Resources
Homebuyer Articles
Plain-English articles on buying a home, down payment assistance, mortgage rates, credit, lenders, and closing, from The Homebuyer Toolkit.
Budgeting & Affordability · August 5, 2026
How Much House Can You Afford on Your Salary?
Wondering how much house you can actually afford? Learn the real formulas lenders use, why gross income is just the starting point, and how to find a number that works for your life.
Closing & Process · August 5, 2026
Closing Costs Explained: How Much Should You Budget?
Closing costs catch many first-time buyers off guard. This guide breaks down every fee you can expect and shows you how to budget for them with confidence.
Budgeting & Affordability · August 1, 2026
Rent vs. Buy in 2026: When Buying Actually Wins
Renting feels safer right now, but buying can still come out ahead depending on your situation. Here's how to honestly compare the two and know when homeownership is the smarter move in 2026.
First-Time Homebuying · August 1, 2026
The First-Time Home Buyer Timeline: From Thinking About It to Keys
Wondering how long it actually takes to buy your first home? This step-by-step timeline walks you through every phase, from that first "maybe someday" thought to the moment you get your keys.
Down Payment Assistance · July 17, 2026
What Is Down Payment Assistance and How Does It Work?
Down payment assistance (DPA) programs can give first-time buyers thousands of dollars toward a home purchase, but most people don't know they exist. Here's how DPA works, who qualifies, and how to find programs in your state.
Down Payment Assistance · July 17, 2026
First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Texas: Your 2025 Guide
Texas has some of the strongest first-time home buyer programs in the country, from statewide down payment assistance to local grants. Here's what to know and how to find what you qualify for.
Market News · July 17, 2026
Pending Home Sales Drop 5.4% in June: What Buyers Should Know
Pending home sales fell 5.4% month over month in June, according to Realtor.com Research. Here is what the summer slowdown means if you are actively shopping or getting ready to buy.
Market News · July 12, 2026
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Is Now Law: What Buyers Need to Know
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act became law on July 11, 2026, after passing Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support. Here is what the legislation means if you are planning to buy a home.
Down Payment Assistance · July 12, 2026
Down Payment Assistance: The Money Most Buyers Never Claim
Roughly 2,600 assistance programs exist to help with the hardest part of buying a home, worth around $18,000 on average by industry estimates. Most eligible buyers never claim one. Here is why, and how to check what you might qualify for.
Budgeting & Affordability · July 12, 2026
Think You Can't Afford a Home? Run the Numbers First
About half of aspiring buyers say they can't afford a home, but many are working from myths: 20 percent down, rent as the ceiling, assistance being for someone else. Here is the math to run before you believe it.
Homebuying · July 12, 2026
Why Home Searches Fall Apart (It's Not the Market)
Most stalled home searches don't end with a decision to stop. They quietly fall apart from overwhelm. Here are the five ways it happens and the simple system that prevents it.
Market News · July 9, 2026
Existing Home Sales Dip in June, Prices Hit a Record $440,600
Existing home sales fell 2.4% in June as mortgage rates kept some buyers on the sidelines, yet the median price climbed to a record $440,600. Here is what that means if you are getting ready to buy.
Market News · July 9, 2026
Mortgage Rates Top 6.77%: What It Means for Home Buyers
30-year conforming mortgage rates climbed to 6.77% as of July 7, 2026, driven by persistent inflation concerns and a hawkish Federal Reserve. Here is what that means if you are planning to buy a home.
Market News · July 8, 2026
Why Mortgage Rates Are Still High (And What the Fed Is Saying)
Even with oil prices well below $100, mortgage rates remain near yearly highs in mid-2026. Here is what Federal Reserve officials are saying and what it means if you are planning to buy a home.
Market News · July 3, 2026
America at 250: What the Homeownership Conversation Means for You
As the U.S. marks its 250th anniversary, housing is front and center in the national policy conversation. Here is what that renewed focus on affordability and access could mean for first-time buyers.
Down Payment Assistance · June 30, 2026
How Much Do You Really Need for a Down Payment in 2026?
The 20% down payment myth stops many buyers before they even start. Here's what you actually need in 2026, and how down payment assistance programs can close the gap.
Saving for a Down Payment · June 29, 2026
How to Save for a Down Payment Fast: 9 Strategies That Work
Saving for a down payment feels overwhelming, but the right strategies can cut your timeline dramatically. Here are 9 proven approaches that actually move the needle.
Market News · June 29, 2026
AI, Digital Closings, and Mortgage Tech: What It Means for You
Mortgage lenders are racing to adopt AI-powered verification, automated processing, and digital closing tools. Here is what that shift means if you are buying your first home in 2026.
Market News · June 29, 2026
Housing Market Update: What June 2026 Data Means for Buyers
Mortgage rates held near 6.49%, inventory topped 1.1 million active listings, and a major housing bill hit a surprise delay. Here is what the latest data means if you are planning to buy a home.
Budgeting & Affordability · June 29, 2026
The 50/30/20 Rule Isn't Enough: Build a Real Home-Buying Budget
The 50/30/20 rule is a solid starting point, but it wasn't designed for the complexity of buying a home. Here's how to build a budget that actually gets you to the closing table.
First-Time Homebuying Steps · June 29, 2026
The Step-by-Step Timeline for Buying Your First Home
Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to. This step-by-step timeline walks you through every stage, from getting your finances ready to picking up your keys at closing.
No articles match your search.