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10 US Cities Where a $65K Household Income Buys a Home

According to the most recent Census Bureau data, the median household income in America is around $71,000, and Zillow says the average house costs $346,270. But what if a family earns less and wants to spend less in today’s pricey housing market According to a new GOBankingRates survey of more than 1,000 people, many plan to do exactly that. Read More: 5 Vintage Toys in Your House That Could Be Worth A Fortune Try This: Become a Real Estate Investor for Just $1K Using This Bezos-Backed Startup Roughly 4 in 10 respondents expect to spend less than $300,000 on their…

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Home Prices

Austin, United States - May 3, 2014: People having fun on rowboats and boards in Lady Bird Lake on a nice day with the Austin skyline in the background.

10 Cities Where Homebuyers Can Find the Best Deals This Summer

Annual home list prices have dropped for the first time in years, according to a new Realtor.com report. And while the dips in price have been relatively small, drops have been more dramatic in some places than others. The Realtor.com report found that the biggest drops are occurring in areas where home prices soared amid the pandemic, such as the West and the South. Check Out: 10 Places To Live Abroad So Cheap You Could Quit Your JobSee: 3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000 To identify the places with the best deals this summer, Realtor.com looked…

By Gabrielle Olya
Beautiful colorful morning scene of a marona in Pensacola, Florida with fluffy clouds.

11 Cities Where Home Values Are Expected To Rise Over the Next Year

Whether you are thinking about buying a new home or selling your current one, it can be challenging to know where to start. Recent volatility has rocked the market, but experts believe stability may be on the horizon, and some regions may see significant growth in home value over the next year. According to Zillow, home values nationwide are expected to increase 4.80% from $339,048 this year to $355,322.30 in 2024. See: 7 Florida Cities That Could Be Headed for a Housing CrisisFind Out: 3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000 “After a wild couple of years,…
Beach scene in Panama City Beach Florida at sunset.

10 Best Places To Buy a Beach House in 2023

Who doesn’t love the thought of a vacation home at the beach, a place to get away for weekend respites or long summer stretches? It’s even better to buy a home in a spot that other people will love to visit, too, and want to rent when you’re not using your place. But just where should you look to find the best place both for your sojourns from home and to bring in oodles of cash to help pay the mortgage? I’m a Self-Made Millionaire: These Are the 6 Investments Everyone Should Make During an Economic DownturnRead: 3 Things You…
Greenville, South Carolina at dusk

Housing Values Are Expected To Rise in These Metros This Summer

Housing prices in the U.S. have generally been on the rise over the past couple years, and that trend is expected to continue. According to an October 2020 report by RenoFi, housing prices in the U.S. increased 48.55% over the last decade. Though we are seeing some dips in real estate prices in some areas, many cities are experiencing a boom — and costs there are going up. Florida’s Retirees Are Fleeing: Here’s Where They’re Going InsteadSee: 3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000 New research conducted by GOBankingRates, using resources from Zillow, found that home values…

Home Renovations

Two women architects inspecting kitchen and discussing the renovation plan at under construction site.

5 Costly Home Renovations You’ll Probably Regret

Home renovations are getting more expensive due to a few factors, including ongoing supply chain issues, labor shortages and inflation. Many homeowners, however, still seem willing to cough up the cash. Growing Up Poor: 8 Things I Never Waste Money OnMore: How To Get $340 a Year in Cash Back – for Things You Already Buy When it comes to home renovations, there’s so much you can do, and thanks in part to a plethora of reality TV shows focused on home design — and redesign — consumers are ever-inspired. But major home renovations are not cheap. More importantly, perhaps,…
Scandinavian style living and dining room.

Painting Your Home This Color Can Increase Its Value by $2,500, Study Finds

When you go to view a home on the market, its walls are often white. This isn’t only because white is a common go-to for its neutrality (you can find dozens of shades of white), it’s because white tones can make a space appear larger. Naturally, realtors want to make a home seem as roomy as possible, so they opt for white paint. But sellers may be wowed to find out that — right now, at least — white walls aren’t the best if they want to attract more potential buyers. See: 5 Expensive Renovations Homeowners Always RegretFind: 3 Things…
Eco cotton linen and blanket on a bed in nature loving family guesthouse for spring and summer vacation.

