#home-affordability

#home-affordability

For the past decade, rate marketing has been the dominant gravitational force in mortgage acquisition. Whoever shouted the lowest 30-year fixed rate the loudest won the most attention. But attention has never been the same as intent, and intent has never been the same as a closed loan. What's happening now is more fundamental than a rate cycle or a marketing shift. It's a reordering of how borrowers discover homes, evaluate affordability, and choose which lender earns their trust first.

In 2025, Fairfield's 45014 ZIP code made the list, reflecting how affordable suburban communities near Cincinnati are drawing buyers with value and accessibility. Fairfield ranked No. 43 nationally, with homes selling in a median of 33 days from January through June 2025. That's nearly three weeks faster than the U.S. median of 53 days. The median listing price in Fairfield was $240,000, making it one of the most affordable ZIP codes on this year's list-far below the June 2025 housing market data median of $441,000.

Fort Worth is buzzing with growth and character, and buyers are taking notice. The market is somewhat competitive (Redfin Compete Score™ 56/100): in July 2025, the median sale price was $340,000, down 2.8% year over year. Homes sold in about 49 days on average and typically received around 2 offers. The sale-to-list price came in at 98.0%, with 18.4% of homes selling above list and 41.6% seeing price drops.

To afford a $250,000 home, most buyers will need an annual income between $62,000 and $80,000. This assumes average interest rates, a standard loan term, and a modest down payment.

The new Dashboard is a tool that enables NAR members to stay ahead of the market and better serve their clients, equipping them with insights into shifts in affordability, demand, and the economy.

Most buyers need to earn $100,000 to $135,000 per year to afford a $400,000 home, based on average interest rates and a modest down payment.

"When I got my property tax reevaluation last year, I opened the envelope up and hit the floor," says Beth Blackmarr, a resident of Lakewood and spokesperson of a group organizing to abolish property taxes in Ohio. "Panic."

Woodbridge, Virginia, ranked No. 1 due to a population increase from 4,000 to 43,000 over five years, reflecting a trend of urban residents seeking suburban living.