Fargo-Moorhead Real Estate: Buying a Home as a Couple with Unequal Incomes in 2025

By Christopher Leigh | August 21, 2025, 11:35 AM CDT

In the Fargo-Moorhead area—spanning Fargo, ND, Moorhead, MN, and nearby communities like West Fargo, Dilworth, and Hawley—couples are navigating the 2025 housing market with unique financial dynamics. With median home prices around $318,200 in Fargo and $285,400 in Moorhead, buying a home as a couple can be both exciting and challenging, especially when incomes differ significantly [1, 2]. Nationally, only 29% of married couples have equal earnings, making unequal income dynamics common [3]. This article explores how couples in Fargo-Moorhead can approach homebuying thoughtfully, focusing on communication, financing, and market strategies to ensure a smooth real estate transaction in a market with rising inventory and opportunities.

Why Unequal Incomes Matter in Fargo-Moorhead’s Market

Fargo-Moorhead’s housing market offers affordability advantages, with 750 homes listed in July 2025, a 6% increase from last year, and mortgage rates around 6.57% [4, 5]. When one partner earns significantly more—say, twice as much as the other—combining finances for a home purchase requires careful planning. The median-income household here can afford a $305,000 home, aligning well with Moorhead’s median list price of $289,900, but couples must align on budgets and expectations to avoid conflict [3, 4, 6]. Clear communication about financial contributions and home preferences is essential to make the process equitable and stress-free, especially in a market where affordability has slightly declined, with 45% of listings considered affordable compared to 60% in 2019 [3, 4].

Expert Tip: “Open dialogue about finances and homeownership goals ensures both partners feel valued in the homebuying process,” says Victoria Lichtenstein, a licensed mental health counselor.

How Couples Can Navigate Homebuying in Fargo-Moorhead

Here’s how couples with unequal incomes can successfully buy a home in Fargo-Moorhead, with practical steps tailored to the local real estate market:

1. Communicate Openly to Align Homebuying Goals

Before exploring Fargo-Moorhead’s market, couples should discuss their financial contributions and home preferences. With homes selling in 45-85 days, there’s time to find the right property, but clarity prevents misunderstandings [7, 8]. For example, one partner might prioritize a family-friendly neighborhood like West Fargo’s Brooks Harbor, while the other focuses on affordability in Dilworth.

What to Do:

• Schedule weekly “house check-ins” over coffee to discuss budgets, priorities, and emotional needs.

• Each partner should list their top three home must-haves (e.g., location near Fargo South schools, size, or budget) to find common ground.

• Use a mortgage calculator to estimate affordability based on combined incomes, factoring in rates around 6.57% [5].

Expert Tip: “Writing down your home priorities fosters harmony, even if one partner contributes more financially,” says Victoria Lichtenstein.

2. Plan Contributions and Seek Professional Guidance

Couples should decide how to split costs like the down payment, mortgage, or closing fees, especially when incomes differ. In Fargo-Moorhead, where median home prices range from $285,400 to $318,200, aligning on who pays what ensures fairness [1, 2]. Consulting a real estate attorney can help formalize financial arrangements and ownership details, providing clarity for the transaction.

What to Do:

• Discuss how each partner will contribute to the home purchase and ongoing costs.

• Work with an attorney to explore ownership options that reflect your financial situation.

• Review budgets together to ensure the home fits both partners’ long-term goals.

Expert Tip: “Consulting professionals for financial and ownership planning protects both partners in a home purchase,” says Amanda Baron, co-founder of Jointly.

3. Leverage Financing and Local Programs

Fargo-Moorhead’s affordability, bolstered by wage growth, makes it easier for couples to secure financing. Programs like the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency’s FirstHome or Minnesota Housing’s Start Up offer down payment assistance—up to 3% in North Dakota or $18,000 in Minnesota—helping couples with unequal incomes afford homes around $300,000 [9, 10]. Pre-approval strengthens offers in a market with growing inventory, giving couples an edge [4].

What to Do:

• Get pre-approved to understand your combined budget and enhance offer competitiveness.

• Explore local assistance programs to offset costs, especially for the lower-earning partner.

• Target affordable areas like Moorhead or Hawley to maximize buying power.

Expert Tip: “Local financing programs and pre-approval can make homebuying accessible for couples,” says Ben Michael, attorney at Michael & Associates.

Getting Started with Homebuying in Fargo-Moorhead

Ready to buy a home as a couple? Follow these steps:

• Discuss Finances: Hold open conversations about income, savings, and home goals.

• Research the Market: Check listings on visionrealty.us for homes in Fargo, Moorhead, or suburbs like Dilworth.

• Consult Professionals: Work with a real estate agent and attorney to align on financial and ownership plans.

• Explore Financing: Apply for pre-approval and local assistance programs to boost affordability.

• Tour Properties: Visit open houses in high-value areas like South Fargo or West Fargo.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How can couples with unequal incomes determine their homebuying budget in Fargo-Moorhead?
A: Combine incomes and use a mortgage calculator to estimate affordability, factoring in 6.57% rates. A median-income household can afford a $305,000 home, and programs like NDHFA’s FirstHome add flexibility [3, 5, 9].

Q: Why is communication important for couples buying a home?
A: Open discussions about finances and priorities prevent misunderstandings, ensuring both partners feel valued in the homebuying process [3].

Q: What neighborhoods are best for couples on a budget?
A: Moorhead, Dilworth, and West Fargo’s Eaglewood offer homes around $300,000, aligning with local buying power and growing inventory [4, 6].

Q: How do mortgage rates affect couples with unequal incomes?
A: Rates at 6.57% are manageable, and pre-approval with assistance programs reduces the burden on the lower-earning partner [5, 9].

Q: Can couples buy a home before marriage in Fargo-Moorhead?
A: Yes, working with a real estate agent and attorney ensures financial contributions and ownership are clear, tailored to your situation [3].

Conclusion

Buying a home as a couple with unequal incomes in Fargo-Moorhead’s 2025 market offers a chance to build a shared future, thanks to the area’s affordability and growing inventory. Open communication, strategic financing, and professional guidance empower couples to navigate the real estate transaction smoothly. With the right approach, you can find a home that reflects both partners’ goals, making now an ideal time to act in the Red River Valley.

Contact Vision Realty in Fargo-Moorhead

Christopher Leigh, Broker, GRI, RSPS, ePRO, REALTOR®
Phone: +1(701) 715-4747
Email: chris@visionrealty.us
Address: 509 Front St, Hawley, MN 56549
Website: visionrealty.us
(Vision Realty provides expert real estate services for buyers, sellers, and investors across Fargo-Moorhead.)

References

1. Zillow, Fargo Home Values, July 2025.

2. Zillow, Moorhead Home Values, July 2025.

3. Realtor.com, “My Partner Makes Twice What I Do,” August 2025.

4. Realtor.com, Fargo-Moorhead Housing Market Data, July 2025.

5. Realtor.com, Mortgage Rate Trends, August 2025.

6. Zillow, Fargo-Moorhead Market Overview, July 2025.

7. Redfin, Fargo Housing Market, July 2025.

8. Rocket Homes, Moorhead Market Trends, July 2025.

9. North Dakota Housing Finance Agency, FirstHome and Start Programs, 2025.

10. Minnesota Housing, Start Up and Monthly Payment Loan Programs, 2025.

Disclaimer: Vision Realty adheres to all federal, North Dakota, and Minnesota fair housing laws, ensuring equal opportunity for all clients. Market data is accurate as of August 2025 but may change. Contact Christopher Leigh for the latest insights. This blog is for informational purposes and may be refined based on feedback.