09/22/2026
🏛️ Housing policy just changed, and most people haven't heard about it yet.
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is now law. It's the most significant federal housing legislation in nearly 20 years, and REALTORS® spent two years advocating for it: 50+ provisions aimed at one problem. We simply don't have enough homes.
What it's designed to do:
âś… Remove zoning and land-use barriers that slow new construction
âś… Streamline environmental reviews to cut building delays
âś… Launch an FHA small-dollar mortgage pilot for loans of $100,000 or less
âś… Raise FHA multifamily loan limits to support affordable rentals
âś… Give veterans clearer, more transparent VA vs. FHA financing comparisons
âś… Prioritize HUD grants for housing in Opportunity Zones
Why it matters: NAR points to a national shortage of about 4.7 million homes. That shortage is the root cause behind rising prices and slim pickings for first-time buyers.
The honest caveat: Congress still has to appropriate the funding, and states and localities have to put these tools to work. That part is just getting started.
Here in Fargo-Moorhead, I'll be watching how these tools get adopted locally, because more supply is the long-term answer to affordability in our market.
Buying, selling, or building in the Fargo-Moorhead area and wondering how this affects your plans? Let's talk. đź“ž (701) 526-8596
