The real estate market is changing, and the latest findings from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) offer an interesting look at who's buying, who's selling, and what's influencing today's housing decisions.
NAR's 2026 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers highlights several shifts that could affect the way Americans approach homeownership. Here are 10 key takeaways worth knowing.
1. First-Time Buyers Are Still Struggling to Enter the Market
First-time buyers account for just 22% of home purchases, a slight increase from last year's historic low of 21%. Affordability, mortgage rates, and saving for a down payment continue to present challenges.
2. First-Time Buyers Are Getting Older
The median age of a first-time home buyer has reached 40, compared to just 30 in 2010. For many, reaching the goal of homeownership is taking longer than previous generations.
3. More First-Time Buyers Are Paying Cash
A record 10% of first-time buyers purchased their homes entirely with cash, highlighting the growing financial differences among today's buyers.
4. Repeat Buyers Are Getting Older
The median age of repeat buyers has climbed to 62. Many are making moves later in life, often prioritizing retirement, lifestyle changes, and proximity to family.
5. Homeownership Looks Different Today
Only 47% of first-time buyers were married couples. Single women, single men, unmarried couples, and even roommates are increasingly represented in the market.
6. Multi-Generational Housing Is Growing
Fourteen percent of buyers purchased multi-generational homes in 2026. Families are increasingly sharing homes to accommodate aging parents, adult children, childcare needs, and rising living expenses.
7. Homeowners Are Staying Longer
The median homeowner now stays in their property for 12 years before selling, an all-time high. Low existing mortgage rates and the cost of purchasing another home may be contributing factors.
8. Lifestyle Is Outweighing Commute Times
Proximity to work has become less important to buyers, while access to friends and family is gaining importance. In 2026, 46% of buyers prioritized being close to loved ones.
9. 90% of Buyers Work With a Real Estate Agent
Despite the convenience of online home searches, professional guidance remains important. Buyers continue to rely on agents for local market knowledge, negotiations, and navigating the transaction process.
10. 92% of Sellers Use a Real Estate Agent
Professional representation is equally important to sellers. With only 5% of sales involving for-sale-by-owner transactions, sellers recognize the value of professional marketing, pricing strategies, and transaction management.
What Does This Mean for Western North Carolina?
These national trends reflect changes we're seeing in the priorities of buyers and sellers throughout the real estate industry. Affordability, changing family needs, and lifestyle preferences are influencing where and how people choose to live.
For Western North Carolina, features like additional living space, flexible floor plans, proximity to family, and access to outdoor recreation may be increasingly important to buyers.
Whether you're considering purchasing your first home, downsizing, relocating, or selling a longtime family property, understanding the market is an important first step.
At Blue Ridge Properties Group, we're proud to help buyers and sellers navigate the ever-changing Western North Carolina real estate market. Our local knowledge and personalized approach help make your next move a little easier.
Thinking about buying or selling? We'd love to talk!