Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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2026 Mortgage Tips for Homebuyers
Buy what you can afford, even smaller homes or condos, to start building equity. Shop lenders carefully to secure the lowest rates and minimal fees. Consider fixer-uppers with renovation loans, like FHA 203(k), to save on purchase costs. Explore suburban or commuter-friendly areas for more affordable homes and added amenities. Use financial strategies like 15-year…
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2026 Homebuyers: Buy Early or Wait Until Later?
Rates could dip to high-5% by Dec '26… while prices creep up 1-4%. Wait for a 5.9% rate? Price may rise to ~$423K, making your payment ~$2,354. That’s an $85/month saving… but rent averages $2K & could keep rising. Inventory jumped 12.6%, but 38% of sellers pulled listings—good houses go FAST. Check if you qualify:…
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Is 2026 a Good Year to Buy a Home?
In 2026, mortgage rates hover around 6%, making monthly payments sensitive to rate changes. Home prices are expected to rise modestly, with inventory improving but still limited. Buyers should focus on payment comfort rather than price, consider concessions over price cuts, and be mindful of loan limits affecting rates. Timing purchases seasonally and ensuring financial…
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Is a Slow Rebound Coming for US Homes?
Slide 1: 2026 housing rebound is coming—but it’s slow, steady, not a sudden boom. Slide 2: Redfin calls it the “Great Housing Reset”: incomes finally outpacing home prices. Slide 3: NAR predicts +14% existing home sales, +5% new homes, with mortgage rates ~6%. Slide 4: Realtor.com sees nearly +9% inventory growth—more homes, less competition, more…
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7 Tips for First-Time Homebuyers
Choose a reputable agent who listens, negotiates effectively, and works hard to secure the best deal on your home. Following these steps helps ensure you find a home that meets your needs and fits your budget. Assistance is available for first-time homebuyers to navigate the process of obtaining title insurance for their property. Continue to…
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Down Payment Assistance Programs & Grants by State 2026
Down payment assistance (DPA) programs provide financial aid to homebuyers, often as grants or low-interest loans, to cover down payments and closing costs. Eligibility typically requires being a first-time buyer, meeting income limits, and using approved mortgage programs. Assistance varies by state, including forgivable loans, deferred payments, and tax credits. Programs aim to reduce upfront…
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Will Inventory Recovery Balance 2026 Housing?
2026 housing inventory to jumps 8.9%, slowly easing the decade-long supply crunch. Home prices to rise 2.2%, but real inflation-adjusted costs actually drop slightly. Slide 3: Existing-home sales to climb 1.7% in 2026. Slide 4: Buyers gain negotiating power as more homes slowly enter the market.
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What Happens If Texas Prices Flatten, Not Fall?
Forecasts point to slight price increases (~1–4%) in 2026, not steep declines. Flattening prices set the stage for a balanced market instead of a crash. Gradual price stabilization boosts confidence and primes the market for future growth. Stable prices mean more buyer choice and less urgency in negotiations for purchasers.
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Loan Limit Hikes in 2026: What Builders Need to Know
Loan limits for 2026 have increased, with the national baseline conforming loan limit raised to $832,750 and high-cost area ceilings reaching $1,249,125. FHA loan limits also rose, expanding financing options for first-time and moderate-income buyers. These changes will help builders attract a wider buyer pool, boost sales velocity, and allow more new home projects to…
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NAR Sees Strong Housing Rebound in 2026
Sales to jump 14% in 2026 after a flat 2025; new-home sales up 5%. Home prices to rise 4%, supported by job growth and tight inventory. Mortgage rates expected near 6% in 2026, easing from 2025’s highs. Higher-end homes lead gains, while first-time buyers remain constrained by affordability.
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