political shifts might influence the industry.

Resources

National Association of Mortgage Brokers: https://namb.org

Information on Dodd-Frank Act: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/dodd-frank-financial-regulatory-reform-bill.asp

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Guidelines: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/fhahistory

Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Affordable Housing Initiatives: https://www.hud.gov/topics/rental_assistance/phprog

VA Loan Information: https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/

TImeStamped Summaries

[0:00 - 4:00] - The Housing Market's Demand vs. Supply Dilemma

[4:01 - 8:00] - Introducing the Podcast with a Halloween Twist and Election Preview

[8:01 - 12:00] - Michael Williams’ Political Background and Housing Policy Experience

[12:01 - 16:00] - Post-2008 Housing Policy and the Legacy of Dodd-Frank

[16:01 - 20:00] - Affordable Housing, Rent Control, and Implementation Challenges

[20:01 - 24:00] - Defining ‘Affordable Housing’ and its Varying Standards

[24:01 - 28:00] - The Complexity of Down Payment Assistance and Private Sector Involvement

[28:01 - 32:00] - HUD Funding, Inefficiencies, and the Role of Federal Oversight

[32:01 - 36:00] - Discrimination in Housing and Anti-Bias Policies

[36:01 - 40:00] - Social Issues in Politics and Policy Distraction

[40:01 - 44:00] - Trump’s Deregulation Stance and Local-Level Zoning Limitations

[44:01 - 48:00] - Private Sector Incentives and Tax Code Reforms

[48:01 - 52:00] - Historical PSAs and Modern Civic Engagement in Housing

[52:01 - 56:00] - Mobilizing Private Sector Support and Industry Stakeholders

[56:01 - 1:00:00] - Political Apathy and Single-Issue Voting in Housing Policy

[1:00:01 - 1:04:00] - Voter Influence and Housing Policy Intentionality

[1:04:01 - 1:08:00] - The Importance of Housing Policy and American Financial Stability

[1:08:01 - 1:12:00] - Unified Housing Solutions Through Stakeholder Collaboration

[1:12:01 - 1:16:00] - Voter Participation as a Catalyst for Political Change

[1:16:01 - 1:20:42] - Final Encouragement: The Power of Voting and Civic Responsibility