Written by:
Laura Hocking – Loan Advisor – (636) 252-4786
According to the National Association of Realtors, the median age of first-time homebuyers in the U.S. hit a record high of 38 in 2024.
If that sounds a bit late in life to you, you’re not alone—and I totally get it. Buying a home can feel intimidating. If I had listened to the first loan officer I ever spoke with, I might’ve become part of that statistic myself.
When I was 18, I walked into a lender’s office, feeling excited and hopeful, only to be laughed at—literally laughed at.
That moment could have defined my journey. I could have walked away thinking, Maybe I do need to wait until I’m older. Maybe homeownership isn’t for me. But instead, I kept going. I talked to multiple loan officers until I found one who was willing to help. She didn’t just say “no” and send me on my way—she explained what steps I needed to take. I wasn’t quite ready, but I was close. Because she took the time to guide me, I bought my first home at 18. Yes, EIGHTEEN! And since then, I’ve purchased five more properties. Now, I want to help others do the same.
So, Why Are People Waiting Until the Age of 38 to Buy Their First Home?
A few key reasons stand out. Most of them are rooted in misconceptions about buying a house and a lack of education around the process.
- No One Teaches You This Stuff
Let’s be honest—we were taught how to dissect frogs in high school but not how to apply for a mortgage. A lot of people believe you need 20% down, perfect credit, and a six-figure salary to buy a home. That’s simply not true. The loan officer who helped me explained what I actually needed, and I wish more people had that kind of guidance early on.
- Fear of Rejection
I get it—rejection sucks. That first lender laughed at me, and I could’ve easily given up. But here’s the thing: every “no” is really just a “not yet.” Had I stopped there, I wouldn’t have owned a home before I could legally drink. The key is finding someone who will help you create a plan and walk you through the process.
- Student Loans and Debt
Many people believe they need to be completely debt-free before buying a house. That’s another myth. In reality, lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio, and student loans don’t automatically disqualify you. I didn’t have everything “perfect” at 18, but I had a plan, and that made the difference.
- Waiting for the ‘Perfect’ Home
My first house wasn’t fancy. It needed some work and definitely wasn’t my dream home, but it got me into the market. Every mortgage payment built equity and brought me closer to my next step. Your first home is a stepping stone, not a final destination. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be yours.
- Not Knowing How to Build Credit Early
One of the biggest reasons I was able to buy when I was younger is because I started building credit early. You can improve your credit by:
- Getting added as an authorized user on a parent’s credit card
- Opening a secured credit card
- Making on-time payments on small credit lines
These small actions can make a big difference when it’s time to apply for a mortgage.
You Don’t Have to Wait Until 38
I say this all the time: “You’re probably closer to homeownership than you think.” All you need is the right plan.
Here’s what I wish more people knew:
- You don’t need 20% down – Many loan programs allow for 3–5% down (and even 0% down in some cases!). There are also down payment assistance programs that can make homeownership even more affordable.
- Your first home doesn’t need to be your dream home – A first home can be about building equity, entering the market, and creating a path forward.
- The right lender makes all the difference – I’ve experienced firsthand how a single conversation can change everything. Choose a loan officer who is willing to listen to your story and understand your goals.
Let’s Build Your First-Time Homebuyer Plan
If you’ve never sat down with a lender to walk through what it takes to buy your first home, let’s change that. I’ve been in your shoes. I know what it’s like to wonder, Can I really do this?
The answer is YES—with the right guidance and a step-by-step plan, first-time homeownership is absolutely within reach.
Shoot me a message, and let’s talk about where you are, where you want to be, and how to get there. You don’t have to wait until you’re 38. You’re likely much closer than you think.