[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fbwk2pqjjqsc7":3,"$f5gf337ht9yte":124},[4,8,12,16,20,24,28,32,36,40,44,48,52,56,60,64,68,72,76,80,84,88,92,96,100,104,108,112,116,120],{"id":5,"name":6,"slug":7},1,"Uncategorized","uncategorized",{"id":9,"name":10,"slug":11},5,"For Buyers","buyers",{"id":13,"name":14,"slug":15},6,"For Sellers","sellers",{"id":17,"name":18,"slug":19},7,"Foreclosures","foreclosures",{"id":21,"name":22,"slug":23},8,"Infographics","infographics",{"id":25,"name":26,"slug":27},9,"Home Prices","home-prices",{"id":29,"name":30,"slug":31},11,"First-Time Buyers","first-time-buyers",{"id":33,"name":34,"slug":35},34,"Senior Market","senior-market",{"id":37,"name":38,"slug":39},35,"Mortgage Rates","mortgage-rates",{"id":41,"name":42,"slug":43},38,"Move-Up","move-up",{"id":45,"name":46,"slug":47},41,"For Sale by Owner","for-sale-by-owner",{"id":49,"name":50,"slug":51},42,"Featured","featured",{"id":53,"name":54,"slug":55},45,"New Construction","new-construction",{"id":57,"name":58,"slug":59},52,"Luxury \u002F Vacation","luxury--vacation",{"id":61,"name":62,"slug":63},53,"Rent vs. Buy","rent-vs-buy",{"id":65,"name":66,"slug":67},80,"Time-sensitive","time-sensitive",{"id":69,"name":70,"slug":71},81,"Outdated","outdated",{"id":73,"name":74,"slug":75},147,"Internal","internal",{"id":77,"name":78,"slug":79},148,"Do Not Autopost","do-not-autopost",{"id":81,"name":82,"slug":83},320,"Inventory","inventory",{"id":85,"name":86,"slug":87},321,"Agent Value","agent-value",{"id":89,"name":90,"slug":91},322,"Affordability","affordability",{"id":93,"name":94,"slug":95},323,"Buying Tips","buying-tips",{"id":97,"name":98,"slug":99},324,"Downsize","downsize",{"id":101,"name":102,"slug":103},325,"Economy","economy",{"id":105,"name":106,"slug":107},326,"Equity","equity",{"id":109,"name":110,"slug":111},327,"Forecasts","forecasts",{"id":113,"name":114,"slug":115},328,"Selling Tips","selling-tips",{"id":117,"name":118,"slug":119},339,"Expired\u002FWithdrawn\u002FCanceled","expiredwithdrawncanceled",{"id":121,"name":122,"slug":123},340,"Price It Right\u002FOverpricing","price-it-rightoverpricing",{"items":125,"totalCount":296,"hasMore":288},[126,148,165,181,196,210,226,243,265,279],{"id":127,"slug":128,"title":129,"description":130,"excerpt":131,"contentType":132,"featuredImage":133,"bannerImage":134,"body":135,"agentsBottomLine":136,"bodyImage":137,"isInfographic":138,"categories":139,"isVideo":138,"videoThumbnail":131,"videoSource":131,"publishedAt":146,"updatedAt":147},107868,"are-home-prices-going-to-fall","Are Home Prices Going To Fall?","\u003Cp>It’s one of the biggest hold ups some buyers have right now: “\u003Cem>What if I buy, and home prices go down?”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>","","blog","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260513\u002FHeader-Image-20230123-Blog-original.png","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260527\u002FSTM-Banner-20230123-Blog-original.jpg","\u003Cp>It’s one of the biggest hold ups some buyers have right now: “\u003Cem>What if I buy, and home prices go down?”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>With everything in the news, that concern makes some sense. No one wants to make a big financial decision at the \u003Cem>wrong \u003C\u002Fem>time. But here’s what’s important to know. You don’t want to get hung up on the few places seeing slight declines right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>When you zoom out and look at the full picture, \u003Cstrong>home prices usually rise over time.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>What the Data Really Shows\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Take a look at the visual below. It uses \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.spglobal.com\u002Fspdji\u002Fen\u002Findex-family\u002Findicators\u002Fsp-cotality-case-shiller\u002Fsp-cotality-case-shiller-composite\u002F#news-research\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">data\u003C\u002Fa> from\u003Cem> Case-Shiller \u003C\u002Fem>and \u003Cem>Bilello \u003C\u002Fem>to show how \u003Ca href=\"\u002F2026\u002F04\u002F01\u002Fdont-let-home-prices-headlines-fool-you\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">home prices\u003C\u002Fa> have changed year by year going all the way back to the 1950s.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Here’s the key takeaway.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Outside of the housing crash, home prices have either held steady or increased in just about every year for decades\u003C\u002Fstrong> (\u003Cem>see visual below\u003C\u002Fem>)\u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>:\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260513\u002F20260518-Home-Prices-original.png\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260513\u002F20260518-Home-Prices-original.png\" alt=\"a chart of percentages and numbers\">\u003C\u002Fa>That’s a remarkably consistent track record. And it shows something a lot of headlines miss.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>While short-term shifts can happen, it’s the long-term gains that really matter.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Why Prices Tend To Rise Over Time\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>There are a few core reasons prices usually go up each year:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul>\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>There are always people who need to move.\u003C\u002Fstrong> People need a place to live, and that demand will never fully go away. It may ebb and flow, but someone will always have to move as big changes happen in their life. So, homes \u003Cem>stay \u003C\u002Fem>in demand.\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>There still aren't enough homes for sale.\u003C\u002Fstrong> While the number of homes for sale has grown, nationally there’s still an undersupply based on how many people want a home. That keeps upward pressure on prices.\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Inflation has an impact.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Over time, the cost of goods (including homes) naturally increases. That pushes home values higher.\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>What That Means for You as a Buyer\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>It’s easy to get caught up in what might happen with home prices next month or next year, especially if you’re a \u003Ca href=\"\u002F2026\u002F04\u002F20\u002Fthe-10-best-markets-for-first-time-buyers-this-spring\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">first-time buyer\u003C\u002Fa> and you’re feeling a little anxious about making such a big financial commitment. But the big picture is clear. Prices usually rise.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>That doesn’t mean prices will go up \u003Cem>every \u003C\u002Fem>single year in every market. Real estate is local, and there can be short-term ups and downs. We’re seeing that in \u003Ca href=\"\u002F2026\u002F04\u002F23\u002F3-things-that-are-not-going-to-happen-in-todays-housing-market\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">some places\u003C\u002Fa> right now. You can even see it in the few annual dips in the visual above.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>But historically, \u003Cstrong>the declines have been temporary.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>That’s why it’s generally recommended to buy a home only if you plan to stay for a while – typically \u003Cstrong>at least five years\u003C\u002Fstrong>. That’s normally enough time to see your house grow in value. And, it’s enough so you can ride out any short-term changes in the market.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Because when you can do that, something powerful happens. Those rising home values grow your \u003Ca href=\"\u002F2026\u002F04\u002F16\u002Frent-or-buy-the-real-tradeoff-most-people-dont-talk-about\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">net worth\u003C\u002Fa>, and by extension, help you build wealth.