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

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

Large crowd on street in San Francisco, California during Oktoberfest festival.

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns

In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

June 2, 2025 - Robbie Silver

Bird's eye view of studio apartment design.

In These Cities, Most New Housing is Under 441 Square Feet

With loosened restrictions on “micro-housing,” tiny units now make up as much as 66% of newly constructed housing.

15 minutes ago - Smart Cities Dive

Man in teal shirt opening door to white microtransit shuttle with cactus graphics and making inviting gesture toward the camera.

Albuquerque’s Microtransit: A Planner’s Answer to Food Access Gaps

New microtransit vans in Albuquerque aim to close food access gaps by linking low-income areas to grocery stores, cutting travel times by 30 percent and offering planners a scalable model for equity-focused transit.

June 13 - U.S. Department Of Transportation

Group of people at table set ouf with picnic food on street during a neighborhood block party.

This City Will Pay You to Meet Your Neighbors

A North Kansas City grant program offers up to $400 for residents to throw neighborhood block parties.

June 13 - The Kansas City Star