[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"article-using-the-listing-income-alignment-score-as-an-affordability-barometer-en":3,"ArticleBody_BOynNIofPYogD1UzcfUIep3QE2fFO3ldYqfYnUyBaDE":215},{"article":4,"relatedArticles":186,"locale":66},{"id":5,"title":6,"slug":7,"content":8,"htmlContent":9,"excerpt":10,"category":11,"tags":12,"metaDescription":10,"wordCount":13,"readingTime":14,"publishedAt":15,"sources":16,"sourceCoverage":58,"transparency":60,"seo":63,"language":66,"featuredImage":67,"featuredImageCredit":68,"isFreeGeneration":72,"trendSlug":73,"trendSnapshot":74,"niche":83,"geoTakeaways":87,"geoFaq":96,"entities":106},"6a165a7cba21b6cd300e4226","Using the Listing-Income Alignment Score as an Affordability Barometer","using-the-listing-income-alignment-score-as-an-affordability-barometer","Housing headlines show rising inventory and modestly improving affordability, yet many buyers still feel shut out.[1][7]  \n\nThe Listing-Income Alignment Score (LIAS) explains this gap. By comparing what’s for sale with what local incomes can support, it reveals misalignment that raw inventory counts and traditional affordability indexes miss.[1][2]  \n\nLIAS acts as a barometer: a single number showing how closely a market’s listings track its income distribution—and how far it has drifted from a broadly accessible [residential real estate](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FReal_estate) market.[1][3]  \n\n---\n\n## 1. What the Listing-Income Alignment Score Actually Measures\n\nLIAS measures how well the distribution of active for-sale listings matches the distribution of [local household incomes](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FHousehold_income_in_the_United_States).[1][3]  \n\n- **100% LIAS:** listings are proportionally available across income tiers.  \n- **Below 100%:** inventory skews upscale, limiting options for lower- and middle-income buyers.[2][3]  \n\n📊 **Key figure:**  \n> A 75% LIAS means households, on average, can access only three-quarters of the listings they could in a fully aligned market.[2][3]  \n\nRecent national numbers:[1][2][3]  \n\n- March 2026: **74.9%**, up from **66.7%** a year earlier  \n- Pre‑pandemic baseline: **84.4%**  \n- 2016–2021 range: typically **85%–91%**  \n- March 2023 low: **57.4%** as rates spiked and inventory shrank[2]  \n\nImplications:[1][2][3]  \n\n- Households today access roughly one-quarter fewer suitable listings than in a balanced market.  \n- Scores stuck in the 70s—well below historical norms—signal a persistent affordability problem, not a brief correction.[2]  \n\n💡 **Key takeaway:**  \n> LIAS condenses complex affordability dynamics into a single, comparable percentage that officials, advocates, and [real estate professionals](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FReal_estate_agent) can use to explain how “in or out of balance” their market really is.[1][2]  \n\n---\n\n## 2. The Affordability Gap Behind Rising Inventory\n\nViewed through LIAS, rising supply does not equal broad access. Many U.S. markets show:[1][5][7]  \n\n- More total listings  \n- Slightly better broad affordability indices  \n- Continued “mismatch” between prices and what buyers can truly afford, especially in the middle of the market[1][3][6]  \n\nMuch of the new inventory is concentrated at higher price points, above where typical incomes sit.[1][3][5]  \n\n📊 **Key figure:**  \n> Middle‑income households earning about $75,000 can afford only 23% of active listings today, versus about 44% in a balanced market.[1][3][4][6]  \n\nThis gap implies:[1][3][4][6]  \n\n- A shortage of roughly **311,000** homes priced under about **$261,000**, the practical ceiling for these buyers  \n- More “For Sale” signs, but over three-quarters of listings effectively out of reach  \n\nEven higher earners are squeezed:[4][6]  \n\n- Households around **$100,000** can afford about **39%** of listings  \n- In balanced conditions, they could reach about **56%**  \n- Shortfall: roughly **257,000** homes, showing misalignment extends well beyond the lowest-income tier  \n\nOn the ground, this looks like:[1][6][7]  \n\n- MLS and online listings up 20% year over year  \n- Most clients capped below the median list price  \n- Many homes viewable, but only a thin slice financially realistic once taxes, insurance, and closing costs are included  \n\nThe ownership mismatch mirrors an even deeper rental deficit: only **35 affordable and available rentals per 100 extremely low‑income renter households**, underscoring under‑supply at the bottom.[9]  \n\n⚠️ **Key point:**  \n> Rising inventory alone cannot restore a healthy market—what matters is inventory at price points aligned with actual incomes.[1][3][6]  \n\n---\n\n## 3. Turning LIAS Insights into Policy and Market Action\n\nBecause LIAS links inventory to incomes, **low or falling scores**—especially versus historical norms of 85%–91%—can trigger targeted responses.