Before you browse Zillow, you need to know exactly what you can afford.
: Stick to a short list of non-negotiables (bedrooms, commute time) to avoid getting overwhelmed [1.5.6].
Your 2026 Guide to Buying a Home: From Prep to Keys 🗝️ Buying a home is one of the biggest moves you’ll ever make. In 2026, the market is showing signs of stability, with average 30-year mortgage rates hovering around as of late April [ 1.4.1 , 1.4.2 ]. While that’s higher than the historic lows of the early 2020s, it's a notable improvement from the 7%+ peaks seen in 2023 [ 1.4.7 ].
Before you browse Zillow, you need to know exactly what you can afford.
: Stick to a short list of non-negotiables (bedrooms, commute time) to avoid getting overwhelmed [1.5.6]. how to buy a home
Your 2026 Guide to Buying a Home: From Prep to Keys 🗝️ Buying a home is one of the biggest moves you’ll ever make. In 2026, the market is showing signs of stability, with average 30-year mortgage rates hovering around as of late April [ 1.4.1 , 1.4.2 ]. While that’s higher than the historic lows of the early 2020s, it's a notable improvement from the 7%+ peaks seen in 2023 [ 1.4.7 ]. Before you browse Zillow, you need to know