Current buyers are prioritizing stability and community over job proximity.
A widening divide exists between those entering the market and those leveraging existing home equity. First-Time Buyers Repeat Buyers 21% (Historic Low) Median Age Median Down Payment Financing Type Mostly financed (90%+) ~30% All-Cash 3. Purchasing Behavior & Preferences people who buy houses
Buyers now plan to stay in their homes for a median of 15 years , a massive increase from the 6-year average seen in the early 2000s. Current buyers are prioritizing stability and community over
NAR 2025 Profile of Home Buyers, Sellers Reveals Market Extremes Purchasing Behavior & Preferences Buyers now plan to
Market Trend Report: The Changing Profile of Home Buyers (2025–2026)
Only 24% of buyers have children under 18 living at home—an all-time low. 2. First-Time vs. Repeat Buyers
For younger buyers, debt remains a major hurdle; 39% of Younger Millennials report student loans with a median balance of $30,000 .