by Dr. David Reis | Mar 26, 2026 | Blog
Buying a home is exciting — but one of the biggest financial questions buyers face is: Should I pay off debt first, or start saving for a down payment? The answer depends on how your debt affects your mortgage approval, affordability, and financial stability. Let’s...
by Dr. David Reis | Mar 9, 2026 | Blog
Buying a home in North America often starts with one big financial hurdle: the down payment. While the traditional idea of saving 20% of a home’s price can feel overwhelming, the good news is that many buyers reach their goal faster with smart strategies and...
by Dr. David Reis | Mar 4, 2026 | Blog
Buying a home is exciting — but figuring out how much house you can safely afford can feel overwhelming. One of the simplest guidelines many lenders and financial advisors use is called the 28/36 Rule. It’s not a strict law, but it’s a widely accepted affordability...
by Dr. David Reis | Mar 3, 2026 | Blog
If you’re house-hunting and trying to stretch your dollar further, location matters — a lot. Based on 2026 median home values, rent prices, cost of living data, and property tax rates, here are 10 states where affordability still exists. (Sources referenced...
by Dr. David Reis | Mar 2, 2026 | Blog
If you’re asking this question, you’re not alone. Almost every serious buyer eventually wonders: “Should I buy now… or should I wait for rates to drop and prices to cool?” Let’s break this down logically, using real data, economic fundamentals, and practical...
by Dr. David Reis | Feb 25, 2026 | Blog
One of the biggest myths in real estate?“You need 20% down to buy a home.” That’s not always true. While a 20% down payment has advantages, many buyers — especially first-time homebuyers — purchase homes with far less. According to the National Association of Realtors...
