The latest episode of Moody’s Inside Economics podcast, Housers on the Housing Shortage, delivers one of the most in-depth looks yet at America’s housing supply crisis—and the findings have big implications for real estate employers and hiring leaders.
Moody’s Analytics, PolicyMap, and the Reinvestment Fund have mapped the U.S. housing shortage down to the census tract level, revealing exactly where supply is tight, where it’s balanced, and where there’s actually surplus.
The key takeaway?
We’re living through a decade-long shortfall in housing supply. The shortage is concentrated in moderate- and middle-income neighborhoods, where the gap between demand and supply is driving up both rents and purchase prices. Higher-income areas, in contrast, often show surplus supply—though at price points out of reach for most workers.
This mismatch isn’t just a housing story—it’s a talent story.
Why Real Estate Employers Should Pay Attention
At TalentWoo, we help real estate companies find, hire, and retain the best talent in the industry. Here’s how this new housing data intersects with your hiring strategy:
1. Location Strategy Needs a Data Upgrade
Where your people live—and where they can afford to live—matters.
Tract-level housing shortage data can guide:
- Office siting decisions.
- Hybrid work policies to expand your hiring radius.
- Relocation programs targeting areas with better affordability.
2. Affordability is Now a Talent Retention Tool
In high-shortage, high-cost markets, salaries alone may not seal the deal. Employers can stand out by offering:
- Housing stipends.
- Down payment or rental assistance.
- Commuting flexibility that allows employees to live farther from expensive cores.
3. Partnerships Can Boost Employer Brand
Some companies are joining forces with local developers or housing nonprofits to create workforce housing—affordable options for essential employees. Being part of the solution makes your brand more attractive to socially conscious talent.
4. Forecasting Becomes More Precise
Instead of guessing where future staffing challenges might arise, you can overlay housing shortage data with your projected hiring needs. This helps anticipate:
- Areas where housing constraints could limit candidate pools.
- Markets where expansion is viable without pricing out your team.
The Bottom Line
The U.S. housing shortage isn’t going away overnight. But with the right data and strategies, real estate companies can turn a market challenge into a competitive hiring advantage.
By aligning hiring plans with granular housing insights, employers can attract the right talent in the right places—without being blindsided by affordability barriers.
About TalentWoo
TalentWoo specializes in recruiting for the real estate industry, from single-family rental and multifamily housing to commercial real estate. We connect market intelligence with hiring strategy—because in real estate, success comes down to location… and the people who make that location thrive.
