01/18/2026
1. Senate Democrats unveiled a new housing plan called “Opportunity Starts at Home.” Their goal? Lower rents, help with down payments, and build more housing. The average first-time homebuyer is now 40 years old—the highest ever recorded.
2. Even if you locked in a good mortgage rate, your monthly costs might still be climbing. Escrow payments (property taxes + insurance) jumped 30% nationwide in 2025. In Florida and Colorado, they spiked over 55%.
3. The White House announced a plan to let Americans tap their 401(k) retirement funds for a home down payment—without penalty. President Trump says full details drop next week. Some say it’ll help buyers. Others worry it could push prices higher and hurt retirement savings.
Which one of these affects you most? Let me know in the comments.
