Realtor.com's inaugural Metro Affordability and Homebuilding Report Card ranked Des Moines, Iowa, first and Los Angeles last among the 100 largest U.S. metros. Des Moines received an "A+" for its strong residential construction activity and affordability, with a median listing price of $349,903 requiring 27.5 percent of median income for a mortgage. Los Angeles, conversely, earned an "F" with a median listing price of $1.129 million, demanding 84.4 percent of median income for a mortgage. The report highlights local zoning and permitting policies as key differentiators in housing affordability and construction. Metros with flexible zoning and streamlined approval processes, like Des Moines, permit more new homes relative to their population. Conversely, restrictive land-use frameworks in cities like Los Angeles and Boston limit new construction and affordability. Boston, for example, has extensive zoning laws and parking mandates compared to Austin, Texas. Top-ranked metros with less restrictive policies often reside in the South and Midwest. The report emphasizes that sufficient new construction is crucial for lasting housing affordability. Builder confidence has declined due to rising mortgage rates, high material costs, and labor shortages. The U.S. faces a significant housing shortage, exacerbating financial strain on buyers.