If you're a homeowner getting ready to move, one question usually comes first: should you buy your next home before you sell, or sell your current house before you start looking?There's no single right answer. The best call depends on your finances, your local…

Big Investors Are Backing Off and That’s Your OpeningFor years, a lot of would-be homebuyers have worried about the same thing. How do you compete with big investors who can swoop in, pay cash, and snap up the houses you want?Well, worry a little less. Because right now,…

The Case for Putting 20% Down on Your Next HomeIf you’re planning to buy your next home soon, you’ve probably heard the old rule about saving 20% for your down payment.The truth is, you usually don’t have to. Plenty of loan options let qualified buyers put down much…

Here’s Why Mortgage Rates Are What They Are Right NowIf you're waiting for mortgage rates to fall a lot before you buy, you may be waiting a while. But before you get discouraged, there's a number working behind the scenes that's actually good for you right now. It's…

Who Has the Upper Hand in Today's Housing Market?Ask around and almost every homebuyer out there wants to know if there’s a way to get a better deal. And just about every seller wants to know if they'll still get top dollar.The interesting thing is... both can be right at…

The Kind of House Buyers Are Willing To Pay More ForThat spare room on the main floor. The finished basement with a kitchenette and its own entrance. The bonus room you've been using for storage. To you, it's extra space. But to a growing pool of buyers, it's the reason…

Down Payments Are Smaller Than They’ve Been Since 2021Saving for a down payment can feel like the hardest part of buying a home. And with affordability as tight as it’s been lately, it’s fair to wonder how anyone manages it right now. Here’s something you may not…

What Buying or Selling a Home Gives Back to Your CommunityBuying or selling a home is a big financial decision. And right now, it feels even bigger. Inflation is high, costs are high, and you want to be sure the timing is right before you make your move. But if you do…

What To Expect from the Housing Market in the Second Half of 2026If the first half of this year has left you feeling stuck, you're not the only one. Mortgage rates stayed higher than people wanted. Affordability remained tight. And uncertainty overseas added another layer…

Think Nobody's Buying Homes Right Now? Think Again.If you've been thinking about selling, you've probably seen plenty of headlines suggesting buyers have just about disappeared. But there's a big difference between a slow market and a stalled one.Yes, mortgage rates are…

14 Years Running: Why Real Estate Is Still America’s Favorite InvestmentQuick gut reaction. Which investment do Americans trust more than stocks, gold, savings accounts, and bonds? The answer hasn't changed in 14 years. It's real estate. And this year, that answer…

The “Take It or Leave It” Attitude Is Fading from the Market – What That Means for YouNegotiations are back. More buyers are asking for better deals, and more sellers are giving them. Builders are throwing in extras, too. That’s why whether you’re buying or…