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Buying a home beats renting in 41% of 136 U.S. cities studied when factoring in equity from principal paydown and recent home price appreciation. Hartford, CT, leads with an 11.1% annual appreciation, offering the largest monthly savings for buyers. Midwest and Northeast cities dominate markets favoring ownership, while Western markets show modest appreciation. Affordability varies…

A midyear forecast sees US home price growth slowing to ~1% in 2026, below inflation, effectively easing real home prices for buyers. Mortgage rates are expected to hold near 6%, while monthly payments are projected to decline ~2% yearly, a combination expected to improve affordability. Existing home sales and inventory growth are both predicted to…

US homebuyers prioritize speed: 35% expect a future purchase closing within 2 weeks, while 36% expect 3 to 4 weeks from lenders. Digital convenience matters: 52% have used eSigning for closing documents, yet 88% say they would like that option available during their mortgage process. Borrowers also value control: 87% would lean toward a lender…

Stable income and a secure job make monthly payments easier to handle and put buyers in a stronger position than households with uncertain earnings. Cash beyond the down payment matters because closing, moving, deposits, furniture, and surprise repairs add up fast, and an emergency fund prevents financial stress. Manageable debt creates budget room for taxes,…

Getting pre-approved for a home loan before house hunting helps set a realistic budget, improves negotiating power, and speeds up the buying process. It shows sellers and agents you're serious, increasing your chances of securing a home. To get pre-approved, check your credit score and debt-to-income ratio, gather financial documents, and apply with lenders. Pre-approval…

America celebrates its 250th birthday, highlighting the enduring dream of homeownership as a symbol of independence and stability. Modern mortgage options, including conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans, offer low or no down payment choices for first-time buyers. Local assistance programs also help with down payments. Success in homebuying involves a trusted team of a…

Gen Z now accounts for nearly 20% of rate locks and about a third of first-time homebuyer loans, relying heavily on government-backed financing. Non-traditional down payments, including family gifts and loans, have reached a seven-year high at 29%. Gen Z and Millennials make up two-thirds of purchase mortgage volume, while Baby Boomers hold 11%. Home…

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…