Homeownership
14 articles

Majority Favor Buying Over Renting Amid Housing Affordability Trends
In Q2 2026, Gen Z accounted for a record 20% of home purchase rate locks, even as nearly a third of all homebuyers relied on family gifts or retirement savings for their down payments, according to Ho

How Property Tax Is Assessed and How to Appeal
In some regions, homeowners still pay property taxes based on assessments from decades ago, creating vastly unequal burdens for neighbors with similar homes.

What Are Community Development Districts and Their Property Value Impact?
In 2026, homeowners in numerous new residential developments across the region are discovering they are financially obligated to cover infrastructure costs for decades, a burden often spanning up to 3

How Are Property Taxes Assessed and Appealed?
Property owners typically have only 30 to 45 days from receiving their valuation notice to file a property tax appeal, a narrow window that can save thousands.

Alabama's Top Affordable First-Time Homebuyer Markets
Despite Alabama's reputation for affordability, the inventory of homes under $200,000, a crucial price point for many first-time buyers, has plummeted by 25% statewide in just the last year, according

What Is Zoning and How Does It Affect Housing Affordability?
In 36 states, rising zoning regulations directly correlate with increasing real average home prices, making housing less accessible for millions.

California Homes Cost Double U.S. Average Amidst Affordability Crisis
In California, a bottom-tier home costs 30 percent more than a mid-tier home in the rest of the U.

What Are the Different Types of Property Deeds and Their Homeowner Implications?
While a deed legally establishes property transfer, simply holding it does not constitute unencumbered ownership without a clear title.

Housing Market Trends: First-Time Buyers Drop to Record Low 21%
The rate of first-time homebuyers in the US has plummeted to a record low of 21% of all buyers, a level not seen since 1981, according to Houston Agent Magazine and Fortune .

What are property deeds and titles for new homeowners?
Title defects, often unseen at closing, can surface years after a home purchase, leading to complex and costly legal battles that threaten ownership.

The Impact of Displacement on Neighborhood Character
Black wealth in Richmond has seen a significant decline, with a loss of 3,600 Black homeowners, according to Nextcity .

How Local Property Taxes Work: An Assessment and Calculation Guide
Understand the complex process behind your annual property tax bill. This guide explains how local governments assess property value, calculate tax rates, and collect payments.

How Community Land Trusts Work: A Complete Guide to Affordable Homeownership
Community Land Trusts (CLTs) offer a unique path to affordable homeownership by allowing you to purchase a house without buying the land it sits on. This nonprofit model helps reduce costs and preserves housing affordability for future generations.

Property Deed vs. Title: A Homeowner's Guide to Understanding Ownership
Understand the fundamental difference between a property deed and a title. This guide explains what each term means and why it's crucial for protecting your homeownership rights.