Data Centers Are Moving Closer to Homes. What Does That Mean for You?

September 23, 2026

Data centers probably weren't on your list of things to think about when buying or selling a home.


School districts? Sure. How close you are to family? Absolutely. A large building full of computer servers down the road? Probably not.


But that may be changing.


Data centers are popping up in more communities across the country. And as they do, buyers and homeowners are starting to wonder what having one nearby could mean for everything from home values to utility bills. So, let's get into what the data actually says. Because there's a lot more nuance here than if they’re “good” or “bad.”


Data Centers Are Showing Up in a Lot More ZIP Codes


According to Realtor.com, back in 2015, only about a dozen ZIP codes had a large data center. But by the first half of 2026, that number had climbed to more than 100 – and it's projected to rise even further by the end of the year (see graph below):

That's a pretty dramatic increase in just over a decade. HousingWire shows a lot of that growth is in Texas, Virginia, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Utah, Illinois, Arizona, Indiana, and Nevada. 


And that ramp up explains why this is becoming a real estate conversation. More buyers are going to encounter a data center during their search. More homeowners are going to hear about one being proposed nearby. 


And both groups are going to want to know what that could mean for them.


The Big Question: What About Home Values?


One of the first concerns homeowners and buyers may have is: could a nearby data center hurt home values? So far, there’s no evidence that says it automatically will.


Researchers compared communities that have large data centers to similar communities without them. A recent HousingWire article reports:


“. . . home values in data center ZIP codes generally tracked their matched communities — with no statistically meaningful gains or losses. Listing prices showed a modest initial increase around openings . . .”


That's important context. Historically, simply having a data center nearby hasn’t been enough to send home values dramatically higher or lower.


That doesn’t mean every property will react the same way. Proximity, the surrounding development, and the specific facility can all matter. But for the typical homeowner or buyer, the data so far doesn’t point to an automatic impact on home values.


Living Near a Data Center Can Come with Tradeoffs


Like any major development coming to town, data centers can bring benefits along with things buyers and homeowners will want to consider.


On the plus side:


  • They may be part of a bigger growth story. A data center can usher in broader development in an area and substantial property tax revenue that can be used to improve the community. 
  • Infrastructure may get an upgrade. New roads, fiber, power infrastructure, and other improvements can come along with major development. 
  • They can generate economic activity. A data center can generate jobs which in turn fuels local housing demand and supports local businesses. 


On the flip side:


  • They're not exactly invisible. Large facilities, transmission lines, substations, and construction can change the look and feel of an area. 
  • Noise can matter. Cooling equipment, generators, construction, and truck traffic may be noticeable depending on how close you are. 
  • They use more resources. These facilities can require significant electricity and, depending on the cooling system, water. That can raise questions about local infrastructure and whether growing electricity demand could affect what residents pay. 


On that last point, J.P. Blackwood, Public Affairs Liaison and Media Spokesperson for the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC), explained his take on what consumers need to know about data centers and their potential to impact utility costs to HousingWire:


“Utility rate increases tend to be gradual, and so that’s what I would expect here. Again, a number of factors can drive electricity prices higher and are driving them higher, and this is one of them. There are steps being taken around the country to mitigate the effects of data centers.”


Basically, they’re just one factor that can have an impact. And the key word there is “can” because it depends on where you live and what rules are in place in your area.


So, What Should Buyers and Homeowners Do?


If you’re buying, find out what’s already there – and what’s approved or proposed nearby. Consider the facility’s proximity, potential noise, future development, and whether utility costs are something you want to factor into your budget.


If you’re selling, don’t assume a nearby data center automatically hurts your home’s value. But buyers may have questions. Knowing the facts about the facility, construction timeline, noise, and future plans can help you address those concerns upfront.


Bottom Line


As more data centers pop up, they're becoming another piece of the puzzle buyers and homeowners need to understand.


Have a data center nearby or one coming soon? Let’s talk about what it could mean for your home or your next move.

