National Association of Home Builders

NAR members,

The Washington Post reported earlier this year that stability was the No. 1 trait members of Generation Z seek from prospective employers as this group continues its graduation into America’s workforce.

Born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z has been widely recognized in the media for its acute distinctions from other age groups — already breaking records for voter turnout and for levels of diversity and education not seen elsewhere in the U.S.

Stability, of course, in many ways represents one of the most attractive features of homeownership. Home is where we start families, raise children and grow old beside those we love. These structures offer safety and comfort and financial security and one of the best possible paths toward long-term wealth.

It’s no surprise then, given this generation’s desire for permanence and security, that many Gen Zers are already pursuing their own piece of the American Dream.

NAR’s most recent “Home Buyer and Seller Generational Trends” report examined similarities and differences between home buyers and sellers across various age groups.

Among a host of relevant findings, perhaps most noteworthy is the fact that Gen Z now makes up 4% of homebuyers in America.

Alicia Huey Chairman National Association of Home Builders

“As the youngest generation of home buyers and sellers, it’s encouraging to see Gen Z entering the market,” NAR’s Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Research Jessica Lautz noted when the report was released. “Their desire for homeownership is strong and many are relying on family support systems to help them make their first real estate purchase.”

Another key revelation from the report is the fact that baby boomers once again represented the largest segment of U.S. homebuyers. Millennials had been the biggest from 2014 to 2022. Despite the advanced age of this demographic, baby boomers are showing a prolonged ability to capitalize on the equity many have accumulated through decades of homeownership.

“The majority of baby boomers are repeat buyers who have housing equity to propel them into their dream home,” Lautz added. “Baby boomers are living healthier, longer lives and making housing trades at later stages in their lives.”

NRMLA members,

Once a year, typically in the fall, the reverse mortgage industry comes together for its largest event of the year: the Annual Meeting and Expo. This event gives professionals an opportunity to catch up, meet with regulators and subject matter experts, discuss the trajectory of the marketplace and share ideas for success.

This year’s meeting takes place Oct. 23-25 in Nashville, Tennessee.

NRMLA’s Annual Meeting and Expo also provides an excellent opportunity for individuals from the forward mortgage space to learn reverse mortgage sales strategies and key compliance issues, and to meet one-on-one with wholesale investors and other important vendors.

Older homeowners hold $12.39 trillion in home equity, according to the quarterly NRMLA/Riskspan Reverse Mortgage Market Index. A growing percentage of these households are using their home equity as a strategic asset when developing retirement plans, which makes reverse mortgages a critical program for your clients.

At most NRMLA conferences, we not only discuss reverse mortgages but oftentimes the broader economy and issues impacting America’s aging population. The more informed you are, the better equipped you are to advise your clients about whether a reverse mortgage is the right option for them.

Our meetings provide a valuable forum for mortgage professionals to learn something new and to grow professionally. With insightful speakers and informative panels, you’ll leave with a wealth of knowledge that can help advance your career. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to network with peers and industry leaders alike. We look forward to seeing you in Nashville.