What the 2025 NAR Buyer & Seller Report Means for Today’s Market

Every year, the National Association of Realtors releases its deep dive into who’s buying, who’s selling, and what’s truly driving the market. The 2025 report gives a clear picture of the shifting landscape, and it’s packed with insights that matter for anyone planning a move this year.

Below, I’m breaking down the highlights that actually impact real-world decisions for buyers and sellers.

1. First-Time Buyers Are Older, Less Active, and More Pressured by Costs

According to the NAR First-Time Buyer infographic, the typical first-time buyer is now 40 years old, and they make up just 21 percent of the market compared to 32 percent last year. That’s a sharp drop.
Key reasons from the report:

• High rents, debt, and affordability issues (credit card debt, student loans, and car loans as top barriers) delayed buying for younger generations.
  
  
• Younger Millennials and Gen Z struggle most with down payments, with 33 percent of Younger Millennials saying it's the hardest part of buying.
  
  

What this means for sellers:
Homes that appeal to older first-time buyers — think practical layouts, updated systems, and manageable maintenance — will win. This group is cautious and budget-conscious, but ready to act when the right home shows up.

2. Millennials Still Drive Demand — But Gen X Has the Most Buying Power

The report shows Millennials (both younger and older) make up 29 percent of buyers, while Gen X accounts for 24 percent. But Gen X is the real powerhouse here:

• They hold the highest median income at $130,000.
  
  
• They buy some of the largest homes (median 2,000 sq ft).
  
  
• They’re also the top group purchasing multi-generational homes at 21 percent.
  
  

What this means for sellers:
If your property can serve multi-gen needs — finished basements, bedroom on main, large square footage — you’re speaking directly to the strongest financial group in today’s market.

3. Baby Boomers Still Dominate the Selling Market

Boomers represent 53 percent of all sellers, with Younger Boomers alone accounting for 31 percent.

Why they’re selling:

• Want to be closer to friends and family (23 percent of sellers).
  
  
• Their home is too large or too difficult to maintain.
  
  
• Many have significant equity and don’t need to finance new purchases (50 percent+ use proceeds from their previous home as their down payment).
  
  

What this means for buyers:
Boomer-owned homes often come well-maintained and cared for. If you're targeting established neighborhoods in North Atlanta, you’ll likely be negotiating with sellers who value a smooth, clean transaction over squeezing every dollar.

4. Buyers Still Begin Their Search Online — But Agent Expertise Matters More Than Ever

The first step for 43 percent of buyers is browsing online listings, but older generations still reach out directly to agents as their first move.
88 percent of all buyers purchased through an agent, and the top reasons include:

• Help finding the right home
  
  
• Negotiation
  
  
• Understanding the process, especially for Millennials
  
  

The infographics show this clearly — across generations, real estate professionals remain the most-used and most-trusted resource.

What this means for both sides:
Digital search starts the process. Human expertise closes the deal.

5. Multi-Generational Living Keeps Rising — Especially for Gen X and Boomers

 17 percent of all buyers purchased multi-generational homes, and Gen X leads at 21 percent.
Top reasons:

• Cost savings
  
  
• Caring for aging parents
  
  
• Adult children moving back home
  
  

What this means for sellers:
Homes with flexible spaces — bonus rooms, finished basements, in-law suites — should be highlighted aggressively in marketing.

6. Homes Still Sell Fast — and at 100 Percent of Asking Price

• Median sales price is 100 percent of list price across nearly all generations.
  
  
• Many homes sell within 1–3 weeks.

The Silent Generation is the most likely to reduce price, while younger Millennials reduce the least.

For sellers: Pricing correctly matters more than any “strategy” involving overpricing.
For buyers: Be ready to act quickly — especially in Greater Atlanta.

7. What Buyers Value in Homes Right Now

The top “very important” features across most generations include:

• Heating and cooling efficiency (33 percent)
  
  
• Quality of windows, doors, and siding
  
  
• Commuting costs (especially for Millennials)
  
  

For sellers: Pre-list improvements that matter: HVAC tune-ups, sealing windows/doors, clean inspections, and energy-efficient upgrades.

8. Why Sellers Are Moving Today

• 23 percent want to be closer to family.
  
  
• 12 percent say the home is too small.
  
  
• 11 percent say the home is too big.
  
  

This lines up perfectly with what we see locally — sizing up or sizing down based on life transitions.

Final Takeaways for Buyers

• Be prepared financially. Down payments and debt delays are real hurdles for younger buyers.
  
  
• Move quickly. Most homes sell at full price and within days.
  
  
• Be flexible. Multi-gen options, older homes, and longer commutes are becoming trade-offs buyers accept.
  
  

Final Takeaways for Sellers

• Today’s buyers are older, more selective, and value efficiency and condition.
  
  
• Highlight features that appeal to Millennials and Gen X — updates, energy savings, practical layouts.
  
  
• Price it right the first time. The data shows full-price sales are the norm across generations.
  
  
• Expect motivated buyers who are serious but cautious.
  
  
  

  💬 Ready to make sense of the 2025 market? Let’s talk about your plans. Whether you’re buying, selling, or both, I’ll help you move with confidence. Reach out to North Atlanta Realtor, Rana Tayara to get started.

  Rana Tayara, Realtor® | Real Estate Advisor
  Serving the Greater Atlanta Area — Roswell, Alpharetta, Milton & Johns Creek
  
  📱 Call/Text: 678.294.3838
  ✉️ Email:        ranatayara@kw.com
  🌐 Website:  www.RanaTayara.com