Tips for Younger Homebuyers: How To Make Your Dream a Reality

If you belong to a younger generation, like Gen Z, you might be wondering: will I ever be able to buy a home? With rising inflation, increasing home prices, and mortgage rates, it may seem like homeownership is out of reach. While the current housing market is challenging for first-time buyers, achieving your dream is still possible, especially with professional guidance.

Here are some expert tips to help you on your journey to homeownership:

1. Explore Your Down Payment Options

If saving for a down payment feels like your biggest obstacle, there are numerous programs available to help you. Over 2,000 down payment assistance programs exist to make homeownership more accessible. Additionally, many Gen Z homebuyers (49% according to LendingTree) receive financial support from family or friends for their down payment.

You likely won't need to put down 20% unless specified by your loan type or lender. Work with a trusted mortgage professional to explore all your options, understand how much you'll need, and learn about the guidelines for receiving financial gifts from loved ones.

2. Live with Family or Friends to Save Money

To accelerate your savings, consider moving back in with family or friends. By reducing your housing costs, you can build your savings more quickly. According to Bankrate, 30% of Gen Z homebuyers move directly from a family member's home to their own, which significantly boosts their savings.

3. Expand Your Home Search

Once you've saved enough, a real estate professional can help broaden your search to increase your options. Given the low supply of homes for sale and affordability constraints, they can introduce strategies and locations you might not have considered.

Consider looking at rural or suburban areas, which are often more affordable than urban locations. Smaller homes, condos, or townhouses can also provide more entry points into the market. Colby Stout, Research Analyst at Bright MLS, notes:

“Being flexible on the types of home (e.g., a condo or townhome versus a single-family home) and exploring more affordable neighborhoods is important for first-time buyers.”

4. Assess Your Wants and Needs

A real estate agent can help you differentiate between your must-haves and nice-to-haves. Your first home doesn't have to be your forever home; the goal is to start building equity. Being open-minded about your needs and wants can help you make necessary compromises. As Chase advises:

“An open-minded approach to house-hunting may be one way for Gen Z homebuyers to maintain some edge. This could mean buying in areas that are less expensive. Differentiating needs vs. wants may help in this area as well.”

An agent will help you prioritize your desired home features and find properties that meet your top criteria. They can also explain how building equity can benefit you in the long run, paving the way for your dream home in the future.

Bottom Line

Real estate professionals have the expertise to guide you through the home buying process, offering tips and advice tailored to your needs. Directors Mortgage states:

“The path to homeownership may not be a straightforward one for Gen Z, but it’s undoubtedly within reach. By adopting the right strategies, like exploring down payment assistance programs and sharing living costs with relatives, you can bring your dream of owning a home closer to reality.”

Let's connect to set you up for long-term success and make your dream of homeownership a reality.