Unlocking the Dream: How Today's Aspiring Homeowners Are Redefining the Path to Ownership

Homeownership remains a powerful cornerstone of the American Dream, yet today's aspiring buyers are making calculated sacrifices and adopting new strategies to achieve it. A new report highlights just how central this goal is: many are putting major life milestones on hold until they secure their first key.

Delaying Life for the Key to the Front Door

The Coldwell Banker State of the American Dream Report* finds that the pursuit of homeownership is causing a widespread delay in major life decisions:

• 71% of aspiring homeowners are delaying life decisions—such as marriage, career moves, and even getting pets—until they own a home.

  
  

• The impact is even more pronounced for Gen Z, with an overwhelming 84% delaying major life decisions until they can afford to buy. This generation largely sees homeownership as the gateway to broader life goals.

  
  

Despite economic hurdles, the desire is strong. Nearly two-thirds of Americans (63%) who don’t own a home want to buy within the next five years, and 56% define the American Dream by homeownership itself. While upfront costs like down payments and settlement fees remain challenges, buyers are adapting with remarkable intention.

Navigating Today’s Market: Focus on Numbers over Noise

In a dynamic market, clarity is paramount. Buyers should anchor decisions in personal financial readiness and hyperlocal market data, not sensational headlines:

• Home Prices: The recent deceleration of appreciation in some areas is creating room for negotiation, though trends vary geographically.

  
  

• Mortgage Interest Rates: Buyers must scenario plan, as even modest rate changes significantly impact monthly payments.

  
  

• Inventory Levels: Increased supply in many markets is easing price pressure and expanding buyer options.

  
  

• Employment Landscape: Job stability and income trajectory are more critical than general economic headlines.

  
  

Affordability is uneven, but opportunity exists for those who align their budget, timing, and willingness to make tradeoffs with accurate data.

Strategic Tradeoffs: How Buyers Are Adapting

Today’s buyers are displaying a strong willingness to make calculated concessions. 84% of Americans are open to tradeoffs that make homeownership possible:

Strategy	Adoption Rate	Details & Context
Income Boosts	42%	Willing to pursue side hustles or second jobs to accelerate savings.
Flexible Criteria	35%	Open to buying a less ideal home (smaller, needing renovation) to get on the ladder.
Geographic Expansion	35%	Willing to explore more affordable neighborhoods or adjacent markets.
Co-Buying	36% (Family) / 33% (Friends/Coworkers)	Considering purchasing with others; legal agreements are essential.
Multigenerational Living	32% (Considering) / 11% (Already Doing)	Living with family to save on costs.
Income-Producing Properties	Strategic targeting of homes with rental potential (ADUs, duplexes, extra rooms).	Navigating local zoning and landlord regulations.

Your Roadmap: From Aspiration to Action

Homeownership is achievable with a clear, personalized plan:

1. Know Your Numbers. Start with a sustainable monthly payment—not a dream price. Factor in taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs.

   
   

2. Remove Barriers. Actively explore payment assistance programs, gift funds, or co-buying structures. Adjust your search radius or "must-haves."

   
   

3. Own Your Timeline. Market cycles are unpredictable. Focus on the consistent factor: your ability to prepare.

   
   

Homeownership is about more than property acquisition; it's about unlocking life decisions. The right plan turns "someday" into "soon."

The Bottom Line

Homeownership remains a powerful vehicle for long-term stability and wealth. Whether you're ready now or preparing for later, the path forward starts with intention, strategy, and informed decisions. You control the timeline.

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*The Coldwell Banker State of the American Dream Report includes data from a survey commissioned by Coldwell Banker and conducted by The Harris Poll among 3,068 adults ages 18+, among whom 885 are aspiring homeowners (i.e., don’t currently own a home, but would like to someday). Original Article written by: Jason Waugh