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Lender Playbook: How to Reach the New Generation of Homebuyers

Lender Playbook: How to Reach the New Generation of Homebuyers

Lender Playbook: How to Reach the New Generation of Homebuyers

Key strategies for attracting Gen Z and millennial buyers in today’s market

First-time buyers now account for 58% of agency purchase lending, and Gen Z makes up a growing 25% of those loans. But winning their business requires a fresh approach: digital-first experiences, alternative credit scoring, and tailored loan products. For mortgage lenders in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, this isn’t just theory — it’s survival. In this playbook, we’ll break down the strategies that resonate with today’s buyers and help you capture tomorrow’s market.

Why This Matters

The share of first-time buyers is shrinking overall, and the median age of a first-time buyer has risen to 38. Gen Z, though small in numbers (just 3% of all buyers), is punching above its weight by embracing FHA loans, family assistance, and affordable markets. Millennials, meanwhile, are stalling under the weight of rising home prices and stagnant incomes.

For lenders, the question isn’t if you should adapt to these buyers — it’s how quickly you can.

Offer FHA and Low Down Payment Options

Younger buyers are strapped with student loans and high living costs, making traditional 20% down payments unrealistic. FHA and other low down payment products have become lifelines. Highlight these programs in your outreach, and make sure your application process clearly explains requirements, insurance costs, and benefits.

Playbook Tip: Don’t just advertise “low down payment loans.” Provide easy-to-digest comparisons that show real monthly savings.

Embrace Digital-First Lending

Gen Z has grown up with apps, mobile banking, and online shopping. They expect the same ease when applying for a mortgage. That means:

  • Online application portals that track progress in real time
  • Virtual closings and e-signatures
  • Mobile-friendly communication (texts > voicemails)

Playbook Tip: Invest in user experience. A clunky or outdated digital system is the fastest way to lose a young buyer’s trust.

Expand Credit Access with VantageScore 4.0

Traditional FICO models miss many younger buyers who have limited credit histories. The adoption of VantageScore 4.0 by Fannie and Freddie now allows rental, utility, and telecom payments to count toward creditworthiness.

Playbook Tip: Educate buyers on how their rent payments or phone bills can help build eligibility. Position your firm as the one that “opens doors” others might close.

Focus on Affordable Regions

Gen Z and millennials are avoiding expensive coastal metros and targeting affordable hubs. While Boston remains out of reach for many, smaller Massachusetts and New Hampshire markets — from Worcester to Nashua — are becoming hotspots.

Playbook Tip: Tailor marketing to highlight affordable entry points in your lending region. Show young buyers where their money stretches further.

Educate, Don’t Intimidate

Younger buyers are financially cautious. They want transparency, not jargon. Offering educational content — from down payment savings tips to debt reduction strategies — helps position lenders as trusted partners rather than gatekeepers.

Playbook Tip: Host webinars, create short guides, or even offer 1:1 consultations specifically for first-time buyers.

The Lender Recommendations at a Glance

Here’s your quick reference guide to reaching tomorrow’s homeowners:

  • Emphasize low down payment / FHA products
  • Highlight digital ease with online applications and virtual closings
  • Promote new credit scoring models (VantageScore 4.0, rent/utility history)
  • Segment geographically toward affordable regions
  • Provide educational resources to build trust and financial readiness

Final Word

The next generation of homebuyers is smaller, more cautious, and more demanding of digital convenience — but they’re also motivated. By rethinking your lending approach now, you can not only capture Gen Z and millennial buyers but also build loyalty that carries into their next purchase.

At The Law Office of David R. Rocheford, Jr., P.C., we partner with buyers and lenders across Massachusetts and New Hampshire to ensure every closing is smooth, compliant, and future-ready.