Selling This Fall? You Haven't Missed Your Window

September 23, 2026
Summer's winding down, and if you've been thinking about selling , you might be wondering if you missed your chance. Better to wait until next year or even next spring, right? Not so fast. About one in three of all home sales happen in the last four months of the year. Fall Is Busier than You Think Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows around a third of existing home sales happen in the final four months of the year. And that share has grown every year since 2023 ( see graph below ):

Why Buyers Shouldn't Overlook a Fall Move

September 12, 2026
You've been waiting for something to change before you buy. It just might not be the thing you expected… While everyone’s paying attention to mortgage rates , only the savviest buyers know that the changing season can start tipping things in their favor. Because every fall, buyers tend to get more to choose from, better prices, and more room to negotiate. And that’s why Hannah Jones, Senior Economist at Realtor.com , says : “ We always see that the best time to buy window usually falls in the early fall around October. ” And that’s exactly why, if you've been waiting for a better moment to buy, this season may be worth a closer look – even with rates where they are. 1. There Are More Homes To Choose From One of the biggest frustrations buyers have had over the past few years has been a lack of choices. Fall tends to help with that. Based on seasonal trends, Realtor.com data shows there are typically more homes available for sale in September through November than during any other season of the year ( see graph below ): 

Remote Work Could Be Your Affordability Answer

September 10, 2026
For most first-time buyers, the hardest part of buying a home is making the numbers work . You budget, you save, and the finish line still feels far away. But your salary is only half the equation. Where you live shapes what you can afford just as much. And if you can work remotely, you have an advantage a lot of buyers don't. You're not tied to living where the jobs are, so you can look where your money goes further. Where You Work Doesn’t Have To Dictate Where You Live Remote job openings are on the rise. According to FlexJobs, remote job postings climbed 22% from the quarter before. That’s the second quarter in a row of double-digit growth. More remote roles mean more people can choose a home base around the life they want to build. As Forbes puts it : “ Remote employees, freelancers, consultants, entrepreneurs, and business owners have the flexibility to choose a home base based on the life they want to build, whether that means more space, a lower cost of living, better access to nature, or simply somewhere new." And you can use that freedom to look somewhere more affordable . Your Paycheck Goes Much Further in Some States Your cost of living – what you spend on housing, groceries, utilities, and the rest of daily life – varies a lot from one state to the next. In some, according to data from Extra Space, it runs far enough below the national average to change what you can afford ( see map below ):

Sellers Are Cutting Prices To Meet Buyers Where They're At

September 5, 2026
You're scrolling through listings on your phone and everything looks good until you see the price (or the estimated monthly payment). Then you close the app. Because even if you love the house, the numbers feel impossible. But here's the thing, they may not be. Nationally, there are more homes sitting on the market than there are people out there looking. And when sellers need buyers more than buyers need sellers , that shows up in the price. Lower asking prices. More price cuts. And homes priced for what buyers can actually afford – not what sellers hope someone might pay. And it may be enough to make buying more doable than you’d think. 4 Out of 10 Sellers Are Cutting Their Price One of the clearest signs sellers are adjusting? Price cuts. HousingWire Data shows more than 40% of sellers are dropping this price. That’s just slightly behind the volume we saw last year ( see graph below ): 

Thinking About Tapping into Your 401(k) To Buy a Home? Read This First.

