In this episode, Shane breaks down why the traditional "starter home" has all but vanished for a generation of new buyers — especially in Maryland. Drawing from a recent talk at NewDay USA, he unpacks the affordability crisis facing Gen Z, the structural failures behind rising prices, and why the path to homeownership is now the steepest it's been in modern U.S. history.

From supply shortages and restrictive zoning to institutional investors targeting the bottom end of the market, this episode explains the forces reshaping Maryland's housing landscape — and what young buyers can actually do about it. If you've wondered why the American Dream feels further away than ever, this is the episode to listen to.

In This Episode:

• Why the average first-time homebuyer is now 38–40 years old
• Maryland's 600,000-unit housing shortage and the regulatory barriers behind it
• How institutional investors influence starter-home pricing
• The hidden costs of renting vs the long-term advantage of ownership
• Why waiting for interest rates might cost buyers more
• Real strategies Gen Z can use to break into the market
• Policy reforms needed to revive the first-time buyer segment

Who This Episode Is For:
First-time buyers, Gen Z renters, Maryland residents, real estate professionals, policymakers, and anyone trying to understand the new realities of homeownership in today's market.

Listen, learn, and add your voice to the conversation.

LISTEN & FOLLOW US 

🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple, and Youtube wherever you get podcasts 

🔗 Follow Housecats Network on socials: @housecatsre 

🔥 SUBSCRIBE to the Housecats channel for more Stories in the Seventh State episodes when they pop!