05/19/2026
First-Time Buyers Are Back!
First-time buyers made up 34% of home purchases last month.
That’s up from 24% a year ago. Biggest jump we’ve seen in over a decade.
What we are seeing?
More inventory.
Less investor competition.
And seller concessions are finally making the cash-to-close numbers feel realistic again.
Even down payments are coming down. Median is sitting around 15% now, compared to 18% last year.
For the last four years, first-time buyers have been told the same thing:
Wait. Save more. Hope rates drop.
A lot of them stopped waiting. This can be you!
That’s usually how markets shift.
By the time everyone agrees it’s a “good time” to buy, the best opportunities are already gone.
Right now, first-time buyers are getting negotiations that weren’t happening before.
Seller concessions that barely existed in 2023 and are now around 45% of deals.
If buying your first home has been sitting on your list, this is probably the most opportunistic market we’ve had in a long time.
Reach out with any questions and lets partner on your pre-approval!
