City real estate, explained
Practical guides and market summaries for buyers, renters and owners in U.S. metros.
The 28% Rule: How Much House Can You Afford in a Big City?
How the 28% rule works, what it means at today's 7%+ mortgage rates, and worked examples for $75K, $100K and $150K household incomes.
Read article →Market DataQ2 2026 Metro Home Prices: The Most Expensive and Fastest-Rising U.S. Cities
A plain-English summary of NAR's Q2 2026 metro home price report: the 10 priciest metros, the 10 fastest-rising, and what changed by region.
Read article →RatesMortgage Rates Above 7%: What It Means for Your Monthly Payment
The 30-year rate hit 7.03% in September 2026. See how 6%, 7% and 8% rates change the monthly payment on a median-priced home.
Read article →BuyingCondo vs. House in the City: 7 Things to Compare Before You Buy
Condo or single-family home? Compare price, HOA fees, maintenance, space, financing, resale and lifestyle before you buy in a U.S. city.
Read article →RentingRent or Buy in a Big City? A Simple 5-Question Framework
Should you rent or buy in a U.S. metro? Use five practical questions about time, savings, rates and lifestyle to decide.
Read article →Ready to look?
Tell us your city, budget and timeline.