Commercial real estate development and operation of existing buildings, supported $1 trillion to U.S. GDP, and generated $329.9 in salaries in wages.5 Beyond the countless benefits of owning a home to the homeowners themselves, the positive economic impacts ripple across a host of industries, firms and countries, highlighting the important role housing plays in the economy and global marketplace.6 3 Opinions, estimates, forecasts and other views contained in this section authored by First American’s Chief Economist, do not necessarily represent the views of First American or its management, and should not be construed as indicating First American’s business prospects or expected results, and are subject to change without notice.