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A separate survey found most US adults still saw homeownership as part of the American Dream, showing ownership goals remained strong despite higher buying costs. For new buyers, the guidance stressed that taxes, insurance, interest rates and other ownership costs can meaningfully change total housing expenses overall. Buyers were urged to focus on the full…

Buying at 50 can still support retirement planning when income is steady, savings are already building, and the home fits a long-term plan. A fixed mortgage can help stabilize housing costs later, while ownership also builds equity for owners who expect to stay put for years. The biggest caution: avoid draining retirement accounts for a…

Refinancing replaces an existing mortgage with a new loan, often to lower the current rate, adjust terms, or access cash from home equity. An expert said refinancing usually makes more sense when the new rate cuts at least a full percentage point from the existing mortgage. Upfront closing costs can run ~2% to ~5% of…

A majority of Americans now prefer buying a home over renting, with 53% favoring homeownership despite affordability challenges. Most view homes as valuable investments and sources of stability. High prices and interest rates remain obstacles, but fewer are delaying purchases. Over half of current homeowners plan to buy again, and AI tools are increasingly used…

Debt consolidation before applying for a mortgage can help reduce your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio and lower monthly payments, potentially improving mortgage approval chances. However, it may temporarily lower credit scores due to hard inquiries and reduced credit age. Evaluate loan terms carefully, comparing interest rates and repayment periods. Calculate your DTI, get rate quotes, and…

Commercial and multifamily mortgage originations ↑52% yearly in Q1 2026, signaling broader lending momentum across income-producing property markets for borrowers and investors. Healthcare led sector gains with loan dollar volume ↑209% yearly. Retail ↑148%, hotels ↑85%, industrial ↑56%, and multifamily ↑49% in Q1 2026. Investor-driven lenders showed strongest source growth, with loan dollar volume ↑133%…

Construction loans help finance a new home before it exists, but they are usually harder to qualify for than traditional mortgages overall. Unlike a traditional mortgage, this short-term loan has higher interest and releases money in stages as building milestones are completed along the way. Typical qualification standards include a 20% down payment, strong credit,…

On June 23, 2026, the 30-yr fixed mortgage rate reached the mid-6% range, a slight weekly uptick that kept borrowing costs elevated for US buyers. At that rate, a $300K mortgage could generate ~$379K in lifetime interest, underscoring why buyers were reassessing affordability and weighing each purchase decision carefully. The central bank held its benchmark…

Mortgage applications rose 10.8%, with purchase requests up 7%, as more Americans choose to buy homes despite high mortgage rates above 6%. Many buyers prioritize life events over waiting for better market conditions, fearing future price increases and reduced affordability. Increased awareness of financing options, such as low down payment programs, is also encouraging home…

The 20% down payment on a home is a convention, not a requirement. While it avoids private mortgage insurance (PMI), saving that amount can delay buying and increase costs due to rising home prices. Loans with as little as 3% down exist, with varying PMI costs. Different loan types—conventional, FHA, adjustable-rate, and interest-only—offer flexibility. Assistance…