Finance

From home renovations and market timing to leveraging rental options and considering tax-advantaged investments, discover various approaches that can ease the burden and unlock financial potential.

In 2024, the U.S. housing market presents a unique mix of opportunities and challenges for prospective buyers. Mortgage rates are trending lower than in recent years, but home prices remain elevated in many regions.

The recent rise in mortgage rates has led to billions in missed refinancing savings for homeowners, highlighting the importance of timing. While some homeowners were able to secure favorable rates, others missed out due to the unexpected surge.

The U.S. housing affordability crisis has reached unprecedented levels, with nearly half of all renters classified as "cost-burdened." States like Arizona, Nevada, and Florida are particularly affected, as rising rents outpace wage growth, leaving many households struggling to maintain their homes.

Goldman Sachs has revised its year-end forecast for the S&P 500, raising the target to 6,000 points for 2024 and projecting further growth to 6,300 by 2025. This optimistic outlook is driven by strong corporate earnings, improved profit margins, and sector recoveries.

Homeowner equity surged to record levels in Q2 2024, driven by rising home values and modest increases in mortgage debt. This historic growth offers homeowners increased financial flexibility, though it presents challenges for first-time buyers.

While paying cash for a home offers the comfort of owning a property outright, it may not always be the best financial decision.