For a true evaluation, keep in mind regional variation in housing prices and other factors.

Sarina Trangle started as a corporate news reporter in October 2024. She previously spent four years on the business desk at Newsday, covering the health industry, commercial real estate and cannabis.

Finding a starter home is a significant milestone, but identifying the right deal can be a challenging task for many first-time buyers. With the housing market’s complexities and potential pitfalls, ...