Is anyone else seeing those sensational, “yellow journalistic” headlines saying that real estate is plummeting? Think again. The American Enterprise Institute’s (AEI) latest housing market analysis echoes what NAR’s numbers show, Case-Shiller’s numbers show, and the FHFA’s numbers show: A notable 6.5 percent national annual appreciation rate, despite the backdrop of high mortgage rates. The Sun Belt states, like Florida and Texas, lead in home price gains. I’ll admit that it is hard to know what to believe, because yesterday we learned that the NAHB Housing Market Index fell again in July to the lowest level since last December. I have also heard that the combination of elevated mortgage rates and high home prices has pushed house builders to lower prices. That latest NAHB survey revealed that 31 percent of builders cut home prices to bolster sales in July, higher than June’s 29 percent. The nation needs more houses built, but there isn’t much incentive for builders to build them, and many borrowers are waiting for lower interest rates before purchasing. Fortunately, the overall housing market is much stronger than in 2008, given the tremendous equity that is out there. (Today’s podcast is found here and is sponsored by Calque. Calque provides a binding backup offer on a borrower’s departing residence, which empowers lenders to provide a bridge-like experience with easier qualification and less risk. Today’s episode features an interview with Barry Sturner and Richard Horn on the CFPB v. Townstone case.)