The dream of homeownership remains central to the American experience, but rising home prices, limited supply, and fluctuating interest rates have made it harder for many, especially first-time and underserved buyers. At the 2025 Homeownership Panel held on March 13, industry leaders from real estate, finance, and policy discussed ways to make homeownership more accessible and affordable.Moderated by Castleigh Johnson, panelists Gregory Good (Invest Newark), Benjamin Codjoe (M&T Bank), Blair Smith (Milken Institute), and Todd Seward (NCJAR) shared strategies to help buyers overcome affordability challenges, emphasizing the importance of financial planning, mortgage pre-approval, and exploring co-buying options. They also highlighted federal programs like FHA loans and state-specific grants, which can ease the burden on first-time buyers.
Interest rates may stabilize soon, and while supply remains tight, creative solutions like converting commercial properties into homes and advocating for affordable housing policies were discussed. Panelists urged collaboration between the industry, community organizations, and policymakers to create a more equitable housing market.
The panel ended with a call to action: together, we can make homeownership a reality for more people.
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