There’s a quiet shift happening in the housing market, and it shows up in one number: age.
According to the National Association of REALTORS©, the median age of homebuyers is now at a record high. First-time buyers are entering the market around age 40, up from 38 just a year ago, while repeat buyers are typically in their early 60s.
For many first-time buyers, it is simply taking longer to get in. Higher home prices, larger down payments, and interest rates have made that first step more challenging. As a result, buyers are waiting longer, saving more, earning more, or taking more time before making a move.
At the same time, repeat buyers are staying in the market later, often making more intentional, lifestyle-driven decisions. Unlike younger buyers who are struggling to save for a down payment, repeat buyers often have substantial equity from their previous homes, so they’re able to remain active in the market even when home prices and interest rates rise. This is especially noticeable in markets like Boulder County, where the median home price was around $722,000 in the first quarter of 2026.
As always, preparation, strategy, and local insight are the best tools for finding the perfect home at any age.