Housing affordability went from 25% of income to 37% in just a few years. And waiting for rates to drop? It’s not the game-changer you think it is. 📈
This isn’t about giving up on homeownership. It’s about being honest about what actually works in today’s market.
Even with the Fed potentially cutting rates, most experts predict mortgage rates will still be above 6% through 2026. National affordability might only improve to 31% – and that’s with incredibly optimistic assumptions.
So what do you actually do when traditional advice isn’t working?
In this episode, I get real about the three options that can dramatically improve affordability: 🏠 Live smaller or double up 🗺️ Move to a more affordable area (I share my own California-to-Seattle story) 💰 Skip the mortgage entirely with co-investment
Here’s the thing – I left California over a decade ago because even then, affordability was hitting the limit. Today? The typical California household would need TWO-THIRDS of their income just to qualify for a mortgage with 20% down.
But what if moving isn’t an option? What if your career, family, and life are tied to an expensive metro? That’s where co-investment gets interesting. Lower monthly payments than a mortgage, no qualification stress, and flexibility that traditional loans can’t match.
What’s keeping you from buying? Is it the monthly payment, qualifying for the mortgage, or something else? Let me know in the comments 👇
Coming next: How geographic moves can add YEARS to your retirement timeline.
#realestatedata #HousingAffordability #Homeownership #MortgageRates #CoInvestment #FirstTimeBuyer #HousingCrisis #RealEstateData #HomeBuying #PropertyInvestment #HousingMarket #RealEstateEducation #DataDriven #HousingTips #AffordableHousing