For decades, buyers have been told to follow one simple rule: Don’t spend more than 30% of your income on housing. That is the gold standard. The budget benchmark. The line in the sand between “affordable” and “overextended.” But in 2025, that line no longer seems attainable. According to a Realtor.com® Affordability Report, the typical U.S. household would need to spend 44.6% of their income to buy a median-priced home today. And in cities like […]
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Can you believe we’re already halfway through 2025? As we head into the second half of the year, a lot of buyers and sellers are asking the same thing: What’s next for the housing market? While no forecast is guaranteed, economists from Fannie Mae, Zillow, NAR, MBA, and others have released updated projections on everything from home prices and mortgage rates to sales activity and market recovery. In this post, we’ve rounded up the key […]
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Right now, American homeowners are sitting on a record $11.5 trillion in tappable equity. That’s equity you could access without selling your home while keeping at least a 20% cushion in place. And, with interest rates on home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) falling, this may be the most affordable time in years to tap into your home’s value. But does it make sense to borrow now, or should you wait? Let’s break down the […]
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Every time the word “recession” starts popping up in headlines, it brings a wave of uncertainty—especially for anyone thinking about buying or selling a home. You might be wondering: Totally fair questions—and you’re not alone in asking them. The good news is we can look to history to get some real answers. Let’s break it down. A Recession Doesn’t Automatically Mean Home Prices Will Drop First, let’s clear up a common myth: A recession is […]
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Most people think of homeownership as one big expense. And we get it, between mortgage payments, maintenance, insurance, taxes… the list seems never-ending. But what often gets overlooked is the way your home can pay you back when tax season rolls around. If you’re a homeowner, you may be sitting on deductions and credits that could reduce your taxable income, boost your refund, or soften the blow of what you owe. Here’s how to take […]
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You’ve probably heard the headlines: mortgage rates are still high, and the market is tough. But here’s what most of those headlines miss: subtle signs of life in the housing market. Mortgage purchase applications are up year over year, and even though rates are still above 6.5%, demand is starting to stir. It’s not a boom. It’s not a frenzy. But it is something to take note of. What Are Mortgage Purchase Applications? Mortgage purchase […]
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Real estate has always been a solid long-term investment, but according to some of the biggest players in the industry, we could be on the verge of something even bigger: A real estate supercycle. Unlike short-term market swings, a supercycle is driven by long-term fundamentals—factors like housing demand, economic shifts, and policy changes that could fuel real estate growth for years to come. Chad Tredway, Head of Real Estate Americas at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, […]
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Since September, mortgage rates have been on a rollercoaster. They first dipped into the low 6% range only to climb past 7% by the end of October. Yikes. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. These rate fluctuations can make home buying feel like a guessing game. Fortunately, you don’t have to wait for the “perfect” rate to make your homeownership goals happen. The truth is, buyers can find opportunities no matter where rates land. […]
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The 2025 housing market is shaping up to be an interesting one—steady growth, more inventory, and a bit of breathing room for buyers. But let’s be real: behind every steady forecast lies a handful of wild cards that could shift the game. From unexpected mortgage rate swings to federal policies that could either boost supply or throw a wrench in the system, there’s plenty to keep an eye on this upcoming year. Let’s break it […]
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A recent study by Fannie Mae revealed a surprising lack of confidence among consumers about the mortgage process. There’s good reason to feel a little cautious. However, homeownership remains a top priority for most, with many considering it a sound long-term investment. All of this can lead to feeling overwhelmed and unsure of your ability to qualify for a home loan. The good news is there are options available—options you may not even be aware […]
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