'Impossible': Rochester real estate agent Mark Siwiec on the challenges of 20 and 30 year-olds trying to buy a home

February 12, 2026 - 05:54

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — For young adults dreaming of homeownership, the current real estate landscape presents a daunting and often disheartening challenge. According to local real estate agent Mark Siwiec, the barriers for those in their 20s and 30s have reached a critical point.

"The sentence is: 20 and 30 year olds are finding it impossible to buy a home," Siwiec stated bluntly. This sentiment underscores a national trend where the average age of a first-time homebuyer has climbed to 40, pushing mortgage payoff dates into retirement years for many.

The primary hurdles are formidable. Soaring home prices have dramatically outpaced wage growth, while high interest rates have made monthly payments prohibitively expensive. Compounding the issue is the intense competition for a limited number of available starter homes, frequently involving cash offers or bidding wars that first-time buyers cannot win.

Furthermore, the burden of student loan debt severely limits the ability of many young professionals to save for a substantial down payment. This financial strain forces numerous individuals and couples to remain in the rental market, where rising costs also consume a large portion of their income, creating a cycle that is difficult to break.

Experts warn that this growing gap threatens long-term wealth building for a generation, as home equity remains a cornerstone of financial stability. The situation calls for a concerted examination of housing policy and market solutions to improve accessibility for the next wave of potential homeowners.