Home Buyer Statistics

• First-Time vs. Repeat Buyers:
  • First-time buyers: 34%
  • Median age of first-time buyers: 32
  • Median age of repeat buyers: 54
  • Median household income of first-time buyers: $75,000
  • Median household income of repeat buyers: $97,000
• The typical home purchased was 1,870 square feet in size, was built in 1991, and had three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
• Among those who financed their home purchase, buyers typically financed 90% of the home price.
• 87% of buyers purchased their home through a real estate agent or broker—a share that has steadily increased from 69 percent in 2001.
• Buyers who would use their agent again or recommend their agent to others: 89%
• Where buyers found the home they purchased:
  • Internet: 51%
  • Real estate agent: 30%
  • Yard sign/open house sign: 7%
  • Friend, relative or neighbor: 6%
  • Home builder or their agent: 5%
  • Directly from sellers/Knew the sellers: 2%
  • Print newspaper advertisement: Less than 1%

Source: 2017 National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers