Housing Insights Central
Delve into articles on market trends, home improvement, and legal tips that guide you to smarter housing decisions.
How Much Should You Spend on Rent?
Deciding how much to spend on rent starts with understanding what you can comfortably afford. Here are some general rules to guide you: The 30% Rule A common recommendation is to spend about 30% of your gross monthly income...
Understanding New York’s STAR Tax Relief Program
New York State has a special program to help people save money on property taxes, especially for school costs. This program is called the School Tax Relief (STAR) program. It was created to make living in New York more a...
Should I Buy a House in Today's Market?
Should I Buy a House in Today'S Market? The question has been on everyone's mind, and the answer depends on your circumstances. Many people want to maximize their wealth while minimizing their stress. In today's competitive housing mark...
A Community in Crisis: Addressing Housing and Workforce Issues in Santa Barbara County
The sky-high cost of housing in Santa Barbara County is pushing many long-time residents to their breaking point. With the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment hovering around $2,0...
Will the Housing Market Continue to Prop Up the US Economy?
While job growth and business spending have been slowing down, the housing market still provides a bright spot for the economy. In order to keep the economic expansion going, the United States will need housing growt...
Where Will Mortgage Rates Head in 2020?
One of the things that helped the housing market forward in 2019 was the fact that interest rates dropped over the course of the year, making mortgages less expensive. Experts now predict that the good times will persist throughout 2020...
Bridging the Gap: Whitefish Rental Assistance Program Gets Mixed Reviews
The town of Whitefish, Montana recently announced a new rental assistance program to help lower-income residents struggling with the city's high housing costs. However, the program has received mix...
Finding Affordable Housing: Strategies for Renters on a Budget
The cost of rent continues to increase across the country, making housing a struggle for many renters. But affordable options are still out there if you get creative. Here are some strategies for rente...
Government Aid is Not Enough: Why Housing Costs Must Be Addressed at Their Root
Government housing assistance programs provide critical support for millions struggling with unaffordable housing costs. However, demand for aid continues to far outstrip available resources....
