Lake City, Colo. – November 05, 2026 -- More than 53% of prospective homebuyers say their realistic buying range is $400,000 or less, below the $417,500 median existing-home price, according to COGNITION Smart Data affordability research from Green Builder Media.
Survey shows one in five buyers cannot afford homes above $200,000
More than one-fifth of respondents say they cannot afford a home priced above $200,000. The survey points to a price gap in today's home buying market.
Energy report tracks buyer and builder attitudes from 2024 to 2026
The 2026 COGNITION Energy Insights Report covers demand for all-electric homes, renewables, battery storage and self-sufficiency. It also examines which energy features buyers may value at a premium.
Resiliency research addresses upfront cost barriers
In "A Growing Resiliency Economy: Addressing Upfront Cost Challenges," COGNITION Smart Data finds homeowners increasingly want homes that protect families, reduce long-term costs and provide peace of mind. The report explores buyer expectations, insurance incentives and ways to address upfront cost barriers.
Geothermal webinar on Nov. 10 features Dandelion Energy and Ekotrope executives
Green Builder Media will host "Geothermal at Scale: A Smart Pathway to High-Performance Homes" on Nov. 10 at 2 p.m. ET. Speakers include Wyatt Roberts, head of new construction, and Lucas Coplon, director of enterprise sales, both of Dandelion Energy, and Cy Kilbourn, co-founder and vice president of engineering at Ekotrope. The session will cover integrating geothermal into production workflows, using energy modeling and incentives, and reducing upfront barriers.