[1][2]  \n\nWhen middle-income tiers are underserved, local leaders can pursue:[1][2][6]  \n\n- Zoning reforms for smaller lots, duplexes, townhomes  \n- Faster approvals for projects that add homes under key affordability thresholds (e.g., ~$261,000)  \n- Incentives or fee reductions tied to units affordable to $75,000–$100,000 incomes  \n\nDevelopers and investors can use granular LIAS views to find unmet demand:[1][2]  \n\n- Break down scores by price band, home size, and neighborhood  \n- Identify segments (e.g., three‑bedroom homes under $300,000) where incomes support more supply  \n- Align products with these gaps to improve absorption and reduce risk  \n\nReal estate professionals can integrate LIAS into market reports and client guidance:[4][6]  \n\n- Show that 77% of homes are out of reach for middle‑income buyers  \n- Reframe buyer frustration as a structural issue, not an individual failure  \n- Set realistic search criteria and pricing strategies  \n\n💼 **In practice:**  \n> A city housing office might publish a quarterly “Alignment Dashboard” pairing LIAS by income tier with permitting and completions data, so leaders can see whether new approvals are closing or widening the gap over time.[1][2][7]  \n\nFor LIAS to influence outcomes, its methodology must be transparent and updated regularly, allowing stakeholders to track whether zoning changes, incentives, or new developments are pushing scores back toward pre‑pandemic benchmarks—or letting the mismatch worsen.[1][2]  \n\n---\n\n## Conclusion: Treating LIAS as Your Market’s Pressure Gauge\n\nThe Listing-Income Alignment Score functions as an affordability barometer, quantifying how far a local market has drifted from a healthy distribution of listings across income tiers and revealing hidden shortages for middle- and lower-income households.[1] Used alongside familiar indicators such as months’ supply, it turns vague impressions of “tight” or “tough” conditions into a clear, comparable signal that policymakers, practitioners, and residents can act on.","\u003Cp>Housing headlines show rising inventory and modestly improving affordability, yet many buyers still feel shut out.\u003Ca href=\"#source-1\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [1]\">[1]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-7\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [7]\">[7]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Listing-Income Alignment Score (LIAS) explains this gap. By comparing what’s for sale with what local incomes can support, it reveals misalignment that raw inventory counts and traditional affordability indexes miss.\u003Ca href=\"#source-1\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [1]\">[1]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-2\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [2]\">[2]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>LIAS acts as a barometer: a single number showing how closely a market’s listings track its income distribution—and how far it has drifted from a broadly accessible \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FReal_estate\" class=\"wiki-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">residential real estate\u003C\u002Fa> market.\u003Ca href=\"#source-1\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [1]\">[1]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-3\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [3]\">[3]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Chr>\n\u003Ch2>1. What the Listing-Income Alignment Score Actually Measures\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>LIAS measures how well the distribution of active for-sale listings matches the distribution of \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FHousehold_income_in_the_United_States\" class=\"wiki-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">local household incomes\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003Ca href=\"#source-1\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [1]\">[1]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-3\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [3]\">[3]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>100% LIAS:\u003C\u002Fstrong> listings are proportionally available across income tiers.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Below 100%:\u003C\u002Fstrong> inventory skews upscale, limiting options for lower- and middle-income buyers.\u003Ca href=\"#source-2\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [2]\">[2]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-3\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [3]\">[3]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>📊 \u003Cstrong>Key figure:\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cblockquote>\n\u003Cp>A 75% LIAS means households, on average, can access only three-quarters of the listings they could in a fully aligned market.\u003Ca href=\"#source-2\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [2]\">[2]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-3\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [3]\">[3]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\n\u003Cp>Recent national numbers:\u003Ca href=\"#source-1\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [1]\">[1]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-2\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [2]\">[2]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-3\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [3]\">[3]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>March 2026: \u003Cstrong>74.9%\u003C\u002Fstrong>, up from \u003Cstrong>66.7%\u003C\u002Fstrong> a year earlier\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Pre‑pandemic baseline: \u003Cstrong>84.4%\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>2016–2021 range: typically \u003Cstrong>85%–91%\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>March 2023 low: \u003Cstrong>57.4%\u003C\u002Fstrong> as rates spiked and inventory shrank\u003Ca href=\"#source-2\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [2]\">[2]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>Implications:\u003Ca href=\"#source-1\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [1]\">[1]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-2\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [2]\">[2]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-3\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [3]\">[3]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Households today access roughly one-quarter fewer suitable listings than in a balanced market.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Scores stuck in the 70s—well below historical norms—signal a persistent affordability problem, not a brief correction.\u003Ca href=\"#source-2\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [2]\">[2]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>💡 \u003Cstrong>Key takeaway:\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cblockquote>\n\u003Cp>LIAS condenses complex affordability dynamics into a single, comparable percentage that officials, advocates, and \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FReal_estate_agent\" class=\"wiki-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">real estate professionals\u003C\u002Fa> can use to explain how “in or out of balance” their market really is.\u003Ca href=\"#source-1\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [1]\">[1]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-2\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [2]\">[2]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\n\u003Chr>\n\u003Ch2>2. The Affordability Gap Behind Rising Inventory\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Viewed through LIAS, rising supply does not equal broad access. Many U.S. markets show:\u003Ca href=\"#source-1\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [1]\">[1]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-5\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [5]\">[5]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-7\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [7]\">[7]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>More total listings\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Slightly better broad affordability indices\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Continued “mismatch” between prices and what buyers can truly afford, especially in the middle of the market\u003Ca href=\"#source-1\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [1]\">[1]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-3\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [3]\">[3]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-6\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [6]\">[6]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>Much of the new inventory is concentrated at higher price points, above where typical incomes sit.\u003Ca href=\"#source-1\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [1]\">[1]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-3\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [3]\">[3]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-5\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [5]\">[5]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>📊 \u003Cstrong>Key figure:\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cblockquote>\n\u003Cp>Middle‑income households earning about $75,000 can afford only 23% of active listings today, versus about 44% in a balanced market.