Part One: Local Housing Market. U.S. housing markets have seemingly stabilized following a dramatic boom and bust cycle during the last decade. Much of this stabilization can be attributed to the government takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, as well as the Federal Reserve's massive investment in mortgage-backed securities. What are the current U.S. housing market conditions? What are some of the potential changes to government involvement in the housing finance system? We talk about that and more.
Guests
W. Scott Frame - Belk Distinguished Professor of Business and Professor of Finance at UNC Charlotte
Eric Locher - President, Charlotte Region Realtor Association
Frank Nothaft - Vice President & Chief Economist, Freddie Mac
Part Two: Carolina Panthers Playoff Preview. The Panthers’ first playoff game since 2008 is this Sunday. The team, and the city, are gearing up for the big game with Super Bowl hopes in the back of everyone’s minds. We’ll be joined by reporters covering the Panthers to talk about what we’re facing this Sunday, what fans are doing to support the team, how Coach Rivera, Cam, Steve, Luke and the rest of the team are preparing and more.
Guests
Michael Tomsic - WFAE Reporter and occasional Charlotte Talks guest host
Scott Fowler - Sports reporter for The Charlotte Observer
- Scott Fowler will have a book signing from 12 - 1:30 pm Saturday, Jan. 11 at Barnes and Noble bookstore at Birkdale Village in Huntersville for his book 100 Things Panthers Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die. Details about the event here.