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- McKinney named America’s top city to rent
McKinney named America’s top city to rent
Plus: The average first-time buyer is now 38 years old
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1. The average first-time buyer is now 38 years old
The number of first-time homebuyers in the U.S. dropped to just over 1.1 million in 2024 — the lowest level since the NAR began tracking the data in 1989, according to figures shared with The Guardian.
In 2023, the average age of a first-time homebuyer rose to 38 — the highest on record. In contrast, back in the 1980s, first-time buyers were typically in their late 20s.
The ups and downs of the housing market are closely tied to interest rates set by the Federal Reserve. Rates currently sit between 4.25% and 4.5% — about a percentage point lower than this time last year. But mortgage rates remain above 6.5%, nearly double what they were five years ago.
2. NAR launches new tool to track key housing trends
The NAR on Tuesday rolled out a new interactive tool designed to give members monthly insights into housing affordability, home-price trends, and key economic indicators at the metro level.
The tool, called the Market Statistics Dashboard, is available exclusively to NAR members. It offers localized data on housing affordability, sales trends, home prices, and demographic patterns — plus forward-looking analysis based on different mortgage rate scenarios.
The dashboard will be updated monthly and is designed to help members track changes in affordability and overall market activity.
“The new Dashboard is a tool that enables NAR members to stay ahead of the market and better serve their clients. Using exclusive NAR data, the Dashboard is a one-stop-shop that equips members with insights into shifts in affordability, demand, and the economy. This allows agents who are Realtors to advocate on behalf of their clients with confidence and achieve better outcomes.”
3. Catch up quick
🏠 Texas cities top the nation in homebuilding. (ConstructionCoverage)
🏠 New Zillow tools aim to help buyers, improve agent workflows. (Zillow)
📮 Homes.com asks sellers to pay up to boost listings. (Inman)
💰 Homeowners still sitting on equity. (ATTOM)
⚖️ Telemarketing suit against Keller Williams dismissed. (HousingWire)
4. McKinney named America’s top city to rent
McKinney ranks No. 1 in the U.S. for renters this year, topping 149 cities for its mix of modern apartments, a strong local economy, and livability.
That’s per RentCafe’s 2025 Best Cities for Renters report, which scored cities on cost of living, local economy, and quality of life.
Other top-ranked Texas cities included Austin at No. 4, Round Rock at No. 8, and Plano at No. 11.
Source: RentCafe
5. NAR, brokerages dismissed from Homie commission lawsuit
A federal judge in Utah on Tuesday dismissed an antitrust lawsuit filed by discount brokerage Homie against NAR, Anywhere Real Estate, HomeServices of America, and RE/MAX.
The suit claimed the companies conspired to block low-commission listings and shut out competition from the tech-focused firm.
The court ruled that Homie’s claims were no longer timely — noting that of the five NAR rules originally challenged, only the Clear Cooperation Policy is still in effect. It also found that Homie failed to show antitrust injury or provide enough evidence of interference in its business dealings.
“NAR is pleased with the court’s ruling to dismiss the case with prejudice. NAR will continue to facilitate local real estate marketplaces that provide fair and equal access to property information, foster competition, and empower NAR members to serve clients on their homebuying and selling journeys.”
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