Which Policies Drive Home Sales?

Last month, real estate industry leaders and policymakers gathered to tackle the growing housing affordability crisis. A primary focus of the discussion was the More Homes on the Market Act, a bill supported by NAR that seeks to double the capital gains tax exemption on home-sale profits. Proponents argue that the current exemption, which has not been updated since 1997, discourages longtime homeowners from selling and prevents vital inventory from reaching the market.

The forum also highlighted the increasingly difficult path for first-time buyers, noting that the median age of a first-time homeowner has reached a record high of 40. Research presented at the event suggests that this decade-long delay in entering the market—from age 30 to 40—costs individuals approximately $150,000 in lost equity. To combat this, Federal Housing Commissioner Frank Cassidy discussed ongoing efforts to "remove red tape" and accelerate the FHA loan process to help entry-level buyers secure homes more efficiently.

The forum emphasized that solving the housing crisis requires deep collaboration between federal, state, and local governments alongside the private sector. By combining targeted tax incentives, like revising capital gains for older Americans, with streamlined financing and expanded inventory, the goal is to make the dream of homeownership more attainable for the next generation. Real estate leaders plan to continue these vital advocacy efforts throughout 2026.

At Barmann Homes, we are always looking to be on the cutting edge of what's new in the market that can help my clients. Be it a special grant available to buyers in a specific zip code, a unique loan type that may allow a client to qualify when the "standard" options aren't an option, a financing option for sellers to be able to utilize their equity to make repairs or improvements on their home before listing, our pre-listing inspection program that can eliminate potential negotiation down the line- we are always here to give you the edge on this ever changing market.

Inherited Properties Are Transforming Local Real Estate

The "Great Wealth Transfer" has officially transitioned from a theoretical economic forecast into a massive tangible force, specifically reshaping the real estate market. In 2025 alone, an estimated $6 trillion was transferred intergenerationally, primarily from the Silent Generation and Baby Boomers to their heirs. This immense liquidity event is projected to reach a staggering $124 trillion by 2048, creating a new class of high-net-worth buyers who remain largely insulated from the typical pressures of the broader housing market.

For these beneficiaries, real estate is viewed less as a tool for chasing immediate financial returns and more as a vital vehicle for preserving generational value.

Despite their significant purchasing power, this new generation of buyers faces a unique supply hurdle: many Baby Boomers are choosing to "age in place". Approximately 61% of Boomers have indicated they intend to never sell their current homes during their lifetimes, holding onto their paid-off properties much longer than previous generations. This trend constricts the supply of the exact "legacy" properties that heirs are most eager to acquire, further intensifying competition at the top of the market.

Ultimately, the scale of this wealth transfer is redefining the real estate landscape by prioritizing lifestyle and stability over traditional market cycles. As the transfer continues to unfold over the coming decades, the demand for real estate is expected to remain exceptionally fierce.

What this means to my clients is that it's vital to make a plan for owners for their futures. I often meet with seniors who don't have a plan. When this happens, we usually bring in the children to help make sure there's planning involved on what's to come with housing, asset transfer, and an overall plan. I work with many seniors and help them with the real estate side of things. We can help find the next right home. as well as craft a plan to move out of the current home, prepare it, and sell it for the highest possible number. Who do you know who may need some help with planning or has a home that doesn't suit their needs anymore? Let me know!