Recorded May 28, 2026. Figures and market conditions reflect information available on that date and may have changed since. Independent research by Todd Hanley; not the views of United Direct Lending.
Research sources
13 sources were consulted in Todd Hanley’s independent research for this video. The 4 below were cited by two or more separate research passes; every link was checked when this page was built.
Government & primary data (1)
Research & institutions (2)
News & analysis (1)
- Housing Data | Zillow Research zillow.com
Also consulted (9)
- U.S. Census Bureau: Acs — acs5 api.census.gov
- U.S. Census Bureau: Acs — acs5 api.census.gov
- CFPB: Ask cfpb — when can i remove private mortgage insurance pmi from my loan en 202 consumerfinance.gov
- Data — house price index fhfa.gov
- U.S. House Prices Rise 1.8 Percent Year over Year; Up 0.8 percent Quarter over Quarter | FHFA fhfa.gov
- Surveys of Consumers - Survey Description data.sca.isr.umich.edu
- Mortgage Applications Increase in Latest MBA Weekly Survey | MBA mba.org
- Builder Sentiment Loses Ground at Start of 2026 | NAHB nahb.org
- Downloadable Housing Market Data - Redfin redfin.com
Full script
Read the full script
The 2026 buyer does not just want to know if they can buy the house.
They want to know if they can survive owning it.
And honestly, that is exactly what they should be asking.
Because buying a home is not just a purchase price and a mortgage payment.
It is taxes. Insurance. Maintenance. Repairs. HOA dues. Assessments. Utilities. Cash reserves. And all the things that can change after you close.
That is where buyers get hurt.
Not because they were unqualified.
Because they were under-informed.
They were shown the payment, but not the pressure points.
They were told what they could buy, but not enough about what it would actually take to maintain the home responsibly.
And in 2026, buyers are too smart for that.
They do not want hype. They do not want pressure. They do not want someone brushing past the uncomfortable parts just to get to closing.
They want clarity.
They want the real numbers.
They want to understand what could increase, what could change, and what could put them in a bad financial position if they are not prepared.
That is how I approach the process.
My job is not to talk you into the biggest payment you can technically qualify for.
My job is to help you understand the full picture before you make the decision.
That means looking at the loan structure, not just the headline rate.
It means walking through taxes, insurance, down payment options, cash to close, reserves, and what the payment could look like under different scenarios.
It means asking the questions that matter before you are locked into the house.
What happens if the insurance quote comes in higher?
What happens if the property taxes reset?
What happens if the HOA increases?
What happens if the AC, roof, plumbing, or electrical system becomes your problem six months after closing?
What happens if you spend too much cash getting into the house and leave yourself with no cushion once you own it?
That is not fear-mongering.
That is setting proper expectations.
And proper expectations are what keep people from making emotional decisions with long-term financial consequences.
The right mortgage process should give you confidence, not confusion.
You should know what you are walking into.
You should know where the risk is.
You should know what the trade-offs are.
And you should be able to make the decision with your eyes open.
That is what I try to deliver: a transparent, data-driven process that shows you the numbers clearly, explains the moving parts, and helps you choose the path that actually fits your life.
No surprises.
No guesswork.
No pretending the only thing that matters is getting approved.
Because approval is not the finish line.
Sustainable ownership is the goal.
If you are buying a home in 2026, you deserve more than a pre-approval letter.
You deserve a real plan.
And that is what I am here to help you build.
Want to talk through your own numbers?
Independent research and commentary. The research, data analysis, and opinions in this video and on this page are Todd Hanley's own and do not represent the views of United Direct Lending. They are not lending advice and are not tied to any loan program, product, or lending decision.
Educational content only. Not a commitment to lend, a rate quote, or an offer of credit. Programs, rates, fees, and guidelines are subject to change without notice; not all borrowers will qualify. Todd Hanley, RICP® | NMLS #1013665 | United Direct Lending NMLS #1749719 | Equal Housing Opportunity.