Home Affordability - RealtyWire

Home Maintenance Costs: What New Owners Should Budget Each Year

July 16, 2026July 9, 2026

Home maintenance can run 1% to 4% of a home’s value each year. What new owners should budget for repairs and replacements.

July 16, 2026July 7, 2026

Debt-to-income ratio can make or break a mortgage application. How lenders calculate DTI and the limits that matter in 2026.

July 16, 2026July 6, 2026

Adjustable-rate mortgages can offer lower initial rates, but buyers need to understand caps, resets, margins and payment risk.

July 16, 2026July 3, 2026

Rent vs. buy calculators can help, but many miss taxes, insurance, repairs, time horizon and selling costs.

July 16, 2026July 3, 2026

Buying vs. renting in 2026 depends on location, time horizon, mortgage rates, rent levels and ownership costs.

July 16, 2026July 2, 2026

How much are buyers putting down in 2026? Down payments fell to a four-year low, but cash still matters.

July 16, 2026July 1, 2026

Mortgage points can lower your interest rate, but they only make sense if the upfront cost is worth the monthly savings.

July 16, 2026July 1, 2026

A rate buydown and a price cut help buyers in different ways. Here’s how to compare monthly savings, cash to close and long-term value.

July 16, 2026June 26, 2026

Mortgage calculators often miss taxes and insurance. Here’s how buyers should estimate the full cost of homeownership.

July 16, 2026June 26, 2026

How long does it take to save a down payment in 2026? The answer depends on savings rate, home price and loan type.

July 16, 2026June 25, 2026

Home affordability improved from recent lows, but high rates, prices, taxes and insurance still shape what buyers can comfortably afford.