Kathleen O'Brien

Stay in your home 5–7 years to build equity and make ownership worthwhile.
Check your credit score; 700+ can mean lower mortgage rates and payments.
List your needs vs. wants; no house is perfect, so decide on deal-breakers.
Get pre-qualified for a loan to speed up the mortgage process and know your budget.
Always get a professional inspection to uncover hidden issues before closing.

Tips for Your First Time Buying a Home

The market is shifting into a clearer 2026 landscape, with several regions—especially the Rust Belt—showing steady growth and strong buyer demand.

Rising inventory in Sun Belt markets is opening new opportunities, giving buyers better prices and stronger negotiating power than in recent years.

Midwest and Northeast affordability continues to support resilient demand, helping these regions maintain positive momentum into 2026.

With regional trends becoming more predictable, buyers and builders can move forward with greater clarity and confidence across a diversifying market.