Let’s talk about how we can support your lending process and protect your transactions — schedule a consultation today

Lender Playbook How to Reach the New Generation of Homebuyers

Providing title, escrow, closing and settlement services to clients throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire

From Our Clients

“I would highly recommend David as a closing attorney. I have known David and have been using his office for many years. David’s professionalism when dealing with me, my closing department and most especially my clients has been always exemplary.”
DAVID BREMER

SENIOR LOAN OFFICER, SHAMROCK FINANCIAL SERVICES

“The Law Office of Attorney David R. Rocheford, Jr. is by far the most exceptional real estate law office that I have had the pleasure of working with. The professionalism is by far second to none.”
JACQUI KEOGH

SENIOR LOAN OFFICER, SALEM FIVE MORTGAGE SERVICES

“Attorney David Rocheford has provided settlement and title services for me and Greenpark Mortgage several years. He has assisted all of my clients, including my family and friends with mortgage closings. Always providing excellent service. Reliable and trustworthy!”
SANDRA MALDONADO

Recent News

Lender Playbook: How to Reach the New Generation of Homebuyers

Lender Playbook: How to Reach the New Generation of Homebuyers

First-time buyers now account for 58% of agency purchase lending, and Gen Z makes up a growing 25% of those loans. But winning their business requires a fresh approach: digital-first experiences, alternative credit scoring, and tailored loan products. For mortgage...

Gen Z Homebuyers: Small in Numbers, Big in Determination

Gen Z Homebuyers: Small in Numbers, Big in Determination

They may represent just 3% of all buyers, but Gen Z is determined to change the game. Armed with FHA loans, side hustles, and family support, these resourceful buyers are targeting affordable regions — not Boston, but places like Grand Rapids and Salt Lake City. In...

Why Fewer First-Time Buyers Are Entering the Market in MA & NH

Why Fewer First-Time Buyers Are Entering the Market in MA & NH

Once upon a time, the path to homeownership started in your late 20s. Today, the median age of a first-time buyer has climbed to 38 — the highest in U.S. history. In Massachusetts and New Hampshire, where prices remain high and incomes haven’t kept pace, first-time...

Gen Z Homebuyers: Small in Numbers, Big in Determination

Gen Z Homebuyers: Small in Numbers, Big in Determination

Gen Z Homebuyers: Small in Numbers, Big in Determination

How the youngest buyers are breaking into the market despite debt and high prices

They may represent just 3% of all buyers, but Gen Z is determined to change the game. Armed with FHA loans, side hustles, and family support, these resourceful buyers are targeting affordable regions — not Boston, but places like Grand Rapids and Salt Lake City. In New Hampshire and Massachusetts, they’re hunting for opportunity while carrying average personal debt over $94,000. Here’s how this rising generation is entering the market, and what lenders should know to meet them where they are.

Why Gen Z Is Different

Gen Z came of age during economic upheaval — the 2008 housing crash was their childhood backdrop, and the COVID-19 pandemic shaped their early adulthood. They’ve watched older millennials struggle with student debt and delayed homeownership. That history has made them cautious, debt-averse, and surprisingly strategic in their approach to buying.

Unlike previous generations, Gen Z doesn’t expect homeownership to happen overnight. They’re willing to rent longer, work side hustles, and lean on family support if it helps them break into the market when the timing is right.

The Affordability Hurdle

Affordability is the single biggest obstacle standing in their way.

  • Average debt load: over $94,000 per young adult.
  • Median household income growth: stagnant compared to housing costs.
  • Entry-level homes: scarce, especially in high-cost regions like Greater Boston.

In short, the math doesn’t always work. But that hasn’t stopped Gen Z from getting creative.

How They’re Making It Work

FHA and Low Down Payment Loans

With cash savings limited, FHA loans and other low down payment programs are Gen Z’s go-to tool. These options allow them to enter the market sooner, even if it means paying mortgage insurance.

Side Hustles and Multiple Income Streams

From freelance work to online businesses, Gen Z isn’t afraid to diversify income to qualify for a mortgage. Lenders who recognize alternative income streams — and can explain how to document them properly — gain a clear edge.

Family Support and Gifts of Equity

Parents and grandparents are playing a larger role, either through co-signing, down payment assistance, or equity transfers. These transactions often involve extra legal steps, which is where experienced closing attorneys keep everything compliant.

Targeting Affordable Regions

Gen Z is skipping the Boston condo market and looking north and west — from New Hampshire’s suburbs to smaller Massachusetts cities like Worcester. They want affordability, community, and remote-work flexibility more than urban prestige.

What Lenders Should Know

For lenders, winning Gen Z business means more than just offering a loan — it’s about meeting them on their terms.

  • Be Digital-First: Mobile-friendly applications, virtual closings, and real-time status updates are table stakes.
  • Expand Credit Access: Use VantageScore 4.0 and consider rent or utility payment histories for applicants with thin credit files.
  • Educate and Simplify: Break down loan terms in plain English, offer first-time buyer workshops, and demystify the process.
  • Focus on Entry Markets: Market lending products in regions where Gen Z is actually shopping, not just where the big headlines are.