September 3, 2026
Lately, headlines have floated an eye-catching idea about tapping into your 401(k) to cover a down payment on a home. Maybe you've caught the buzz and wondered whether that money could get you into a home faster, especially with affordability as tough as it is. Here’s what you need to remember. Pulling from your retirement savings is a big decision, so take time to weigh all your options first and be sure to talk with a financial expert before you do anything. A lot of buyers ask if they can use retirement money for a down payment. The short answer is: sometimes. The better answer is: there are a few different ways to do it, and they are not all the same. 1. 401(k) loan (borrowing from yourself) If your employer plan allows it, this is usually the cleanest option. You borrow from your own 401(k), typically up to 50% of your vested balance or $50,000, whichever is less. There is generally no income tax and no 10% penalty as long as you repay it on schedule. The interest you pay goes back into your own account. Two things to watch: If you leave your job before the loan is paid off, the remaining balance can become taxable. Some plans allow a longer payoff period when the loan is used to buy a primary residence. 2. 401(k) hardship withdrawal Some plans allow a withdrawal for costs tied to buying a principal residence. This is not a loan. You do not pay it back. You will usually owe income tax, and if you’re under 59½ the 10% penalty often still applies. There is no special first-time homebuyer penalty exception for 401(k)s. 3. IRA first-time homebuyer exception IRAs work differently. You generally cannot take a loan from an IRA, but first-time buyers (no principal residence in the last two years) may withdraw up to $10,000 penalty-free. A married couple can often use $10,000 each. Traditional IRA withdrawals are still taxable. Roth IRA contributions can usually come out tax- and penalty-free; earnings have extra rules Why Dipping into a 401(k) Can Be Tempting Data from Empower shows many Americans have built up considerable retirement savings. The median 401(k) amount for anyone in their 40s-60s is six figures (see graph below  ):

One Number Could Change Everything About Your Next Move

August 29, 2026
When's the last time someone told you what your house is worth? Not what some online valuation tool guessed. Not what your neighbor's house sold for. What yours is actually worth right now . For a lot of homeowners, it's been years. And if you've been thinking about moving , but higher home prices or mortgage rates have made you hesitate, here’s why it’s time to take a second look at that number. Your House May Be Worth More Than You Think Home values have climbed significantly over the past 5-10 years. And even though today's market is more balanced , homeowners are building wealth every day just by owning their homes. That’s how equity works. As home values rise, and as you make your monthly payments, your equity grows. And it adds up fast. According to Cotality , the typical homeowner with a mortgage now has $310,500 in equity. That's not a small number. It’s six figures. And that’s only the national average. In many states, homeowners have built even more equity than that. Take a look at the map below and see where your state stands. The darker the blue, the more equity the typical homeowner has there (see map below): 

Most Home Sales Close – Here’s How To Keep Yours on Track

August 26, 2026
Few things are as rattling as the thought of your home sale falling through at the last minute, right before closing. All that waiting, all that progress, out the window. But if you’re getting ready to sell, here’s what you should know. Even in today’s market, it rarely comes to that. Buyers who are moving at today’s rates and prices are generally moving because of some big life change. That means they’re motivated, and eager to get all the way to the closing table. According to the latest data from Redfin , only about 1 in 7 pending sales are falling through . Meaning the vast majority make it all the way to closing. And the single biggest thing that puts a deal at risk is the one you have the most power to prevent. It just takes a little smart planning before your house hits the market. Why Some Deals Fall Apart Before Closing A Redfin survey sheds light on the most common things that trip up a sale ( see visual below ):

Who Has the Upper Hand in Today's Housing Market?

August 22, 2026
Ask around and almost every homebuyer out there wants to know if there’s a way to get a better deal . And just about every seller wants to know if they'll still get top dollar . The interesting thing is... both can be right at the exact same time . It just depends on where you live. That's because today's housing market isn't moving in one direction anymore. Some markets clearly favor buyers. Others still favor sellers. But most are sitting somewhere in the middle. And knowing which market you're actually in can completely change the strategy you use to buy or sell (and what expectations you should have). Let’s break it down. One Number Tells You Who's Got Leverage So how do you know which market you're in? There's one number that tells the story faster than anything else: the months' supply of homes for sale. It's the clearest signal of who's got leverage – and what strategy you'll need. Think of it like this. Imagine no additional homes were listed starting today. Months' supply tells us how long it would take to sell everything that's currently on the market based on today’s demand. Generally speaking, if months’ supply is: Fewer than 4 months: Sellers usually have the advantage. 4 to 6 months: Buyers and sellers are on more equal footing. More than 6 months: Buyers can usually negotiate for a better deal. Right now, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) data says that number is 4.6 and that puts the overall market back in balanced territory ( see graph below ):

