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INTELLIGENT HOME BUYING — MARKET INTELLIGENCE

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2026 Housing Market Outlook: Inventory Rises, Rates Stay Stubborn

FEATURED

March 9, 2026 · 7 min read

2026 Housing Market Outlook: Inventory Rises, Rates Stay Stubborn

After years of near-zero inventory, listings are finally rising across major metros. But with mortgage rates holding above 6.5%, the relief may be slower than buyers hope.

📈 MARKETby IHB Research

📈 MARKET

Rate Buydowns Explained: Is Paying Points Worth It in 2026?

Paying discount points to lower your mortgage rate sounds smart — but the math only works if you stay in the home long enough. Here's how to calculate your break-even.

March 7, 2026 · 6 min read

🏠 BUYERS

First-Time Homebuyer Programs in 2026: Grants, DPA, and Low-Down Loans

Dozens of state and local programs exist to help first-time buyers cover down payments and closing costs. Most people don't know they qualify. Here's what's available.

March 8, 2026 · 9 min read

💰 SELLERS

How to Evaluate a Cash Offer on Your Home: What Sellers Need to Know

Cash offers are seductive but not always the best deal. Here's how to compare a below-market cash offer against a financed offer at a higher price.

March 8, 2026 · 6 min read

11 articles

MARKETMarch 7, 20266 min read

Rate Buydowns Explained: Is Paying Points Worth It in 2026?

Paying discount points to lower your mortgage rate sounds smart — but the math only works if you stay in the home long enough. Here's how to calculate your break-even.

mortgage ratesdiscount pointsbuydowns

MARKETMarch 5, 20265 min read

ARM vs. Fixed Rate in 2026: Which Is Right for You?

With 30-year rates above 6.5%, adjustable-rate mortgages are gaining attention. A 5/1 ARM at 5.9% sounds appealing — until you understand the resets.

ARMfixed ratemortgage

BUYERSMarch 8, 20269 min read

First-Time Homebuyer Programs in 2026: Grants, DPA, and Low-Down Loans

Dozens of state and local programs exist to help first-time buyers cover down payments and closing costs. Most people don't know they qualify. Here's what's available.

first-time buyerdown payment assistancegrants

BUYERSMarch 6, 20267 min read

Mortgage Pre-Approval: What It Is, What It Isn't, and How to Get One

Pre-qualification is not pre-approval. Pre-approval is not a loan commitment. Understanding the difference can save you from losing a home you love.

mortgagepre-approvalcredit score

BUYERSMarch 4, 20268 min read

Closing Costs for Buyers: The Complete Breakdown by State

Buyers often budget for the down payment and forget about closing costs — typically 2–5% of the loan amount. Here's every line item and how to minimize them.

closing costsbuying a homefees

BUYERSMarch 2, 202610 min read

Home Inspection Checklist: 47 Things Your Inspector Should Check

A home inspection is your last line of defense against a money pit. Know what's being checked — and what questions to ask when the report comes back.

home inspectionbuying a homedue diligence

BUYERSFebruary 28, 20268 min read

How to Make a Competitive Offer in 2026 (Without Overpaying)

The era of 30-offer bidding wars is mostly over — but competitive markets still exist. Here's how to structure an offer that wins without leaving money on the table.

making an offernegotiationbidding war

SELLERSMarch 8, 20266 min read

How to Evaluate a Cash Offer on Your Home: What Sellers Need to Know

Cash offers are seductive but not always the best deal. Here's how to compare a below-market cash offer against a financed offer at a higher price.

cash offersellinghome sale

SELLERSMarch 3, 20266 min read

When to Sell Your Home: Market Timing, Seasonal Patterns, and the Truth

Everyone asks whether now is a good time to sell. The real answer is more nuanced — and depends almost entirely on where you live, not national headlines.

sellingmarket timinghome value

SELLERSFebruary 25, 20267 min read

Seller Closing Costs: How Much Does It Actually Cost to Sell Your Home?

Agent commissions get the headlines, but sellers face 8–10 costs at closing. Know them all before you sign the listing agreement.

sellingclosing costsagent commissions

SELLERSFebruary 22, 20267 min read

How to Stage Your Home to Sell Fast (and for More Money)

Staged homes sell 73% faster and for 1–5% more, according to the National Association of Realtors. Here's what actually moves the needle — and what's a waste of money.

home stagingsellinghome value

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