The National Association of Realtors®’ (NAR) 2026 Generational Trends Report found that Gen Z—though still a fraction of the overall market—is “reshaping homeownership,” even as baby boomers remain overrepresented amid affordability challenges. Those challenges have also shrunk first-time buyer share to historically low levels. The report found that out of all buyers, only 21% were…
Recent months have seen reason for buyer optimism in the housing market, especially due to falling mortgage rates. The National Association of Realtors® (NAR), in its quarterly affordability report in February 2026, found moderating price growth, while the association has since found existing-home sales ticked up in February as well. Will these positive signs hold? …
Despite affordability remaining a market challenge, there are still refuge markets first-time homebuyers can access across the nation. A new Realtor.com® report took a crack at identifying these refuge markets, and made a list of the top markets for first-time homebuyers (age 25-34) in 2026. The rankings are based on the forecasted share of first-time…