Lately, headlines have floated an eye-catching idea about tapping into your 401(k) to cover a down payment on a home.

You’re scrolling through listings on your phone and everything looks good until you see the price (or the estimated monthly payment). Then you close the app.

A recent survey from Talker Research asked Americans to pick one word to describe how 2026 has felt so far. The winner? Stressful. And honestly, there’s been a lot going on.

You may have heard the number of homes for sale isn’t growing like it was. And maybe that has you worried you won’t find a home you love when it’s time to make your move.

Ask around and almost every homebuyer out there wants to know if there’s a way to get a better deal. And just about every seller wants to know if they’ll still get top dollar.

If you’re waiting for mortgage rates to fall a lot before you buy, you may be waiting a while.

If you’re planning to buy your next home soon, you’ve probably heard the old rule about saving 20% for your down payment.

Imagine waiting a year to buy a home, only to find mortgage rates haven’t changed much. That may sound frustrating. But it’s a real possibility.

For years, a lot of would-be homebuyers have worried about the same thing. How do you compete with big investors who can swoop in, pay cash, and snap up the houses you want?

If buying a home is on your radar, you’ve probably been keeping an eye on mortgage rates and home prices. But don’t forget about homeowners insurance.