Empty-Nesters Beat Out Millennials With Kids For America’s Biggest Homes

The generational real estate showdown is still underway, and the latest battleground is large homes. A new report from Redfin found that Baby Boomers with empty nests own 28% of the nation’s large homes, while Millennials with kids own just 14%.  This a huge turnaround in the last ten years, as a decade ago, younger adults with children were just as likely to own large homes as their parents. Redfin defined “empty nesters” as households headed by Baby Boomers that report only 1-2 adults living in the home, and based on the number of bedrooms, with three or more being considered large. Part of the problem is the current state of the housing market. Many Baby Boomers own their homes…

What Will It Take To Get Millennials In Homes?

Despite being the largest cohort of potential homebuyers in the country, Millennials are lagging behind other generations in purchases. That applies to Baby Boomers now – who are snatching up the few homes for sale thanks to home equity and greater savings – and Boomers when they were the same age as Millennials today. Just over 50% of Millennials owned a home in 2022, compared with 56.5% of Boomers in 1990 and 58.2% of Gen X in 2006. Even the youngest generation, Gen Z, is tracking ahead of Millennials in homeownership at the same age. A combination of forces has made it difficult for Millennials to become homeowners. Ongoing bouts of economic uncertainty in 2001, 2008, and today have hindered…

Applications Fall For A Fourth Straight Week

Mortgage applications fell for a fourth consecutive week, even as rates retreated from near-7% highs. The Mortgage Bankers Association’s weekly survey shows the adjusted Market Composite Index – a measure of mortgage loan application volume – decreased by 1.4%. Adjusted purchase applications fell by 2%, while the unadjusted index was down 13% from the week before and 27% lower YOY. Rates took a turn, however, with the average interest rate for 30-year fixed loans falling 10 bps from 6.91% to 6.81%. Though that’s good news for home shoppers who can’t wait for a major shift in rates, it’s still the second-highest rate of 2023. “Overall applications were more than 30% lower than a year ago, as borrowers continue to grapple…

Mortgage Apps Reverse Course, Fall For First Time In A Month

Mortgage applications reversed after a month of increases despite declining rates, a rocky start to the typically robust spring buying season. The Mortgage Bankers Association’s weekly survey says the adjusted Market Composite Index – a measure of mortgage loan application volume – decreased by 4.1%. Adjusted purchase applications dropped by 4%, while the unadjusted index was down 3% from the week before and 35% lower YOY. Mortgage rates fell slightly, with the average interest rate for 30-year fixed loans down from 6.45% to 6.40%. This is the lowest level in more than a month. Jumbo rates increased, however, from 6.27% to 6.36%. “While we have seen relative weakness at the high end of the housing market in recent months, the…

Homeownership “Unattainable”: 1 In 4 Americans Putting Off Buying A Home Indefinitely

Housing affordability is a bigger deal to Americans than the possibility of a recession, according to a new survey by Personal Capital. The survey found that 1 in 4 people have decided to put off buying a home “indefinitely.” Rising mortgage interest rates were the number one concern of respondents, despite the fact that more than 75% said they expect a recession within two years. Gen Z was the generation most likely to say homebuying isn’t currently an option for them, and nearly a quarter called homeownership “unattainable.” Gen Zers overwhelmingly want to own their own homes, with 59% identifying homeownership as a sign of success. But many are worried they may never be able to afford a home if prices continue…

72% Of Sellers Plan To Buy Another Home This Year

Seller-buyers are making a splash this spring, with 72% of home sellers also planning to buy their next one this year, according to a new survey from Realtor.com. Realtor partnered with HarrisX to survey homeowners nationwide. The results showed a market flooded with younger seller-buyers looking for more affordable homes to accommodate growing families. Millennials are the most active seller-buyers in the market (47%). Gen Z, the youngest market-ready cohort, came in second at 25%, followed by Gen X (15%) and Baby Boomers (12%). Most seller-buyers said they planned to buy a home first, then list their current home (46%), the choice that offers the most flexibility. Another 44% said they plan to sell and buy at the same time,…

Millennials Dominate In America’s Biggest Metros

Despite challenging conditions for first-time homebuyers, Millennials are actively engaging in the housing market, especially in the nation’s largest metros, according to a new analysis from LendingTree. The analysis found that Millennials– people aged 25 to 40 in 2021– make up a majority of homebuyers in most of the US’s largest metros, especially Denver, Seattle, and Boston.  Of mortgages offered in Denver, 63.3% were offered to Millennials. In Seattle, 61.35% were offered to Millennials, and in Boston, 61.08%. Miami, Jacksonville, and Tampa have the smallest share of buyers in this age group, at 46.54% across all three markets. San Francisco, New York, and San Jose have the greatest portion of older Millennials, with an average age of 33.51%, while Indianapolis,…