Quick Lender Recommendations

  • Highlight FHA and low down payment products
  • Accept and explain alternative income sources
  • Emphasize digital lending tools (portals, e-signatures, mobile updates)
  • Promote credit-building strategies tied to VantageScore 4.0
  • Offer first-time buyer education as part of your brand

Final Word

Gen Z may be small in numbers today, but their determination is reshaping tomorrow’s market. They are resourceful, cautious, and fiercely committed to finding a way into homeownership — even when the odds seem stacked against them. For lenders, attorneys, and real estate professionals in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, understanding this generation isn’t optional. It’s the key to staying relevant.

At The Law Office of David R. Rocheford, Jr., P.C., we work alongside buyers, sellers, and lenders to ensure every deal — whether fueled by an FHA loan, family support, or creative structuring — is handled smoothly and compliantly.

Want to better understand the next wave of homebuyers? Contact us today

Gen Z Homebuyers: Small in Numbers, Big in Determination

Providing title, escrow, closing and settlement services to clients throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire

From Our Clients

“I would highly recommend David as a closing attorney. I have known David and have been using his office for many years. David’s professionalism when dealing with me, my closing department and most especially my clients has been always exemplary.”
DAVID BREMER

SENIOR LOAN OFFICER, SHAMROCK FINANCIAL SERVICES

“The Law Office of Attorney David R. Rocheford, Jr. is by far the most exceptional real estate law office that I have had the pleasure of working with. The professionalism is by far second to none.”
JACQUI KEOGH

SENIOR LOAN OFFICER, SALEM FIVE MORTGAGE SERVICES

“Attorney David Rocheford has provided settlement and title services for me and Greenpark Mortgage several years. He has assisted all of my clients, including my family and friends with mortgage closings. Always providing excellent service. Reliable and trustworthy!”
SANDRA MALDONADO

Recent News

Lender Playbook: How to Reach the New Generation of Homebuyers

Lender Playbook: How to Reach the New Generation of Homebuyers

First-time buyers now account for 58% of agency purchase lending, and Gen Z makes up a growing 25% of those loans. But winning their business requires a fresh approach: digital-first experiences, alternative credit scoring, and tailored loan products. For mortgage...

Gen Z Homebuyers: Small in Numbers, Big in Determination

Gen Z Homebuyers: Small in Numbers, Big in Determination

They may represent just 3% of all buyers, but Gen Z is determined to change the game. Armed with FHA loans, side hustles, and family support, these resourceful buyers are targeting affordable regions — not Boston, but places like Grand Rapids and Salt Lake City. In...

Why Fewer First-Time Buyers Are Entering the Market in MA & NH

Why Fewer First-Time Buyers Are Entering the Market in MA & NH

Once upon a time, the path to homeownership started in your late 20s. Today, the median age of a first-time buyer has climbed to 38 — the highest in U.S. history. In Massachusetts and New Hampshire, where prices remain high and incomes haven’t kept pace, first-time...

Why Fewer First-Time Buyers Are Entering the Market in MA & NH

Why Fewer First-Time Buyers Are Entering the Market in MA & NH

Why Fewer First-Time Buyers Are Entering the Market in MA & NH

How affordability challenges and shifting demographics are reshaping homeownership

Once upon a time, the path to homeownership started in your late 20s. Today, the median age of a first-time buyer has climbed to 38 — the highest in U.S. history. In Massachusetts and New Hampshire, where prices remain high and incomes haven’t kept pace, first-time buyers make up only 24% of the market. This generational shift isn’t just a national trend — it’s reshaping local markets, too. Let’s explore why fewer young buyers are entering the game and what it means for buyers, sellers, and lenders alike.

The Shrinking First-Time Buyer Pool

In 2010, first-time buyers represented half the housing market. By 2024, that number dropped to less than a quarter. It’s not because younger generations don’t want to buy — surveys show they do — but the financial barriers are higher than ever.

For Massachusetts and New Hampshire buyers, the challenge is particularly acute. Both states rank among the nation’s most expensive housing markets, with limited inventory and bidding wars still common in desirable areas. That leaves many would-be buyers sidelined, even when mortgage rates dip slightly.

