For decades, the starter home was the gateway to the American Dream. Today, it’s largely gone—and the reasons go far beyond interest rates.

In this episode, Shane unpacks why first-time buyers are facing the steepest climb into homeownership in modern U.S. history, drawing from insights shared during a recent talk at NewDay USA and real-world market data across Maryland.

The conversation cuts through headlines to examine the structural forces reshaping housing affordability: chronic supply shortages, restrictive zoning, rising construction costs, and the growing presence of institutional investors targeting entry-level housing. Shane explains how these dynamics intersect—and why younger buyers feel like they’re chasing a moving target.

We explore:
• Why the average first-time buyer is now closer to 40 than 30
• Maryland’s estimated 600,000-unit housing shortfall—and what caused it
• How institutional capital affects pricing at the lower end of the market
• The hidden long-term costs of renting versus owning
• Why waiting for rates to fall can backfire
• Practical strategies Gen Z buyers can use right now
• The policy changes required to revive true starter-home inventory

This episode isn’t about doom or false hope. It’s about clarity. Understanding the system as it exists today—and making smarter decisions inside it.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a Gen Z renter, a Maryland homeowner, or a real estate professional trying to make sense of a broken entry point, this episode lays out the realities—and the paths forward—without sugarcoating the challenge.

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