According to Google Trends, online searches for down payment information recently hit an all-time high. And that’s a clear sign more buyers are trying to figure out what they really need to save before making a move (see graph below):If you’re wondering the same thing, you can always turn to the internet for answers. But a lot of the time, it’s better to ask a local expert. Because here’s what a pro would tell you.The 20% Down Payment MythThe idea that you need 20% down to buy a home is one of the biggest misconceptions around the homebuying process. And the data debunks the myth.While...
There’s a lot of uncertainty right now and that’s leading to some dramatic headlines. And if you’re thinking about buying a home, that can make you feel a little less sure about your decision.A recent study by CNBC asked homebuyers what they’re most worried about, and three themes kept coming up again and again:Mortgage ratesThe number of homes for saleHome pricesBut a lot of what you may be hearing on those is based more on misconceptions. Not facts. So, let’s break it down and separate fact from fiction.Misconception #1: “I’ll Just Wait, Because Mortgage Rates Are Going To Fall...
Did you try to buy a home last year, but you ended up pressing pause?Maybe you couldn’t find a home that really fit your needs. Or maybe the ones you liked just weren’t affordable. According to a recent survey from NerdWallet, those were the top two reasons buyers gave up on their search in 2025.But this Spring, there’s one trend that could help fix both of those frustration points: more homes are hitting the market.The Number of Fresh Listings Is Almost 2x Higher Than a Few Months AgoData from Realtor.com shows there are nearly 2x as many new listings hitting the market today as...
For a while, buying your first home hasn’t just felt hard. It may have felt out of reach.Not because you weren’t ready.Not because you weren’t trying.But because every time you ran the numbers, they didn’t work.That’s why so many first-time buyers stepped back.But after years of sitting on the outside looking in, this Spring could give buyers like you an opening again – especially in some markets.Metros Where Buyers May Have an Easier Time Breaking into the Market Zillow just released a list of the top 50 metros for first-time buyers this Spring. And here’s a quick snapshot of the top 10...