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I talk to a lot of young people who feel like owning a home just isn’t realistic anymore. And honestly, I understand why.
Between rising rents, inflation, student loans, and the cost of everyday life, it can feel like the deck is stacked against you before you even get started. I’ve been in real estate a long time, and I won’t pretend the market looks the same as it did 20 or 30 years ago — it doesn’t. But what I will tell you is this:
Homeownership is still possible. It just looks different now.
It Starts With a Decision
The first thing I tell young buyers is that homeownership starts with a goal. You have to decide that it’s something you want and that it’s worth working toward.
You don’t need to have everything figured out today. You don’t need a perfect job, a perfect savings account, or a perfect credit score. What you do need is a willingness to learn the process and take small, intentional steps in that direction.
Once you make that decision, everything else becomes a lot more manageable.
You May Not Need as Much Money as You Think
One of the biggest myths I hear is that you need a huge down payment to buy a home. That stops a lot of people before they ever explore their options.
The reality is that there are first-time buyer programs in California that offer very low down payments, and in some cases even 0% down options. There are also legitimate ways to use gift money from family members toward a down payment.
Most young buyers simply aren’t aware these options exist — and that’s understandable. Buying a home isn’t something most people are taught how to do.
That’s why education is such a big part of what I do.
Yes, Prices Are Higher — But There Are Still Entry Points
I won’t sugarcoat it — home prices in the Sacramento area are higher than they used to be. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t smart ways to get started.
For some buyers, condominiums can be a good entry point because they tend to have a lower price tag. While I usually recommend a single-family home when possible, starting with a condo can still help you build equity and get into the market sooner rather than later.
Location also matters. There are up-and-coming areas where prices are more attainable — places like Oak Park, Carmichael, and Citrus Heights, where homes can still be found around the low $400,000 range.
Those may not be the numbers people were hoping for, but they are realistic starting points in today’s market.
Time Is One of Your Biggest Advantages
One thing young buyers don’t always realize is how powerful time can be.
Buying earlier — even if it’s not your forever home — allows you to start building equity and create options for your future. Waiting until everything feels perfect often means waiting longer than necessary and paying more down the road.
The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is progress.
My Approach as a Realtor
I’ve built my career around helping people make informed, practical decisions about real estate. Especially first-time buyers.
I don’t believe in pushing people into homes they’re not ready for, and I don’t believe in pretending the challenges aren’t real. My job is to help you understand what’s possible, walk you through your options, and put together a plan that actually fits your life.
If you’re young, unsure where to start, or convinced homeownership is out of reach, my advice is simple:
Have a conversation. Ask questions. Get real information.
You might be closer than you think.
I’m always available for a consultation to talk through your options and help you start planning a financial future built on generational wealth through homeownership. If you have questions or want to explore what’s possible, you can reach me at r.freedman.one@gmail.com or 650-714-2585.
