Housing & Real Estate Guides
Renting vs buying, how much house you can afford, down payments, closing costs, property taxes, and first-time homebuyer guides.
Housing & Real Estate: quick answers
How Much Does It Cost to Close on a House? (2026 Breakdown)
Closing costs typically run 2–5% of the home's purchase price — about $7,000–$17,500 on a $350,000 home. They include lender fees, appraisal, title insurance, recording fees and prepaid taxes and insurance. Costs vary widely by state.
How Much Should I Save for a Down Payment on a House?
You don't need 20% down. Conventional loans allow 3–5%, FHA loans 3.5%, and VA and USDA loans 0%. On a $350,000 home that's $10,500–$17,500 for a conventional loan — but under 20% down adds PMI. Also budget 2–5% of the price for closing costs.
What Are the Best and Worst States to Buy a House in 2026?
The most affordable states to buy a house in 2026 include West Virginia (median about $135,000) and Mississippi (about $155,000), with low property taxes. The most expensive include Hawaii (about $850,000) and California (about $735,000). Property taxes and insurance can change total costs by thousands per year.
How Do Property Taxes Work and Why Are Mine So High?
Property tax equals your home's assessed value multiplied by your local tax rate (mill rate). The money mostly funds public schools (about 45–55%), plus county services, cities and special districts. Taxes rise when assessed values or local rates go up — and you can appeal an assessment you think is too high.
How Much Should I Spend on Rent? (The Real Rules in 2026)
The traditional rule is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. A safer approach is 25–30% of take-home pay. On a $75,000 salary (about $4,900 a month after taxes), that's roughly $1,225–$1,470 per month.
Is It Worth Paying Off Your Mortgage Early? Pros, Cons & Math
Paying off your mortgage early is usually worth it if your rate is above about 6.5% or you value a guaranteed return and peace of mind. If your rate is below about 5%, investing extra money has historically come out ahead. Max your 401(k) match and emergency fund first either way.
Is Renting Really Throwing Money Away? The Truth
No — renting is not throwing money away. Homeowners also pay unrecoverable costs: mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance and maintenance. In the early years of a mortgage, most of each payment is interest. Renting can be the smarter move if you'll move within 5 years or prices are high relative to rents.
What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a House in 2026?
You need at least a 580 credit score for an FHA loan with 3.5% down (500 with 10% down), and 620 for a conventional loan. VA loans have no official minimum but most lenders want 620+. A score of 740 or higher gets the best mortgage rates.
Renting vs Buying a Home in 2026: The Complete Guide
Buying usually beats renting if you'll stay in the same home at least 5–7 years, have a stable income, and can keep total housing costs under 28% of gross income. Renting often wins if you may move within 5 years or live where home prices are very high relative to rents.
How Much House Can I Afford on a $75,000 Salary?
On a $75,000 salary you can typically afford a home around $270,000–$300,000. The 28% rule caps total housing costs at about $1,750 per month, which at a 6.5% rate with 10% down buys a home in that range — less if you carry other debt.
First-Time Homebuyer Guide: 10 Steps to Buying Your First Home
To buy your first home: check your credit (680+ for good conventional rates), set a budget with the 28/36 rule, save 3.5–20% down plus 2–5% for closing costs, get pre-approved by at least 3 lenders, hire a buyer's agent, make an offer with contingencies, get an inspection, and close.
The True Cost of Homeownership Most Buyers Overlook
The true cost of owning a home is typically 30–50% more than the mortgage payment, and often more. On a $350,000 home with 10% down at 6.5%, the mortgage is about $1,990 per month, but adding taxes, insurance, PMI, maintenance and utilities brings the real total to roughly $3,400.
Best Cities to Live in America for Young Professionals (2026)
The best cities for young professionals in 2026 balance strong job markets with affordable living. Austin, Texas tops our list thanks to no state income tax and a booming tech scene, followed by cities that offer a high salary-to-cost-of-living ratio, affordable rents, and good quality of life.