First-Time Homebuyers Hit 32% Of Sales In October As Housing Affordability Shows Signs Of Modest Improvement

Core Insights - Existing home transactions increased by 1.2% from September, reaching an annualized rate of 4.1 million, with first-time buyers making up 32% of purchases, up from 27% a year earlier [2][4] - The rise in sales occurred despite the longest federal government shutdown on record, which impacted rural lending programs and flood insurance applications [3][4] - Lower mortgage rates and increased inventory contributed to the sales increase, with regional variations in buyer activity influenced by local supply conditions [6][7] Regional Performance - The Midwest experienced the highest sales increase at 5.3%, with a median sales price of $319,500, making homes more affordable compared to other regions [7] - Southern states saw a modest gain of 0.5%, while the Northeast remained flat and Western states experienced a decline of 1.3% [7] - Year-over-year sales comparisons showed increases of 4.3% in the Northeast, 2.8% in the South, and 2.1% in the Midwest, while the West saw a decrease of 2.6% compared to October 2024 [8] Buyer Dynamics - First-time buyers are facing supply pressures in the Northeast and high prices in the West, while conditions are more favorable in the Midwest and South due to better inventory accessibility [5] - The combination of lower mortgage rates and more inventory than a year ago created uneven market dynamics across the country, leading to stronger interest in some markets and softer demand in others [6]