home affordability: Remote Work Could Be Your Affordability Answer
- 09/07/26 07:52 AM
For most first-time buyers, the hardest part of buying a home is making the numbers work. You budget, you save, and the finish line still feels far away.
But your salary is only half the equation. Where you live shapes what you can afford just as much. And if you can work remotely, you have an advantage a lot of buyers don't.
You're not tied to living where the jobs are, so you can look where your money goes further.
Where You Work Doesn’t Have To Dictate Where You LiveRemote job openings are on the rise. According to FlexJobs, remote job postings climbed 22%from … (6 comments)
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home affordability: Thinking About Waiting for Lower Mortgage Rates? Read This First.
- 08/09/26 08:47 AM
Imagine waiting a year to buy a home, only to find mortgage rates haven't changed much. That may sound frustrating.But it's a real possibility.
A lot of people are putting their plans on hold because they believe much lower mortgage rates are right around the corner. But, based on today's forecasts, that may not happen. And you should know that before you decide what to do.
Let's look at why experts don't expect a dramatic drop in rates – and the options that could help you buy anyway. Because even if rates don’t fall, you can still move. Here’s how.
1. Mortgage Rates Aren’t … (1 comments)
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home affordability: 14 Years Running: Why Real Estate Is Still America’s Favorite Investment
- 07/16/26 08:08 AM
Quick gut reaction. Which investment do Americans trust more than stocks, gold, savings accounts, and bonds? The answer hasn't changed in 14 years.
It's real estate. And this year, that answer comes with even more conviction behind it. New data shows people aren't just saying homeownership is a smart move, they're feeling better about it than they have in years. Let's dig into why.
Real Estate Takes the Top Spot – AgainEvery year, Gallup asks Americans to name the best long-term investment. And for the 14th year in a row, real estate came out on top (see graph below):
That's not a fluke or … (3 comments)
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home affordability: The 1 Factor That Explains Everything Happening with Home Prices Right Now
- 06/29/26 09:34 AM
You've probably heard that home prices are cooling off. And that's true – nationally. But zoom in on individual markets across the country, and the picture looks completely different depending on where you are.
Some areas are still seeing solid price growth. Others have gone flat. A few have actually dipped slightly negative. So, what's causing all of that variation?
It All Comes Down to InventoryHere's the simple version:
When there are more homes for sale, buyers have options.
More options, means less competition.
Less competition means sellers can't push prices as high.
On the flip side, when inventory is tight, buyers are … (2 comments)
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home affordability: The Truth About Affordability Today
- 05/27/26 07:04 AM
Let's be real with each other for a second about affordability. Because you deserve someone who will be honest and transparent about what’s going on, especially if you’ve got a move on your mind.
Here’s the full picture of what’s happening and why. The good – and the bad. So, you know what it truly means for your move. Because while rates are certainly a big part of affordability, they’re not the only factor at play.
Mortgage Rates Have Been RisingAfter a year or more of rates trending down, they’ve started to climb again. And, if you’re looking to buy, that’s not what … (2 comments)
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home affordability: Wondering If You Should Still Buy a Home Right Now? Here’s What To Keep in Mind.
- 04/13/26 06:25 AM
With economic headlines, global events, and near constant talk about affordability, you may be wondering if this is the right time to move. But here’s what you need to remember.
While recent events do have some impact on the housing market, they don’t take buying off the table. You just have to use a different strategy.
Mortgage Rates Have Been Up Slightly – Here's WhyAfter trending down for most of 2025, mortgage rates have been higher again for over roughly a month now. And experts say it’s a result of what's happening overseas and in the broader economy. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist … (3 comments)
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home affordability: Affordability Has Improved in All 50 States
- 03/19/26 07:32 AM
For the past few years, affordability has been what’s stopped a lot of buyers in their tracks. Maybe it stopped you, too.
At some point you probably did the math, looked at the monthly payment, and decided to pause your search and wait for things to get better. But here’s something you may have missed while you’ve been sitting on the sidelines.
Over the last year, housing affordability has improved in all 50 states. Yes, you read that right. It’s gotten better in every single state.
