Are You Too Young to Buy a House?

Dusty Rhodes • November 25, 2024

Owning a house is often a symbol of financial security. However, purchasing a home requires a young buyer to navigate new financial hurdles and lifestyle commitments. The process can be daunting if you’re trying to balance rising housing costs with a new career and obligations like student loan debt. 


If you’re ready to start house hunting, this article will help put you on the path toward homeownership. 


Is There a Minimum Age for Homeownership?


In most states, you must be 18 to own a house. In Alabama and Nebraska, you must be 19, and in Mississippi, you must be 21. 


Someone younger could technically have their name put on a home title, such as in the case of inheritance. However, most states don’t allow minors to own, manage or sell a home until they reach the age of majority. 


What Is the Average Age to Buy a House?


The median age of first-time homebuyers has reached an all-time high of 38, according to the 2024 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers from the National Association of Realtors (NAR).


That’s roughly a decade older than the average age in the 1980s when most first-time buyers were in their late 20s.


Overcoming Financial Hurdles: Challenges for Young Homebuyers


These are the common obstacles that young homebuyers may face when trying to break into the real estate market.


  • Down payment and closing costs: Many buyers can put down as little as 3% to 5% to secure a home loan. However, a down payment and closing costs can pose a significant barrier to entry for young people. The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis indicates that the median home price in the U.S. is $420,400, which means a 3% down payment would be $12,612.
  • Your credit score: Regardless of age, one of the most significant challenges to homebuying is getting a good interest rate. A low interest rate will hinge on a good credit score, which takes time to build. Many young people may only just be opening their first credit cards in their late teens and early 20s. A short credit history can also hinder a lender’s willingness to issue a mortgage. 
  • Debt-to-income ratio: A young person who is just starting their career may not have a very high salary and could still have personal, student or car loans to pay off. Lenders will want to see a good debt-to-income ratio when providing a mortgage. 


Advantages of Being a Young Homebuyer


Purchasing real estate at a young age has many benefits, including building equity in your home and the potential for its value to appreciate over time. 


The Financial Benefits of Early Homeownership


Real estate is an investment that reliably appreciates over time. Those who buy young can often build more equity over the lifetime of their investment. 


“Every time you wait to buy, there is a gap in pricing,” explains Nikola Cejic, a real estate agent in East Hampton, New York, who purchased his first home while in high school. “Those who wait keep chasing the market and falling behind.” 

Homeowners are eligible for more significant tax advantages than renters. They can often write off home-related expenses, including state and local real estate taxes and home mortgage interest. 


Buying a Home Is a Long-Term Investment 


Real estate is America’s favorite long-term investment, according to Gallup. Compared to stocks or gold, it continues to be the primary way Americans invest. Investing in a home also gives you a tangible asset to pass on to future generations. 

NAR research reveals similar findings in its 2024 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers:

  • 79% believe a home purchase is a wise investment
  • 39% said buying a home is better than owning stock


Predictable Costs: The Stability of Mortgage Payments


Unlike rent, your mortgage payment will be the same every month for the life of the loan. NAR indicates that 91% of first-time buyers finance their home purchase, and a mortgage is often the most costly payment an owner will make. As a result, many people find value in knowing exactly what they’ll pay every month.


However, some hidden costs of homeownership will continue to rise. These include utilities, property taxes, homeowners insurance and maintenance. Residents of homeowners associations may also see their fees increase over time.


Life Planning


Buying a home is often considered an excellent financial investment, but it’s also an investment in your lifestyle. Many homeowners prefer to own simply because it allows them more control over their residence, from paint and interior design to building a shed in the backyard. A home can also provide a sense of stability for families. 


Potential Drawbacks for Young Homebuyers 


While buying young can have significant financial benefits for those who can afford it, it’s common for young people to experience uncertainty in the future. 


Financial Strain: A Major Hurdle for Young Homebuyers 


It’s very common for young people to experience financial hardship. For those who pursue a degree, the average federal student loan borrower has over $37,000 in debt. On top of that, those who are new to the workforce typically have not reached the salaries of those 10 or more years into their field. 


The upfront costs associated with homebuying, including the down payment and closing costs, are often cited as the most significant barrier to entry. Additionally, being a homeowner means you are on the hook for any maintenance required on the property.

