For many, buying a home is more than just a transaction; it’s a personal milestone, a place to create memories and build a family. Yet, for first-time buyers, the journey to homeownership has never been more challenging.

The financial landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years, particularly for middle-income earners facing an increasing gap between housing costs and wages.

Interest rates have the single biggest impact on home affordability in the US, directly impacting the amount owed on a monthly mortgage payment. The Federal Reserve has held rates at a 23-year high for more than year and are finally ready to begin interest rate cuts.

As the 2024 Presidential Election approaches, housing affordability and accessibility have emerged as top issues for American voters.

The average home in the US is now 50% more expensive than it was just four years ago. The asset prices of residential real estate are far outpacing wage growth, creating a significant gap in affordability for many working Americans.

To-date, human resource departments have left homeownership assistance off their to-do list for supporting employees. But due to the pandemic, we have witnessed dramatic changes in the housing market that will have a lasting effect on employees who want to enter or upgrade.

In today's economic landscape, traditional benefits alone don’t address the immediate financial needs for many employees.

Millennials have surged ahead to become the largest group of home buyers, marking a significant shift in the housing market's demographic landscape.

In his recent State of the Union address on March 7th, President Biden unveiled a groundbreaking proposal aimed at addressing the pressing issue of housing affordability and inventory shortage.

Many companies are now focusing on aligning their benefits packages with the personal needs and goals of their employees.

Real estate statistics and housing demand information for consideration heading into 2024.

Forward-thinking companies are discovering the value of offering a homeownership assistance benefit in their employee retention efforts.

Providing perspective on wealth building opportunities home ownership provides over time in comparison to renting.

Reviewing the cash value of various employee benefits for employees.

SHRM survey results for most desired employee benefits in 2023.

Statistics about employees wanting to work for companies who offer hybrid or remote employment.

Home selling data from Q3 2023 that shows 50% of home purchases during this time frame were from first-time homebuyers.