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>The right decision isn’t about timing the market perfectly. It’s about making a move that works for your life and staying in it long enough to benefit from the bigger trend.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Home prices have a long track record of going up over time. And that’s why buying a home is generally considered a safe long-term investment.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>That certainly doesn’t mean you have to buy now. You should only move when it makes sense, and you plan to live there for a while.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>But if you’re interested, let this reassure you. If you want to talk through what home prices are doing in our market, your goals, or your timelines, let’s have a quick conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260513\u002F20260518-Home-Prices-original.png",false,[140,141,142,143,144,145],{"id":9,"name":10,"slug":11},{"id":25,"name":26,"slug":27},{"id":29,"name":30,"slug":31},{"id":49,"name":50,"slug":51},{"id":61,"name":62,"slug":63},{"id":105,"name":106,"slug":107},"2026-05-18T10:30:00Z","2026-05-18T10:30:12Z",{"id":149,"slug":150,"title":151,"description":152,"excerpt":131,"contentType":132,"featuredImage":153,"bannerImage":154,"body":155,"agentsBottomLine":156,"bodyImage":157,"isInfographic":138,"categories":158,"isVideo":138,"videoThumbnail":131,"videoSource":131,"publishedAt":163,"updatedAt":164},106535,"rent-or-buy-the-real-tradeoff-most-people-dont-talk-about","Rent or Buy? The Real Tradeoff Most People Don’t Talk About","\u003Cp>You’ve probably asked yourself lately: \u003Cem>Is it even worth trying to buy a home right now?\u003C\u002Fem> It’s a question a lot of people are asking.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260414\u002FHeader-Image-Spring-2021-Buyer-Guide-9--original.png","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260429\u002FSTM-Banner-Spring-2021-Buyer-Guide-9--original.jpg","\u003Cp>You’ve probably asked yourself lately: \u003Cem>Is it even worth trying to buy a home right now?\u003C\u002Fem> It’s a question a lot of people are asking.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>With today’s home prices and mortgage rates, \u003Ca href=\"\u002F2026\u002F02\u002F25\u002Frenting-vs-buying-the-numbers-might-surprise-you\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">renting\u003C\u002Fa> can feel like the easier path. In some cases, it might even seem like the only realistic option right now. And if that’s where you are, there’s nothing wrong with that.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>But if you’re weighing the decision, there’s one part of the conversation that doesn’t get talked about enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>It’s what \u003Ca href=\"\u002F2026\u002F04\u002F09\u002Fwhen-buying-a-home-feels-out-of-reach-some-families-do-this-instead\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">each choice\u003C\u002Fa> does for your future.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>What Renting Really Gets You (And What It Doesn’t)\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Depending on your situation, renting does have some advantages:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul>\u003Cli>Lower upfront costs.\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Less responsibility.\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>More flexibility to move when you want.\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cp>But even with those benefits, a \u003Cem>Bank of America\u003C\u002Fem> survey found \u003Cstrong>70% of aspiring homeowners worry about what long-term renting means for their future.\u003C\u002Fstrong> And that concern comes down to one thing: you’re not building anything for your future. As \u003Cem>Yahoo Finance \u003C\u002Fem>explains:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cem>“Paying rent doesn't build equity. You get a place to live, but no ownership stake, no price appreciation, and no asset to leverage for future borrowing or investment\u003C\u002Fem>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>.”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\u003Cp>So, while renting may feel easier, the flexibility you get comes at a cost.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>How Homeownership Builds Your Wealth Over Time\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>On the other hand, owning a home is one of the most consistent ways people build wealth over time. Why? When you’re a homeowner, you gain something called \u003Cstrong>equity\u003C\u002Fstrong>. That’s the difference between what your home is worth and what you owe.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>That equity grows with every monthly payment you make. It also gets a boost as home values go up through the years – and it adds up quicker than you may think.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Today, the \u003Cem>National Association of Realtors\u003C\u002Fem> (NAR) says the\u003C\u002Fstrong> \u003Cstrong>average homeowner’s net worth is\u003Cem> \u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nar.realtor\u002Fnewsroom\u002Fin-the-news\u002Fhomeowners-are-43-times-wealthier-than-renters-realtor-com\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">\u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>43X greater\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cstrong> than that of a renter:\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260414\u002F20260416-Homeowner-Net-Worth-original.png\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260414\u002F20260416-Homeowner-Net-Worth-original.png\" alt=\"a graph of a number of people\">\u003C\u002Fa>The dollars in \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nar.realtor\u002Fnewsroom\u002Fin-the-news\u002Fhomeowners-are-43-times-wealthier-than-renters-realtor-com\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">the visual\u003C\u002Fa> don’t lie. On average, here’s how net worth compares:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul>\u003Cli>Homeowners: $430k\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Renters: $10k\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cp>And it’s not because homeowners make wildly different decisions day to day. \u003Cstrong>It’s because over time, one path builds something, and the other doesn’t.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>So sure, buying comes with some upfront costs and more responsibility. But it’s basically a savings account you can live in.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>The Gap Is Growing Over Time\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>And here’s something else interesting. \u003Cstrong>That net worth gap between renters and homeowners has been widening over time, not shrinking.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>If you look back at the reports on net worth through the years, you can see the gap is growing as homeowners gain wealth and renters stay stuck in the rental trap (\u003Cem>see graph below\u003C\u002Fem>):\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260414\u002F20260416-The-Gap-Between-original.png\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260414\u002F20260416-The-Gap-Between-original.png\" alt=\"a graph of green and blue bars\">\u003C\u002Fa>Even in 2025, when home prices were moderating, homeowners still gained even more ground. And that tells you something important:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>When you can afford it \u003Cem>and \u003C\u002Fem>you’re ready for the responsibility, history shows buying is usually worth it in the long run. Because either way, you’re paying for someone’s mortgage and building someone’s net worth.