For decades, buyers have been told to follow one simple rule: Don’t spend more than 30% of your income on housing. That is the gold standard. The budget benchmark. The line in the sand between “affordable” and “overextended.” But in 2025, that line no longer seems attainable. According to a Realtor.com® Affordability Report, the typical […]
first time homebuyers
The Difference Between an Inspection and an Appraisal
When you decide to buy your first home or it has been a while since you purchased your current home, you may come across a number of terms and conditions that you are not familiar with. While you may have a general idea of what an inspection is, maybe you’re not sure why you need one […]
How to Become a Homeowner on a First-Time Buyer’s Budget
It’s not easy being a first-time homebuyer right now. At the end of last year, housing affordability hit an all-time low.1 Additionally, mortgage rates have risen significantly since 2021, while inventory remains tight for many property categories, we see this even more for starter homes. Even lower-priced condos are harder to snag these days, as […]
What’s Your Home Buying Power?
If you’re in the market for a new home or investment property, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is, “How much house can we afford?” Many buyers become so caught up in how much they can afford that they don’t realize their total buying power—that is, the total amount of purchasing potential they […]
