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1 week ago | 
realestate.usnews.com | Liz Brumer-Smith |Dawn Bradbury |Liisa Rajala
Key Takeaways: Rent control limits how much landlords can raise rent and sets rules for leases. It aims to stabilize housing costs for tenants while allowing landlords to recover their investment. However, it can also discourage development, restrict landlord cash flow and reduce tenant mobility. Housing affordability remains one of the biggest challenges in the United States, not just for hopeful homebuyers, but for renters, too.
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1 week ago | 
money.usnews.com | Kimberly Lankford |Barri Segal |Liisa Rajala
Key Takeaways Trump's tax bill, which the House passed on May 22, will reduce taxes for high earners. The bill preserves many of the tax breaks from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which were scheduled to expire at the end of 2025. The top tax bracket will continue to be 37% rather than reverting back to 39.6%. The bill reduces the itemized deductions for taxpayers in the top income tax bracket.
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1 week ago | 
money.usnews.com | Kimberly Lankford |Barri Segal |Liisa Rajala
Key Takeaways: The House bill passed on May 22 includes several new or expanded tax breaks for children, health care costs, car loans and education expenses, and some significant changes to student loans. The government would contribute $1,000 to new child savings accounts for babies born from 2025 through 2028. Expanded HSA contributions and eligible expenses may help middle-income families. Revising student loan repayment rules may cost families more.
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1 week ago | 
realestate.usnews.com | Maurie Backman |Dawn Bradbury |Liisa Rajala
Key Takeaways Home maintenance tasks that aren't dangerous or overly complicated are good candidates for DIY. Be cautious about work that's hazardous, like gutter cleanings or roof repairs. Save HVAC maintenance and pest control for the professionals. When you buy a home, you don't just commit to a mortgage payment. You also commit to the time and expense of maintaining that property both inside and out.
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2 weeks ago | 
money.usnews.com | Erica Sandberg |Barri Segal |Liisa Rajala
Key Takeaways Eighty-five percent of U.S. consumers are actively seeking financial information, with most turning to friends and family members for advice. Trusted individuals can be appealing sources of information but may not have the acumen to provide neutral, tailored and accurate advice. Eighty-six percent of people know what they want about their money, and 45% said they secretly know more about finances than they typically let on.
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2 weeks ago | 
realestate.usnews.com | Robyn A. Friedman |Dawn Bradbury |Liisa Rajala
Key Takeaways: For most Americans, the largest expense in their monthly budget is housing, whether rent or a mortgage payment. A general rule of thumb is “the 30% rule,” which states that renters should not spend more than 30% of their gross monthly income on rent. To avoid crimping your budget, consider finding a roommate, living in a less expensive area, negotiating with your landlord, downsizing or asking family for financial help.
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3 weeks ago | 
realestate.usnews.com | Liz Brumer-Smith |Dawn Bradbury |Liisa Rajala
Key Takeaways: A subject-to transaction lets buyers take over payments on a seller’s existing mortgage, often at a much lower rate than the current rate. The buyer takes title and responsibility for the home, but the seller remains on the mortgage. This strategy carries legal and financial risks and has recently faced increased scrutiny. As of May 15, the average 30-year-fixed mortgage APR is 7.04% and the average 30-year refinance mortgage APR is 7.21%.
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3 weeks ago | 
realestate.usnews.com | Barbara Bellesi Zito |Dawn Bradbury |Liisa Rajala
Key Takeaways: Create focal points that draw your eyes outdoors, from water features to pathways lined with plants. Ensure design continuity by using similar flooring, lighting and layouts to make the indoors and outdoors appear as one large room. Decorate with natural tones and textures, from earthy colors and rattan furniture to plants and flowers – even if they’re faux. Select furnishings upholstered in performance fabric to bring comfortable yet weather-resistant seating outdoors.
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1 month ago | 
realestate.usnews.com | Robyn A. Friedman |Dawn Bradbury |Liisa Rajala
Key Takeaways: Competitive markets sometimes require fast action from buyers and sellers. Buying first allows you to sell your home vacant without having to worry about maintaining it in show-ready condition. Purchasing a new home first comes with risk. You might end up carrying the costs of two homes until your old home sells. If you’re in the market for a new home, but, like most homeowners, you need to sell your old one, what’s the best way to handle the logistics?
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1 month ago | 
realestate.usnews.com | Josephine Nesbit |Dawn Bradbury |Liisa Rajala
Key Takeaways Asking the right questions can help buyers make a competitive offer on a home that fits their lifestyle and budget. Buyers should ask about the property's costs, condition, renovation history and any potential issues. After the viewing, buyers can direct questions to their real estate agent, who can gather and confirm the correct information. A home is one of the biggest purchases you can make.
