Home Affordability
15 articlesReaders can find loan examples, rate changes, eligibility notes and payment comparisons tied to mortgage servicers, mortgage rates and refinance options, with attention to home equity, closing costs and down payment when those details affect costs, rights, exposure or timing.
Buffalo Niagara homeowners keep mortgage debt in check
Buffalo Niagara borrowers are not overextending on home loans, suggesting many households are keeping debt manageable even as higher borrowing costs and household expenses test budgets
Affluent Buyers Drive Uneven Rebound in U.S. Vacation-Home Market
Demand for vacation homes is rising for the first time since the pandemic, but the recovery is limited to high-income buyers as most Americans remain priced out by high mortgage rates and soaring property values
Amarillo: An Affordable and Comfortable Retirement Destination
With home values averaging $208,517 and no state income tax, Amarillo stands out for retirees seeking lower housing costs, manageable living expenses, and accessible healthcare in Texas
Small Cities Offer Affordable and Balanced Retirement Options
Retirees seeking lower housing costs and manageable daily expenses are increasingly looking to small U.S. cities, where home prices and taxes can be significantly below national averages but trade-offs in transportation and specialized healthcare remain
Homeowners' Net Worth Is Nearly 38 Times Higher
The median net worth of U.S. homeowners reached $396,500 in 2022, nearly 38 times that of renters, as rising home values and equity gains continue to widen the wealth gap between owners and renters across all age groups
How Much Couples Need to Retire in Each State
Median savings for Americans in their 30s and 40s fall far short of the typical down payment needed for a home, with high prices and closing costs widening the gap and forcing buyers to seek new strategies to build cash reserves
9 Top Places to Retire in the Western U.S.
Retirees seeking affordable living, tax advantages, and access to outdoor recreation are increasingly considering smaller Western cities like Casper, Evanston, and Pomeroy, where home prices can be over $50,000 below the national average
Home Sellers Rethink Pricing as U.S. Housing Market Slows in 2026
With more homes on the market and buyers taking their time, U.S. sellers are adjusting expectations-often pricing below recent highs and factoring in concessions to secure a deal in a slower real estate market
How Mason City Delivers Affordable Retirement Without Sacrificing Culture
Mason City, Iowa, offers retirees a cost of living 6% below the U.S. average, median home prices under $155,000, and a vibrant arts scene-raising the question of what trade-offs, if any, come with small-city retirement in 2026
Mortgage Rates Climb to 11-Month High, Squeezing Homebuyers
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has surged to 6.78%, the highest since last summer, making it even harder for buyers to afford homes as prices remain elevated and forecasts suggest little relief ahead
Congress Passes Sweeping Housing Law to Tackle Affordability Crisis
A major bipartisan housing bill aims to boost home supply and ease construction bottlenecks, but experts warn that relief for buyers and renters will take years to materialize
Sarasota's High Cost of Living vs. Florida's Tax Perks for Retirees
Retiring in Sarasota means paying above-average housing and food costs, but Florida's lack of state income tax and generous property exemptions can offset some expenses for retirees seeking an active lifestyle
Retiring in the South: Lower Costs, Tax Perks, and Key Trade-Offs
Southern cities attract retirees with affordable housing and no state income tax in places like Texas, but higher property taxes and car-dependent lifestyles can offset savings for those considering a move
How State-by-State Cost Gaps Reshape What Your Salary Can Buy
A $70,000 salary stretches much further in Oklahoma than in Hawaii or California. See how state-level cost differences can add or subtract thousands from your real spending power
US Home Prices Reach Record High as Affordability Worsens
The median price for existing homes in the US hit $440,660 in June, marking a new peak as affordability remains out of reach for many buyers and a major housing bill stalls in Washington