\u003Ca href=\"#source-1\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [1]\">[1]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-3\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [3]\">[3]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-4\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [4]\">[4]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-6\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [6]\">[6]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\n\u003Cp>This gap implies:\u003Ca href=\"#source-1\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [1]\">[1]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-3\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [3]\">[3]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-4\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [4]\">[4]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-6\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [6]\">[6]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>A shortage of roughly \u003Cstrong>311,000\u003C\u002Fstrong> homes priced under about \u003Cstrong>$261,000\u003C\u002Fstrong>, the practical ceiling for these buyers\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>More “For Sale” signs, but over three-quarters of listings effectively out of reach\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>Even higher earners are squeezed:\u003Ca href=\"#source-4\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [4]\">[4]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-6\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [6]\">[6]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Households around \u003Cstrong>$100,000\u003C\u002Fstrong> can afford about \u003Cstrong>39%\u003C\u002Fstrong> of listings\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>In balanced conditions, they could reach about \u003Cstrong>56%\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Shortfall: roughly \u003Cstrong>257,000\u003C\u002Fstrong> homes, showing misalignment extends well beyond the lowest-income tier\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>On the ground, this looks like:\u003Ca href=\"#source-1\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [1]\">[1]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-6\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [6]\">[6]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-7\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [7]\">[7]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>MLS and online listings up 20% year over year\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Most clients capped below the median list price\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Many homes viewable, but only a thin slice financially realistic once taxes, insurance, and closing costs are included\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>The ownership mismatch mirrors an even deeper rental deficit: only \u003Cstrong>35 affordable and available rentals per 100 extremely low‑income renter households\u003C\u002Fstrong>, underscoring under‑supply at the bottom.\u003Ca href=\"#source-9\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [9]\">[9]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>⚠️ \u003Cstrong>Key point:\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cblockquote>\n\u003Cp>Rising inventory alone cannot restore a healthy market—what matters is inventory at price points aligned with actual incomes.\u003Ca href=\"#source-1\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [1]\">[1]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-3\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [3]\">[3]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-6\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [6]\">[6]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\n\u003Chr>\n\u003Ch2>3. Turning LIAS Insights into Policy and Market Action\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Because LIAS links inventory to incomes, \u003Cstrong>low or falling scores\u003C\u002Fstrong>—especially versus historical norms of 85%–91%—can trigger targeted responses.\u003Ca href=\"#source-1\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [1]\">[1]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-2\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [2]\">[2]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When middle-income tiers are underserved, local leaders can pursue:\u003Ca href=\"#source-1\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [1]\">[1]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-2\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [2]\">[2]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-6\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [6]\">[6]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Zoning reforms for smaller lots, duplexes, townhomes\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Faster approvals for projects that add homes under key affordability thresholds (e.g., ~$261,000)\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Incentives or fee reductions tied to units affordable to $75,000–$100,000 incomes\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>Developers and investors