If you’re getting a tax refund this year, here’s something worth thinking about. That money could actually help you get closer to buying a home.

It may not be something you’ve factored into your plan yet, but it can give your savings a nice boost right when you need it most. And whether your refund is a few thousand dollars or more, there are some smart ways to put that money to work as you get ready to buy.

Your Refund May Be Even Bigger This Year

Let’s start with the good news. People are getting even more money back in their refunds than they did last year. The visual below uses data from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to show the average individual’s refund is 11.1% higher this year:

Of course, your exact refund will vary. But any extra money you get is a good thing, especially when affordability is still tight. 

How You Can Use Your Tax Refund

So, how can you put that money to work? Here are a few smart ways to use your refund when buying a home, according to Freddie Mac:

• Put it toward your down payment. Data shows saving for a down payment is one of the biggest hurdles for first-time homebuyers. Using your refund can help you build that up faster. And the good news? You may not need to put as much down as you think.
• Use it for your closing costs. Closing costs usually range from about 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price. Using your refund here can make things feel a lot more manageable on closing day.
• Lower your mortgage rate. You may have the option to buy down your mortgage rate. That means paying a little more upfront to get a lower monthly payment. If you’re looking for ways to make the numbers work a little better, this is something that could be worth asking about.

You Don’t Have To Figure This Out Alone

If you have a tax refund coming, it’s a great time to take another look at your homebuying savings. Maybe you’re almost at your goal and you can buy sooner than you expected.

A trusted real estate agent and lender can help you map out what you need, what your options are, and how to make the most of what you already have, including your tax refund.

Bottom Line

If buying a home is on your radar this year, don’t overlook your tax refund. It could be the extra push that helps you go from almost there to actually ready.

Want to see how far your savings could take you right now? Talk with a local real estate agent and build a plan that fits your situation.

With economic headlines, global events, and near constant talk about affordability, you may be wondering if this is the right time to move. But here’s what you need to remember.

While recent events do have some impact on the housing market, they don’t take buying off the table. You just have to use a different strategy.

Mortgage Rates Have Been Up Slightly – Here’s Why

After trending down for most of 2025, mortgage rates have been higher again for over roughly a month now. And experts say it’s a result of what’s happening overseas and in the broader economy. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, explains:

“Mortgage rates have recently moved higher, driven by geopolitical uncertainty and rising energy costs that are contributing to inflation concerns.”

But what does that really mean for you? Should you wait for everything to settle back down before you buy a home?

The short answer is no. You don’t have to wait.

Your Window To Buy Didn’t Close

It’s true that a month or so ago, when rates were just shy of 6%, buying felt a bit more affordable. And now that rates are hovering around the mid-6s, monthly payment costs are higher.

But zoom out for a second.

Let’s say you’re taking out a loan for $500k. Even with rates in the mid 6s, you’re still saving roughly $300 on your monthly payment compared to buyers who made their purchase early last year.

That means this recent increase in rates hasn’t erased the progress we’ve seen. Buying is still more affordable than it was just one year ago (see below):

Sure, your monthly payment would’ve been a little less expensive a few weeks back. But hindsight is always 20/20.

The goal moving forward shouldn’t be to perfectly time the market. Things change too quickly for that. Instead, the real goal is to make the best decision you can based on where things are today. And the best advice anyone can give is: brace for volatility.

When It Comes To Rates, Expect the Unexpected

Mortgage rates are going to continue to be move around in the weeks or months ahead as new information and economic reports come out.

Try to remember, you can’t control global events or where rates go next week (or even next month). But you can control how you prepare. If you do that, it becomes less about the headlines, and more about your situation.

If You Want or Need To Move, You Still Can

The simple truth is, if you want or need to move, you still can.

Some buyers are choosing to move forward right now because their needs haven’t changed. A growing family, a job relocation, a lifestyle shift – those things still matter.

And for buyers who do decide to move forward, there are ways to make it work.

For example, you could explore options like adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) to get a lower rate upfront. That may or may not be the right fit for you, but it highlights an important point: there are strategies that can help you move, even now.

What matters most is having a plan.

And working with the right agent and lender is a big part of that. With expert help, you’ll:

• Understand your budget and what the math looks like at today’s rates.

• Explore your financing options, including ARMs and assistance programs.

• Have trusted guidance from experts who’ll keep you up to date throughout the process.

Bottom Line

Even though there’s some uncertainty, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

If you need to move, you still can. Connect with a trusted agent and lender so you can explore all your options and make your move happen.

For a lot of people, the math on buying a home just doesn’t really work right now. Maybe that’s how it feels for you too. You look at the cost of buying. Then you look at the cost of childcare. And it starts to feel like you have to choose one or the other.

But some families are finding a way to make both work by doing something a little different: teaming up to purchase a multi-generational home.

One Reason This Is Becoming More Common

It’s no secret that affordability has been a challenge in recent years. But for families with young kids, there’s an added layer that can make it feel even harder: childcare.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, childcare should take up no more than 7% of your monthly income. But in reality, the average married couple spends closer to 10% (see map below):

When you combine that with the cost of buying a home, it’s easy to see why things can feel stretched. That’s exactly why more families are starting to rethink how they approach both.

The Solution More People Are Turning To: Multi-Generational Living

One option gaining traction? Multi-generational living. That’s when parents, grandparents, or other relatives buy a house together and live under the same roof. And it’s not just about convenience anymore. It’s becoming a go-to strategy.

You can see it in the data. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), almost 1 in 7 homebuyers (14%) bought a multi-generational home in 2025 (see graph below):

And for the first time, childcare is showing up as a key reason why they chose this option. As NAR explains:

“This year’s report features two new primary reasons for purchasing a multi-generational home: grandchildren living in the home (12%) and to help reduce the cost of childcare (6%).”

Why It Works

Buying a multi-generational home solves two big challenges at the same time.

• First, it shares the financial responsibility. If you pool multiple incomes together, you may be able to afford a home you couldn’t have on your own.
• Second, it can also solve the childcare puzzle. When grandparents or other relatives live in the home, they may be able to help with daily care – which can significantly reduce or even eliminate daycare costs.

And for many people, that combination is what finally makes their move possible.

If the costs of childcare and housing together have made buying feel out of reach right now, it may be worth exploring creative options like buying a home with your loved ones.

Bottom Line

If you want more information on multi-generational homes, talk to a local agent about what’s available in your area.

Sometimes the path to homeownership isn’t doing it alone. It’s doing it together.