{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Rent vs. Buy in 2026: House Hacking, Down Payments &amp; New Paths to Homeownership","description":"Is it smarter to rent or buy in today\u2019s housing market? With home prices high, mortgage rates elevated, and affordability stretched, many consumers are wondering whether homeownership is still worth pursuing. In this episode of Real Estate Today, we break down the real financial math behind renting vs. buying\u2014and explore the creative strategies helping first-time buyers enter the market despite today\u2019s challenges.  Justin Cambra of eXp Realty shares how buyers are using \u201chouse hacking\u201d strategies to offset mortgage payments and build wealth through real estate. Susan Isaak of Coldwell Banker Realty explains how first-time buyers can determine whether they\u2019re financially and emotionally ready to buy a home, along with the hidden costs of homeownership. Matt Schulz from LendingTree dives into the financial realities of buying a home today, including down payment assistance programs and FHA, VA and USDA loan options. Laurel Djoukeng, founder and CEO of KeyPath, explores how AI and fintech innovation could reshape the future of renting and ownership.  Whether you\u2019re a renter trying to buy your first home, a homeowner exploring investment strategies, or simply curious about where the housing market is headed, this episode offers practical insights and forward-looking ideas for navigating real estate in 2026. ","author_name":"Real Estate Today","author_url":"https:\/\/www.nar.realtor\/real-estate-today","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/41340135\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/item\/41340135"}