Buying a home in 2025 looks different than it did a few years ago — and Zillow’s brand-new 2025 Consumer Housing Trends Report gives us a clear look at what buyers are doing, what they care about, and what’s actually happening in the market.

As your mortgage advisor, I’m here to break the data down in a simple, helpful way so you can step into the process with confidence.

Here are the 10 biggest insights every buyer should know right now.

---

1. Nearly Half of Today’s Buyers Are First-Timers

You’re not alone. 45% of all 2025 buyers are purchasing their first home, which means the market is full of people learning the process for the first time.
This is a great time to ask questions, get educated, and lean on professionals who can guide you step-by-step.

---

2. Buyers Are Still Reaching Out to Real Estate Agents First

Even with all the online tools available, 52% of buyers start the process by contacting a real estate agent, and 80% reach an agent within their first three steps.

This is good news — it means the home-buying journey is still built around real human support, not confusing online algorithms.

---

3. Most Buyers Use an Agent — And That’s a Smart Move

Zillow reports 84% of buyers use a real estate agent at some point in the process.
The market changes quickly, and having a trusted agent + lender combination can help you navigate choices with confidence.

---

4. You May Only Need One Offer to Get a Home

The bidding battles of 2021–2022 have cooled off.
Most buyers in 2025 are securing homes with just one offer. While every situation is different, this data shows the market is more balanced and less frantic than recent years.

---

5. Most Buyers Find a Home in 3–4 Months

This is the typical search window.
It allows time to learn neighborhoods, compare homes, review financing options, and decide what features matter most — without needing to rush.

---

6. Buying With Someone Else Is More Common Than Ever

60% of buyers purchase with a co-buyer, whether that’s a spouse, partner, family member, or friend.

If you’re buying with someone else, you’ll want to get a joint pre-approval early so everyone understands the budget, monthly payment, and options.

---

7. Buyers Are Using Contingencies Again

Zillow reports the most common protections buyers include are:

• 65% include a home inspection contingency

• 59% include a financing contingency

• 53% include an appraisal contingency

These help protect you during the transaction so you can make informed decisions along the way.

---

8. Younger Buyers Are a Big Force in Today’s Market

Gen Z and Millennials make up over half of all buyers this year.

If you’re a younger buyer, this is absolutely your market — and your preferences around digital communication, step-by-step explanations, and transparency are shaping how real estate professionals support you.

---

9. Today’s Buyers Tend to Be Well-Prepared

Zillow’s report shows median buyer household income is higher than the national median, and nearly half of buyers hold a four-year degree.

What does this mean for you?
Many buyers are entering the market with a strong plan — and taking their time to understand budget, financing, and long-term affordability. You can do the same by getting pre-approved early.

---

10. Pets Are Playing a Major Role in Home Searches

It may surprise you, but 76% of buyers have pets, including 64% with dogs.

Yard size, fencing, flooring, and HOA pet rules are becoming top priorities — sometimes even above school districts.
If you’re buying with pets, we can help you think through the best home features for your lifestyle.

---

⭐ What This Means for You as a 2025 Homebuyer

The home-buying process is still personal, still guided by professionals, and still full of opportunities — especially if you prepare early.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or moving up, the best starting point is a conversation about your goals, budget, and timeline.

I’m here to make the mortgage side simple and clear so you can focus on finding the right home.

If you’d like to talk through the numbers, get pre-approved, or build your 90-day home-buying plan, reach out anytime.

All loans subject to approval. Equal Housing.

— John Werner
Mortgage and Credit Pro
NMLS 150553 | OR, WA, AZ