What Income Level Do You Need to Qualify for a Home Purchase
As of January 1, 2026, homeownership continues to be within reach for a wide range of buyers, though elevated home prices and mortgage rates mean income plays a crucial role in qualification. There’s no universal minimum salary required—lenders assess your entire financial profile—but most experts point to household incomes in the $110,000–$140,000+ range to comfortably […]
Understanding an Appraisal Contingency
Protecting Yourself When Buying a Home: Understanding Contingencies When purchasing a new house, buyers can include various contingencies in the offer contract. These are specific conditions that must be fulfilled for the deal to proceed. If a contingency isn’t satisfied and the buyer isn’t happy with the outcome, they can typically withdraw from the agreement […]
Should I Buy or Rent a Home in 2026? Rent vs. Buy Guide
Deciding whether to buy or rent a home in 2026 is one of the biggest financial choices many Americans face. With 30-year fixed mortgage rates starting the year around 6.15-6.2%, modest home price growth forecasted at 1-4% nationally, and rents expected to rise 0.3-3% depending on property type, the housing market is stabilizing after years […]
How to Choose the Best Location for Buying a Home
The classic real estate saying—“location, location, location”—remains one of the most important truths in home buying. But if you’re not sure which area is right for you, how do you decide? Here are the key factors to consider when choosing the perfect place to put down roots. 1. Budget and Affordability A realistic budget is […]
Essential Costs Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Budget
Stepping into homeownership for the first time is thrilling, but the total cost goes well beyond the sticker price on your dream house. In 2026, with mortgage rates trending downward (potentially dipping into the high-5% range by year-end), improving inventory, and moderate home price growth, affordability is slowly getting better—yet many hidden or upfront expenses […]
5 Proven Strategies to Accelerate Your Down Payment Savings
As we kick off 2026, aspiring first-time home buyers are facing a more balanced market with mortgage rates expected to hover in the low- to mid-6% range (around 6.0-6.3% on average for 30-year fixed loans, according to forecasts from Fannie Mae, Realtor.com, and others). Home prices remain elevated, but with slightly improving affordability and more […]
Your Complete Guide to Getting Mortgage Preapproved
Getting preapproved for a mortgage is one of the most important early steps in the homebuying journey. It gives you a clear, realistic picture of what you can afford, strengthens your offers with sellers, and helps keep your search focused and efficient. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or upgrading, preapproval sets you up for confidence […]
First-Time Homebuyer’s Essential Checklist
Excited about becoming a homeowner? The process can feel overwhelming, but following a clear, step-by-step checklist makes it manageable. With 30-year fixed mortgage rates starting the year around 6.15-6.20% (based on recent Freddie Mac data) and the national median home price hovering near $410,000–$415,000, preparation is key to success—especially for first-time buyers. Use this updated […]
Demystifying Cash to Close
When you receive your Closing Disclosure (CD) at least three business days before closing, you’re in the final stretch of buying your home. This important document outlines every cost, credit, and payment involved in the transaction, including the all-important cash to close figure—the total amount you’ll need to bring to the closing table to complete […]
A Step-by-Step Guide to Shopping for Your New Home in 2026
House hunting is one of the most thrilling parts of buying a home—whether it’s your first purchase or you’re moving up. With 30-year fixed mortgage rates starting the year around 6.15-6.20% (per recent Freddie Mac data) and the national median home price near $410,000–$415,000 with modest growth projected (1-4% nationally), the market offers more balance […]