Why It’s Harder Than Ever

Income vs. Home Prices

The income needed to buy a median-priced home has soared to over $126,000 a year, nearly 60% higher than in 2021. Meanwhile, household incomes in the region have barely budged. That mismatch has locked many younger buyers out of the market.

Rising Debt Loads

Millennials and Gen Z carry heavy financial baggage, from student loans to credit card balances. With Gen Z’s average personal debt topping $94,000, saving for a down payment feels more like a marathon than a sprint.

Limited Starter Homes

Entry-level homes — once the natural first step into ownership — are scarce. Many builders in New England focus on higher-margin luxury units, while affordable starter homes are either aging or quickly snapped up.

Demographic Shifts

Younger generations are delaying marriage, children, and long-term settling, which historically drove first-home purchases. Add in higher rent burdens and inflation, and the dream of ownership is being pushed later into life.

What This Means for Sellers

If you’re selling in Massachusetts or New Hampshire, this trend could mean fewer young families competing for your property. That may soften demand in some price brackets, especially for entry-level homes. On the flip side, it also means that when younger buyers do show up, they’re highly motivated — and often well-prepared with family support, FHA financing, or cash gifts.

What This Means for Lenders

Lenders can’t assume yesterday’s products will work for today’s market. Winning over first-time buyers requires:

  • FHA and low down payment options to lower the entry barrier
  • Alternative credit scoring (including rental and utility history) to qualify more applicants
  • Digital-first lending to meet younger buyers where they are
  • Educational resources to guide cautious, debt-burdened buyers through the process

The lenders who succeed won’t just hand out mortgages — they’ll provide tools, trust, and guidance.

What This Means for Buyers

If you’re a first-time buyer in MA or NH, you’re not alone in feeling like the deck is stacked against you. But there are pathways forward:

  • Explore FHA or MassHousing programs that reduce down payment hurdles
  • Work with a closing attorney early to understand costs and risks
  • Consider expanding your search beyond major metros into more affordable towns or suburbs

Final Word

The shrinking pool of first-time buyers isn’t just a statistic — it’s a reality that shapes how homes are bought, sold, and financed in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. For buyers, it means persistence and planning. For sellers, it means understanding who your likely buyers really are. And for lenders, it means rethinking old playbooks to stay relevant.

At The Law Office of David R. Rocheford, Jr., P.C., we help buyers, sellers, and lenders adapt to today’s challenges and keep closings on track.

Ready to navigate the new landscape? Contact us today

Why Fewer First-Time Buyers Are Entering the Market in MA & NH

Providing title, escrow, closing and settlement services to clients throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire

From Our Clients

“I would highly recommend David as a closing attorney. I have known David and have been using his office for many years. David’s professionalism when dealing with me, my closing department and most especially my clients has been always exemplary.”
DAVID BREMER

SENIOR LOAN OFFICER, SHAMROCK FINANCIAL SERVICES

“The Law Office of Attorney David R. Rocheford, Jr. is by far the most exceptional real estate law office that I have had the pleasure of working with. The professionalism is by far second to none.”
JACQUI KEOGH

SENIOR LOAN OFFICER, SALEM FIVE MORTGAGE SERVICES

“Attorney David Rocheford has provided settlement and title services for me and Greenpark Mortgage several years. He has assisted all of my clients, including my family and friends with mortgage closings. Always providing excellent service. Reliable and trustworthy!”
SANDRA MALDONADO

Recent News

Lender Playbook: How to Reach the New Generation of Homebuyers

Lender Playbook: How to Reach the New Generation of Homebuyers

First-time buyers now account for 58% of agency purchase lending, and Gen Z makes up a growing 25% of those loans. But winning their business requires a fresh approach: digital-first experiences, alternative credit scoring, and tailored loan products. For mortgage...

Gen Z Homebuyers: Small in Numbers, Big in Determination

Gen Z Homebuyers: Small in Numbers, Big in Determination

They may represent just 3% of all buyers, but Gen Z is determined to change the game. Armed with FHA loans, side hustles, and family support, these resourceful buyers are targeting affordable regions — not Boston, but places like Grand Rapids and Salt Lake City. In...

