Hassett reveals Trump housing plan would let Americans tap 401(k)s for down payments
White House Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett teased a new way Americans may tap their 401(k)s to make a down payment on a house.
Escrow payments rising nationwide with homeownership less attainable
Rising escrow payments are eating into Americans' budgets. Insurance premiums are driving costs up in several states, with 8% nationwide increase projected for 2026.
White House touts falling mortgage rates as proof housing plan is working
The White House says new mortgage data show President Trump’s housing affordability efforts are lowering rates.
These are the best cities for first-time homebuyers in 2026
A new study is listing the best markets for first-time homebuyers based on factors including affordability, availability, amenities and economic health.
January is the cheapest month to buy a home; here's how much you could save
January may be the best time to buy a home, according to a study. Here’s why and how much buyers could save.
Chicago faith leaders protest property tax hikes outside Trump Tower
Community and religious leaders say soaring property taxes in West and South Side neighborhoods amount to a modern-day land grab, demanding an immediate rollback and freeze as scrutiny grows on Cook County officials.
Map: These are the hottest real estate markets in 2026
Buyers may see a slight upper hand in 2026 as analysts predict a more balanced housing market, but they warn “it’s not off to the races” yet.
Saving for a down payment still a barrier for people looking to buy a home, Realtor.com says
An analysis by Realtor.com is forecasting homeownership in 2026 to be more affordable as mortgage rates decline. But saving for a down payment is still a barrier for many people looking to buy a home.
White House teases housing affordability plan
As interest rates stay high, the White House weighs ideas like 50-year and portable mortgages, raising questions about whether fixes for housing affordability could bring unintended consequences.
List: People in these cities moved the most over the last year, data shows
New data reveals which U.S. cities see homeowners on the move the most – and why affordability and inventory are fueling the turnover.
What to expect from the 2026 housing market | ChicagoNOW
Real estate expert Matt Laricy breaks down 2025 trends and explains how mortgage rates, home prices, and buyer demand could shift in the year ahead.
New UChicago AI tool helps renters spot red glags in their leases — for free | ChicagoLIVE
LeaseChat is here — a free AI tool built by University of Chicago law students to help renters understand what’s really in their lease. Kimball Dean Parker joined ChicagoLIVE to show how it works: upload your lease, ask questions, learn your local housing laws, and even generate letters to your landlord. And yes, it’s available in English and Spanish.
Gen Z drives Black Friday shopping, survey says | ChicagoLIVE
A new survey shows Gen Z drives Black Friday shopping. | A live look at what happened today, what’s happening now, and what’s coming tonight—no script, just real news.
Could portable and 50-year mortgages help Americans afford homes again? Expert weighs in
Jenna Stauffer, a real estate broker and market analyst, explains how portable and 50-year mortgages might ease today’s housing costs and whether they could reshape — or overheat — the market.
More homebuyers are moving to Chicago’s far suburbs – here’s what’s driving the shift | ChicagoNOW
As home prices rise, buyers are heading to the outer suburbs. Realtor Matt Laricy breaks down the trend, the demographics driving it, and the suburbs gaining traction. | ChicagoNOW is a fast-paced, conversational show that spotlights what’s trending in and around Chicago.
Here's the ‘most affordable’ city in the US for 2025
Here’s which city topped the list as the most affordable U.S. city, offering low home prices and strong buyer incentives.
Hidden homeownership cost in US is nearly $16K a year, Zillow analysis finds
Homeownership is already expensive, but a new report shows the additional costs that may be putting a squeeze on your finances.
The hottest home feature for 2025 might surprise you
Here's a look at which housing features are rising fast in home listings and which ones are trending down.
Trump admin exploring idea of 'portable mortgages,' but what are they?
A quick breakdown of how portable mortgages work.
What are portable, assumable mortgages?
The Trump administration is proposing 50-year, portable and assumable mortgages to boost housing affordability, but experts are also warning of market trade-offs. Here's what to know.