Rent vs. Buy in 2026: 3 Generations Break Down the Truth About Homeownership

Is renting really the safer choice? Three generations of real estate and mortgage professionals sit down to challenge everything you think you know about buying a home in today's market.In this episode of the Achieving the American Dream Podcast, host Jerry DuPaw (Mortgage Professional, Rate | Millennial) is joined by Victoria Suthers (Realtor, Keller Williams Success Realty | Generation X) and Nathan Hess (Realtor, Keller Williams Success Realty | Generation Z) to break down the real cost of renting vs. buying, little-known down payment assistance programs, investment strategies, and options for Baby Boomers looking to downsize.Whether you're a first-time buyer unsure where to start, an investor growing your portfolio, or a senior exploring your equity options — this episode has something for you.🏠 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:✅ Why renting often costs MORE upfront than buying ✅ How to buy a home with as little as $0 out of pocket ✅ The IHDA program: up to $15,000 in down payment assistance ✅ What a soft credit pull is — and why it won't hurt your score ✅ DSCR loans explained for real estate investors ✅ How buyers can get their earnest money & fees back at closing ✅ Baby Boomer downsizing strategies using a HECM loan ✅ The truth about AI replacing loan officers and realtors💬 CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS:Jerry DuPaw | Mortgage Professional, RateVictoria Suthers | Realtor, Keller Williams Success RealtyNathan Hess | Realtor, Keller Williams Success Realty📞 Ready to find out your buying power? There's no cost and no impact to your credit score to explore your options.🔔 Subscribe to the Achieving the American Dream Podcast for more educational content on homeownership, investing, and building generational wealth through real estate.