Clever Real Estate

👴 What is the average retiree’s financial situation going into 2026? 👵 American retirees think their peers need an average of $823,800 in savings and investments to retire comfortably in 2026. That’s a dramatic jump from the average of $580,310 that respondents felt they needed last year. Respondents have an average of just $288,700 in savings now.

📆 What are the most important real estate facts to know heading into 2026? 📆 Overall, Americans are fairly pessimistic about the U.S. economy and many aspects of homeownership, home buying, and selling, with 77% saying owning a home isn’t affordable for the average person.

About 72% of Americans say the economy is worsening as the holidays approach, and 56% say they'll have to cut back on holiday spending this year to afford basic living expenses, such as food, housing, or utilities. Americans' Holiday Spending | What Could Help Holiday Budgets | Blame for Rising Holiday Costs | | Holiday Spending Debt | Where to Shop | Holiday shopping isn’t all fun and games.

A majority of Americans (53%) have credit card debt, with an average balance of $7,719, while more than 1 in 4 (29%) say they wouldn't be able to afford essential living expenses without a credit card.

Buying a home is the biggest financial decision you’ll ever make. And unless you’ve saved hundreds of thousands of dollars, you’ll need to apply for a mortgage to make your homeownership dream a reality. The mortgage application process can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or want to purchase your second home, here’s everything you need to know about how to apply for a mortgage loan. 💡 Need help applying for a mortgage?

A down payment is the amount of money you pay for a new house out of your own pocket, with the remaining balance covered by a mortgage. Saving up money for a down payment can be a major financial undertaking. For many, it can be an obstacle to home ownership. However, when you learn what the average down payment for a house is, saving for one begins to feel less overwhelming. In fact, you can even qualify for a mortgage with little or no money down.

When it comes to buying a house, choosing the right mortgage is the first step. One of the most popular mortgage options is the conventional home loan, and for good reason. They’re widely available, flexible, and have fewer property restrictions than government-backed loans. Let’s explore what a conventional loan is, how it compares to other loan types, the kinds of properties you can purchase with one, and whether it’s the right type of home loan for you. 🏡 Ready to buy a home?

Can you get a mortgage with zero down? Yes, certain types of mortgage loans require zero down, but not everyone will qualify. And even if you do qualify, it might not be something you want to do. While a zero-down mortgage can allow you to buy a home sooner because you don’t have to save for a down payment, there are downsides—including higher monthly mortgage costs. Let’s explore what exactly a zero-down mortgage is, how to get one, and whether it’s the right option for you.

Buying a house is a significant milestone, especially if it’s your first home. For most people, the first step isn’t house hunting—it’s figuring out how much you can afford. Getting a rough estimate of what a lender might let you borrow is key to narrowing your home search. That’s what a mortgage prequalification does. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to prequalify for a mortgage, what you need to prequalify, and how it’s different from preapproval.

Buying your first home can be a rollercoaster of an experience. It’s exciting and overwhelming and fun, all at the same time. But it’s also one of the most consequential decisions you’ll ever make, so who wouldn’t want to lessen those scarier, uncertain feelings? We’re here with a calm, practical guide full of solid, tried-and-tested advice to help you navigate some of the more complex aspects of the homebuying process.