Buying a home in today’s market can feel like an uphill battle – especially with home prices and mortgage rates putting pressure on your budget. If you’re feeling stuck, co-buying could be one way to help you get your foot in the door. Freddie Mac says:
“If you are an aspiring homeowner, buying a home with your family or friends could be an option.”
But there are some things you'll want to consider first. Let’s explore why co-buying is gaining popularity right now among some buyers and see if it may make sense for you too.
What Is Co-Buying?
Co-buying means buying a home with someone like a friend, sibling, or even a group of people. And, with today’s high home prices and mortgage rates, it’s an option more people are turning to.
According to a survey done by JW Surety Bonds, nearly 15% of Americans have already co-purchased a home with someone, and another 48% would consider. ...

Let’s be real – buying a home right now is tough. You’re scrolling through listings, rushing to open houses, and maybe even losing out to more competitive offers. Somewhere along the way, you might’ve heard the reason it’s so hard to find a home is because big Wall Street investors are swooping in and snatching up everything in sight.
But here’s the thing: that’s mostly a myth. While investors are part of the market, according to Redfin, they’re a relatively small part:
Here’s what that means. Five out of every six homes are being purchased by everyday homebuyers like you – not big investors.
So, before you get discouraged, let’s take a look at what’s really going on. You might be surprised to learn that Wall Street isn’t the competition you may think it is.
Most Investors Are Small Mom-and-Pops
Most investors aren’t the mega corporations you’ve probably heard ab; ...

When you’re ready to move, figuring out what to do with your house is a big decision. And today, more homeowners are considering renting their home instead of selling it.
Recent data from Zillow shows about two-thirds (66%) of sellers thought about renting their home before listing, with nearly a third (28%) taking that possibility seriously. Compared to 2021, when fewer than half (47%) of homeowners considered renting before selling, it’s clear this trend is on the rise.
So, should you sell your house and use the money toward your next home or keep it as a rental to build long-term wealth? Let’s walk through some important questions to help you determine the right path for your financial and lifestyle goals.   
Is Your House a Good Fit for Renting?
Before you decide what to do, it's important to think about if it would make a good rental in the first place. For instance, if you’re moving far away, managing ongoin; ...

No one likes making mistakes, especially when they happen in what’s likely the biggest transaction of your life – buying a home.
That’s why partnering with a trusted agent is so important. Here’s a sneak peek at the most common missteps buyers are making in today’s market and how a great agent will help you steer clear of each one.
Trying To Time the Market
Many buyers are trying to time the market by waiting for home prices or mortgage rates to drop. This can be a really risky strategy because there’s so much at play that can have an impact on those things. As Elijah de la Campa, Senior Economist at Redfin, says:
“My advice for buyers is don’t try to time the market. There are ?a lot of swing factors, like the upcoming jobs report and the presidential election, that could cause the housing market to take unexpected twists and turns. If you find a house you love and can afford to buy it, no. ...

You may have heard chatter recently about the economy and talk about a possible recession. It's no surprise that kind of noise gets some people worried about a housing market crash. Maybe you’re one of them. But here’s the good news – there’s no need to panic. The housing market is not set up for a crash right now.
Real estate journalist Michele Lerner says:
“A housing market crash happens when home values plummet due to a lack of demand for homes or an oversupply.”
With that definition in mind, here are two reasons why this just isn’t on the horizon.
1. Demand for Homes Is Higher than Supply
One of the biggest reasons the housing market crashed back in 2008 was an oversupply of homes. Today, though, it’s a very different story.
It’s a general rule of thumb that a market where supply and demand are balanced has a six-month supply of homes. A higher number means supply outpaces demand, and a lower number means de. ...