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>When you rent, it’s your landlord’s mortgage – \u003Cem>not yours\u003C\u002Fem>. But when you buy? Your monthly payments help build equity.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>The question is: \u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>whose do you want to pay? Yours or theirs?\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>So, Should You Buy a Home Now?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>The short answer is, it depends on your situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>While the long-term benefits of buying are clear, that doesn’t mean the timing is right for everyone right now. And that’s okay. You should only buy a home once you’re ready and the numbers work for you.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>But whether you’re looking to buy now or planning for the future, the first step is the same. You should have a quick conversation with a local real estate agent about your goals, timeline, and budget.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>They can help you run the numbers and see what’s realistic. You may find buying is closer than you thought. And if not, you’ll at least know exactly what it will take to get there.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Because the sooner you have \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Ca href=\"\u002F2025\u002F12\u002F31\u002Fnot-sure-if-youre-ready-to-buy-a-home-ask-yourself-these-5-questions\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">\u003Cstrong>a plan\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cstrong>, the sooner you can decide when it makes sense, instead of wondering if it ever will.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>","\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Renting may feel more do-able today. But over time,\u003C\u002Fstrong> \u003Cstrong>it could cost you\u003C\u002Fstrong>.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>If you want to ditch renting and start building something for your future, it starts with a simple conversation. Let’s connect, talk about your specific goals, and explore your options – so you’re ready when the time is right for you.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260414\u002F20260416-Homeowner-Net-Worth-original.png",[159,160,161,162],{"id":9,"name":10,"slug":11},{"id":29,"name":30,"slug":31},{"id":61,"name":62,"slug":63},{"id":105,"name":106,"slug":107},"2026-04-16T10:30:00Z","2026-04-16T10:30:18Z",{"id":166,"slug":167,"title":168,"description":169,"excerpt":131,"contentType":132,"featuredImage":170,"bannerImage":131,"body":171,"agentsBottomLine":172,"bodyImage":173,"isInfographic":138,"categories":174,"isVideo":138,"videoThumbnail":131,"videoSource":131,"publishedAt":179,"updatedAt":180},103534,"renting-vs-buying-the-numbers-might-surprise-you","Renting vs. Buying: The Numbers Might Surprise You","\u003Cp>Renting can feel like the easier choice right now.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260212\u002F20260218-Blog-Header-Image-original.png","\u003Cp>Renting can feel like the easier choice right now. There’s no big down payment. No dealing with surprise repairs. And no long-term commitment.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>But then your rent goes up again. And again. And suddenly the thing that seemed flexible starts looking… \u003Ca href=\"\u002F2025\u002F11\u002F26\u002Fwhy-buying-a-home-still-pays-off-in-the-long-run\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">expensive\u003C\u002Fa>, especially considering you’re not building any equity. And once that happens, it’s easy to feel a little trapped in the cycle.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>That’s because there’s so much chatter today about how buying a home isn’t affordable. But the truth is, the math may work out better than you'd expect based on what’s changed recently.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Buying Is More Affordable Than Renting in Many Areas \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>In a lot of places today, owning a home actually costs less each month than renting a 3-bedroom home. And recent \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.attomdata.com\u002Fnews\u002Fmarket-trends\u002Fhome-sales-prices\u002F2026-rental-affordability-report\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">data\u003C\u002Fa> from \u003Cem>ATTOM\u003C\u002Fem> shows \u003Cstrong>that’s true in nearly 58% of counties across the U.S. \u003C\u002Fstrong>(\u003Cem>see chart below\u003C\u002Fem>).\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>And that's \u003Cem>after \u003C\u002Fem>you factor in things like insurance and typical maintenance costs. \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260212\u002F20260218-Owning-a-Home-is-More-Affordable-original.png\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260212\u002F20260218-Owning-a-Home-is-More-Affordable-original.png\" alt=\"a blue and grey circle with white text\">\u003C\u002Fa>In other words, even though it may feel like a bit of a shock, the numbers show rent often stretches monthly budgets \u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>more \u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>than owning does\u003Cem>. \u003C\u002Fem>That’s thanks to slower \u003Ca href=\"\u002F2025\u002F10\u002F08\u002Fwhy-home-prices-arent-actually-flat\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">home price\u003C\u002Fa> growth, more \u003Ca href=\"\u002F2026\u002F02\u002F11\u002Finventory-is-making-a-comeback-in-2026\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">homes for sale\u003C\u002Fa>, and monthly \u003Ca href=\"\u002F2026\u002F02\u002F04\u002Fits-getting-more-affordable-to-buy-a-home\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">mortgage payments\u003C\u002Fa> starting to ease as rates come down.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Affordability Still Varies by Region\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Now, even though nationally the balance has shifted, that doesn’t mean buying is more affordable in \u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>every \u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>market or for \u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>every \u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>renter.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>While buying is more affordable than renting in nearly 58% of counties nationwide, that share looks different depending on your \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.attomdata.com\u002Fnews\u002Fmarket-trends\u002Fhome-sales-prices\u002F2026-rental-affordability-report\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">region\u003C\u002Fa> (\u003Cem>see graph below\u003C\u002Fem>):\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260212\u002F20260218-Affordability-Is-Returning-to-the-Market-original.png\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260212\u002F20260218-Affordability-Is-Returning-to-the-Market-original.png\" alt=\"a graph of a market\">\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>The biggest improvement is happening in the Midwest and South. But if you’re living in the West, things could still feel tight.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>The takeaway? \u003Cstrong>How affordable buying is really depends on where you live.\u003C\u002Fstrong> And the only way to know how this plays out where you live is to look at the numbers locally.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>So, What’s Still Holding Buyers Back? \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Maybe you’re nodding along so far but thinking, \u003Cem>“Okay, but I still can’t afford the upfront costs.”\u003C\u002Fem> If that’s your reaction, you’re not the only one.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>For many renters, the biggest hurdle isn’t the monthly payment alone. It’s the down payment, too.