Struggling Homeowners Feeling ‘House Poor’ Have More Breathing Room Than They Think

Homeownership has always come with costs beyond the mortgage payment, but for many Americans, those expenses are becoming harder and harder to manage.A recent LendingTree survey found that 59% of mortgage holders consider themselves “house poor" in the current economy. “Unfortunately, the costs don’t stop once homeowners get the keys. They’re also dealing with rising insurance premiums, property taxes, HOA fees, and more. This creates a really, really challenging situation,” says Matt Schulz, chief consumer financial analyst at LendingTree in Charlotte, NC.And yet, if you’re a homeowner struggling to keep up with rising costs, there are still some ways to lower your bills each month and create breathing room in your budget.Why homeowners are spending moreHomeowners are getting hit on all sides because life is just so expensive in 2026. The LendingTree survey found that rising property taxes and homeowners insurance premiums are two of the biggest stressors for those who own a home. Unfortunately, some first-time homeowners simply don’t realize their mortgage payment often includes more than the payment on the actual loan. “It can also include escrow payments for property taxes and ...