Robert Fontecchio

09/06/2026

A strong vacation rental market is about more than nightly rates, so compare occupancy, local regulations, insurance, maintenance, and seasonal demand before buying.

FinanceBuzz highlights 10 U.S. communities where relatively affordable property prices and steady travel demand may create opportunities for short-term rental owners. The list includes Columbus, Ellsworth, Logan, Spring Hill, Sneads Ferry, Winter Haven, Stanton, Port Angeles, Akron, and Fairbanks. R...

09/05/2026

If you’re new to investing, the biggest advantage isn’t speed — it’s learning how to avoid expensive mistakes early.

This BiggerPockets Rookie episode focuses on the lessons newer investors need most, from analyzing deals to managing risk and staying realistic about returns. For anyone exploring real estate investing, the biggest takeaway is that success rarely comes from chasing trends or rushing into a deal. It....

09/04/2026

Selling isn't just about finding your next home anymore. For many homeowners, replacing a low mortgage rate with a much higher one is changing the decision.

Many homeowners are staying put because moving often means giving up a mortgage rate that's much lower than what's available today. That decision is keeping more homes off the market in many parts of the country and continues to influence housing supply. It's a helpful reminder that today's market i...

08/31/2026

It is not a question of filling curiosity. Below are 15 actual real estate trends that are currently shaping home values nationwide.

Your home’s value doesn’t exist in a vacuum—it’s always relative to changing market trends, buyer wants, and broader economic forces. What buyers wanted five years ago might be completely different from what they’re currently prioritizing, and these ever-changing trends directly influence ...

08/30/2026

If you’re thinking about refinancing, start with the break-even point—lower monthly payments don’t help much when closing costs take years to recover.

Refinancing can help with more than lowering your interest rate, but the numbers need to fit your plans. This guide walks through common situations such as reducing your payment, shortening or extending the loan term, removing mortgage insurance, funding renovations, and switching from an adjustable...

08/29/2026

Where you live can shape how much room you have to build wealth, especially when income, taxes, and housing costs all pull together.

This ranking looks at states through a financial lens, including income, taxes, job opportunities, and cost of living. It’s useful relocation context because building wealth isn’t only about earning more — it’s also about what housing, taxes, and everyday expenses leave in your budget. Lists...

08/28/2026

Only you can decide whether a home is worth the investment, but one way to know for sure is to get to know the neighborhood you're buying into.

How to best approach them can be tricky, but when done correctly, it's the most effective way to uncover hidden insights that can seal the deal or raise red flags on buying a home nearby.

08/27/2026

The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan balances, $832,750 or less, decreased to 6.77% from 6.81%

Total mortgage application volume rose 3.6% last week compared with the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s seasonally adjusted index.

08/24/2026

If homeownership is one of your goals, your first home doesn’t have to be in the most expensive California market. These cities show why being flexible about location can open up more possibilities.

08/23/2026

A home’s time on the market, pricing history, and previous reductions can tell you a lot about how flexible the seller may be.

The U.S. housing market is giving buyers a little more breathing room in 2026. More homes are available, price reductions are becoming more common, and some properties are sitting longer before selling. That can create opportunities to negotiate on the purchase price, repairs, closing costs, or othe...