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>But you’re not out of options. Here’s the part most people don’t hear enough about: \u003Cstrong>there are thousands of down payment assistance programs available across the country,\u003C\u002Fstrong> and many buyers qualify without realizing it.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>And the average benefit? \u003Cstrong>Roughly \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fdownpaymentresource.com\u002Fprofessional-resource\u002Fdown-payment-assistance-holds-near-record-levels-in-q4-2025-as-program-flexibility-expands\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">\u003Cstrong>$18,000\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cstrong>.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>That kind of support can help cover part of your down payment or \u003Ca href=\"\u002F2025\u002F09\u002F29\u002Fclosing-costs-unpacked-state-by-state-breakdowns-for-todays-buyers\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">closing costs\u003C\u002Fa>, which means you may not need to save nearly as much as you think to get started.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>When you combine that with monthly payments that may work better than expected, especially as rates continue to ease and prices cool, buying may feel far more realistic than it looks at first glance.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>The point isn’t that everyone should rush out and buy a home tomorrow.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>It’s that renting isn’t always the more affordable option people assume it is – and buying may be more realistic than it feels once you look at the full picture.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>If you’re renting and feeling stuck in the “someday” loop, it might be worth a simple conversation. Just a chance to see what’s possible and whether it makes sense for you.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260212\u002F20260218-Owning-a-Home-is-More-Affordable-original.png",[175,176,177,178],{"id":9,"name":10,"slug":11},{"id":29,"name":30,"slug":31},{"id":61,"name":62,"slug":63},{"id":89,"name":90,"slug":91},"2026-02-25T11:30:00Z","2026-02-25T11:30:34Z",{"id":182,"slug":183,"title":184,"description":185,"excerpt":131,"contentType":132,"featuredImage":186,"bannerImage":131,"body":187,"agentsBottomLine":188,"bodyImage":189,"isInfographic":138,"categories":190,"isVideo":138,"videoThumbnail":131,"videoSource":131,"publishedAt":194,"updatedAt":195},101021,"the-credit-score-myth-thats-holding-would-be-buyers-back","The Credit Score Myth That’s Holding Would-Be Buyers Back","\u003Cp>Would-be homebuyers aren’t sitting on the sidelines because they don’t \u003Cem>want\u003C\u002Fem> to buy. They’re sitting out because they think they \u003Cem>can’t\u003C\u002Fem>.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260108\u002F20260112-Blog-Header-Image-original.png","\u003Cp>Would-be homebuyers aren’t sitting on the sidelines because they don’t \u003Cem>want\u003C\u002Fem> to buy. They’re sitting out because they think they \u003Cem>can’t\u003C\u002Fem>. And sometimes, it’s their credit score that’s holding them back.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>According to a \u003Cem>Bankrate\u003C\u002Fem> \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bankrate.com\u002Fmortgages\u002Fhome-affordability-report\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">survey\u003C\u002Fa>, \u003Cstrong>2 out of every 5 (42%) Americans believe you need excellent credit to qualify for a mortgage\u003C\u002Fstrong>. That may be why, when renters are asked why they don’t own yet, “\u003Cem>my credit isn’t good enough\u003C\u002Fem>” comes up often.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Maybe you’re in the same boat. You look at your score, see it’s not where you want it to be, and assume buying your first place just isn’t realistic right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>But here’s what you need to know.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Even though a lot of people assume you need flawless credit to buy a house, that’s not necessarily the case.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>You Don’t Need Perfect Credit To Buy a Home\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>So, where’s this myth come from? Part of the confusion stems from the fact that the \u003Cem>typical\u003C\u002Fem> homebuyer today does have a fairly strong credit score. In fact, according to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.newyorkfed.org\u002Fmedialibrary\u002Finteractives\u002Fhouseholdcredit\u002Fdata\u002Fpdf\u002FHHDC_2025Q3\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">data\u003C\u002Fa> from the \u003Cem>NY Fed,\u003C\u002Fem> the median credit score for all buyers is 775.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>But that doesn’t mean you need a score that high to qualify.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Looking at recent homebuyers, a number were able to get a mortgage with scores below that threshold. Data shows \u003Cstrong>10% of scores were around 660. \u003C\u002Fstrong>Which means some were higher than that and some were lower, but the median in that lowest 10th percentile was around that range (\u003Cem>see graph below\u003C\u002Fem>):\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260108\u002F20260112-You-Don-t-Need-Perfect-Credit-To-Buy-a-Home-original.png\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260108\u002F20260112-You-Don-t-Need-Perfect-Credit-To-Buy-a-Home-original.png\" alt=\"a graph showing a line graph\">\u003C\u002Fa>So, even if your score isn’t as high as you want, that doesn’t automatically close the door. \u003Cem>FICO \u003C\u002Fem>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.myfico.com\u002Fcredit-education\u002Fcredit-scores\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">explains\u003C\u002Fa> there is no universal credit score you absolutely have to have when buying a home:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cem>“While many lenders use credit scores like FICO Scores to help them make lending decisions, each lender has its own strategy, including the level of risk it finds acceptable. \u003C\u002Fem>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>There is no single ‘cutoff score’ used by all lenders, and there are many additional factors that lenders may use . . .\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Cem>”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\u003Cp>The best thing to do is to talk to a trusted lender to see what’s possible for you. Because a portion of buyers are buying with scores in the 600s – and maybe that means you can too.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Your credit score is important. But that doesn’t mean it has to be perfect.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>If credit has been the reason you’ve been waiting to buy a home, it might be time to take another look at your options. If you want help understanding where you stand and what your next step could be, connect with a local lender.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>You don’t need to have everything figured out to start the conversation.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20260108\u002F20260112-You-Don-t-Need-Perfect-Credit-To-Buy-a-Home-original.png",[191,192,193],{"id":9,"name":10,"slug":11},{"id":29,"name":30,"slug":31},{"id":61,"name":62,"slug":63},"2026-01-12T11:30:00Z","2026-01-12T11:30:36Z",{"id":197,"slug":198,"title":199,"description":200,"excerpt":131,"contentType":132,"featuredImage":201,"bannerImage":131,"body":202,"agentsBottomLine":203,"bodyImage":131,"isInfographic":138,"categories":204,"isVideo":138,"videoThumbnail":131,"videoSource":131,"publishedAt":208,"updatedAt":209},99790,"turning-a-house-into-a-home-the-benefits-you-can-actually-feel-1","Turning a House Into a Home: The Benefits You Can Actually Feel","\u003Cp>There’s a lot of conversation about home prices, mortgage rates, and affordability right now – and those things are important.