How To Buy A Home

This episode explains why a rare January buyer’s market is creating real affordability opportunities for first-time homebuyers right now, without waiting on government “fixes.”  SynopsisWith sellers outnumbering buyers by 47%—including 631,000 more sellers than buyers in January 2026—the episode breaks down why leverage has quietly shifted back to homebuyers. It outlines practical ways buyers are getting affordability through negotiations, seller credits, and builder incentives—plus rate buy-downs and closing cost help. It also explains why headline-driven policy talk doesn’t solve the real issue (inventory) and why affordability wins often come from local and market-based opportunities instead.   Finally, it spotlights emerging state and local ideas that could reduce monthly payments—like property tax caps/exemptions and stacked grants—while encouraging first-time buyers to get proactive before spring competition returns.  “Right now, there’s 631,000 more home sel