8 Affordable Ways To Upgrade Your Primary Bedroom

The cost to refurnish an entire bedroom can range from around $4,000 to $40,000 on average, but you can make smaller upgrades that have a large impact for a fraction of that price. Be Aware: 7 Appliances Frugal Homeowners Steer Clear Of Learn More: How To Get $340 Per Year in Cash Back on Gas and Other Things You Already Buy If you’re on a budget, consider these affordable ways to upgrade your primary bedroom. Change Out the Lighting “One of the most cost-effective ways to upgrade your primary bedroom is to change the lighting,” said Andra DelMonico, interior design…

Buying and Selling

Mortgage Rates and the Housing Market: What To Expect During Summer 2023

Eight times a year, the Federal Reserve holds a press conference to release a summary of economic projections and a statement regarding any changes to interest rates. High inflation over the past two years has resulted in the FOMC, or Federal Open Market Committee, raising rates consistently. Despite the efforts of the FOMC, inflation remains well above the 2% target rate. Find Out: Why Home Prices Are Plummeting in These 6 CitiesSee: 3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000 On June 14, 2023, the Federal Reserve issued the most recent FOMC statement. At the press conference, Federal…

By Crystal Mayer
close up hand counting on calculator with house's model on invoice letter to summary of refinance expense for planning and manage money about home loan mortgage and interest rates for people lifestyle concept.

Why It’s a Mistake To Wait Out the Current Mortgage Rates

You’re not alone if you’re holding off on buying a home because of high interest rates. However, this might not be the best approach. Mortgage Interest Rate Forecast for 2023: When Will Rates Go Down?Find Out: 3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000 Only 12% of people are planning to buy a home this year, according to a recent GOBankingRates survey. Nearly one-third — 30% — said high mortgage rates are holding them back from making a purchase right now. As of June 8, the average 30-year-fixed rate mortgage was 6.71%, with a 52-week high of 6.24%….
Buying a new home stock photo

Is Buying a House in the Next 5 Years Realistic?

Owning a home has been part of the “American dream” for many. But with stubborn inflation, a difficult housing market, short supply and soaring rates, this dream has been placed on hold for many would-be homeowners. Discover: 15 Cities Where Houses Are the Best Bargains Right Now Learn: 3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000 Yet, becoming a homeowner remains a goal for some Americans: A new GOBankingRates survey found that 26% of them want to buy a home in the next five years. While it’s difficult to predict how the housing and economic landscape will look…
Seattle, Washington, USA downtown skyline at night with Mt.

I’m a Real Estate Agent: Buy in These 10 Cities To Be Rich in 10 Years

If you’re looking to buy an investment property that will pay off in the (relatively) short term, choosing which city to buy in is key. In some cities where home values are poised to skyrocket over the next decade, buying property will pay off big time by the time you’re ready to sell. Check Out: 20 Best Cities Where You Can Buy a House for Under $100K Read Next: 7 Reasons You Must Speak to a Financial Advisor Before Spending $50,000 or More GOBankingRates spoke with Jeff Tricoli, broker associate with Keller Williams’ Tricoli Team; Mitchell G. David, real estate…

Real Estate Expectations

The Future of Homebuying

The real estate market is a deep reflection of who we are fundamentally: what we value, what brings us comfort, how we work and how we want to spend our time not working. The places we live become part of our identities. Underpinning it all are the inescapable realities, for better or worse, of what we can afford.  Meanwhile, our individual choices and preferences are often driven by broad collective shifts, from socio-economic to geopolitical and environmental forces.  Find Out: 15 Cities Where Houses Are the Best Bargains Right NowSee: 3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000…

By Cody Bay
Real estate agent/financial advisor talking to a young couple stock photo

Housing Market 2023: Why Middle-Income Buyers Can’t Afford Homes

The housing market in 2023 has so far presented significant challenges for buyers of all kinds. Although prices have begun to slowly decrease in some areas, they still aren’t far off the historical highs reached in March of this year, after an astonishing 131-month streak of increases. Inventory is also low, around 46% less than the historical average going back to 1999. Mortgage Interest Rate Forecast for 2023: When Will Rates Go Down?Learn: 3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000 According to a recent report from the National Association of Realtors, it’s low- and middle-income buyers –…
A young multi-ethnic woman is stressed while calculating household expenses stock photo

Don’t Own a Home? Why You Might Be in Trouble for Years

The peak of the pandemic was a great time to buy a home. But record-low interest rates, reasonably priced inventory and plenty of choices quickly gave way to skyrocketing home values, expensive mortgages and few sellers. Housing Market 2023: Prices Are Now So High That Banks Are Losing Money on MortgagesFind Out: 3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000 Today’s upside-down housing market was years in the making, and all signs indicate it’s not a passing phase. If you didn’t get in when the getting was good, you might have to put off the dream of homeownership…
Rapid City, South Dakota, USA - October 06, 2018: street scene of downtown Rapid City with buildings and businesses.

