Housing Market
27 articlesThe strongest articles will unpack market updates, practical investor context and market sectors and bring in nearby terms only where they clarify costs, eligibility, reporting duties, account access or investment exposure.
Houston, Texas: An Ideal Retirement Destination
Houston's median home price of $263,563 and no state income tax on retirement income make it a standout for retirees seeking affordability, tax relief, and access to world-class healthcare in a major U.S. metro area
Zillow Flags How Long It Now Takes to Afford a Home in America
Zillow warns that saving for a down payment and breaking even on a home purchase now takes nearly four years longer than before the pandemic, as high mortgage rates and a housing shortage reshape the financial math for buyers
Niles, MI: An Affordable and Active Retirement Destination
Niles, Michigan offers retirees below-average home prices, lower daily expenses, and tax breaks on Social Security, while providing walkable downtown amenities and access to major health care and cultural options in nearby South Bend
Homebuyers Gain Leverage as Sellers Outnumber Buyers in Key Cities
A sharp drop in active homebuyers has shifted the balance of power in many U.S. housing markets, giving buyers in select cities more room to negotiate on price, closing costs, and contingencies
Best Retirement Locations in the Southwestern United States
Retirees seeking lower living costs and tax advantages are increasingly looking to Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, where housing prices, property taxes, and daily expenses can be well below national averages
Berkshire Hathaway CEO Greg Abel's Homebuilder Acquisition and the State Street SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF
Berkshire Hathaway's $6.8 billion purchase of Taylor Morrison expands its homebuilding reach to 21 states, but the State Street SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF has lagged the S&P 500 for nearly two decades-raising questions for investors seeking housing exposure
July Inflation Data May Trigger Immediate Mortgage Rate Moves
With the Federal Reserve's next move uncertain, July's Consumer Price Index report could quickly influence mortgage rates and homebuying costs as markets react to fresh inflation data and shifting economic signals
Lewes, Delaware: A Top Retirement Destination with Coastal Charm and Tax Advantages
Lewes, Delaware, stands out for retirees with its low property taxes, no state sales tax, and a walkable historic downtown near beaches-yet home prices and rents run above national averages, requiring careful budgeting for long-term residents
Where Your Dollar Goes Furthest: Comparing Cost of Living Across U.S. States
Oklahoma delivers the highest purchasing power for residents, with a cost of living index 15% below the U.S. average, while Hawaii's housing costs are nearly four times higher-reshaping where Americans can afford to live and save
Mortgage Rates Climb for Fifth Week, Squeezing Homebuyers' Budgets
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has reached 6.69%, the highest in over a year, making home loans more expensive and putting additional pressure on buyers already facing high housing costs
Retiring in Chicago: A Vibrant Urban Lifestyle for Seniors
Chicago's higher-than-average living costs and property taxes are offset by tax breaks on retirement income, walkable neighborhoods, and access to top hospitals, making it a compelling option for retirees seeking city life
Housing Debt Declines With Age, But Doesn't Vanish
Many Americans enter retirement still owing over $100,000 on their homes, forcing them to balance mortgage payments with reduced income and rising healthcare costs as they age
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
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
Wilmington, Delaware: A Top Retirement Destination
Wilmington, Delaware, stands out for retirees with no sales tax, tax breaks on retirement income, and affordable housing-plus strong healthcare and easy access to major East Coast cities
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
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
Historic Yosemite Gateway Hotel Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Hotel Charlotte, a 105-year-old landmark near Yosemite National Park, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as rising costs and power outages strain its finances, highlighting the mounting pressure on small hospitality businesses in rural California
Kevin O'Leary's Real Estate Strategy: Opportunity and a Debt Warning
Commercial real estate values have plunged, but Kevin O'Leary sees a window for buyers who avoid excessive debt. With $2.2 trillion in loans maturing by 2028, investors face both risk and potential reward in a shifting 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
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
Luxury London Homes Face Prolonged Slump as Buyers Hold Back
High-end properties in London’s most exclusive neighborhoods are sitting unsold for months, signaling a shift in demand and raising questions about the future of the city’s luxury real estate market