Dreaming of a new home but feeling priced out? You’re not alone! According to a recent survey by Bankrate, 78% of aspiring homebuyers cite affordability issues as their primary deterrent.1 
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, home prices have risen around 32% since the pandemic, and elevated mortgage rates have caused monthly payments to balloon.2

Despite the challenges, homeownership remains a top goal for many Americans. Fortunately, there are ways to turn your dreams of homeownership into reality! In this guide, we’ll explore five common roadblocks to affordable homeownership and actionable solutions to help you overcome them. Let’s break down those barriers so you can finally get the home of your dreams!
 
ROADBLOCK #1: I Don't Have Enough Saved For A Down Payment
Many prospective buyers believe they need a 20% down payment to buy a home. But in reality, most conventional loans require just 3-5%. And, for buyers who qualify, there are a ...

Tax season. Just the words can send shivers down your spine. But if you're a homeowner, there's a silver lining: potential savings! 
You’ve probably heard that you can deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage — but did you know there are many other ways homeowners can reduce their tax burden?
Before you start your return, read this post for common home-related tax deductions, eligibility requirements, and tips on how to maximize your savings.
Home-Related Tax Savings: The Basics
Before we get into the details, it’s important to define some important terms to set the stage. 
Tax Deductions vs. Tax Credits
Most tax savings opportunities for homeowners come in the form of tax deductions. Deductions work by reducing your taxable income — essentially, the government allows you to subtract certain expenses from your total income before calculating how much you owe in taxes. This means a lower taxable income and, ultimately, a lower tax bill. For e ...

Ask any homeowner about what they would like to change about their home, and most will say, “How much time do you have?

Home improvements (cue Tim Allen) or home remodeling projects can stem from a variety of motivations, like preparing your home to put on the market, adding space for a growing family, addressing outdated features or aesthetics, or fixing structural/functional issues with the home. 

However, when it comes to home remodeling projects, too many people assume their project will proportionally increase the value of their home. Few actually consider the complete scope of return on investment (ROI), taking into account not only potential impact on resale value but also the total costs of time, labor, and materials. Some renovations may provide more “quality of life” ROI by improving comfort and aesthetics without significantly impacting resale value, while others can deliver notable financial returns.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade yo! ...

Experts Predict Home Values to Increase 1.5% to 3.6% in 2025.
Top housing experts and economists give a glimpse of what mortgage rates, home values and the national real estate market will do in 2025.
Key Takeaways

Mortgages are forecasted to remain higher for longer; but there are things you can do to lower your rate.
Home values are predicted to increase incrementally on a national level; and there are projects you can do to increase your home’s value.
The national market will slightly favor sellers in negotiations; however, real estate is driven by local dynamics and may favor either buyers or sellers.

Note: real estate is a dynamic market and forecasts made in this article will change as the year unfolds.

Mortgage Rates Will Average 6.4% in 2025
In 2023, the average 30-year mortgage peaked at 7.79% following the pandemic. Rates came down from that peak in 2024. What will mortgage rates do in the next year?
The Federal Reserve is predicted to lower the federal f! ...

The holidays are a time for joy, family, and celebration, but they also bring added responsibilities. Between decorating, hosting, and just keeping up with your daily routines, your home can quickly start to feel more like a neverending to-do list rather than your haven. 
That’s where smart home technology comes in. It can help you streamline holiday tasks to focus on what matters most—spending time with loved ones and enjoying the season's magic. 
And there are more upsides to upgrading your home tech: doing so can also enhance the overall value and appeal of your property. Current research indicates that 77% of today’s home buyers are interested in smart homes, which results in an up to 5% increase in a property’s resale value! In general, estimates indicate that sellers who invest in smart home technologies realize a 50% return.1
So whether you're thinking about selling in the near future or just want to enjoy your home to the fullest this season ...