Why Fewer First-Time Buyers Are Entering the Market in MA & NH

Why Fewer First-Time Buyers Are Entering the Market in MA & NH

Once upon a time, the path to homeownership started in your late 20s. Today, the median age of a first-time buyer has climbed to 38 — the highest in U.S. history. In Massachusetts and New Hampshire, where prices remain high and incomes haven’t kept pace, first-time...

Should You Hire Your Lender’s Closing Attorney in MA & NH?

Should You Hire Your Lender’s Closing Attorney in MA & NH?

Should You Hire Your Lender’s Closing Attorney in MA & NH?

When you’re buying a home, there’s no shortage of decisions to make—fixed or adjustable rate? Move-in ready or fixer-upper? But here’s one question you might not have considered: Should you use the attorney your lender recommends for your closing?

In Massachusetts and New Hampshire, the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Let’s break it down so you can make the choice that’s right for you.

Who Does the Lender’s Attorney Represent?

In many cases, the attorney your lender suggests is hired to prepare the loan documents and ensure the lender’s interests are protected. That’s right: their job is to watch out for the bank—not you.

While they may seem helpful and experienced, their primary duty is making sure the lender gets paid and the mortgage is legally enforceable.

Why You Need Independent Counsel

As the buyer, you’re making a huge investment. Wouldn’t you want someone looking out for your interests? Here’s what an independent closing attorney like The Law Office of David R. Rocheford, Jr., P.C. brings to the table:

  • Protecting Your Rights: We review contracts, disclosures, and settlement statements for errors or unfavorable terms that could cost you later.
  • Preventing Surprises: From title issues to zoning concerns, we catch potential problems before they derail your closing.
  • Explaining the Fine Print: We translate legal jargon into plain English so you know exactly what you’re signing.
  • Advocating for You: If disputes arise, we’re in your corner—not the lender’s.

What the Law Says in MA and NH

  • In Massachusetts, buyers are required to have their own attorney for certain aspects of the closing process.
  • In New Hampshire, it’s not legally required, but strongly recommended—especially for first-time buyers or complex transactions.

Your Advocate at the Closing Table

At The Law Office of David R. Rocheford, Jr., P.C., we help buyers throughout Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire close with confidence. Whether you’re buying your first home or your forever home, our team ensures your interests come first—every step of the way.

Have questions about hiring your own closing attorney? Call us today and let’s talk.

Should You Hire Your Lender’s Closing Attorney in MA & NH?

Providing title, escrow, closing and settlement services to clients throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire

From Our Clients

“I would highly recommend David as a closing attorney. I have known David and have been using his office for many years. David’s professionalism when dealing with me, my closing department and most especially my clients has been always exemplary.”
DAVID BREMER

SENIOR LOAN OFFICER, SHAMROCK FINANCIAL SERVICES

“The Law Office of Attorney David R. Rocheford, Jr. is by far the most exceptional real estate law office that I have had the pleasure of working with. The professionalism is by far second to none.”
JACQUI KEOGH

SENIOR LOAN OFFICER, SALEM FIVE MORTGAGE SERVICES

“Attorney David Rocheford has provided settlement and title services for me and Greenpark Mortgage several years. He has assisted all of my clients, including my family and friends with mortgage closings. Always providing excellent service. Reliable and trustworthy!”
SANDRA MALDONADO

Recent News

Lender Playbook: How to Reach the New Generation of Homebuyers

Lender Playbook: How to Reach the New Generation of Homebuyers

First-time buyers now account for 58% of agency purchase lending, and Gen Z makes up a growing 25% of those loans. But winning their business requires a fresh approach: digital-first experiences, alternative credit scoring, and tailored loan products. For mortgage...

Gen Z Homebuyers: Small in Numbers, Big in Determination

Gen Z Homebuyers: Small in Numbers, Big in Determination

They may represent just 3% of all buyers, but Gen Z is determined to change the game. Armed with FHA loans, side hustles, and family support, these resourceful buyers are targeting affordable regions — not Boston, but places like Grand Rapids and Salt Lake City. In...

Why Fewer First-Time Buyers Are Entering the Market in MA & NH

Why Fewer First-Time Buyers Are Entering the Market in MA & NH

Once upon a time, the path to homeownership started in your late 20s. Today, the median age of a first-time buyer has climbed to 38 — the highest in U.S. history. In Massachusetts and New Hampshire, where prices remain high and incomes haven’t kept pace, first-time...