“You have a lot more maintenance to manage, whether that’s hiring someone or doing it yourself,” says Nikki Taylor Friedman, a real estate agent in Huntington, New York, who purchased her first home at age 25. “In addition to the mortgage payment, there are additional costs. You’re going to have to pay for wifi and utilities wherever you live, but when you own you have to pay for the landscaping, painting and staining, if a window breaks – those things are your responsibility.” 


Lifestyle Limitations: The Trade-offs of Early Homeownership


Buying a home ties you more closely to a specific geographic area. If you’re seeking a new job opportunity, relocating may be more challenging as you’ll need to either rent your home or prepare it for sale. 


Uncertainty of the Future


Young people commonly don’t have a clear understanding of what their future holds. 


“If you’re looking to purchase and you’re not sure what your life is going to look like in five years, maybe buying a big single-family home is not the ideal situation for you,” Friedman says. “But there are many ways to look at it. Can you sell and make a profit? We’ll never know what the market will look like five years from now, but we can look at the history of the cycle and determine whether or not this is going to be a good long-term investment for the buyer.” 


Are You Ready to Buy a Home?


Ultimately, whether or not you’re too young to purchase a home has more to do with financial and lifestyle readiness than age alone. 


Financial Stability


Thoroughly evaluate your finances before starting the search. You must understand your income, debt-to-income ratio, credit score and savings if you plan to buy a home. 


“You don’t want to be cash poor and on-paper rich,” Cejic says. “You don’t want to overextend yourself.” He suggests that your fixed monthly expenses should not exceed 33% of your income. This includes the monthly mortgage payment, insurance and property taxes, as well as any outstanding debt, such as student and car loans. Having three to six months of living expenses in savings is also wise. 


Lifestyle Considerations


Consider your lifestyle and what you want in a home before starting your search. This includes factors such as location, home type and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. It also means evaluating whether or not you’re prepared to take on the financial responsibility of homeownership and property maintenance. 


If you are in a relationship, you and your partner must discuss your needs and wants and your long-term financial and lifestyle goals. 


Speak with the Experts

Purchasing a home is a significant financial decision. Consider speaking with a financial advisor or lender to determine if you’re ready to buy. Familiarize yourself with the steps involved in getting a mortgage. Consult local builders, real estate agents, and trusted friends and family who’ve recently purchased property in the same area. 


Don’t Feel Pressure to Buy 

There is often external pressure to purchase a home. Sometimes, this comes from family members, but it can also come from peers. You must feel confident in your decision to buy a house. If the desire mostly comes from a need to impress others, it’s worth it to reconsider. 


Alternatives to Homeownership


If you cannot afford the purchase price of a single-family home, or it’s simply not the right time, there are alternatives.


  • Living with family: If you have a family member you can live with, doing so can help you save money to purchase a home in the future. 
  • Renting: Renting is an excellent option if you aren’t ready for homeownership or want to live a more urban lifestyle. 
  • Multi-family residences: If you can’t afford a single-family home, consider purchasing a condominium or townhome. 
  • Buy with a friend: Cejic says, “If you and your best friend have been renting together, why not go in on a home together and put it in an LLC or a trust? It will build equity for you both, then later down the line you can sell and purchase on your own.” 


A rent-to-own property is an alternative that buyers will likely not be able to find in today’s housing market. Rent-to-own refers to a legal arrangement where a tenant pays rent to a landlord and can purchase the property later. “Sellers aren’t looking for that option right now,” Friedman says. “They don’t have to rent because they can find a buyer who could buy flat out.” 


The Bottom Line: When Do People Buy a House?


Ultimately, the decision to buy a home has less to do with age and more to do with your circumstances and financial goals. While the dream of homeownership can be enticing, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons carefully. You must understand the financial implications, lifestyle considerations, and potential challenges to help you make an informed decision.



