Tariffs on steel, aluminum, lumber and other materials could make new homes costlier

If you’re hoping to buy (or build, or design, or decorate) a new home, you may be concerned by talk about tariffs.

The back-and-forth and potential reciprocal action has sparked uncertainty about the financial impacts of a global trade war.

How much more expensive could a new home be if tariffs are added to a range of imported goods? Here are some parts of a house that could become more expensive and how much they may cost you.
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The S/M Take: 

For all of us in the home and building business, costs are being destabilized. And instability can be toxic to any industry.

That said, there is a silver lining. Consumer uncertainty means an increased reliance on you, the experts, for guidance. Can a project be modified? Can a schedule be moved up or back? Can existing materials be repurposed?

In this environment, clients need you more than ever. Here’s an example of how interior designers are planning for tariffs, and bringing creativity to the process.

Four housing market predictions for industry professionals to watch in 2025

The housing market stands at a pivotal point as 2025 begins to unfold. Key forces like the ongoing influence of remote work, fluctuating interest rates, housing supply challenges and evolving consumer demand—largely driven by Millennials, who represented 38% of homebuyers in 2023—will continue to reshape the real estate landscape.

Here are four top predictions for the 2025 housing market to help industry professionals prepare, adapt and thrive:

• Climate challenges will shape investment strategies
• AI’s capabilities will continue to surprise us
• Build-to-rent will be a key housing solution
• Alternative housing will open new investment opportunities

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The S/M Take: 

These hot takes are likely to show up next week in conversations at KBIS and IBS, and even if only one or two come to fruition, they’ll create new long–term opportunities for builders and investors alike.

Better yet, these forecasts come on the heels of a promising financial report, as the home and garden industry just had its best quarter since Q3 2022.

Meet the couple who found love at The Home Depot

Katelyn Ansari and Tryce Easter join TODAY to talk about how they made a love connection at Home Depot after Katelyn saw a TikTok trend where single women ditch the dating apps and instead wander the aisles of the home improvement store to look for a potential partner.
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The S/M Take: 

Loyal readers of The Drill Down will remember when we shared this coupling trend back in June 2023. Yeah, Katelyn gives TikTok credit… but it was probably us.