That’s based on new research coming out of First American. And while housing is still fairly expensive compared … (3 comments)
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home affordability: Affordability Reaches a 4 Year High
- 02/24/26 06:27 AM
Home affordability is the best it’s been in 4 years.
That’s thanks to: Lower rates. Slower home price growth. And rising wages.
And while the affordability problem isn’t solved, many buyers are finding the numbers work better today.
If buying didn’t make sense for you last year, take another look.
Have you re-run the math on your move yet? DM me and let’s see if it changes when you're ready to buy.
Contact us:
PHP Houses
142 W Lakeview Ave
Unit 1030
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Ph: (407) 641-1531
Fax: (407) 205-1951
email: info@phphouses.com
Let’s Connect:
Facebook
Linkedin
Twitter
Instagram
The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. The author does … (0 comments)
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home affordability: Affordability Is Improving After Years of Strain
- 02/13/26 08:42 AM
Buying a home is getting more affordable, and this graph helps explain why.
It shows how much of a household’s income typically goes toward buying a home. As a general rule, spending 30% or less of your income on housing is considered affordable.
For the last couple of years, the math was still well above that threshold. But lately, things have been getting better thanks to a mix of lower mortgage rates, slower home price growth, and rising wages.
While affordability isn't going to snap back overnight, the trend is finally moving in the right direction.
If you want to talk through what this means … (1 comments)
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home affordability: Inventory Is Making a Comeback in 2026
- 02/11/26 07:46 AM
After a long stretch where buyers were competing for too few homes, inventory has made a comeback over the past year. And depending on where you live, that’s opening up your options in a meaningful way.
According to Realtor.com, the number of homes available for sale in January was the highest it’s been since 2020. Here’s why that’s such a big deal. Getting back to pre-pandemic levels signals a slow and steady return to what’s typical:
Now, it’s worth noting, nationally we’re not there yet – and having more inventory improving won’t suddenly “fix” the market. But the growth we’ve seen lately still … (6 comments)
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home affordability: Why Townhomes Are Popular with Today’s First-Time Buyers
- 02/09/26 08:17 AM
Buying your first home can feel frustrating when the numbers don’t line up the way you expected. You may know you’re ready but finding something that fits your life and your budget is the hard part.
That’s where townhomes come in.
Townhomes are becoming a bigger part of today’s housing supply, and that shift is opening doors for first-time buyers in a way we haven’t seen in years. That’s because they offer a more realistic path to step into homeownership without stretching yourself too thin, especially in a market where affordability can still feel tight.
There Are More Townhomes To Choose FromBuilders are building … (4 comments)
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home affordability: Top 2026 Housing Markets for Buyers and Sellers
- 01/28/26 07:35 AM
Who doesn’t love a top 10 list? Well, here are two top 10 lists for the housing market this year. But before you take a look, there’s something you should know.
If a move is on your radar for 2026, here’s the most important thing you need to understand upfront: there isn’t one housing market this year – there are many.
Experts agree 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most geographically split housing markets in years. Some areas are tilting in favor of sellers, while others are opening real doors for buyers. Who has the advantage depends almost entirely on … (4 comments)
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home affordability: Reasons To Be Optimistic About the 2026 Housing Market
- 01/09/26 01:27 PM
If a move is on your radar for 2026, there’s a lot more working in your favor than there has been in a while.
After a stretch where many people felt stuck, 2026 is shaping up to be a year with more balance, more options, and more clarity for people who want to make a move. Not because the market is suddenly “easy,” but because several key conditions are shifting.
Here’s what the experts are saying you have to look forward to.
Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com:
“After a challenging period for buyers, sellers and renters, 2026 should offer a … (1 comments)
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home affordability: Expert Forecasts Point to Affordability Improving in 2026
- 01/08/26 08:29 AM
Wondering what to expect from the housing market in 2026? You’re not the only one. For the past few years, affordability has been the biggest barrier standing between most people and their next move. And a lot of buyers and sellers have been holding their breath waiting for things to get better. The good news? It’s finally happening.
