The 2025 Housing Market: What’s Really Happening (and How It Affects You)

The latest National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Home Buyers and Sellers Report is out, and it tells a fascinating story about where the housing market stands heading into 2026. Buying and selling a home looks a little different these days, but with the right strategy (and the right lending partner), there are still plenty of opportunities to reach your goals, build long-term wealth, and make smart financial moves. Let’s take a quick look at what’s going on, and what it could mean for you.

 

Two Kinds of Buyers Are Leading the Market

The housing market is currently split between two major groups:

 

• Equity-rich homeowners using the proceeds from their last home to make big down payments or all-cash offers, and

• First-time buyers who are finding it a bit tougher to break in due to affordability challenges.

 

Right now, first-time buyers make up just 21% of the market, an all-time low. The good news? There are still great programs out there designed to help new buyers get into their first home, from FHA and VA loans to down payment assistance programs and more! If you or someone you know has been waiting for the “right time” to buy, it may be closer than you think, and we can help you explore what’s possible!

 

Home Equity = Homeowner Power

 

For those who already own a home, there’s even more good news. Homeowners have built an average of $140,000 in equity over the past five years… that’s huge! Many repeat buyers are using that equity to move up, downsize, or even make all-cash offers.

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Others are tapping into it through a refinance or home equity loan to pay off that higher-interest debt, remodel, or invest in new opportunities. If you’ve owned your home for a while, let’s look at your current loan, you might be surprised how much your equity can do for you!

 

Real Estate Agents Are Still MVPs

 

Even with all the online tools available, 88% of buyers and 91% of sellers still work with a real estate professional. There’s a reason for that, a great agent can help you find the right home, negotiate a better deal, and make the process far less stressful.

 

When you pair an experienced agent with a trusted mortgage team, you’ve got a winning combo to make your next move smooth and successful!

 

Who’s Buying (and Selling) Homes in 2025?

 

The typical first-time buyer is now around 40 years old, and the average repeat buyer is 62. Fewer households with kids are buying, while single buyers, especially women, are making up a bigger share of the market.

 

Whether you’re buying your very first home, your “forever” home, or your next investment property, one thing hasn’t changed: owning a home is still one of the best ways to build long-term wealth and stability.

 

What It All Means for You…

 

Yes, the market is competitive. Yes, rates and prices can fluctuate. But opportunity is everywhere, and it starts with understanding your options.

 

If you’re:

• Thinking about buying your first home

• Considering refinancing to lower your payment or tap into equity

• Or helping a friend or family member take their next step...

 

We’re here to help make it easy.

 

Bottom line: The housing market may be shifting, but homeowners and buyers are finding ways to win, and we’d love to help you do the same.

 

Are you ready to explore your options? Let’s chat about your goals and see how we can make your next home move (or savings move!) happen.