Happy New Year real estate news

There’s a good reason buyers tend to hyperfixate on their monthly mortgage payment: It’s often the number standing between them and the keys to their new home.

But fast-forward a year or a decade, and many are shocked by what comes next: a leaking roof, a surprise insurance hike, or a much higher tax bill than expected at resale. The real costs of homeownership extend far beyond the mortgage, yet these costs are rarely factored into homeowners’ budgets.

Resolve To Own: 5 Steps for First-Time Buyers To Get Mortgage-Ready in 2026

If one of your resolutions for 2026 is to get yourself in position to become a first-time homebuyer, the time to get started is now.

Don’t let the calendar fool you: 12 months to get mortgage-ready may sound like a long time, but buying a home is one of the biggest financial moves you’ll ever make, and everyone involved in the process—from prospective sellers to lenders—wants to know that you can check every box.

Big Changes Are Coming to the Federal Reserve in 2026—This Is What It Means for Interest Rates

The new year will bring big changes at the Federal Reserve, with major implications for borrowing costs, the housing market, and the overall economy.

In addition to major upcoming personnel changes, Fed policymakers have signaled that further rate cuts are unlikely until the spring. That sets up a renewed showdown with President Donald Trump, who has made clear his desire for dramatically lower interest rates.

Experts agree a rosier market is coming in 2026. But specifics vary

More sales, stubborn rates, home price growth. Here’s where five major groups landed on the housing market in 2026.

The top 10 moments that rocked the portal world in 2025

Mergers and acquisitions, antitrust lawsuits, listing bans and the potential entry of a new portal competitor ruled 2025. Here’s a look back at the top moments.

Top Posts – Lower Mortgage Rates, Better Affordability

As housing affordability remains a critical challenge across the country, mortgage rates continue to play a central role in shaping homebuying power. Mortgage rates stayed elevated throughout 2023 and early 2024. Recent data, however, shows a modest decline in mortgage rates. Even slight declines can have a significant impact on housing affordability, pricing more households.

Washington historic floods uncover critical gap in renter protection

Renters were left with nothing as floods swept through Western Washington last month. Unlike other states, Washington does not require renters be informed they’re moving into a flood zone.

The 10 Real Estate Stories That Defined 2025

In 2025, the housing market was defined by contradiction: a recovery that didn’t feel like one, and fixes that raised new questions even as they answered old ones. Across the country, homeowners, renters, and builders all hit breaking points—just in different ways, for different reasons.

Homeownership has long been a cornerstone of the American dream, but what we often forget is that behind every white picket fence and promise of building generational wealth, are real people fighting for a better future, or simply trying to stay afloat.

USDA Home Loans FAQ

USDA loans offer extremely affordable terms to homebuyers, such as 0% down payments and low interest rates. But those who qualify for this loan will also want to keep in mind that the application process is a bit more complicated than for other loan types.

If you’re applying for a USDA loan (or thinking you might want to), check out this helpful checklist, which outlines all the things you must have in place to be approved. Just take it a step at a time, and rest assured that the rewards at the end are well worth the trouble.

Renovate To Drop PMI Mortgage Hack Has a Catch: Your Lender Doesn’t Have To Buy Your New Valuation

A mortgage hack has been making the rounds with real estate influencers: Don’t put 20% down on your home loan.

Given that it takes seven years for the typical buyer to save for a down payment, it’s grabbed viewers’ attention. Instead, the post from Main Street Mortgage suggests putting down 5%, carrying private mortgage insurance, then using the leftover cash to invest in value-boosting home improvements.

S&P/Case-Shiller WA-Seattle Home Price Index