The Kind of House Buyers Are Willing To Pay More For

August 20, 2026
That spare room on the main floor. The finished basement with a kitchenette and its own entrance. The bonus room you've been using for storage. To you, it's extra space. But to a growing pool of buyers, it's the reason they'd pick your house . Here’s why. Multi-generational homebuying is on the rise. Millions of Families Are Living Multi-Generationally The number of multi-generational households is climbing. That’s when 3 or more generations live under one roof. And data shows those households grew from 3.2 million to almost 4 million between 2014 and 2024, according to Realtor.com . And each year, more people are shopping for a larger home that fits their combined needs. While the appetite for this type of house is rising across the board, data from USAFacts shows multi-generational living is more common in some states than others. The darker the state in the map below, the more common it is in that area ( see map below ): 

Thinking About Waiting for Lower Mortgage Rates? Read This First.

August 15, 2026
Imagine waiting a year to buy a home, only to find mortgage rates haven't changed much. That may sound frustrating.But it's a real possibility. A lot of people are putting their plans on hold because they believe much lower mortgage rates are right around the corner. But, based on today's forecasts, that may not happen. And you should know that before you decide what to do. Let's look at why experts don't expect a dramatic drop in rates – and the options that could help you buy anyway. Because even if rates don’t fall, you can still move. Here’s how. 1. Mortgage Rates Aren’t Expected To Fall in a Meaningful Way If you're waiting for rates to fall, you're not alone. A recent survey from Clever-Best Interest found 42% of people believe mortgage rates will drop below 5% this year. The challenge is, that's not what the experts who study mortgage rates every day are expecting. Forecasts from Fannie Mae , the Mortgage Bankers Association , and Wells Fargo all show mortgage rates staying relatively steady in the low-to-mid 6% range through at least mid-2027 ( see graph below ):
Show More

Selling This Fall? You Haven't Missed Your Window

September 23, 2026
Summer's winding down, and if you've been thinking about selling , you might be wondering if you missed your chance. Better to wait until next year or even next spring, right? Not so fast. About one in three of all home sales happen in the last four months of the year. Fall Is Busier than You Think Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows around a third of existing home sales happen in the final four months of the year. And that share has grown every year since 2023 ( see graph below ):

Why Buyers Shouldn't Overlook a Fall Move

September 12, 2026
You've been waiting for something to change before you buy. It just might not be the thing you expected… While everyone’s paying attention to mortgage rates , only the savviest buyers know that the changing season can start tipping things in their favor. Because every fall, buyers tend to get more to choose from, better prices, and more room to negotiate. And that’s why Hannah Jones, Senior Economist at Realtor.com , says : “ We always see that the best time to buy window usually falls in the early fall around October. ” And that’s exactly why, if you've been waiting for a better moment to buy, this season may be worth a closer look – even with rates where they are. 1. There Are More Homes To Choose From One of the biggest frustrations buyers have had over the past few years has been a lack of choices. Fall tends to help with that. Based on seasonal trends, Realtor.com data shows there are typically more homes available for sale in September through November than during any other season of the year ( see graph below ): 

Remote Work Could Be Your Affordability Answer

September 10, 2026
For most first-time buyers, the hardest part of buying a home is making the numbers work . You budget, you save, and the finish line still feels far away. But your salary is only half the equation. Where you live shapes what you can afford just as much. And if you can work remotely, you have an advantage a lot of buyers don't. You're not tied to living where the jobs are, so you can look where your money goes further. Where You Work Doesn’t Have To Dictate Where You Live Remote job openings are on the rise. According to FlexJobs, remote job postings climbed 22% from the quarter before. That’s the second quarter in a row of double-digit growth. More remote roles mean more people can choose a home base around the life they want to build. As Forbes puts it : “ Remote employees, freelancers, consultants, entrepreneurs, and business owners have the flexibility to choose a home base based on the life they want to build, whether that means more space, a lower cost of living, better access to nature, or simply somewhere new." And you can use that freedom to look somewhere more affordable . Your Paycheck Goes Much Further in Some States Your cost of living – what you spend on housing, groceries, utilities, and the rest of daily life – varies a lot from one state to the next. In some, according to data from Extra Space, it runs far enough below the national average to change what you can afford ( see map below ):