can use granular LIAS views to find unmet demand:\u003Ca href=\"#source-1\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [1]\">[1]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-2\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [2]\">[2]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Break down scores by price band, home size, and neighborhood\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Identify segments (e.g., three‑bedroom homes under $300,000) where incomes support more supply\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Align products with these gaps to improve absorption and reduce risk\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>Real estate professionals can integrate LIAS into market reports and client guidance:\u003Ca href=\"#source-4\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [4]\">[4]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-6\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [6]\">[6]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Show that 77% of homes are out of reach for middle‑income buyers\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Reframe buyer frustration as a structural issue, not an individual failure\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Set realistic search criteria and pricing strategies\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>💼 \u003Cstrong>In practice:\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cblockquote>\n\u003Cp>A city housing office might publish a quarterly “Alignment Dashboard” pairing LIAS by income tier with permitting and completions data, so leaders can see whether new approvals are closing or widening the gap over time.\u003Ca href=\"#source-1\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [1]\">[1]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-2\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [2]\">[2]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-7\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [7]\">[7]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\n\u003Cp>For LIAS to influence outcomes, its methodology must be transparent and updated regularly, allowing stakeholders to track whether zoning changes, incentives, or new developments are pushing scores back toward pre‑pandemic benchmarks—or letting the mismatch worsen.\u003Ca href=\"#source-1\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [1]\">[1]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"#source-2\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [2]\">[2]\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Chr>\n\u003Ch2>Conclusion: Treating LIAS as Your Market’s Pressure Gauge\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>The Listing-Income Alignment Score functions as an affordability barometer, quantifying how far a local market has drifted from a healthy distribution of listings across income tiers and revealing hidden shortages for middle- and lower-income households.\u003Ca href=\"#source-1\" class=\"citation-link\" title=\"View source [1]\">[1]\u003C\u002Fa> Used alongside familiar indicators such as months’ supply, it turns vague impressions of “tight” or “tough” conditions into a clear, comparable signal that policymakers, practitioners, and residents can act on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n","Housing headlines show rising inventory and modestly improving affordability, yet many buyers still feel shut out.[1][7]  \n\nThe Listing-Income Alignment Score (LIAS) explains this gap. By comparing wh...","trend-radar",[],821,4,"2026-05-27T02:51:21.745Z",[17,22,26,30,34,38,42,46,50,54],{"title":18,"url":19,"summary":20,"type":21},"Housing Mismatch Report","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.facebook.com\u002Fnarresearchgroup\u002Fposts\u002Fhouseholds-today-can-access-about-one-quarter-fewer-homes-than-they-could-in-a-b\u002F1417521860403148\u002F","NAR Research's analysis highlights a structural mismatch in the U.S. housing market: while housing supply is growing and affordability is improving, there remains a gap between the number of homes ava...","kb",{"title":23,"url":24,"summary":25,"type":21},"Housing market still out of alignment despite affordability gains","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.realestatenews.com\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F20\u002Fhousing-market-still-out-of-alignment-despite-affordability-gains","A new Listing-Income Alignment Score finds “a shortage of options” for buyers looking to purchase a home they can afford, according to NAR and Realtor.com.