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20251211\u002F20251224-Blog-Header-Image-original.png","\u003Cp>There’s a lot of \u003Ca href=\"\u002F2025\u002F12\u002F03\u002Fthe-3-housing-market-questions-coming-up-at-every-gathering-this-season\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">conversation\u003C\u002Fa> about home prices, mortgage rates, and \u003Ca href=\"\u002F2025\u002F11\u002F13\u002Fwould-you-let-80-a-month-hold-you-back-from-buying-a-home\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">affordability\u003C\u002Fa> right now – and those things are important. But if you’re thinking about buying a home, it’s worth remembering something the headlines rarely talk about: people don’t buy homes \u003Cem>just\u003C\u002Fem> for financial reasons. They buy them for their lives.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Because while homeownership can absolutely be a smart long-term financial move, it also comes with some emotional benefits spreadsheets just can’t capture. Maybe that’s why a 2025 survey from \u003Cem>Fannie Mae\u003C\u002Fem> \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.fanniemae.com\u002Fresearch-and-insights\u002Fpublications\u002Fhousing-insights\u002Fincreasing-importance-consumers-place-homes\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">notes\u003C\u002Fa>:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>“Consumers were twice as likely to mention lifestyle benefits (67%)—like security, customization, and outdoor space—than financial benefits (34%) when explaining why their homes have become more important in recent years.”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\u003Cp>Here are a few reminders of what owning a home gives you that \u003Ca href=\"\u002F2025\u002F11\u002F26\u002Fwhy-buying-a-home-still-pays-off-in-the-long-run\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">renting\u003C\u002Fa> never will.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>1. A Milestone You Get To Be Proud Of\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Buying a home is a big deal. First home, fifth home – it doesn’t matter. It’s a moment you’ll remember. And when you finally get those keys and walk through the door, that feeling of “I did this” hits different. It’s not just a purchase. It’s an accomplishment.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>2. A Place That Feels Like Your Reset Button\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Life is busy. Having a place that’s truly yours where you can shut the door, take a breath, and settle into your own routine is something renters rarely talk about until they finally experience it. Home becomes the place you go to recharge, not just the place your mail is delivered.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>3. Space That Fits the Way You Actually Live\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Need a quiet corner for work calls? A backyard big enough for the dog that thinks it’s a person? A shorter drive to see the people who are most important to you? When you own, you get to choose a space that fits your life now \u003Cem>and\u003C\u002Fem> where it’s heading – and it just feels right.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>4. Freedom To Make It 100% Yours\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Want to paint the kitchen navy? Go for it. Thinking about a wall of floating shelves or a bold wallpaper moment? Do it. Need space for a home gym or a reading nook? Make it happen. Homeownership gives you the freedom to shape your space instead of asking for permission to change it.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Buying a home isn’t only about dollars and data points – it’s about building a life you love.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>So, if you’re thinking about a move in 2026, keep the emotional side in the conversation too. And when you’re ready to explore your options, let's connect so you have a pro on your side to guide you through the process with clarity and confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>",[205,206,207],{"id":9,"name":10,"slug":11},{"id":29,"name":30,"slug":31},{"id":61,"name":62,"slug":63},"2025-12-25T11:30:00Z","2025-12-25T11:30:43Z",{"id":211,"slug":212,"title":213,"description":214,"excerpt":131,"contentType":132,"featuredImage":215,"bannerImage":131,"body":216,"agentsBottomLine":217,"bodyImage":218,"isInfographic":138,"categories":219,"isVideo":138,"videoThumbnail":131,"videoSource":131,"publishedAt":224,"updatedAt":225},98820,"why-buying-a-home-still-pays-off-in-the-long-run","Why Buying a Home Still Pays Off in the Long Run","\u003Cp>Renting can feel much less expensive and much simpler than buying a home, especially right now.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20251124\u002F20251126-Blog-Header-Image-original.png","\u003Cp>Renting can feel much less expensive and much simpler than \u003Ca href=\"\u002F2025\u002F10\u002F16\u002Fthe-280-shift-in-affordability-every-homebuyer-should-know\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">buying a home\u003C\u002Fa>, especially right now. No repairs, no property taxes, no worrying about mortgage rates – you just pay the bill and move on with your life.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>But here’s the part people don’t talk about enough: \u003Cstrong>renting doesn’t help you build your financial future.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Meanwhile, homeowners grow their net worth just by owning a home.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>So, if you’ve been wondering whether buying is still worth it, the long-term math is clearer than you might think.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Renting vs. Owning: How the Costs Really Compare\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Let’s break down one of the key differences between renting and buying. When you rent, your payment goes to your landlord, and then it’s gone. When you own, part of your payment comes back to you in the form of equity (the wealth you build as the value of your home increases, and you pay down your home loan).\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>So, while renting may seem more affordable now, you have to remember it comes at a long-term cost: \u003Cstrong>you’re not building your wealth\u003C\u002Fstrong>. And it turns out, that’s a bigger miss than you may expect.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cem>First American\u003C\u002Fem> recently \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog.firstam.com\u002Feconomics\u002Fhomeownership-remains-a-wealth-generating-engine\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">analyzed\u003C\u002Fa> the long-term financial impact of renting versus owning a home. They compared mortgage payments, property tax, insurance, repairs, and maintenance against the equity gained through home price appreciation and paying down the mortgage. And they did that during several different time frames to see if it tells a consistent story:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul>\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>2006:\u003C\u002Fstrong> the start of the housing bubble\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>2015:\u003C\u002Fstrong> 10 years ago\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>2019:\u003C\u002Fstrong> just before the pandemic (the last normal years in the market)\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>2022:\u003C\u002Fstrong> when mortgage rates jumped\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cp>In each time frame, two things were true: renters ended up losing money over time. And homeowners gained it.