Sellers Are Cutting Prices To Meet Buyers Where They're At

September 5, 2026
You're scrolling through listings on your phone and everything looks good until you see the price (or the estimated monthly payment). Then you close the app. Because even if you love the house, the numbers feel impossible. But here's the thing, they may not be. Nationally, there are more homes sitting on the market than there are people out there looking. And when sellers need buyers more than buyers need sellers , that shows up in the price. Lower asking prices. More price cuts. And homes priced for what buyers can actually afford – not what sellers hope someone might pay. And it may be enough to make buying more doable than you’d think. 4 Out of 10 Sellers Are Cutting Their Price One of the clearest signs sellers are adjusting? Price cuts. HousingWire Data shows more than 40% of sellers are dropping this price. That’s just slightly behind the volume we saw last year ( see graph below ): 

Thinking About Tapping into Your 401(k) To Buy a Home? Read This First.

September 3, 2026
Lately, headlines have floated an eye-catching idea about tapping into your 401(k) to cover a down payment on a home. Maybe you've caught the buzz and wondered whether that money could get you into a home faster, especially with affordability as tough as it is. Here’s what you need to remember. Pulling from your retirement savings is a big decision, so take time to weigh all your options first and be sure to talk with a financial expert before you do anything. A lot of buyers ask if they can use retirement money for a down payment. The short answer is: sometimes. The better answer is: there are a few different ways to do it, and they are not all the same. 1. 401(k) loan (borrowing from yourself) If your employer plan allows it, this is usually the cleanest option. You borrow from your own 401(k), typically up to 50% of your vested balance or $50,000, whichever is less. There is generally no income tax and no 10% penalty as long as you repay it on schedule. The interest you pay goes back into your own account. Two things to watch: If you leave your job before the loan is paid off, the remaining balance can become taxable. Some plans allow a longer payoff period when the loan is used to buy a primary residence. 2. 401(k) hardship withdrawal Some plans allow a withdrawal for costs tied to buying a principal residence. This is not a loan. You do not pay it back. You will usually owe income tax, and if you’re under 59½ the 10% penalty often still applies. There is no special first-time homebuyer penalty exception for 401(k)s. 3. IRA first-time homebuyer exception IRAs work differently. You generally cannot take a loan from an IRA, but first-time buyers (no principal residence in the last two years) may withdraw up to $10,000 penalty-free. A married couple can often use $10,000 each. Traditional IRA withdrawals are still taxable. Roth IRA contributions can usually come out tax- and penalty-free; earnings have extra rules Why Dipping into a 401(k) Can Be Tempting Data from Empower shows many Americans have built up considerable retirement savings. The median 401(k) amount for anyone in their 40s-60s is six figures (see graph below  ):

One Number Could Change Everything About Your Next Move

August 29, 2026
When's the last time someone told you what your house is worth? Not what some online valuation tool guessed. Not what your neighbor's house sold for. What yours is actually worth right now . For a lot of homeowners, it's been years. And if you've been thinking about moving , but higher home prices or mortgage rates have made you hesitate, here’s why it’s time to take a second look at that number. Your House May Be Worth More Than You Think Home values have climbed significantly over the past 5-10 years. And even though today's market is more balanced , homeowners are building wealth every day just by owning their homes. That’s how equity works. As home values rise, and as you make your monthly payments, your equity grows. And it adds up fast. According to Cotality , the typical homeowner with a mortgage now has $310,500 in equity. That's not a small number. It’s six figures. And that’s only the national average. In many states, homeowners have built even more equity than that. Take a look at the map below and see where your state stands. The darker the blue, the more equity the typical homeowner has there (see map below): 

