10 Homeownership Facts for a Better Understanding of Real Estate Today

What’s the biggest financial transaction a person will make in their lifetime? For many, it’s buying a home. Homeownership is a significant milestone that can provide stability, promote financial wellbeing, and serve as a backdrop for life’s memories.

During National Homeownership Month, learn 10 facts about homeownership in the U.S. today:

In the first quarter of 2025, the U.S. census revealed the latest homeownership rate to be 65.1%, a stat that signifies the quantity of owner-occupied homes across the country. Just a few months prior, in Q4 2024, the rate was 65.7%. The national rate of homeownership hasn’t changed too much in recent years. In 2020, the national homeownership rate was 65.8%.

As June gets underway, mortgage interest rates continue to linger largely in the mid to high 6% range depending on the specific loan product, according to Bankrate. For example, the 30-year fixed-rate loan is hovering around 6.9%. Various loan options – from FHA to VA to ARM and more – will likely present fluctuating rates that also can depend on other qualifying factors of a homebuyer.

Per the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) 2025 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends report, the Baby Boomer generation – comprising people between 60 and 78 years old – accounts for 42% of all homebuyers. This solidifies their standing as the largest share of homebuyers in today’s market, ahead of millennials (ages 26-44 years old) who account for 29% of all homebuyers – down 9% from one year ago.

The majority of younger real estate consumers who don’t own a home yet are ready to do so, according to a survey from REMAX that analyzed the homeownership trends of people from Gen Z and millennial cohorts. REMAX data shows that 63% of prospective homebuyers surveyed indicated they are interested, eager and ready to become homeowners.

The same REMAX survey found that certain financial considerations are holding some Gen Z and millennial prospective homebuyers back. The biggest obstacle these generations see standing between them and homeownership is the ability to afford upfront costs like a down payment. Monthly mortgage bills, property taxes and regular house upkeep were cited as additional obstacles these two generations are concerned about when pursuing homeownership.

Homeownership often comes with physical, financial and emotional benefits. For the Gen Z and millennials who do own homes, two-thirds believe the stability that comes from ownership alleviates stress from their lives, according to the 2024 REMAX Future of Real Estate Report. The report notes that more buyers from these generations are pursing properties they can feel rooted in and grow with, seeing dwellings less as “starter homes” and more as longer-term security.

The same REMAX report noted an ongoing uptick in the wellness real estate trend, focusing on how an increasing number of younger real estate consumers view a home as a place that provides comfort, joy and emotional fulfillment in a modernized and evolving way. Consequently, the Global Wellness Institute predicts that homes specifically designed to support holistic health is a space estimated to be valued at $887 billion dollars by 2027.

Housing market change is constant – that’s a fact. And large scale, influential factors like the economy and seasonal change can play a role in shaping current market conditions. A good place to get the inside scoop: the REMAX National Housing Report, which is compiled each month for a close look at the latest data – individualized by metro area and then aggerated for a comprehensive overview.

The most recent housing report from REMAX found that overall housing inventory across the country in April was up a whopping 35% from the same time last year – supported by a 7.5% increase in new listings annually, too. This is welcome news to homebuyers who have been seeking more options to choose from.

When it’s time to sell a home and move to the next, the majority of people work with a real estate agent to get the job done. According to the 2024 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 90% of home sellers used an agent, whereas only 6% listed their home For Sale By Owner (or FSBO, for short).

Without the expertise and guidance of an industry professional, FSBO homes typically sell for less. NAR data found that agent-assisted homes sold for a median price of $435,000 while FSBO homes sold for a significantly lower median price of $380,000. Plus, 63% of FSBO sellers did not actively market their home – something most agents focus on.

For help with their homebuying and selling needs, many people in the U.S. – and around the world – choose an agent that’s with REMAX, the No. 1 name in real estate¹. In addition to being trustworthy, productive and professional, REMAX agents have the experience to get the job done in today’s market.

Also noteworthy: Nobody in the world sells more real estate than REMAX – and every 30 seconds, one of the brand’s affiliates helps someone find their perfect place.

¹Source: MMR Strategy Group study of unaided awareness.

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