No sector of the U.S. economy affects middle- and working-class Americans more than housing. Most Americans have the majority of their savings and net worth tied up in their homes. Housing is the primary asset that serves as a literal and metaphorical shelter in the storm, a store of value for the future, and as a source of passive income for numerous entrepreneurial “mom and pop” landlords across the country who rent out a single room or an entire house.
The housing markets are in trouble, however, which means that the financial security of many Americans is at risk. Moreover, the turmoil in the housing markets appears to be getting worse….