Tips, trends and insights for homebuyers like you.
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Homebuyer Stress in America: 2025
Today’s mortgage rates aren’t extreme, but they feel that way to homebuyers, prolonging searches and increasing stress. The real cost of homeownership has been growing significantly in recent years.1 In 2000, a typical homebuyer spent 20% of their income on a mortgage. Today, roughly 38% of a buyer’s income goes toward housing. Every day, we… Read more
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What do contingent and contingencies mean when it comes to buying a house?
“Contingent” and “contingency” have related but distinct meanings in real estate: In short, “contingent” describes the state of a contract, while “contingency” refers to the actual… Read more
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Co-borrowing 101: when sharing a loan makes sense (and when it doesn’t)
A co-borrower is basically your mortgage sidekick—someone who applies for a loan with you and shares the responsibility of paying it back. This could be your… Read more
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What does rent-to-own mean? A blueprint of key things to know
Let’s be real, rent-to-own is kind of a unicorn in the U.S. housing market. Roughly around 5% of home deals go down this way, so it’s… Read more
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Real estate liens explained: what they are and how they affect you
If you’re buying a home, you might be wondering if there will always be a lien on your property. Short answer: not necessarily, but liens are… Read more
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How debt consolidation impacts your home buying power
Got a pile of debt that feels like it’s getting out of hand? Whether it’s maxed-out credit cards, auto loans, or lingering medical bills, debt consolidation… Read more
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Ally vs. U.S. Bank
On the hunt for a home loan? Ally and US Bank are probably on your radar. But who’s really giving you the best bang for your… Read more
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What’s a townhouse, anyway?
First off, let’s get one thing straight: a townhouse is not just some glorified apartment. It’s a multi-story home that shares walls with your neighbors but… Read more
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How to buy an investment property: your roadmap for growing your money
If you’re thinking about buying an investment property, you’re aiming for long-term wealth and a steady income stream. But real estate investment can be tricky if… Read more
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How do you know if you’re ready to buy a second home?
Buying a second home sounds great—more vacations, extra rental income, and potentially growing your wealth. But how do you really know if you’re ready to take… Read more
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What is a foreclosure? A first-time homebuyer’s handbook
So, you’re stepping into the homebuying arena for the first time. Exciting, right? But there’s a term lurking in the background that you need to be… Read more
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0% down mortgages: do they exist, or are they just a dream?
Hey there, future homeowners! So, you’ve probably heard whispers about the elusive 0% down mortgage—the magical unicorn of home financing. You might be wondering, “Do they… Read more
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Navy Federal vs. Wells Fargo
Shopping for a home loan? Navy Federal and Wells Fargo are likely names you’ve heard. One’s a hub for helping Veterans and their family’s finance homes,… Read more