Source: Homes.com



Dusty Rhodes Properties is the Best Realtor in Myrtle Beach! We do everything in our power to help you find the home of your dreams. With experience, expertise, and passion, we are the perfect partner for you in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We love what we do and it shows. With more than 22 years of experience in the field, we know our industry like the back of our hands. There’s no challenge too big or too small, and we dedicate our utmost energy to every project we take on. We search thousands of the active and new listings from Aynor, Carolina Forest, Conway, Garden City Beach, Longs, Loris, Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, and Surfside Beach real estate listings to find the hottest deals just for you!

Share

Two Big Reasons To Move This Summer

By Dusty Rhodes • June 29, 2026
A lot of people who want to move are telling themselves the same thing: “Maybe I’ll just wait until later this year once things calm down.” While waiting sounds like a good plan, there’s something worth knowing before you decide. Rates aren’t expected to change much, so if that’s the #1 reason you’re waiting, it may not pay off. And there may be other things you miss out on in the meantime. Historically, Summer is one of the strongest seasons of the year for both buyers and sellers. And if you delay your move until Fall or Winter, some of those opportunities may already be fading. Buyers: Fresh Inventory Is Your Real Summer Advantage One of the biggest frustrations buyers have faced over the past few years has been a lack of affordable options . Maybe you’ve run into that yourself: You find a house you like, but it’s out of your budget. You find something in your budget, but you don’t like it. Or worse, nothing interesting hits the market for weeks. Historically, Summer helps with that. Looking at data from the last few years, Summer months consistently bring more sellers into the market than later in the year. And that gives buyers a real window of fresh choices. According to Realtor.com , any given Summer month typically sees about 32% more fresh options than the average month from September-December.

Should You Pay for Your Buyer’s Closing Costs? What Sellers Need To Know.

By Dusty Rhodes • June 15, 2026
A few years ago, sellers could get away with saying “no” to just about everything. No repairs. No concessions. No negotiation. If buyers wanted the house, they pretty much had to take it on the seller’s terms. But now that inventory’s grown, negotiations are becoming a normal part of the process again. That’s why one of the most important things sellers need to understand right now is this: The goal isn’t to “win” every negotiation. Sometimes, it’s worth meeting buyers where they are to get a deal done, fast. One example? Helping with a buyer’s closing costs. Let’s break that down, so you know what to expect if it comes up in your sale. What Are Buyer Closing Costs? Closing costs are the extra expenses buyers pay on top of their down payment when they purchase a home. Freddie Mac gives some examples : Loan origination fees Appraisal and inspection costs Title and attorney fees Survey fees and more Typically, buyer closing costs range from about 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price. So, on the typical $400,000 home, that could mean anywhere from $8,000 to $20,000 out of pocket. And in today’s affordability-challenged market, that upfront cash can be a major hurdle for some buyers – even if they can comfortably afford the monthly mortgage payment itself. That’s why more people are asking sellers for help. And More Sellers Are Saying “Yes” According to the latest data from Zillow , 67% of sellers reported paying some or all of the buyer’s closing costs in 2025 ( see chart below ):