Most Home Sales Close – Here’s How To Keep Yours on Track

August 26, 2026
Few things are as rattling as the thought of your home sale falling through at the last minute, right before closing. All that waiting, all that progress, out the window. But if you’re getting ready to sell, here’s what you should know. Even in today’s market, it rarely comes to that. Buyers who are moving at today’s rates and prices are generally moving because of some big life change. That means they’re motivated, and eager to get all the way to the closing table. According to the latest data from Redfin , only about 1 in 7 pending sales are falling through . Meaning the vast majority make it all the way to closing. And the single biggest thing that puts a deal at risk is the one you have the most power to prevent. It just takes a little smart planning before your house hits the market. Why Some Deals Fall Apart Before Closing A Redfin survey sheds light on the most common things that trip up a sale ( see visual below ):

Who Has the Upper Hand in Today's Housing Market?

August 22, 2026
Ask around and almost every homebuyer out there wants to know if there’s a way to get a better deal . And just about every seller wants to know if they'll still get top dollar . The interesting thing is... both can be right at the exact same time . It just depends on where you live. That's because today's housing market isn't moving in one direction anymore. Some markets clearly favor buyers. Others still favor sellers. But most are sitting somewhere in the middle. And knowing which market you're actually in can completely change the strategy you use to buy or sell (and what expectations you should have). Let’s break it down. One Number Tells You Who's Got Leverage So how do you know which market you're in? There's one number that tells the story faster than anything else: the months' supply of homes for sale. It's the clearest signal of who's got leverage – and what strategy you'll need. Think of it like this. Imagine no additional homes were listed starting today. Months' supply tells us how long it would take to sell everything that's currently on the market based on today’s demand. Generally speaking, if months’ supply is: Fewer than 4 months: Sellers usually have the advantage. 4 to 6 months: Buyers and sellers are on more equal footing. More than 6 months: Buyers can usually negotiate for a better deal. Right now, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) data says that number is 4.6 and that puts the overall market back in balanced territory ( see graph below ):

The Kind of House Buyers Are Willing To Pay More For

August 20, 2026
That spare room on the main floor. The finished basement with a kitchenette and its own entrance. The bonus room you've been using for storage. To you, it's extra space. But to a growing pool of buyers, it's the reason they'd pick your house . Here’s why. Multi-generational homebuying is on the rise. Millions of Families Are Living Multi-Generationally The number of multi-generational households is climbing. That’s when 3 or more generations live under one roof. And data shows those households grew from 3.2 million to almost 4 million between 2014 and 2024, according to Realtor.com . And each year, more people are shopping for a larger home that fits their combined needs. While the appetite for this type of house is rising across the board, data from USAFacts shows multi-generational living is more common in some states than others. The darker the state in the map below, the more common it is in that area ( see map below ): 

Thinking About Waiting for Lower Mortgage Rates? Read This First.

August 15, 2026
Imagine waiting a year to buy a home, only to find mortgage rates haven't changed much. That may sound frustrating.But it's a real possibility. A lot of people are putting their plans on hold because they believe much lower mortgage rates are right around the corner. But, based on today's forecasts, that may not happen. And you should know that before you decide what to do. Let's look at why experts don't expect a dramatic drop in rates – and the options that could help you buy anyway. Because even if rates don’t fall, you can still move. Here’s how. 1. Mortgage Rates Aren’t Expected To Fall in a Meaningful Way If you're waiting for rates to fall, you're not alone. A recent survey from Clever-Best Interest found 42% of people believe mortgage rates will drop below 5% this year. The challenge is, that's not what the experts who study mortgage rates every day are expecting. Forecasts from Fannie Mae , the Mortgage Bankers Association , and Wells Fargo all show mortgage rates staying relatively steady in the low-to-mid 6% range through at least mid-2027 ( see graph below ):
Show More