Creath Partners Real Estate

Want to know the original house hack? Buy a duplex, triplex, or small multi-family. Live in one unit. Rent out the others. It's been working for decades — and it still does in 2026.

FHA loans allow you to buy properties with up to 4 units with as little as 3.5% down, as long as you live in one unit. Veterans can use a VA loan with zero down. And Freddie Mac's Home Possible program allows qualified buyers to put down just 3%.

The financing options are more accessible than most buyers realize. For those willing to share a property line with their tenants, the income potential is typically higher than an ADU, and the strategy is time-tested. If you're serious about house hacking, don't overlook the classic approach.

Read the full article: https://creathbrothers.online/house-hacking-in-2026-what-the-hype-got-wrong-and-what-actually-works/

Multi-generational home buying hit a record high in 2024. 14% of all home purchases were multi-generational. Gen X buyers led the way at 19%. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

This isn't a trend. It's a structural shift.

Among multi-generational buyers, 41% said the primary reason was to care for or support aging parents — the highest share since tracking began in 2015. Another 23% wanted to spend more time with their parents. For Gen X especially, who are often supporting both aging parents and adult children, a home designed to accommodate multiple generations solves several problems at once: caretaking, privacy, and cost.

House hacking doesn't always mean renting to strangers. Sometimes it means sharing a home — and the costs — with the people who matter most.

Read the full article: https://creathbrothers.online/house-hacking-in-2026-what-the-hype-got-wrong-and-what-actually-works/

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have become the gold standard for house hacking in 2026 — and there's a reason why. 🏠

As of March 2026, Fannie Mae allows lenders to count projected ADU rental income toward your mortgage qualification — up to 30% of your total qualifying income. That means the income potential of an ADU can help you qualify for a home you otherwise couldn't afford.

ADUs include:
🔹 Detached backyard cottages
🔹 Converted garages
🔹 Basement suites with separate entrances

They're increasingly legal, financially supported, and proven in the rental market. If affordability is your biggest barrier to homeownership, an ADU-eligible property might be the solution.

Read the full article: https://creathbrothers.online/house-hacking-in-2026-what-the-hype-got-wrong-and-what-actually-works/

If you're thinking about selling your home, you've probably heard the term "months of supply" thrown around. But what does it actually mean?

Months of supply measures how long it would take to sell all available homes at the current sales pace. It's one of the clearest indicators of whether we're in a buyer's or seller's market.

Here's the breakdown:
- Less than 5 months = Seller's market (low inventory, more competition among buyers)
- 5-6 months = Balanced market
- More than 6 months = Buyer's market (more inventory, buyers have negotiating power)

Right now, inventory levels are rising in many markets across the country. According to recent NAR data, we're seeing a shift from the extreme seller's market of the past few years. This means pricing strategy, home preparation, and timing matter more than ever.

If you've been waiting for the "perfect time" to list, understanding these metrics can help you make a more informed decision about your specific situation and local market conditions.

Call/text/email us at (512) 406-1086 or [email protected] if you have questions.

One of the quieter shifts in how buyers evaluate homes is the move toward wellness design — the idea that a home's layout and materials should actively support how you feel in it, not just how it looks.

Mentions of "wellness" in listings are up 33% year over year, and "spa-inspired bathrooms" climbed 22%. But the concept goes far beyond the primary bath. Biophilic design — bringing in natural light, organic materials, living plants, and visual connections to the outdoors — has become a core consideration. So has circadian lighting that shifts with the time of day, and dedicated quiet spaces designed for rest and focus.

These aren't luxury add-ons anymore. They're showing up in mainstream listings because people are prioritizing how their home makes them feel on a Tuesday afternoon, not just how it presents at a party.

Read the full article: https://creathbrothers.online/2026-home-design-trends-whats-in-whats-out-and-what-buyers-are-responding-to/

Open floor plans aren't going away — but they're growing up. 🏠

Buyers no longer want an undifferentiated box. The shift is toward semi-closed layouts: spaces that feel connected but serve a clear purpose. Subtle architectural separation between the kitchen, dining room, and living areas that maintains flow while creating intimacy.

Why the change? Remote work. When your home is also your office, privacy has real value. Dedicated home offices are one of the most requested features this year, and mentions of "reading nooks" are up 48% in listings.

If you're selling and you have a defined dining room, a separate office, or distinct living zones, don't apologize for them. Stage and describe each space as intentional. Buyers are looking for purpose, not just square footage.

Read the full article: https://creathbrothers.online/2026-home-design-trends-whats-in-whats-out-and-what-buyers-are-responding-to/

Is the all-white kitchen dead? According to design professionals, yes — and what's replacing it isn't one single look, but the absence of a default.

Buyers want personalization. A kitchen that feels considered, not one that played it safe. Warm neutrals, earth tones, and wood-grain cabinetry are taking over from painted finishes. The transitional style has become the most popular direction, while the farmhouse aesthetic continues to lose ground.

What makes a kitchen stand out now? A work-in pantry, an unexpected cabinet color, a stone backsplash that runs floor to ceiling. These are the details that signal intention — and that's exactly what buyers are responding to in 2026.

Read the full article: https://creathbrothers.online/2026-home-design-trends-whats-in-whats-out-and-what-buyers-are-responding-to/