China is one of largest owners of U.S. mortgages. There is growing concern that in retaliation for tariffs the country could sell them, causing rates to rise.
Honestly it could use it considering a total dump, ancient cottage that needs a gut reno still goes for $400k by me. That probably sounds like a bargain for some parts of the US.
They arnt talking about selling houses, they are talking about selling mortgage backed securities. That would cause mortgage rates to spike and make housing even more expensive.