As we wrap up the year, many Bay Area residents are reflecting on one of the biggest decisions they made — buying a home . And while 2025 has had its fair share of uncertainty in the economy and real estate market, those who took the leap are finding plenty to be thankful for. If you’ve been on the fence about whether it makes sense to buy right now, here’s what many recent homebuyers would tell you: Even in a changing market, taking the step toward homeownership is worth it.

Mortgage rates have been the monster under the bed for a while. Every time they tick up, people flinch and say, “Maybe I’ll wait.” But here’s the twist. Waiting for that perfect 5-point-something rate could end up haunting your wallet later. The Magic Number According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR): “. . . a 30-year fixed rate mortgage of 6% would make the median-priced home affordable for about 5.5 million more households—including 1.6 million renters. If r

If you paused your plans to move because of high rates or prices, it may finally be time to take a second look at your numbers. Affordability is improving in 39 of the top 50 markets, according to First American. And that’s the 5th straight month where buying a home has started to get a little bit easier. Let’s break this down into real dollars, so you can see the difference this could make for you (and your move). Monthly Payments Are Coming Down One of the clearest signs

Even with more homes on the market right now, some buyers are still having a tough time finding the right one at the right price . Maybe...

When it comes to buying an older home in the Bay Area, many buyers think the hardest part is finding a property they like—and once that’s...

If you’ve been looking for a home at the high end of your market, but haven’t found the right one, you may have put your search on hold....

If you’ve been thinking about buying a home, mortgage rates are probably top of mind for you. They may even be why you’ve put your plans...

If you’re trying to buy a home and are having a hard time finding one you can afford, it may be time to consider a fixer-upper. That’s a...

If you’re taking a look at your expenses as you retire, saving money where you can has a lot of appeal. One long-standing, popular way to...

Has the idea of sharing a home with loved ones like your grandparents, parents, or other relatives crossed your mind? If so, you’re not...

If you’re looking to buy a home, the recent downward trend in mortgage rates is good news because it helps with affordability. But...

Even though home prices are going up nationally, some people are still worried they might come down. In fact, a recent survey from Fannie...

Over the past year, a lot of people have been talking about housing affordability and how tight it’s gotten. But just recently, there’s...

Buying a home is a powerful decision, and it remains at the heart of the American Dream. Unlike renting, owning a home means more than...

There’s no denying the long-term financial benefits of owning a home, but today’s housing market may have you wondering if now’s still...

If you're trying to decide whether to rent or buy a home this year, here's a powerful insight that could give you the clarity and...

If you’re getting ready to buy a home, it’s exciting to jump a few steps ahead and think about moving in and making it your own. But...

If you’ve owned your house for at least a couple of years, there’s something you’re going to want to know more about – and that’s home...

If you want to buy a home, it's important to know how mortgage rates impact what you can afford and how much you’ll pay each month.

If you’re thinking about buying a home, pre-approval is a crucial part of the process you definitely don’t want to skip. So, before you...