\n\nMay 20, 2026\n\nDespite recent signs of impro...",{"title":27,"url":28,"summary":29,"type":21},"New metric shows housing market mismatch","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.furnituretoday.com\u002Fhousing\u002Fnew-metric-shows-housing-market-mismatch\u002F","WASHINGTON — Entry-level buyers have fewer homes to choose from, according to a new joint report from the National Association of Realtors and Realtor.com.According to the report, more homes are for s...",{"title":31,"url":32,"summary":33,"type":21},"Despite More Listings, 77% of Homes Are Still Out of Reach for Middle-Income Earners","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.realtor.com\u002Fnews\u002Ftrends\u002Fmore-home-listings-less-affordable-options-middle-income\u002F","Despite More Listings, 77% of Homes Are Still Out of Reach for Middle-Income Earners\n\nBy Allaire Conte\n\nMay 20, 2026\n\nThere are more homes for sale than there were at the worst point of the post-pande...",{"title":35,"url":36,"summary":37,"type":21},"Housing supply is growing, and affordability is improving.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.facebook.com\u002FNARdotRealtor\u002Fvideos\u002Fhousing-supply-is-growing-and-affordability-is-improving-however-the-us-housing-\u002F4043038869268666\u002F","Housing supply is growing, and affordability is improving. However, the U.S. housing market continues to face a structural mismatch between the homes available for sale and what buyers can afford. Too...",{"title":39,"url":40,"summary":41,"type":21},"Inventory Is Finally Rising, So Why Aren’t Buyers Happier?","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nar.realtor\u002Fmagazine\u002Freal-estate-news\u002Finventory-is-finally-rising-so-why-arent-buyers-happier","An uptick in the number of homes for sale isn’t yet translating into a significant jump in sales activity. Here’s why.\n\nHome buyers are finally getting what they’ve long hoped for: More homes are comi...",{"title":43,"url":44,"summary":45,"type":21},"Housing Affordability and Supply","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nar.realtor\u002Fresearch-and-statistics\u002Fresearch-reports\u002Fhousing-affordability-and-supply","After years of historically-low housing supply, housing inventory is finally rising across much of the United States. This recent increase — largely driven by the construction boom during the COVID-19...",{"title":47,"url":48,"summary":49,"type":21},"Insights from NAR Report","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.oldrepublictitle.com\u002Fblog\u002Finsights-from-nar-report\u002F","The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) recently released its annual report on Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends for 2026, reviewing market trends for 2025. Check out our summary of four...",{"title":51,"url":52,"summary":53,"type":21},"The Gap","https:\u002F\u002Fnlihc.org\u002Fgap","# The Gap\n\nA Shortage of Affordable Homes\n\n## National Shortage of Affordable Rental Housing\n\nThe U.S. has a shortage of 7.2 million rental homes affordable and available to renters with extremely low...",{"title":55,"url":56,"summary":57,"type":21},"2026 Home Design Trends: What's in, What's Out; What Buyers Like","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.har.com\u002Fblog_144777_2026-home-design-trends-whats-in-whats-out-what-buyers-like","After a decade of cool grays, crisp whites, and spaces that looked more like showrooms than homes, buyers have changed what they're looking for. Call it quiet luxury — the idea that richness comes fro...",{"totalSources":59},10,{"generationDuration":61,"kbQueriesCount":59,"confidenceScore":62,"sourcesCount":59},241420,100,{"metaTitle":64,"metaDescription":65},"Listing-Income Alignment Score: Market Affordability Gauge","Worried buyers shut out? Learn how the Listing-Income Alignment Score links listings to incomes to expose affordability gaps — read for the LIAS value.","en","https:\u002F\u002Fimages.unsplash.com\u002Fphoto-1707623988408-ab88c9981730?ixid=M3w4OTczNDl8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxsaXN0aW5nJTIwaW5jb21lJTIwYWxpZ25tZW50JTIwc2NvcmV8ZW58MXwwfHx8MTc3OTg0OTg1Mnww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&w=1200&h=630&fit=crop&crop=entropy&auto=format,compress&q=60",{"photographerName":69,"photographerUrl":70,"unsplashUrl":71},"Artful Homes","https:\u002F\u002Funsplash.com\u002F@artfulhomes?utm_source=coreprose&utm_medium=referral","https:\u002F\u002Funsplash.com\u002Fphotos\u002Fthree-small-houses-sitting-on-top-of-a-piece-of-paper-_-mJjhpcS_g?utm_source=coreprose&utm_medium=referral",true,"listing-income-alignment-score-shows-shortage-of-affordable-homes",{"score":62,"type":75,"sourceCount":76,"topSourceDomains":77,"detectedAt":81,"mentionsLast7Days":82},"spiking",76,[78,79,80],"realestatenews.com","realtor.com","nar.realtor","2026-05-23T02:31:12.218Z",7,{"key":84,"name":85,"nameEn":86},"immobilier","Immobilier & Habitat","Real Estate & Housing",[88,90,92,94],{"text":89},"The national LIAS was 74.9% in March 2026, up from 66.7% a year earlier but well below the pre‑pandemic baseline of 84.4%, indicating persistent misalignment between listings and incomes.",{"text":91},"A 75% LIAS means households can access roughly three‑quarters of the listings they would in a fully