5 Hidden Title Defects That Can Delay Your MA or NH Home Closing

5 Hidden Title Defects That Can Delay Your MA or NH Home Closing

5 Hidden Title Defects That Can Delay Your MA or NH Home Closing

You’ve found your dream home in Massachusetts or New Hampshire. The offer is in, the inspection went smoothly, and closing day is in sight. But then—bam!—a title defect surfaces, and suddenly your seamless transaction feels more like a nightmare.

At The Law Office of David R. Rocheford, Jr., P.C., we know how crucial a clean title is to a successful closing. Here are five of the most common hidden title issues we see—and how our meticulous title services can keep your deal on track.

Undischarged Mortgages

An old mortgage that was paid off but never officially released in the registry? It’s more common than you’d think. Without a proper discharge, the lender still technically holds a claim, and that can stop your sale cold.

Our solution: We identify undischarged mortgages early and work directly with lenders to obtain and record releases—no surprises on closing day.

Outstanding Liens

Contractors, municipalities, and even HOA’s can place liens for unpaid debts. Whether it’s back taxes or a forgotten utility bill, these liens must be cleared before you take ownership.

Our solution: Our team runs comprehensive lien searches and coordinates payoff or discharge so your title is free and clear.

Easements and Boundary Disputes

That beautiful backyard? It may have a utility easement running through it—or worse, a neighbor disputing the boundary line. These issues can impact how you use the property.

Our solution: We’ll flag any recorded easements or encroachments and help you understand how they affect your rights as a buyer.

Errors in Public Records

Clerical mistakes happen. A misspelled name, incorrect legal description, or filing error can create confusion over ownership and cloud your title.

Our solution: Our attorneys comb through public records and fix errors before they derail your deal.

Forged or Fraudulent Documents

Unfortunately, forged deeds and fraudulent transfers do exist. If someone in the property’s past didn’t legally own it, neither will you—until it’s resolved.

Our solution: Our title exams are designed to spot these red flags and protect you from costly legal battles later.

Why Title Matters—and Why We’re Your Best Ally

Your home is likely the biggest purchase of your life. Don’t let hidden title defects steal your peace of mind. At The Law Office of David R. Rocheford, Jr., P.C., we specialize in thorough title examinations, escrow services, and smooth closings for Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire.

Let us handle the legal details so you can focus on your new chapter.

5 Hidden Title Defects That Can Delay Your MA or NH Home Closing

Providing title, escrow, closing and settlement services to clients throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire

From Our Clients

“I would highly recommend David as a closing attorney. I have known David and have been using his office for many years. David’s professionalism when dealing with me, my closing department and most especially my clients has been always exemplary.”
DAVID BREMER

SENIOR LOAN OFFICER, SHAMROCK FINANCIAL SERVICES

“The Law Office of Attorney David R. Rocheford, Jr. is by far the most exceptional real estate law office that I have had the pleasure of working with. The professionalism is by far second to none.”
JACQUI KEOGH

SENIOR LOAN OFFICER, SALEM FIVE MORTGAGE SERVICES

“Attorney David Rocheford has provided settlement and title services for me and Greenpark Mortgage several years. He has assisted all of my clients, including my family and friends with mortgage closings. Always providing excellent service. Reliable and trustworthy!”
SANDRA MALDONADO

Recent News

Lender Playbook: How to Reach the New Generation of Homebuyers

Lender Playbook: How to Reach the New Generation of Homebuyers

First-time buyers now account for 58% of agency purchase lending, and Gen Z makes up a growing 25% of those loans. But winning their business requires a fresh approach: digital-first experiences, alternative credit scoring, and tailored loan products. For mortgage...

Gen Z Homebuyers: Small in Numbers, Big in Determination

Gen Z Homebuyers: Small in Numbers, Big in Determination

They may represent just 3% of all buyers, but Gen Z is determined to change the game. Armed with FHA loans, side hustles, and family support, these resourceful buyers are targeting affordable regions — not Boston, but places like Grand Rapids and Salt Lake City. In...

Why Fewer First-Time Buyers Are Entering the Market in MA & NH

Why Fewer First-Time Buyers Are Entering the Market in MA & NH

Once upon a time, the path to homeownership started in your late 20s. Today, the median age of a first-time buyer has climbed to 38 — the highest in U.S. history. In Massachusetts and New Hampshire, where prices remain high and incomes haven’t kept pace, first-time...