From forged deeds to sophisticated fraud, modern threats make the unseen work of title professionals essential to preserving the housing market. In his HousingWire commentary, ALTA CEO Chris Morton explains why reducing consumer protections isn't the answer. Title insurance doesn't just respond to problems after they happen—it helps identify and resolve issues before they become costly disputes, giving homeowners, lenders and communities greater confidence in every real estate transaction. 

Median U.S. home prices remain at a record high this summer, pricing out many from buying and leading to concern about the long term consequences. In Richmond, Virginia, Brittany Gilroy and her husband have been trying to buy for years. While they have good incomes, they worry the cost would wipe out any savings.

Consumer confidence showed signs of recovery this week ahead of the Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy meeting, even as financial markets begin pricing in potential interest rate increases later this year. Morning Consult’s Index of Consumer Sentiment (ICS) rose 1.6 points to reach 91.6. The gain was led primarily by households with annual incomes between $50,000 and $100,000, where sentiment increased by 4.4 points.

As President Donald Trump weighs whether to sign the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, new polling commissioned by the American Property Owners Alliance suggests the legislation's key housing provisions continue to draw broad bipartisan support. The bipartisan legislation cleared both the House and Senate before Speaker Mike Johnson formally sent the enrolled bill to President Donald Trump's desk on June 29.

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which passed 85-5, aims to tackle housing affordability and boost housing supply and homeownership. The bill incorporates many of the priorities sought by Congress and the Trump administration, including banning institutional investors from buying single-family homes with some exceptions for purpose-built units, such as build-to-rent and seniors’ housing, and removing the permanent chassis requirement from manufactured housing.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has proposed a rule that could make manufactured housing more affordable and expand housing options by modernizing a decades-old definition that industry advocates say has limited innovation. In addition, Congress is considering a broad housing reform package called The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. Part of the bill would remove the requirement that manufactured homes must be built on a permanent chassis.

From housing supply shortages and affordability pressures to wire fraud and artificial intelligence, housing leaders outlined the growing complexities facing the real estate market during a panel discussion moderated by ALTA CEO Chris Morton at the 2026 ALTA Advocacy Summit.

The bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which is focused on expanding housing supply, deregulation, expanding old programs and limiting institutional investors from buying single-family homes, must be reconciled with the House version before it can be sent to President Trump.