In Less Than 5 Years, You Won’t Be Able To Afford a Home Here

Home prices have been on a wild ride the past few years. Related: In Less Than a Decade, You’ll Wish You Bought a Home in These 14 MetrosNext: 3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000 The national average home value, as of April 2023, is $339,459 in the U.S., a figure that’s expected to rise by 4.8% to $429,135 by 2028. In some cities, the average home costs less than that — but not for long. In those places, housing prices are projected to rise, in some cases, quite significantly. There, rising prices are outpacing typical home…

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How many Americans can buy a home for less than $200,000?

US Typical Home Value

See what the typical home value is in your state.

When buying your current house, which costs were more expensive than you expected?

Don’t Buy a House on This Day of the Week

Is there a worst day of the week to buy a house? GOBankingRates asked the experts.

For Sale Real Estate Sign in Front of New House.

The Median Home Price Is Now $436K — But How Much Did the Average American Pay for Their Home?

The median price for a home in the U.S. is now nearing the half-million dollar mark, but a recent GOBankingRates survey found that most homeowners today paid much less. The majority of Americans (39%) paid less than $200,000 for their homes and an additional 19% paid between $200,000 and $300,000. Only 9% of Americans reported spending between $400,000 and $550,00 on their homes, the range where the median home price lies. See: 15 Cities Where Houses Are the Best Bargains Right NowFind Out: 3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000 Here’s a closer look at the survey…
Real Estate

6 Home Renovations Proven To Help You Sell Your House

If you’re a homeowner, your house is likely to be one of your biggest assets. As such, there might come a time when you decide to put it on the market for a large lump sum of cash. I’m a Self-Made Millionaire: Here Are 5 Stocks I’m Never SellingGrant Cardone Says Passive Income Is the Key To Building Wealth: Here’s His No. 1 Way To Get It But before you do, it might prove advantageous for you to make some home renovations or improvements. Not only can this increase the value of your property, but it can also make it…

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More Places To Buy

Colorado is the best state for people seeking employment

7 Best Places for Gen X To Buy Real Estate, According to Realtors

Given the current economic climate, it might not seem like the best time to buy property. After all, mortgage rates are still high, homes are more expensive than ever, and there’s a lot of competition from other buyers. But if you’re a Gen Xer who’s in the position to buy real estate, there’s no time like the present to consider your options. With so many up-and-coming locations to choose from, it can be tough to decide the best one for you and your family. “Gen X buyers seeking the best real estate locations should focus on dynamic cities with solid…
Sunset over Denver cityscape, aerial view from the city park.

I’m a Real Estate Agent: Where To Buy a Home This Summer

Although housing inventory remains low in many places, there are still many cities throughout the U.S. that are offering great opportunities for people looking to buy this summer. To find out the best places for buyers who are currently in the market to consider, GOBankingRates spoke with a few real estate agents and experts to find the best cities to buy a home during summer 2024. Good To Know: 7 Locations Where Housing Prices Are Plummeting Post-Pandemic For You: 4 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money All median home value averages are according to Zillow as of…
The Louisville, Kentucky skyline with pedestrian walkway in front.

15 Beautiful Places Where You Can Buy a Home for Under $300,000

The most beautiful places to live in the U.S. are not always affordable. Check Out: 15 Cities Where Houses Are the Best Bargains Right NowLearn: 3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000 Although many people would like a beachfront estate in California or perhaps a Swiss chalet in the Colorado mountains, those types of palaces are not within the average American’s reach. But there are some hidden gems throughout the country that are surprisingly affordable. GOBankingRates rounded up 15 attractive places to buy a home for $300,000 or less using the latest available data from Zillow. The…
How much did you spend on home renovations in the last year?

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Indianapolis, Indiana, USA - July 24, 2010: Family Enjoys Pedal Boat on Canal in Downtown Indianapolis.

If Your Homebuying Budget Is $500K, Where Can You Get the Most House for Your Buck?

Couple buying a house and reviewing the contract with their real estate agent stock photo

How To Prepare For the Financial Stress of Buying a House, According to Experts

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Don’t miss the financial event of the year! Capital One and GOBankingRates are teaming up to celebrate National Savings Day with exclusive tips, offers and expert insights to level up your savings game.

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