Author: Asim Iftikhar

Introduction U.S. housing demand is often discussed in terms of how many new households form each year. While household growth is a critical metric, it does not fully explain current market conditions. Equally important is how newly formed households enter the housing market—as renters or homeowners—and which age groups are driving those changes. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the United States added approximately 1.4 million net new households in 2024. However, that growth was not evenly split between renters and homeowners, and it was not evenly distributed across age groups. Recent data from the Census Bureau’s Housing Vacancy Survey…

Introduction: “More money” depends on what you measure In U.S. real estate, “Which makes more money—fix and flip or rental property?” is often asked as if there’s one universal winner. In reality, the better-performing strategy depends on how you define returns, your time horizon, and the risks you are willing (and able) to carry. A flip can look “bigger” because profits may arrive in one lump sum at resale—yet those profits are increasingly sensitive to purchase price, renovation costs, days-on-market, and financing expense. Meanwhile, a rental often looks “slower,” but it can build wealth through cash flow + loan paydown…

Introduction Down payments are one of the most discussed components of buying a home in the United States, yet public data shows they vary widely by household type, loan program, region, and market conditions. While down payments are often framed as a fixed percentage requirement, national housing research demonstrates that there is no single “standard” amount that applies universally to all buyers. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the typical down payment for first-time homebuyers has recently been around 10%, while repeat buyers have reported median down payments closer to 20%. At the same time, a significant share…

A Data-Based Comparison of Costs, Flexibility, and Long-Term Considerations Introduction The decision to rent or buy a home in the United States is often framed as a financial milestone, but national housing data shows that the choice is neither linear nor universal. Renting and homeownership coexist as long-term housing solutions for millions of U.S. households, shaped by income levels, housing costs, labor mobility, and local market conditions. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the national homeownership rate stood at approximately 65.7%, meaning that more than one in three U.S. households rents their primary residence. This proportion has remained relatively stable…

Introduction Housing affordability is one of the most discussed topics in U.S. real estate, yet it is often misunderstood. While mortgage qualification guidelines provide standardized thresholds, affordability in practice involves far more than approval criteria. According to the National Association of Realtors Housing Affordability Index, affordability fluctuates over time based on changes in income, home prices, financing costs, and ownership expenses. This article provides an educational overview of how affordability is commonly evaluated in the U.S. and why qualifying for a mortgage and comfortably sustaining homeownership are not always the same. How Lenders Commonly Evaluate Affordability Lenders typically assess affordability…

Introduction While mortgage payments often receive the most attention, homeownership in the United States involves ongoing costs beyond principal and interest. Understanding these expenses is essential for evaluating long-term affordability and sustainability. Data from housing agencies and insurance groups shows that many homeowners underestimate non-mortgage costs, which can represent a meaningful portion of total annual housing expenses. This article provides an educational overview of common ownership costs beyond the mortgage, using U.S.-specific data and neutral explanations. Property Taxes Property taxes are assessed at the state and local level and vary widely by location. According to national housing data: The average…

Introduction Apartment hunting remained highly competitive across much of the United States in 2025, even as new supply continued to enter the market. While more than 500,000 new multifamily units were delivered nationwide, demand remained strong enough that competition intensified in many large and mid-sized metros. According to industry rental market tracking, cities such as Miami, Chicago, and Manhattan ranked among the most competitive places to rent this year. At the same time, several suburban and smaller metros experienced some of the fastest increases in rental competition. This analysis explains why rental markets remain tight, how renter behavior contributes to…

Introduction In the U.S. housing market, timing can influence both pricing and competition. While spring and early summer are traditionally associated with increased listing activity and buyer demand, historical housing data shows that winter months—particularly January and February—often present different market dynamics. Multiple housing research firms have identified seasonal price patterns in U.S. residential real estate, where average price-per-square-foot figures tend to be lower during the early part of the year compared to late spring. These shifts are driven not by a single factor, but by a combination of buyer behavior, seller motivation, and transaction volume trends. This article explains…