If you’re a homeowner, there’s a good chance you’ve built up substantial wealth simply by living in your home and benefiting from its appreciation over time. That equity you’ve gained? It could be a powerful tool to help shape your child’s future.
With affordability remaining a major hurdle, many first-time buyers are finding it difficult to enter today’s housing market. Even with steady employment and a solid game plan, homeownership can still feel out of reach. That’s where your home equity can come in.
To put it into perspective, the average homeowner with a mortgage has around $311,000 in equity, according to Cotality (formerly CoreLogic). That’s a meaningful amount — and some parents are tapping into that equity to help their children buy their first home.
In fact, Bank of America reports that 49% of buyers aged 18 to 26 received financial support from their parents for their down payment (see chart below):

While the data ...

Is Your Home Ready for the Next Chapter of Your Life?
Retirement is more than just a milestone—it’s the start of a new and exciting journey. After years of hard work, you finally have the chance to slow down, explore new passions, and live life on your own terms. But with this fresh chapter comes some important decisions. One of the biggest? Is your current home still the right fit for your lifestyle and budget in retirement?
This is a critical question, especially now. In the past five years, the cost of living has surged by 23%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This increase, tracked by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), reflects the average rise in prices for goods and services—and it’s something that could impact your retirement savings.
As you plan for your retirement, those rising expenses are something to consider. You might be wondering if your money will stretch as far as you’d like. The good news? You may have more control over ...

Should You Consider a Newly Built Home? Pros and Cons to Keep in Mind

When searching for a home, it’s important not to overlook new construction as an option. Right now, there are more newly built homes available than usual, giving buyers a wider selection and some exciting advantages. Connecting with your real estate agent can help determine if a new build is the right fit for you.

Here’s a breakdown of key benefits and potential considerations when purchasing a newly built home.

Advantages of Buying a Newly Built Home

Personalization OpportunitiesMany builders offer buyers the chance to customize finishes, layouts, and upgrades, allowing you to tailor the home to your style. While this is most beneficial if the home is still under construction, some builders may accommodate changes even after completion.

Lower Maintenance and Fewer RepairsSince everything in a new home—from the roof to the appliances—is brand new, you’ll likely save on mai. ...

Have you been wondering whether you should keep renting or finally make the leap into homeownership?
It’s a big decision, and let’s be real — renting can feel like the easier option, especially if buying a home feels out of reach.
But here’s the thing: a recent report from Bank of America highlights that 70% of prospective buyers fear the long-term consequences of renting, including not building equity and dealing with rising rents.
Maybe you’re feeling that too — concerned about where renting might leave you down the road, but still unsure if you'd even be able to buy right now. The truth is, if you’re able to make the numbers work, buying a home has powerful long-term financial benefits.
Let’s break down why homeownership is worth considering in 2025 and beyond, and how it can help set you up for the future.
Buying Builds Wealth Over Time
Buying a home allows you to turn your monthly housing costs into a long-term investment. Hom. ...

The start of a new year often inspires reflection and goal-setting. As you envision what you want your 2025 to look like, one dream may stand out: living in a new home. But how do you turn that vision into reality? Where should you begin?
Here are some key steps to help you get started.
Define Your Why
Your journey begins by identifying your “why.” While financial considerations are essential, so is the motivation behind your desire to move. Do you need more room for a growing family? Are you downsizing for a simpler lifestyle? Or is it time to purchase your first home?
Your “why” will be your guiding light. Share it with your real estate agent—they’ll use their expertise to align your goals with the right opportunities, no matter the market conditions. A skilled agent will guide you through the process, troubleshoot challenges, and keep you on track until your dream becomes a reality.
Clarify Your Needs
Next, get specific about what your next . ...