To buy a home in 2026, focus on the "6.16% Opportunity Window." With rates hitting a 15-month low in early January, the barrier to entry has shifted from high rates to high competition. Success requires a minimum credit score of 620 for most conventional loans, a Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio below 43%, and early engagement with digital readiness tools like My Home Pathway to bridge the "qualification gap."

Credit impacts housing access, financial stability, and long-term wealth more than most people realize. This guide explains how credit works, how to improve it in 2026, and how My Home Pathway helps renters and future homebuyers build stronger credit using practical tools and education.

First-time homebuyers in New Jersey may qualify for grants and down payment assistance that can cover a significant portion of upfront costs—sometimes up to 20% of a home’s purchase price. This guide breaks down how these programs work, which grants don’t need to be repaid, how assistance can be combined, and where New Jersey residents can find resources to prepare for homeownership.

After years of high rates making homeownership feel impossible, the environment is finally shifting. Mortgage rates are trending downward, and the Federal Reserve has signaled a rate-lowering cycle, creating real savings for everyday buyers. A one-percentage-point drop in rates can save you hundreds monthly and significantly improve your ability to qualify for a loan. This, combined with specialized, below-market rate programs and down payment assistance (DPA), means the moment to act is now. My Home Pathway provides the personalized roadmap to leverage these falling rates and access the funds you need.

2025 First-Time Homebuyer Grants: How to Get Up to $20,000 for Your Down Payment (and Skip the Guesswork) 🏡💰

Discover the new definition of wealth in 2025 and why real estate is still a powerful tool for building financial security and generational wealth.

Homebuying affordability is improving in 11 U.S. metros, mostly in the Sun Belt, as home prices and interest rates settle. Find out which cities are becoming more affordable for buyers.

Mortgage rates hit a 10-month low, boosting homebuyer purchasing power. A new Redfin report shows a window of opportunity for buyers to enter the market before summer ends.

Find out how much you need to earn to buy a home in every U.S. state. A new report reveals the largest affordability gaps in states like Massachusetts and Montana, while places like Iowa remain the most affordable.

Many Americans are moving funds from low-interest savings to higher-yield accounts, revealing more financial flexibility for down payments than traditional data shows. This strategic reshuffling helps buyers reach milestones faster, despite persistent affordability challenges. It highlights a growing financial awareness, requiring balancing liquidity and growth, and impacting how lenders evaluate buyer readiness.

As of July 23, 2025, 30-year fixed mortgage rates are 6.625%, influenced by inflation concerns keeping rates in the 6-7% range. Zillow anticipates rates will end the year near the mid-6% range, with increasing inventory offering buyers more bargaining power. Improving credit scores, increasing down payments, and lowering DTI can help secure better rates for homebuyers.

Mortgage rates are now projected to remain elevated, averaging 6.7% in 2025, leading to a potential 30-year low in home sales. Home prices are still expected to grow modestly by 2.5%, and inventory will significantly increase, especially in the South and West. This indicates an ongoing affordability challenge for homebuyers, requiring strategic market navigation.

Affordability remains a key challenge for homebuyers, driven by elevated prices and high mortgage rates. Inventory saw slight gains, yet competitive pressures persist in many markets. Strategic planning is essential for navigating these complex conditions and achieving homeownership goals.

Following severe storms and flooding, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced a 90-day foreclosure moratorium for homeowners with FHA-insured mortgages in the federally declared disaster area of Kerr County, Texas.