Most people think a newly built home costs more than an existing one. But right now, that’s actually backwards.

Lately, headlines have floated an eye-catching idea about tapping into your 401(k) to cover a down payment on a home.

You’re scrolling through listings on your phone and everything looks good until you see the price (or the estimated monthly payment). Then you close the app.

A recent survey from Talker Research asked Americans to pick one word to describe how 2026 has felt so far. The winner? Stressful. And honestly, there’s been a lot going on.

Few things are as rattling as the thought of your home sale falling through at the last minute, right before closing. All that waiting, all that progress, out the window.