Robert Dietz, a real estate economist, finds that his skills are in great demand when the U.S. home market cools as a result of higher interest rates.
Dietz, the National Association of Home Builders' top economist, has recently been touring the country
He is sharing his knowledge with decision-makers, trade groups, and participants of industry conferences from Alaska to Ohio.
The news is bad and is likely to get worse: According to Freddie Mac, the average interest rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has increased by more than 200 basis points this year
the markets have responded to higher-than-expected inflation and a more aggressive Federal Reserve.
As a result, prospective home buyers have backed off, and some homeowners seem to be choosing to stay in their homes rather than sell during a time of instability and uncertainty.