How to Stage Your Outdoor Space to Sell Your Home Faster

By Dusty Rhodes • June 8, 2026
When preparing to sell your home , the outside matters just as much as what’s inside. Learning how to stage your outdoor space to sell can help create a memorable first impression, boost curb appeal, and make buyers feel emotionally connected before they even walk through the front door. From refreshing landscaping to creating cozy gathering areas, thoughtful outdoor staging can help your home stand out in a competitive market. In this Redfin guide, we’ll share expert-backed tips for transforming your yard, patio, porch, or garden into a space buyers can easily picture themselves enjoying. Whether you’re preparing a bungalow in Boise, ID , or listing a modern home in Savannah, GA , these outdoor staging ideas can help sellers create inviting spaces that feel polished, functional, and move-in ready. Why outdoor staging matters when selling a home Outdoor staging helps buyers form an emotional connection with a home before they even step inside. A clean, inviting exterior can make a property feel more cared for, while thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces help buyers imagine themselves relaxing, entertaining, or spending time outside. In competitive markets especially, those details can help a listing stand out from similar homes nearby. “Staging allows buyers to see the potential of the space and aids realtors in securing high-investment buyers,” shares Julia, CEO of JP Urban Moving . “Staging is an aspect of the moving industry that customers generally don’t consider, but it’s vital and on the rise.” Outdoor staging can also help: Create a stronger first impression during showings. Highlight usable outdoor living areas like patios, porches, and backyards. Make the home feel move-in ready . Showcase the lifestyle the property offers , not just the structure itself. Help buyers remember the home after touring multiple listings. Focus on curb appeal first Curb appeal plays a major role in shaping a buyer’s first impression of a home. Before buyers notice updated interiors or spacious layouts, they’re already evaluating the condition of the yard, landscaping, and exterior maintenance. “Ensure your home is move-in ready by maximizing its curb appeal and value through thoughtful landscape design,” suggests Fel Quinn, Marketing Director at TerraVita Landscape & Gardening Inc. “Carefully consider how the trees, shrubs, and perennials add interest while keeping the space low-maintenance. Sometimes less is more – by prioritizing strategic planting and the overall health of your landscape, you can create a welcoming space that is both well-kept and inviting.” To improve curb appeal before listing your home: Trim overgrown trees and shrubs. Refresh mulch in flower beds and garden areas. Mow and edge the lawn regularly. Keep walkways, driveways, and entryways clean and clutter-free. Choose landscaping that looks attractive while remaining low-maintenance. Create outdoor spaces buyers can picture themselves using When staging an outdoor space , the goal is to help buyers imagine how they would actually live there. A cozy patio setup, welcoming front porch, or peaceful backyard can make the home feel like a retreat rather than just another property on the market. Buyers are often drawn to spaces that feel functional, relaxing, and easy to enjoy from day one. “Think about it: It’s Friday afternoon, you just got off a busy work week, you’re dreaming of how long until you escape to your home, that peaceful haven from the chaos,” says Justin Wilson of American Irrigation Repair . “When you’re selling your house, you’re not just selling just the structure, you’re selling a vision of how a buyer feels when they step on the property.” To create outdoor spaces buyers can connect with: Arrange simple seating areas on patios or decks. Add outdoor pillows or neutral decor for warmth. Incorporate planters or flowers for natural color. Keep pathways and gathering spaces open and uncluttered. Highlight features like fire pits, gardens, or dining areas. Use lighting to make the space feel inviting during evening showings. Less clutter, more function: Keep outdoor staging simple When staging outdoor areas, simplicity often has the biggest impact. Buyers want to see spaces that feel open, functional, and easy to maintain, rather than overcrowded with furniture, decorations, or excessive landscaping features. A clean and thoughtfully arranged yard allows buyers to focus on the home itself while still appreciating the outdoor lifestyle it offers. “When staging an outdoor space to sell, focus on making it feel clean, welcoming, and easy for buyers to picture themselves comfortably living in and using the space,” says Beth Wren of Copper Creek Landscaping . “The goal is to create an outdoor space that feels polished, functional, low-maintenance, and like a natural extension of the home.” To keep outdoor staging simple yet effective: Remove broken furniture , excess décor, and unused yard items. Define seating areas without overcrowding the space. Add fresh mulch and trim overgrown plants. Highlight one or two focal points , like a bird bath or statement planting. Don’t forget the emotional connection buyers feel outdoors Outdoor spaces often leave the strongest emotional impression during a home tour. Long after buyers forget square footage or listing details, they tend to remember how a home felt – especially in areas where they can imagine relaxing, gathering, or unwinding. A thoughtfully staged exterior helps turn a property into something more personal and memorable. At its core, outdoor staging is about selling a feeling as much as a space. Buyers respond to environments that feel peaceful, cared for, and inviting, where they can easily picture everyday moments unfolding. Key emotional drivers in outdoor staging include: A sense of calm and retreat from daily stress. The feeling of a “personal oasis” or private escape. Warmth and comfort created through greenery, lighting, and layout. Subtle signals that the home has been well cared for over time. Spaces that feel ready for connection , whether with family, friends, or nature. How to stage your outdoor space to sell successfully Staging your outdoor space is about more than improving curb appeal – it’s about helping buyers imagine the lifestyle your home offers. Small updates like fresh landscaping, defined seating areas, lighting, and thoughtful decor can make your property feel more welcoming, memorable, and move-in ready. By taking the time to stage your outdoor space to sell, you can create a strong first impression that helps your home stand out to potential buyers.