A recent national survey found 60% of Americans would rather co-buy half a home now than keep renting until solo ownership feels possible.
Cost drove interest most: 94% named at least one affordability reason, led by sharing monthly mortgage payments, splitting down payments, or reaching better homes.
Family was the most common path, with 68% open to buying with relatives, while younger and lower-income Americans showed greater openness to friends.
Nearly all prospective co-buyers wanted written agreements covering exit and payment terms, and brokers can add value as non-traditional down payment sources reached 29%.
The shift looked deeper than financing: 61% viewed co-buying with friends or family as serious as marriage, and half saw it helping avoid later-life solitude.

Halloween falls on October 31 because the ancient Gaelic festival of Samhain, considered the earliest known root of Halloween, occurred on this day.
In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to praise all saints.
Soon, All Saints' Day incorporated some traditions of Samhain and the evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween.
Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes and eating treats.
Today’s the day to eat candies and sweets to your heart’s content! Happy Halloween!

FHA loans can be a powerful tool for buyers hoping to move into their own home sooner, especially when saving for a large down payment feels out of reach. With as little as 3.5% down for those with credit scores of 580 and above—and even options for buyers starting at 500—these programs offer a path forward for many families. Flexible qualifying standards, the ability to use gift funds, and often lower interest rates than conventional loans help open doors that might otherwise feel closed.

That being said, eligibility is key: lenders typically prefer a 43% debt-to-income ratio, stable two-year income history, and owner occupancy. It’s also important to plan ahead for costs beyond your down payment, including typical closing costs of 2%-6%, a 1.75% upfront mortgage insurance premium, and annual insurance thereafter.

There are tradeoffs to be mindful of: FHA loans are for primary residences, have specific appraisal and property standards, and come with lower loan limits. Buyers may encounter stiffer competition from cash offers, but the opportunity to build equity sooner is real. For clients with limited savings or less-than-perfect credit, FHA loans often make sense—just remember to shop multiple approved lenders, compare all the fees, and consider refinance options down the line.

With over 20 years guiding families through decisions like these, I always strive to match each client with the right loan for their unique situation. My approach is to understand your bigger picture, offer honest advice, and help you move forward with confidence—whether that means choosing FHA, conventional, or another path entirely.

Over my two decades guiding families through the homebuying journey, I’ve learned that a thoughtful plan always comes before the search for listings. Before falling in love with homes online, it’s essential to get clear on your income, debts, monthly bills, and—most importantly—what you’ll be truly comfortable paying each month. Homeownership should feel empowering, not like a monthly squeeze.

I always encourage clients to check their credit early, address any report errors, and pay down balances where possible. Even modest improvements here can put you in a stronger position for better loan terms, saving real money over time.

It’s not just about the down payment, either—closing costs, moving expenses, and those first repairs can add up quickly. Planning for these from the outset helps keep the experience positive and free from unwelcome surprises.

Pre-approval isn’t just a box to check—it sharpens your home search, demonstrates your seriousness to sellers, and can give you a valuable edge if you end up in a competitive offer situation.

Finally, surround yourself with a great team. I work closely with buyer’s agents who know our local CA markets inside and out, spot red flags, and negotiate with clarity and care. Take your time through every step—look beyond the staging, focus on the fundamentals, and stay steady all the way to closing.

My approach is always built on trust, honest guidance, and a deep commitment to your long-term financial health—because a mortgage should fit your life, not the other way around.