Will first-time homebuyers save California’s homeownership rate?

As someone who has guided buyers and sellers through California’s changing real estate landscape for nearly twenty years, I’ve seen how challenges shape opportunities. Today’s first-time homebuyers, especially those between 25 and 34, are navigating a tough environment—high student debt, increasing mortgage rates, and steep home prices have contributed to a homeownership rate of just 54.3%. For many, employment hurdles and zoning restrictions mean the path to owning a home stretches into their 30s and 40s, with broader growth in ownership projected beyond 2030. It’s a reminder of how important thoughtful guidance and clear communication are when it comes to making sound, strategic decisions. Building trust and fostering long-term relationships remain at the core of every real estate journey.