Michael Smolens: Partisan Harmony in Congress Pushes Big Housing Bill

Michael Smolens: Partisan harmony in Congress pushes big housing bill

It was a remarkable achievement in these hyper-partisan times: unanimous, bipartisan support in Congress to address one of the most pressing issues facing the nation. Nearly two weeks ago, the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee passed a sweeping bill to address the shortage and high cost of housing. It was the first bipartisan markup of such a housing measure in more than a decade. The bill has a ways to go, needing approval by…

Look out for a boom in the ‘Toyota Camry of housing’ that could make starter homes cheaper

Manufactured homes offer some of the most affordable options on the market, particularly in rural and exurban areas. Courtesy of Villa Homes Homeownership feels like an ever more distant dream these days. But if a bipartisan group of senators has its way, a key type of affordable housing could become cheaper and more abundant. In late July, all 24 members of the Senate Banking Committee voted for the biggest federal housing policy reform package…

Congress is pushing a key reform to make manufactured starter homes cheaper

Manufactured homes offer some of the most affordable options on the market, particularly in rural and exurban areas.Courtesy of Villa HomesThe Senate is poised to pass a major set of policy reforms aiming to boost the supply of housing.The bill includes a long-sought provision that would cut costs for manufactured homes.Manufactured housing is a key source of affordable housing, especially in rural areas.Homeownership feels like an ever more dis…

A bipartisan plan to boost housing takes root in Congress - The Boston Globe

Senators Elizabeth Warren and Tim Scott have teamed up on a bill that deserves the full support of Congress.