Get REAL with The Main Street Team

What does housing affordability really look like in Pennsylvania? Here’s what buyers need to know about finding opportunities in today’s market. Spoiler alert: Housing affordability isn’t as simple as the headlines make it sound. Depending on who you ask, the real issue isn’t just home prices, or even the number of homes on the market. It’s about access. It’s about opportunity. And most of all, it’s about what affordable really means for the people trying to buy. So, what does affordability look like here in Pennsylvania? And where do you actually stand a chance of finding the right home at the right price? Let’s break it down. Inventory Crisis or Access Crisis? If you've been following the national conversation, you've probably heard a lot about the "housing shortage." But two of the most well-known names in real estate data—Logan Mohtashami and Ivy Zelman—have different takes on what’s really going on. Ivy Zelman’s Take: The Problem Is Accessibility, Not Just Supp...

The average first-time homebuyer is now 38—and that’s not a bad thing. Here’s why delayed homeownership is becoming the norm, what’s causing the shift, and how to move forward with confidence. Buying your first home doesn’t look anything like it did 30 years ago.  The average first-time buyer in 2024 is 38 years old. Compare that to 33 in 2020 and 31 between 1993 and 2018. So if you’re renting in your 30s or 40s, it’s easy to wonder: Did I miss my window? The short answer is not at all.  In fact, you’re right on time—and there are solid financial and personal reasons for that. Why Are Buyers Waiting Longer? Research from John Burns Research & Consulting shows that Americans are hitting major life milestones later across the board: The average age of first-time mothers is now 30 (up from early 20s a few decades ago). Only 33% of today’s 30-year-olds own a home, compared to 47% in 1984. Only 48% of 30-year-olds have been married (down from 78% in 1984) And 72% of renters ar...

Curious what happens to home prices during a recession? Historical data reveals surprising trends that could impact your real estate decisions in today's market. Every time the word "recession" starts popping up in headlines, it brings a wave of uncertainty—especially for anyone thinking about buying or selling a home. You might be wondering: Are home prices going to crash? Will mortgage rates skyrocket? Should I wait to make a move? Totally fair questions—and you’re not alone in asking them. The good news is we can look to history to get some real answers. Let’s break it down. A Recession Doesn’t Automatically Mean Home Prices Will Drop First, let’s clear up a common myth: A recession is not the same as a housing crash. Data shows that in 4 of the last 6 U.S. recessions, home prices actually went up, and in one, home prices dropped less than 2%. The exception was 2008—and that was a very specific situation involving risky loans, overbuilding, and a financial system that...

Homeownership can pay you back at tax time with deductions, credits, and write-offs that renters miss. Learn how to maximize your return this year. Most people think of homeownership as one big expense. And I get it, between mortgage payments, maintenance, insurance, taxes… the list seems never-ending. But what often gets overlooked is the way your home can pay you back when tax season rolls around. If you're a homeowner, you may be sitting on deductions and credits that could reduce your taxable income, boost your refund, or soften the blow of what you owe. Here's how to take full advantage of that financial upside. Homeownership = Tax Write-Off Opportunities Let’s break down the most common tax perks homeowners may qualify for: Mortgage Interest Deduction You can deduct interest paid on your mortgage for up to $750,000 of debt ($375,000 if married filing separately). This can be a major write-off in the early years of your mortgage when interest makes up most of your monthly...