By Editor , 25 September 2026

Down Payments Fall to Five-Year Q2 Low as Rates Drive Monthly Costs Up 74%

Austin, Texas – September 24, 2026 -- The typical U.S. down payment fell to $27,100 in the second quarter, the lowest second-quarter level since 2021, even as higher mortgage rates pushed estimated monthly payments up 74% over five years to $2,376, according to Realtor.com's second-quarter Down Payment Report.

By Editor , 20 September 2026

Zillow, Realtor.com Launch Joint Pre-Market Listing Feature

Zillow, Realtor.com Launch Joint Pre-Market Listing Feature

Seattle and Austin, Texas – September 19, 2026 -- Zillow and Realtor.com have simultaneously launched Preview, a pre-market listing feature giving buyers on both platforms identical early access to homes before they hit the MLS, without requiring any brokerage relationship or special login.

The rollout, first announced as a collaboration in May, marks what the companies call the largest pre-market syndication effort in U.S. residential real estate. Listings are labeled as Preview on both sites and appear to buyers at the same time regardless of platform.

By Editor , 17 September 2026

Realtor.com: Sept. 27–Oct. 3 Is 2026's Best Week to Buy a Home

Austin – September 17, 2026 -- Home shoppers hoping to stretch their budget should mark September 27 through October 3 on their calendars, according to Realtor.com's 2026 Best Time to Buy Report.

During that week, buyers may find up to 31.9% more active listings than at the start of the year. Listing prices are projected to sit 3.5% below their seasonal peak, translating to roughly $14,000 in savings on a median-priced home of about $416,000.

By Editor , 3 September 2026

Charleston Tops List of Best U.S. Metros to Buy New-Construction Homes in 2026

Austin, Texas – September 03, 2026 -- Homebuyers hunting for a new-built house at a discount should look to Charleston, South Carolina, where new construction now sells for 12.2% less than existing homes, according to Realtor.com's second annual Top Metros for New Construction report.

Charleston-North Charleston tops the ranking of the 100 largest U.S. metros with an overall score of 84.7 out of 100. The median new-build listing there runs $443,273, compared with $504,832 for an existing home -- the widest new-construction price advantage among the top 10 markets.

Realtor.com