If You Feel “Late” to Buying Your First Home… You’re Actually Right on Time
If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “We should’ve bought already…”—I want you to hear this loud and clear:
The typical first-time homebuyer is older than ever.
And not by a little.
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) reports the median age of first-time buyers rose to 38 in their 2024 Profile (buyers who purchased between July 2023 and June 2024).
Then it climbed again: NAR’s 2025 Profile shows the median age hit 40—the highest recorded.
So if you’re in your 30s (or staring down 40) and wondering if you missed the window… you didn’t. The window moved.
Most housing research uses median age (the “typical” buyer), not the mathematical average—and it’s the better stat because it doesn’t get skewed by extremes.
Here’s the trend in plain English:
That’s not “people taking their time.” That’s a completely different housing reality than prior generations dealt with.
NAR’s economist team points to the same blockers we see every day with real buyers:
And here’s a stat that matches what you feel in your gut: homeownership among households under 35 continues to struggle, with the under-35 homeownership rate sitting at 37.1% in 2024 (based on Census data).
If you didn’t buy at 27, welcome to the club. This isn’t a character flaw. It’s the math.
A lot of buyers today aren’t buying a tiny starter home with the plan to upgrade in two years. Between rates, prices, and transaction costs, people want to make the first purchase count.
Here are strategies we actually use with clients right now:
The story is simple: first-time homebuyers are older now—and the data confirms it.
So if you feel “late,” you’re not late.
You’re normal.
If you’re shopping homes based on price alone, you’re doing it the hard way. Here’s how to reverse-engineer your home search from a monthly payment you can actually live with.
Old-school homebuying advice can keep you stuck or push you into a payment that doesn’t fit. Here are the most common “rules” we still hear—and the real-world guidance that works in today’s market.
A clear guide to earnest money: what it is, typical deposit amounts, who holds it, when it’s refundable, and how to protect your funds so your offer stays strong.
Has your mortgage payment jumped—or stepped up? Learn why payments change, from escrow shifts (insurance/taxes) to mortgage insurance removal to temporary buydowns ending, and what to do next.
Avoid the pitfalls most first-time buyers don’t even see coming until it’s too late. Here’s the real advice your future self will thank you for.
Owning a home comes with more than just pride and a mortgage payment. It can also open the door to meaningful tax benefits—from deductions to credits to exclusions. Here’s what to know, without the jargon.
A clear breakdown of what a home equity loan is, how it works, when it makes sense, and the key pros and cons to weigh before borrowing against your home.
Your credit score doesn’t have to be a mystery — or a roadblock. In this post, we break down exactly how credit works, what impacts your score the most, and what steps you can take today to boost it. Whether you’re getting ready to buy a home or just want more financial freedom, this guide gives you the clarity and confidence to take control.
Choosing between a 15-year or 30-year mortgage? This post breaks down the pros and cons of each option—payment differences, interest savings, equity timelines—and helps buyers decide which term fits their goals, lifestyle, and budget.
VA loans are one of the most powerful benefits available to veterans and service members—but most people don’t realize just how much they offer. In this post, we break down the top advantages of VA loans, from zero down payment to flexible credit guidelines, and how to put them to work for your next home purchase or refinance.
Moving before the school year starts? This guide breaks down what families need to know when buying a home on a tight timeline—including how to research school zones, plan backward from your move-in date, and avoid common missteps during the transition.
Learn the real costs of buying a home beyond the down payment. From closing costs to move-in expenses — here's how to budget like a pro.
With high home prices and rising rates, more buyers are teaming up to afford homeownership—especially in pricey markets like Colorado. This blog breaks down the pros, pitfalls, and property types perfect for co-buying with friends or family. From duplexes to ADUs, we’ll walk you through how to do it right—and what to avoid.
Confused by escrow? You’re not alone. This blog breaks down what escrow is, how it works during the homebuying process, and why it’s a key safeguard for your money and peace of mind—before and after closing.
Still think you need 20% down or perfect credit to buy a home? Think again. This post busts the most common myths that keep smart buyers on the sidelines—and shares what’s actually possible in today’s market. If you’re closer to buying than you think, this is the clarity you’ve been waiting for.
Sick of rising rent, slow repairs, or living on someone else’s terms? This post breaks down what renters won’t miss when they finally make the move to homeownership—and the freedom, stability, and financial benefits that come with it. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to buy, start here.
.png)
If you’re a veteran, active-duty service member, or surviving spouse, you may qualify for one of the best loan options available: the VA loan. This post breaks down the benefits, busts common myths, and explains how to make the most of your military-earned buying power.
Before you fall in love with a house, get your financing in order. In this article, we explain why pre-approval should always be your first move as a buyer—and how it gives you clarity, credibility, and serious leverage in today’s market.
Wondering what really goes into your mortgage payment? From principal and interest to insurance, taxes, and beyond, this detailed breakdown explains every component so you can plan, budget, and buy smarter—no surprises.
Buying your first home is exciting—but also overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect. This guide breaks down the real deal behind the process, from pre-approval to closing, with honest advice and practical tips to help first-time buyers avoid common pitfalls and feel confident every step of the way.