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Here’s some data so you can see this play out. Each color represents one of the key time frames. The solid lines show the buyer’s investment over time and how their net worth actually grew the longer they lived in their home. The dashed line represents the renter’s investment. In the end, they sank more and more cash into renting without gaining any financial benefit.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20251124\u002F20251126-Homeowners-Gain-Wealth-Over-Time-original.png\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20251124\u002F20251126-Homeowners-Gain-Wealth-Over-Time-original.png\" alt=\"a graph of a graph showing the impact of owning vs renters loss\">\u003C\u002Fa>The takeaway is simple: \u003Cstrong>time in a home builds wealth. Time renting doesn’t.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Basically, homeowners come out ahead. And the analysis shows that’s even after you factor in the other expenses that come with homeownership, like insurance, repairs, and property taxes. And that's the case for every time frame \u003Cem>First American\u003C\u002Fem> looked into.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>On the flip side, renters spent money on their rent, but didn’t gain any long-term financial benefit. That’s true no matter what window of time you look at in the study.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Now, that doesn’t mean buying always beats renting in the short term. But the longer you own, the wider the wealth gap becomes.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Affordability Is Starting To Improve\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>You might still be thinking, \u003Cem>“Okay, but buying feels out of reach for me right now.” \u003C\u002Fem>Fair.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>The past few years haven’t been easy for buyers. But things are starting to shift. Mortgage rates have come down this year, home prices are softening, and incomes have been rising. And according to \u003Cem>Zillow\u003C\u002Fem>, typical monthly payments have gotten a little easier compared to this time last year. Not by a lot, but enough to make a difference.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>No, buying isn’t suddenly easy. But it is \u003Cem>easier\u003C\u002Fem> than it was just a few months ago. And in the long run, history shows it’s worth it. \u003C\u002Fp>","\u003Cp>Renting may feel less expensive today, but owning is what builds real wealth over time. And with affordability starting to improve, the path to homeownership may be opening up more than you think.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>If you’re curious what buying could look like for you, let’s connect. We can figure out your next move, pressure-free.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20251124\u002F20251126-Homeowners-Gain-Wealth-Over-Time-original.png",[220,221,222,223],{"id":9,"name":10,"slug":11},{"id":29,"name":30,"slug":31},{"id":61,"name":62,"slug":63},{"id":89,"name":90,"slug":91},"2025-11-26T11:30:00Z","2025-11-26T11:30:23Z",{"id":227,"slug":228,"title":229,"description":230,"excerpt":131,"contentType":132,"featuredImage":231,"bannerImage":131,"body":232,"agentsBottomLine":233,"bodyImage":234,"isInfographic":138,"categories":235,"isVideo":138,"videoThumbnail":131,"videoSource":131,"publishedAt":241,"updatedAt":242},92334,"the-truth-about-down-payments-its-not-what-you-think","The Truth About Down Payments (It’s Not What You Think)","\u003Cp>Buying a home is exciting… until you start thinking about the down payment. That’s when the worry can set in.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20250730\u002F20250804-Blog-Header-Image-original.png","\u003Cp>Buying a home is exciting… until you start thinking about the down payment. That’s when the worry can set in.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cem>“I’ll never save enough.”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cem>“I need a small fortune just to get started.”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cem>“I guess I’ll just rent forever.”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Sound familiar? You’re not alone. And you’re definitely not out of luck.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Here’s the thing: \u003Cstrong>a lot of what you’ve heard about down payments just isn’t true.\u003C\u002Fstrong> And once you know the facts, you might realize you’re a lot closer to owning a home than you think.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Let’s break it all down and bust some big down payment myths while we’re at it.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Myth 1: “I need to come up with a big down payment.”\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>This one stops a lot of people in their tracks. A recent \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.neighborworks.org\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002F2025-06\u002F2505083_crosstabs_AUTO_NWA_2505083_US_Omnibus_Adults.pdf\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">poll\u003C\u002Fa> from \u003Cem>Morning Consult\u003C\u002Fem> and \u003Cem>NeighborWorks\u003C\u002Fem> shows \u003Cstrong>70% of Americans think they need to put at least 10% down to buy a home\u003C\u002Fstrong>. And 11% aren’t sure what’s required at all (\u003Cem>see graph below\u003C\u002Fem>): \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20250730\u002F20250804-70--of-Americans-Think-They-Need-To-Put-at-Least-10--Down-To-Buy-a-Home-original.png\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20250730\u002F20250804-70--of-Americans-Think-They-Need-To-Put-at-Least-10--Down-To-Buy-a-Home-original.png\" alt=\"a graph of a number of blue and yellow squares\">\u003C\u002Fa>The truth? \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nar.realtor\u002Fblogs\u002Feconomists-outlook\u002Ftackling-home-financing-and-down-payment-misconceptions\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">According\u003C\u002Fa> to the \u003Cem>National Association of Realtors\u003C\u002Fem> (NAR), \u003Cstrong>the typical down payment for first-time buyers has been between 6% and 9% since 2018.\u003C\u002Fstrong> But there’s more to the story. If you qualify for an FHA loan, \u003Cstrong>you may only need to put \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hud.gov\u002Fhelping-americans\u002Floans\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">\u003Cstrong>3.5%\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cstrong> down. \u003C\u002Fstrong>And\u003Cstrong> \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.benefits.va.gov\u002Fhomeloans\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">VA loans\u003C\u002Fa> \u003Cstrong>typically don’t require a down payment at all.\u003C\u002Fstrong> So, there are options out there that can really make a difference for some buyers.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Myth 2: “It’ll take forever to save up for a down payment.”\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Sure, saving can take time. \u003Cstrong>But it may not have to be as long as you think.\u003C\u002Fstrong> In many states, reaching your goal can happen faster than you might expect, especially when you know your budget and have a clear savings plan.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>According to a new study, the amount of time varies depending on where you live. The map below shows, on average, how many years it takes to save up for a 10% down payment based on typical home values and income levels in each state (\u003Cem>see map below\u003C\u002Fem>):\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20250730\u002F20250804-Saving-for-a-Home-May-Not-Take-as-Long-as-You-Think-original.png\">But remember, in most cases you won’t even need a down payment as large as 10%.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Plus, no matter how much money you end up putting down, it won’t all have to come out of your pocket. Here’s why.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Myth 3: “I have to do it all on my own.”