Changing demographics and the role of agents
The share of buyers with children under 18 fell to an all-time low of 24%, a shift attributed to both declining birth rates and the aging profile of repeat buyers.
Meanwhile, real estate agents remained central to the transaction process, with 88% of buyers and 91% of sellers working with an agent—both at or near record highs.
“Real estate agents remain indispensable in today’s complex housing market,” Lautz said. “Beyond guiding buyers and sellers through what is often the largest financial decision of their lives, agents provide critical expertise, negotiation skills, and emotional support during an increasingly challenging process.”
Affordability and policy challenges
The data underscore broader affordability challenges facing the US housing market.
“Delayed or denied homeownership until age 40 instead of 30 can mean losing roughly $150,000 in equity on a typical starter home,” said Shannon McGahn, NAR executive vice president and chief advocacy officer.
