Becoming a first-time homeowner requires saving for a down payment, often between 3-20%, with a typical 5% on a $200K home being $10,000. Create a savings plan by cutting unnecessary expenses or adding side income. Protect against identity theft by using protection services, especially during the home buying process. Check your credit report early to correct errors and improve your score before applying for a mortgage.
New listings ↓~1% yearly after a prior Easter-driven surge, but sellers still appear to be reengaging at a measured, sustainable pace nationally.
Active inventory ↑~3% yearly, with year-to-date supply ↑~7%, giving shoppers more options while buyers continue absorbing available homes instead of letting supply pile up.
Median listing prices ↓~2% yearly, extending a long flat-to-down streak as sellers adjust expectations to attract today’s value-focused spring buyers more quickly.
Homes spent just 1 day longer on market than a yr ago, suggesting demand remains active even as choices broaden for buyers.
For buyers, the spring window stays competitive: more supply, softer asking prices, and near-normal selling speed keep conditions constructive for informed shopping.
Mortgage applications fell 1.6% last week after a prior 7.9% rise, with refinance applications down 4% due to a slight increase in 30-year fixed mortgage rates to 6.37%. Purchase applications rose nearly 2% weekly and were over 20% higher than last year, reflecting improved homebuying sentiment amid increased housing inventory. The refinance share dropped to 42.5%, while adjustable-rate mortgage activity rose to 8.3%. FHA application share declined, VA and USDA shares remained steady.
Navigating the homebuying process can be challenging for newcomers. It's essential to understand that while mortgage interest rates matter, other factors like loan size, down payment, and additional costs (e.g., insurance, taxes) also significantly impact monthly payments. Start saving for a down payment early, especially if your income varies. The homebuying process involves steps like pre-qualification, pre-approval, house hunting, and closing. A mortgage loan officer can provide valuable guidance throughout this journey.
U.S. home prices remain at record highs due to limited supply and homebuilding shortages, with economic uncertainty slowing market activity. Greenville, SC, saw its median sale price rise to $332,931 in early 2026, a 1.9% increase from 2025 and 13.8% since 2022. Nationwide, the median price reached $429,526 in 2026, up 1.0% from 2025 and 9.3% since 2022. Prices are growing more slowly, improving affordability as wages rise.
Luxury homes now emphasize smart technology, sustainability, wellness amenities, and prime locations offering privacy and connectivity. Key trends in 2026 include wellness-centered design, eco-friendly features, multigenerational living spaces, experiential amenities, and branded residences. Limited inventory and strong global demand keep prices high. Buyers should consider total ownership costs, privacy, and resale value. Top markets include London, Dubai, Miami, Lisbon, Singapore, and Lake Como.
Mother’s Day celebrates the love, strength, and sacrifices of moms everywhere, with their guidance, care, and inspiration across cultures worldwide.
Celebrating amazing moms! Your strength, kindness, and care inspire everyone around you—today we honor you and all that you do.
Enjoy pampering, hugs, and smiles, knowing your love and dedication make the world a better place.
Wishing you a joyful Mother’s Day! 🌸 May your heart be filled with love, laughter, and sweet memories with your family today.
Key mortgage mistakes to avoid include not getting pre-approved, overlooking credit scores, and failing to compare mortgage options. Buyers should budget for total homeownership costs, including property taxes and maintenance. Skipping home inspections and neglecting closing costs can lead to financial issues. It's crucial to consider the neighborhood and save for a down payment. Additionally, avoid making large purchases or changing jobs during the mortgage process. In Pennsylvania, explore state-specific mortgage programs and plan for property taxes and insurance.
Inventory is rising across many regions, giving buyers more choices after a stretch of historically limited selection in the housing market recently.
Prices are shifting slowly, with median values holding steady or showing modest gains rather than broad reversals in most markets so far.
Higher mortgage costs have tempered buyer enthusiasm and made some sellers less willing to reduce prices, helping keep pricing changes gradual overall.
Midwest and parts of the South offer slightly more negotiation room, while major metros still see competition for well-priced homes in current conditions.
If inventory keeps building and mortgage rates stay elevated, experts expect price growth could slow further or flatten in some markets by late summer.
Most potential 2026 sellers expected strong outcomes: 83% thought they would get asking price or more, and three-quarters believed current conditions favored selling.
Timing expectations stayed upbeat. Three-quarters expected a sale within 4 mo, while the typical home spent 57 days on market nationally in Late-Q1.
Concession expectations shifted most. 39% expected to offer concessions in 2026, up from 30% in 2025, signaling more negotiation in a transitioning market.