- Homebuyers
- May 1, 2026
Why It’s Never Too Late to Become a First-Time Homebuyer
The average age of first-time homebuyers has risen, with more Americans making their first purchase in middle age and beyond.
The average age of first-time homebuyers has risen, with more Americans making their first purchase in middle age and beyond.
In recent years, buying a home often meant moving fast and paying asking price (or more.) Yet this spring, buyers have more room to negotiate an offer and save in various ways.
The typical U.S. home is now middle-aged at 44 years old, the oldest on record. The goal isn’t to avoid older homes. It’s to understand what to look for, what to ask, and how to plan accordingly.
To understand today’s housing market, it helps to look at how mortgage rates have changed before, during, and after the pandemic.
An increasing number of properties are now listed as “coming soon,” giving buyers a sneak peek of homes before they officially hit the market.
In some places, that added housing supply is starting to tip the balance in favor of homebuyers.
If saving enough for a down payment is challenging, tapping into your 401(k) or other retirement savings may look like an attractive option.
Most homeowners with mortgages didn’t realize all the different ways they could save money when purchasing a home before they started the homebuying process.
Baby Boomers aren’t giving up their grip on the housing market. The generation continues to make up the largest share of homebuyers.
Securing a mortgage is often one of the biggest homebuying steps. And sellers often consider how quickly you’re able to lock in a loan when they’re deciding between offers. So, how long does a mortgage application and approval take?