It’s striking to see that first-time homebuyers now make up only 21% of the U.S. market—the lowest share since 1981—and the average age for those stepping into homeownership is 40. While affordability has tightened along the coasts and out west, there are still real opportunities in places like the Midwest, Rust Belt, and Southern cities. Here in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, I’ve seen firsthand how our local market continues to offer options for buyers navigating these national trends. As someone who’s been guiding clients through these decisions since 1989—and teaching the next generation of homeowners at the University of Cincinnati—I know that while the path might look different today, finding the right home is still very possible for those ready to take the first step.
