Affordability became a central concern in 2025. With rising mortgage rates and tighter budgets, many buyers shifted their focus from competing in the hottest markets to getting the most value for their housing dollar. Although the national median price per square foot hovered around $229 from January through November, several major metro areas offered noticeably more space for less money. … Read more
With affordability being a top concern for many prospective homebuyers, those worried about a steep price tag might consider investing in a new build. In California, homebuyers could save hundreds of thousands of dollars by building new rather than purchasing an existing property, according to a new LendingTree report. It revealed that, though, on average, new homes … Read more
Long recognized for its affordable housing and low cost of living, McAllen, TX, emerged as a COVID-19 pandemic-era boomtown—but that surge has since reversed. McAllen—a city of 146,000 people situated just a few miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border—experienced the sharpest decline in popularity among local homebuyers over the past six years, according to a new report from Realtor.com®. … Read more