aligned market, implying about one‑quarter fewer suitable listings for typical buyers.",{"text":93},"Middle‑income households (around $75,000) can currently afford only about 23% of active listings versus roughly 44% in a balanced market, implying a shortfall of about 311,000 homes under the ~ $261,000 practical ceiling.",{"text":95},"LIAS shows that rising total inventory (MLS listings up ~20% year over year) can still leave most supply unaffordable: many new listings are concentrated at higher price points, leaving middle and lower tiers undersupplied.",[97,100,103],{"question":98,"answer":99},"What exactly does the Listing‑Income Alignment Score (LIAS) measure?","LIAS measures the degree to which the distribution of active for‑sale listings aligns with the local household income distribution, expressed as a percent where 100% denotes proportional availability across income tiers. It compresses complex affordability dynamics—price bands, income tiers, and counts of listings—into a single comparable number so analysts can see whether inventory is broadly accessible (near historical norms of 85%–91%) or skewed upscale (scores in the 50s–70s), and it quantifies how many fewer listings households can realistically access compared with a balanced market.",{"question":101,"answer":102},"Why does rising inventory not necessarily improve affordability according to LIAS?","Rising inventory can be concentrated at higher price points, so overall counts increase while the share of listings affordable to middle‑ and lower‑income households remains low; LIAS captures that mismatch by comparing listings by price band to local incomes. For example, despite a ~20% year‑over‑year rise in MLS supply, middle‑income buyers earning about $75,000 can access only 23% of listings today versus about 44% in a balanced market, demonstrating that nominal supply growth does not automatically translate into supply at the price points those households need.",{"question":104,"answer":105},"How can policymakers and market participants use LIAS to act on affordability problems?","LIAS can trigger targeted responses when scores fall below historical norms by identifying which income tiers and price bands are undersupplied, enabling actions like zoning changes for smaller lots and duplexes, expedited approvals for projects under key thresholds (e.g., ~$261,000), and incentives tied to units affordable to $75k–$100k incomes. Planners can publish quarterly Alignment Dashboards combining LIAS by tier with permitting and completions to track whether policies close the gap, while developers and brokers can use granular LIAS breakdowns to design and market units where unmet demand is highest, improving absorption and reducing financial risk.",[107,115,122,128,134,141,145,151,156,161,165,169,174,178,182],{"id":108,"name":109,"type":110,"confidence":111,"wikipediaUrl":112,"slug":113,"mentionCount":114},"6a165b7ba2d594d36d2331a1","Listing-Income Alignment Score","concept",0.99,null,"6a165b7ba2d594d36d2331a1-listing-income-alignment-score",2,{"id":116,"name":117,"type":110,"confidence":118,"wikipediaUrl":119,"slug":120,"mentionCount":121},"6a165c55a2d594d36d233240","months' supply",0.8,"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FConfidence_and_supply","6a165c55a2d594d36d233240-months-supply",1,{"id":123,"name":124,"type":110,"confidence":125,"wikipediaUrl":126,"slug":127,"mentionCount":121},"6a165c54a2d594d36d233234","local household incomes",0.96,"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FHousehold_income_in_the_United_States","6a165c54a2d594d36d233234-local-household-incomes",{"id":129,"name":130,"type":110,"confidence":131,"wikipediaUrl":132,"slug":133,"mentionCount":121},"6a165c55a2d594d36d233241","zoning reforms",0.9,"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FZoning_in_the_United_States","6a165c55a2d594d36d233241-zoning-reforms",{"id":135,"name":136,"type":137,"confidence":138,"wikipediaUrl":139,"slug":140,"mentionCount":121},"6a165c56a2d594d36d233244","real estate professionals","organization",0.86,"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FReal_estate_agent","6a165c56a2d594d36d233244-real-estate-professionals",{"id":142,"name":143,"type":137,"confidence":138,"wikipediaUrl":112,"slug":144,"mentionCount":121},"6a165c56a2d594d36d233243","developers and investors","6a165c56a2d594d36d233243-developers-and-investors",{"id":146,"name":147,"type":148,"confidence":149,"wikipediaUrl":112,"slug":150,"mentionCount":121},"6a165c54a2d594d36d233239","2016–2021 LIAS range","other",0.88,"6a165c54a2d594d36d233239-2016-2021-lias-range",{"id":152,"name":153,"type":148,"confidence":154,"wikipediaUrl":112,"slug":155,"mentionCount":121},"6a165c54a2d594d36d233235","middle-income households",0.95,"6a165c54a2d594d36d233235-middle-income-households",{"id":157,"name":158,"type":148,"confidence":159,"wikipediaUrl":112,"slug":160,"mentionCount":121},"6a165c55a2d594d36d23323a","shortage of homes under $261,000",0.93,"6a165c55a2d594d36d23323a-shortage-of-homes-under-261-000",{"id":162,"name":163,"type":148,"confidence":131,"wikipediaUrl":112,"slug":164,"mentionCount":121},"6a165c55a2d594d36d23323b","price ceiling for middle-income buyers","6a165c55a2d594d36d23323b-price-ceiling-for-middle-income-buyers",{"id":166,"name":167,"type":148,"confidence":154,"wikipediaUrl":112,"slug":168,"mentionCount":121},"6a165c54a2d594d36d233233","active for-sale listings","6a165c54a2d594d36d233233-active-for-sale-listings",{"id":170,"name":171,"type":148,"confidence":172,"wikipediaUrl":112,"slug":173,"mentionCount":121},"6a165c54a2d594d36d233236","March 2026 LIAS",0.92,"6a165c54a2d594d36d233236-march-2026-lias",{"id":175,"name":176,"type":148,"confidence":131,"wikipediaUrl":112,"slug":177,"mentionCount":121},"6a165c55a2d594d36d23323c","affordable and available rentals statistic","6a165c55a2d594d36d23323c-affordable-and-available-rentals-statistic",{"id":179,"name":180,"type":148,"confidence":131,"wikipediaUrl":112,"slug":181,"mentionCount":121},"6a165c55a2d594d36d23323d","MLS and online listings growth","6a165c55a2d594d36d23323d-mls-and-online-listings-growth",{"id":183,"name":184,"type":148,"confidence":131,"wikipediaUrl":112,"slug":185,"mentionCount":121},"6a165c54a2d594d36d233237","pre-pandemic baseline LIAS","6a165c54a2d594d36d233237-pre-pandemic-baseline-lias",[187,194,201,208],{"id":188,"title":189,"slug":190,"excerpt":191,"category":11,"featuredImage":192,"publishedAt":193},"6a0d06f11234c70c8f1678da","NAR Report: What April’s 0.2% Existing-Home Sales Rise Really Signals","nar-report-what-april-s-0-2-existing-home-sales-rise-really-signals","1. Key Takeaways From NAR’s April Existing-Home Sales Report\n\nApril’s National Association of REALTORS® Existing-Home Sales report shows a 0.2% monthly rise to a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR)...","https:\u002F\u002Fimages.unsplash.com\u002Fphoto-1587401511935-a7f87afadf2f?ixid=M3w4OTczNDl8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxuYXIlMjByZXBvcnQlMjBhcHJpbCUyMGV4aXN0aW5nfGVufDF8MHx8fDE3NzkyMzg2NDB8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&w=1200&h=630&fit=crop&crop=entropy&auto=format,compress&q=60","2026-05-20T01:06:48.265Z",{"id":195,"title":196,"slug":197,"excerpt":198,"category":11,"featuredImage":199,"publishedAt":200},"6a0260d7a795e5cd9b976506","Remodeling Spending Projected to Sharply Slow Into Early 2027","remodeling-spending-projected-to-sharply-slow-into-early-2027","1. The 2027 Remodeling Slowdown: What the Data Actually Shows  \n\nAnnual spending on improvements and maintenance to owner‑occupied homes is still projected to rise in nominal dollars through early 202...","https:\u002F\u002Fimages.unsplash.com\u002Fphoto-1650821414390-276561abd95a?ixid=M3w4OTczNDl8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxyZW1vZGVsaW5nJTIwc3BlbmRpbmclMjBwcm9qZWN0ZWQlMjBzaGFycGx5fGVufDF8MHx8fDE3Nzg1NDA3NTl8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&w=1200&h=630&fit=crop&crop=entropy&auto=format,compress&q=60","2026-05-11T23:15:42.367Z",{"id":202,"title":203,"slug":204,"excerpt":205,"category":11,"featuredImage":206,"publishedAt":207},"69ec3defe96ba002c5b85b1a","Arizona's Housing Affordability Crisis After the Post‑Pandemic Cost Surge","arizona-s-housing-affordability-crisis-after-the-post-pandemic-cost-surge","Arizona once attracted residents with its lower housing costs and sunshine. Now it ranks as the 7th least affordable state, after falling from 33rd to 45th in national affordability rankings between 2...","https:\u002F\u002Fimages.unsplash.com\u002Fphoto-1694550180363-588984f3eb30?ixid=M3w4OTczNDl8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxhcml6b25hJTIwaG91c2luZyUyMGFmZm9yZGFiaWxpdHklMjBjcmlzaXN8ZW58MXwwfHx8MTc3NzA5MDAzMHww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&w=1200&h=630&fit=crop&crop=entropy&auto=format,compress&q=60","2026-04-25T04:15:39.992Z",{"id":209,"title":210,"slug":211,"excerpt":212,"category":11,"featuredImage":213,"publishedAt":214},"69e765dc022f77d5bbacf22f","Arizona’s Post‑Pandemic Housing Affordability Decline: Causes, Comparisons, and What Comes Next","arizona-s-post-pandemic-housing-affordability-decline-causes-comparisons-and-what-comes-next","From Pandemic Boom to Post‑Pandemic Squeeze in Arizona  \n\n- During the pandemic, Arizona drew remote workers and retirees seeking sun, space, and cheaper homes than coastal markets.  \n- Ultra‑low mort...","https:\u002F\u002Fimages.unsplash.com\u002Fphoto-1694550180363-588984f3eb30?ixid=M3w4OTczNDl8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxhcml6b25hJTIwcG9zdCUyMHBhbmRlbWljJTIwaG91c2luZ3xlbnwxfDB8fHwxNzc2NzcyNTcyfDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&w=1200&h=630&fit=crop&crop=entropy&auto=format,compress&q=60","2026-04-21T12:01:14.564Z",["Island",216],{"key":217,"params":218,"result":220},"ArticleBody_BOynNIofPYogD1UzcfUIep3QE2fFO3ldYqfYnUyBaDE",{"props":219},"{\"articleId\":\"6a165a7cba21b6cd300e4226\"}",{"head":221},{}]