Many would-be homebuyers aren’t on the sidelines because they don’t want to buy — they’re there because they believe they can’t . And more often than not, that belief comes down to one thing: credit score misconceptions. According to a Bankrate survey, 42% of Americans think you need excellent credit to qualify for a mortgage . That assumption alone stops a lot of renters in their tracks. In fact, when asked why they haven’t purchased a home yet, “my credit isn’t good enough

After years of feeling priced out or stuck on the sidelines, buyers are finally getting a bit of welcome news: homebuying affordability is improving. Monthly housing payments have begun to ease, and while buying a home still isn’t easy, the pressure buyers have felt over the past few years is starting to loosen. This shift matters—especially after such a challenging stretch in the market. Affordability Is Moving in the Right Direction One of the clearest ways to measure affor

Curious what the housing market will look like in 2026? You’re not alone. For the past few years, affordability has been the biggest roadblock for buyers—and a source of hesitation for sellers. The good news? Things are finally starting to improve. In 2025, affordability reached its best level in three years, and experts expect the trend to continue into 2026. The main factors driving this shift? Mortgage rates, inventory, and home prices. Mortgage Rates Are More Favorable Mo