Explore Home and Housing Insights

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, is updating its rules and payment amounts for 2026. These changes are designed to help families afford healthy fo...

The housing market dynamics are always changing. Prices fluctuate with market demand, changing mortgage rates, and with economic transitions.  Supply and demand flow based on these factors. Given the shifts, you must scr...

With interest rates on the rise, refinancing a mortgage may seem counterintuitive. However, for some homeowners, refinancing still makes good financial sense even as rates increase. The key is acting strategicall...

Most people look forward to retirement as a time to enjoy the comfort of their homes. However, as we age, our homes might need changes to match our changing needs, such as health and mobility.  Whe...

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has good news for homeowners who are finding it hard to keep up with their mortgage payments.  Through its Federal Housing Administration (FHA), HUD...

Buying your first home is a big step, and figuring out how to pay for it can be stressful. But there are special loans designed to make it easier for first-timers.  These loans often require less money up f...

Earlier in the year, two apartment buildings in Chicago, home mostly to elderly people with lower incomes, were about to get a significant makeover to save energy.  The idea was to use a m...

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are key players in the American housing market, making buying a house more predictable for homeowners and attractive for those investing in home loans. Basically, they help keep th...

The White House recently proposed major changes to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), including getting rid of Section 8 housing vouchers and cutting rental assistance by about 40%. Section...