In 2025, affordability was the best it’s been in 3 years. And experts agree the momentum will keep going in 2026. And that’s based on their analysis of the key factors shaping the housing market in the year ahead: mortgage rates, inventory, and home … (1 comments)
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home affordability: The Best Affordability in 2.5 Years
- 11/18/25 01:59 PM
Big news for homebuyers. Affordability has hit a 2.5-year high.
And here’s why.
Mortgage rates have been trending down and home prices are moderating.
That means the math on buying a home looks a lot better than it did the past couple of years.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign that it’s time to take another look, this is it. The affordability challenge isn’t solved, but it is better.
Let’s see what’s possible now. DM me if you want to see how this changes your buying power.
Contact us:
PHP Houses
142 W Lakeview Ave
Unit 1030
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Ph: (407) 641-1531
Fax: (407) 205-1951
email: info@phphouses.com
Let’s Connect:
Facebook
Linkedin
Twitter
Instagram
The information contained, and the opinions expressed, … (0 comments)
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home affordability: Thought the Market Passed You By? Think Again.
- 10/30/25 02:00 PM
If you stepped back from your home search over the past few years, you’re not alone – and you’re definitely not out of options. In fact, now might be the ideal time to take another look. With more homes to choose from, prices leveling off in many areas, and mortgage rates easing, today’s market is offering something you haven’t had in a while: options.
Experts agree, buyers are in a better spot right now than they’ve been in quite a long time. Here’s what they have to say.
Affordability Is Finally Improving Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, says affordability is finally starting … (3 comments)
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home affordability: 3 Reasons Affordability Is Showing Signs of Improvement This Fall
- 09/22/25 06:56 PM
For the past couple of years, it’s been tough for a lot of homebuyers to make the numbers work. Home prices shot up. Mortgage rates too. And a number of people hit pause because it just didn’t feel possible. Maybe you were one of them.
But there’s some encouraging news. If you’ve been waiting for a better time to jump back in, affordability may finally be showing signs of improvement this fall.
The latest data from Redfin shows the typical monthly mortgage payment has been coming down, and is now about $290 lower than it was just a few months ago (see graph … (2 comments)
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home affordability: Multi-Generational Homebuying Hit a Record High – Here’s Why
- 06/30/25 08:34 AM
Multi-generational living is on the rise. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 17% of homebuyers purchase a home to share with parents, adult children, or extended family. That’s the highest share ever recorded by NAR (see graph below):
And what’s behind the increase? Affordability. NAR explains:
“In 2024, a notable 36% of homebuyers cited “cost savings” as the primary reason for purchasing a multigenerational home—a significant increase from just 15% in 2015.” In the past, caregiving was the leading motivator – especially for those looking to support aging parents. And while that’s still important, affordability is now the #1 … (4 comments)
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home affordability: Smaller Homes, Bigger Opportunities: The Homebuilder Trend Buyers Love
- 01/23/25 09:02 AM
It’s no secret that affordability is tough with where mortgage rates and home prices are right now. And that may have you worried about how you’ll be able to buy a home. But, if you don’t need a ton of space, you may find you have more cost-effective options in an unexpected place: new home communities.
Builders Are Building Smaller Homes Since smaller homes typically come with smaller price tags, buyers have turned their attention to homes with less square footage — and builders have shifted their focus to capitalize on that demand. As U.S. News notes:
“The combination of higher home prices and … (3 comments)
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home affordability: Why More People Are Buying Multi-Generational Homes Today
- 01/21/25 08:16 AM
Today, 17% of homebuyers are choosing multi-generational homes — that’s when you buy a house with your parents, adult children, or even distant relatives. What makes that noteworthy is that 17% is actually the highest level ever recorded by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). But what’s driving the recent rise in multi-generational living?
Top Benefits of Choosing a Multi-Generational Home In the past, homebuyers often opted for multi-generational homes to make it easier to care for their parents. And while that’s still a key reason, it’s not the only one. Right now, there’s another powerful motivator: affordability.
According to the … (4 comments)
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For most first-time buyers, the hardest part of buying a home is making the numbers work. You budget, you save, and the finish line still feels far away. 
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