\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>This is one of the biggest myths of all. The reality is, \u003Cstrong>there are thousands of \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fdownpaymentresource.com\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">\u003Cstrong>down payment assistance\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cstrong> programs out there, and the same poll from \u003Cem>Morning Consult\u003C\u002Fem> and \u003Cem>NeighborWorks\u003C\u002Fem> shows \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.neighborworks.org\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002F2025-06\u002F2505083_crosstabs_AUTO_NWA_2505083_US_Omnibus_Adults.pdf\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">\u003Cstrong>39%\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cstrong> of people \u003Cem>don’t even know\u003C\u002Fem> \u003Cem>about them\u003C\u002Fem>.\u003C\u002Fstrong> That means a lot of potential homebuyers could already be closer to homeownership – they just don’t realize it. \u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>These assistance programs are designed to help people like you who are ready to own a home but just need a little support getting started. As Miki Adams, President at \u003Cem>CBC Mortgage Agency\u003C\u002Fem>, explains:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cem>“With high interest rates and soaring home prices, \u003C\u002Fem>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>down payment assistance is more essential than ever.\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Cem>”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fblockquote>","\u003Cp>If you’ve been putting off buying a home because the down payment feels like too much to tackle, let’s talk. You may not need as much as you think, and there are plenty of resources out there, so you don’t have to do it alone. You just need an expert to point you in the right direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>If a down payment wasn’t holding you back, would you be ready to start your home search?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20250730\u002F20250804-70--of-Americans-Think-They-Need-To-Put-at-Least-10--Down-To-Buy-a-Home-original.png",[236,237,238,239,240],{"id":9,"name":10,"slug":11},{"id":29,"name":30,"slug":31},{"id":61,"name":62,"slug":63},{"id":89,"name":90,"slug":91},{"id":93,"name":94,"slug":95},"2025-08-04T10:30:00Z","2025-08-04T10:30:09Z",{"id":244,"slug":245,"title":246,"description":247,"excerpt":131,"contentType":132,"featuredImage":248,"bannerImage":131,"body":249,"agentsBottomLine":250,"bodyImage":251,"isInfographic":138,"categories":252,"isVideo":138,"videoThumbnail":131,"videoSource":131,"publishedAt":263,"updatedAt":264},91398,"why-a-newly-built-home-might-be-the-move-right-now","Why a Newly Built Home Might Be the Move Right Now","\u003Cp>Are you looking for better home prices, or even a lower mortgage rate? You might find both in one place: a newly built home. \u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20250715\u002F20250717-Blog-Header-Image-original.png","\u003Cp>Are you looking for better home prices, or even a lower mortgage rate? You might find both in one place: a newly built home. While many buyers are overlooking new construction, it could be your best opportunity in today’s market. Here’s why.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>There are more brand-new homes available right now than there were even just a few months ago. According to the most recent data from the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.census.gov\u002Fhousing\u002Fhvs\u002Fdata\u002Fhisttabs.html\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">\u003Cem>Census\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fa> and the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nar.realtor\u002Fresearch-and-statistics\u002Fhousing-statistics\u002Fexisting-home-sales\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">\u003Cem>National Association of Realtors\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fa> (NAR), roughly 1 in 5 homes for sale right now is new construction. So, if you’re not looking at newly built homes, you’re missing out on a big portion of what’s available.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>And with more new homes on the market, builders are motivated to sell their current inventory. As a result, many are taking steps to draw in buyers.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Builders Are Cutting Prices\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nahb.org\u002Fnews-and-economics\u002Fpress-releases\u002F2025\u002F06\u002Fsharp-drop-in-multifamily-production-brings-overall-housing-starts-down\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">According\u003C\u002Fa> to Buddy Hughes, Chairman of the \u003Cem>National Association of Home Builders\u003C\u002Fem> (NAHB):\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cem>“Almost 40% of home builders reduced sales prices in the last month . . .”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\u003Cp>That means builders are being realistic about today’s market and adjusting to what buyers can afford. It’s their way to keep their inventory moving.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>So, builders may be more willing to negotiate price than you’d expect – and that means your dollar may go further if you buy a newly built home. Lean on your agent to see what’s available and what incentives builders are offering in and around your area.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Builders Are Offering Lower Mortgage Rates\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Here’s something most people don’t know. \u003Cstrong>Right now, buyers of brand-new homes often get better mortgage rates than buyers of existing homes. \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>That’s because many builders are also offering rate buydowns to make their homes more attractive and keep sales moving. Basically, they’re willing to chip in to lower your rate, so you’re more likely to buy one of their homes.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.realtor.com\u002Fresearch\u002Fnew-construction-insights-2025q1\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Data\u003C\u002Fa> from \u003Cem>Realtor.com\u003C\u002Fem> shows, in 2023 and 2024, buyers of newly built homes got a mortgage rate around half a percent lower compared to those who bought existing homes (\u003Cem>see graph below\u003C\u002Fem>):\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20250715\u002F20250717-Buying-a-Newly-Built-Home-Could-Come-With-A-Lower-Mortgage-Rate-original.png\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20250715\u002F20250717-Buying-a-Newly-Built-Home-Could-Come-With-A-Lower-Mortgage-Rate-original.png\" alt=\"a graph of a graph showing a line graph\">\u003C\u002Fa>That kind of savings adds up and makes a big difference when you’re figuring out your monthly budget.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>So, if you haven’t found something you love yet, it’s time to add newly built homes to your search. You may find that what you’ve been looking for is already out there, it’s just in a new home community.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u003Cp>More choices, the potential to negotiate on the price, and maybe even better mortgage rates make these options a bright spot in today’s housing market.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>If you haven’t considered a newly built home yet, what’s holding you back?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Let’s talk about it and see if it’s worth checking out new builds in and around our area.