Realtors Group Traces 35 Years of the Real Estate Market

A new study by the National Association of Realtors reveals trends in the real estate market—including a finding on the critical issue of Millennial preferences in housing.

1 minute read

October 25, 2016, 6:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Cul-de-Sac

Joseph Sohm / Shutterstock

Joseph Lu provides an abridged version of a study due to be released at the end of the month by the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

This year's edition of NAR's "Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers" is the 35th version of the study, so Lu's coverage focuses on the trends apparent from 35 years of analysis. Lu breaks down those trends in five ways, including the following:

  • Less first-time buyer participation
  • Looking for a bigger space
  • Buyers are taking longer to search due to less inventory

One of the more compelling claims made by the report reveals a trend among Millennials that is sure to be closely watched as the nation's largest generation ages and settles down: "While it is true that Millennials have chosen to sacrifice space for proximity to jobs and entertainment (mainly by renting in urban areas), they have also followed the foot steps of previous generation. Millennials, NAR found, move out to the suburbs for larger and more affordable homes once they are ready to buy."

Friday, October 21, 2016 in Chicago Agent Magazine

Sweeping view of Portland, Oregon with Mt. Hood in background against sunset sky.

Oregon Passes Exemption to Urban Growth Boundary

Cities have a one-time chance to acquire new land for development in a bid to increase housing supply and affordability.

March 12, 2024 - Housing Wire

Aerial view of green roofs with plants in Sydney, Australia.

Where Urban Design Is Headed in 2024

A forecast of likely trends in urban design and architecture.

March 10, 2024 - Daily Journal of Commerce

Cobblestone street with streetcar line, row of vintage streetlights on left, and colorful restaurant and shop awnings on right on River Street in Savannah, Georgia.

Savannah: A City of Planning Contrasts

From a human-scales, plaza-anchored grid to suburban sprawl, the oldest planned city in the United States has seen wildly different development patterns.

March 12, 2024 - Strong Towns

Aerial View of Chuckanut Drive and the Blanchard Bridge in the Skagit Valley.

Washington Tribes Receive Resilience Funding

The 28 grants support projects including relocation efforts as coastal communities face the growing impacts of climate change.

March 18 - The Seattle Times

Historic buildings in downtown Los Angeles with large "Pan American Lofts" sign on side of building.

Adaptive Reuse Bills Introduced in California Assembly

The legislation would expand eligibility for economic incentives and let cities loosen regulations to allow for more building conversions.

March 18 - Beverly Press

View from above of swan-shaped paddleboats with lights on around artesian fountain in Echo Park Lake with downtown Los Angeles skylien in background at twilight.

LA's Top Parks, Ranked

TimeOut just released its list of the top 26 parks in the L.A. area, which is home to some of the best green spaces around.

March 18 - TimeOut

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.