7 WAYS SMART BUYERS ARE BEATING THE AFFORDABILITY CRISIS IN 2026 1. NEGOTIATING SELLER CREDITS Instead of only negotiating price, negotiate money toward closing costs or an interest-rate buydown. Sometimes the monthly-payment savings matters more than getting another $10K off the price. 2. BUYING DOWN THE INTEREST RATE Use seller credits or your own funds strategically to permanently or temporarily lower the rate and payment. Run the break-even before spending the money. 3. TARGETING ASSUMABLE MORTGAGES Some FHA, VA and USDA loans can be assumed by a qualified buyer. That could mean taking over an existing mortgage carrying a rate significantly below today’s market. 4. HOUSE HACKING Stop looking only at single-family homes. A 2–4 unit property can allow you to live in one unit and use rental income from the others to help qualify and offset your payment. 5. BUYING THE UGLY HOUSE The renovated house has somebody else’s profit built into the price. Look for properties that need work...