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20250715\u002F20250717-Buying-a-Newly-Built-Home-Could-Come-With-A-Lower-Mortgage-Rate-original.png",[253,254,255,256,257,258,259,260,261,262],{"id":9,"name":10,"slug":11},{"id":25,"name":26,"slug":27},{"id":29,"name":30,"slug":31},{"id":37,"name":38,"slug":39},{"id":41,"name":42,"slug":43},{"id":53,"name":54,"slug":55},{"id":61,"name":62,"slug":63},{"id":81,"name":82,"slug":83},{"id":89,"name":90,"slug":91},{"id":93,"name":94,"slug":95},"2025-07-17T10:30:00Z","2025-07-17T10:30:08Z",{"id":266,"slug":267,"title":268,"description":269,"excerpt":131,"contentType":132,"featuredImage":270,"bannerImage":131,"body":271,"agentsBottomLine":272,"bodyImage":131,"isInfographic":138,"categories":273,"isVideo":138,"videoThumbnail":131,"videoSource":131,"publishedAt":277,"updatedAt":278},88288,"why-homeownership-is-going-to-be-worth-it","Why Homeownership Is Going To Be Worth It","\u003Cp>Life can feel a bit unpredictable these days. What’s happening with inflation? The economy? The housing market? But in the middle of all that uncertainty, there’s one thing a lot of people still crave – a place to call their own.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20250605\u002F20250623-Blog-Header-Image-original.png","\u003Cp>Life can feel a bit unpredictable these days. What’s happening with inflation? The economy? The housing market? But in the middle of all that uncertainty, there’s one thing a lot of people still crave – a place to call their own.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Because when everything else feels up in the air, home can be the thing that grounds you. \u003C\u002Fstrong>As the experts at \u003Cem>1000WATT\u003C\u002Fem> put it:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cem>“Homeownership isn’t primarily financial anymore. . . Across all demographics, emotional and lifestyle factors consistently outrank wealth-building as motivators.”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\u003Cp>Here’s what \u003Ca href=\"\u002F2025\u002F05\u002F29\u002Fis-it-better-to-rent-or-buy-a-home\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">owning a home\u003C\u002Fa> can mean for you, especially right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Freedom To Make It Yours\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>When you're a homeowner, you don’t need to ask permission to paint a wall, hang a gallery of your favorite art, or redo the floors. You have the freedom to create a space that reflects who you are, all the way from the light fixtures to the paint colors.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Pro Tip:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Just be mindful about exterior changes, if you buy a home in a community that has a \u003Ca href=\"\u002F2025\u002F05\u002F20\u002Fwhat-buyers-need-to-know-about-homeowners-association-fees\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">homeowner’s association\u003C\u002Fa> (HOA). There may be some approvals you’d need to get for select outdoor changes.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>More Privacy, More Peace\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Owning your home can give you a sense of peace you didn’t even realize you were missing. It’s a comfortable place where you feel secure and can relax, enjoy your privacy, and unwind after a long day.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Room To Grow \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>Whether it’s starting a family, setting up a home office for your new career, or finally building that home gym in the garage so you can hit your fitness goals, owning gives you the space to live life on your terms.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>A Stronger Sense of Community\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>When you own, you’re not just passing through, you’re putting down roots. That often leads to stronger ties with your community, more connection to your neighborhood, and a deeper feeling of belonging where you live. That’s very different from the temporary nature of renting.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>A Feeling of Accomplishment\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\u003Cp>There’s something powerful about getting the keys and walking into your own front door for the first time. It’s more than pride, it’s personal satisfaction. A quiet and meaningful sense of “I did this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Sure, it’s not always easy for first-time homebuyers right now. The market today requires patience, \u003Ca href=\"\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F12\u002Fbreaking-into-the-market-smart-moves-for-first-time-buyers\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">strategy\u003C\u002Fa>, and sometimes a little creative problem-solving. But it’s still worth it. As \u003Cem>Realtor.com\u003C\u002Fem> \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.instagram.com\u002Fp\u002FDJo9BcJICQJ\u002F?igsh=MWdmZmVyaXBodWozMw%3D%3D\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">says\u003C\u002Fa>:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cem>“Buying a home is a major commitment, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\u003Cp>When you get those keys in your hand, when you realize this place is where your life gets to unfold, it clicks. The stress, the waiting, the planning – all of it led you home.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u003Cp>There are a lot of things out of your control right now. But building a life in a space that’s truly yours? That’s still possible with the right strategy and expert help. Let’s talk about how to make it happen.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>What would it mean for you to finally have a place to call your own?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>",[274,275,276],{"id":9,"name":10,"slug":11},{"id":29,"name":30,"slug":31},{"id":61,"name":62,"slug":63},"2025-06-23T10:30:00Z","2025-06-23T10:30:21Z",{"id":280,"slug":281,"title":282,"description":283,"excerpt":131,"contentType":132,"featuredImage":284,"bannerImage":131,"body":285,"agentsBottomLine":286,"bodyImage":287,"isInfographic":288,"categories":289,"isVideo":138,"videoThumbnail":131,"videoSource":131,"publishedAt":294,"updatedAt":295},87790,"the-big-difference-between-a-homeowners-and-a-renters-net-worth","The Big Difference Between a Homeowner’s and a Renter’s Net Worth","\u003Cp>Homeownership is one of the best ways to build wealth in our country and it’s easy to see why. \u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20250530\u002F20250606-Homeowner-and-Renter-Net-Worth-KCM-Share-original.jpg","\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20250530\u002FHomeowner-and-Renter-Net-Worth-MEM-original.jpg\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20250530\u002FHomeowner-and-Renter-Net-Worth-MEM-original.jpg\" alt=\"a screenshot of a phone\">\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>","\u003Cul>\u003Cli>\u003Ca href=\"\u002F2025\u002F05\u002F29\u002Fis-it-better-to-rent-or-buy-a-home\u002F\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Homeownership\u003C\u002Fa> is one of the best ways to build wealth in our country and it’s easy to see why.\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>As you pay down your mortgage and as home values rise over time, you gain equity – and that helps grow your net worth. That’s why a homeowner’s net worth is nearly \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.federalreserve.gov\u002Fpublications\u002Ffiles\u002Fscf23.pdf\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">40X\u003C\u002Fa> greater than a renters.\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>But you should only buy a home when you’re ready and able to do it. If you want to build a plan to get there, let’s connect.​\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.keepingcurrentmatters.com\u002FKeepingCurrentMatters\u002Fcontent\u002Fimages\u002F20250530\u002FHomeowner-and-Renter-Net-Worth-MEM-original.jpg",true,[290,291,292,293],{"id":9,"name":10,"slug":11},{"id":21,"name":22,"slug":23},{"id":61,"name":62,"slug":63},{"id":105,"name":106,"slug":107},"2025-06-06T10:30:00Z","2025-07-01T17:50:07Z",183]