(The Epoch Times)—Over 33 percent of baby boomers who are homeowners said they will never sell their homes, real estate brokerage Redfin said in a June 18 statement detailing the results of a survey.
“Another 30 percent say they’ll sell their home at some point, but not within the next decade,” said the report. As for older people, the survey reveals they are even less likely to sell than boomers. Nearly 45 percent of the Silent Generation do not plan to sell their residential properties.
The Redfin report, which surveyed roughly 4,000 U.S. residents, said younger homeowners are more likely to sell. Twenty-five percent of Gen Xers and 21 percent of millennials/Gen Zers said they would not sell.
The main reasons for not selling are that homeowners like their current homes, and they don’t wish to move. Besides, new homes have higher prices, and buyers would face elevated mortgage rates.
Redfin reports that home prices have gone up roughly 40 percent since pre-pandemic, and mortgage rates are near 7 percent.
The median price of homes sold in the United States was $416,900 in the first quarter of 2025, up from $329,000 in the same quarter of 2020, according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Ten years ago, prices were even lower at $289,200.
Meanwhile, the weekly average interest on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has consistently remained above 6 percent since September 2022, according to data from Freddie Mac. For the most recent week ending June 18, rates were at 6.81 percent, more than double the 3.13 percent roughly five years back.
“Nearly one-third (31 percent) of baby boomers who own their home say they couldn’t afford a home like theirs in their neighborhood today,” said the report.
Regarding purchasing a new home, around one in four millennial and Gen Z renters say they cannot afford a home in an area where they want to live.
For the younger people, the other reasons, according to the survey, are being financially unprepared for surprise costs of owning a home, high mortgages, and inability to fund a down payment.
“While inventory is improving, supply is tight for young house hunters looking for family homes, especially in suburban areas where homes priced like starter homes—yet large enough for families—are scarce,” said Redfin Chief Economist Daryl Fairweather.
“With baby boomers opting to age in place rather than sell, it’s challenging for younger buyers to find affordable options that fit their lifestyle. But it’s worth noting that even though many older Americans say they’re not planning to sell their homes, many are likely to eventually part ways as it becomes harder to live independently and/or keep up with home maintenance.”
Tackling Affordability Crisis
Home developers have urged lawmakers to take action to tackle the housing affordability crisis.
Last week, more than 1,000 builders, remodelers, and associates from the construction sector visited Capitol Hill, asking lawmakers to support policies that will “help builders unleash the housing market,” the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) said in a June 11 statement.
“The best way to ease the nation’s housing affordability crisis and boost housing production is to break down the barriers that are impeding new home and apartment construction,” said NAHB Chairman Buddy Hughes.
Specifically, NAHB asked Congress to pass legislation preventing the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Housing and Urban Development from mandating a minimum energy standard for housing, arguing that these measures raise housing costs and price out buyers.
The group also urged lawmakers to consider tax legislation benefiting the construction sector, such as permanently extending the pro-housing and business policies from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, said the statement.
As for the pressure created by high mortgage rates on prospective buyers, things could improve this year.
In a June 12 commentary, Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist at real estate data company Bright MLS, said she expects mortgage rates to “decline more significantly at the end of the summer, leading up to the Fed’s September meeting.”
“Lower rates could bring more buyers out this fall. But it is becoming more of a possibility that weakening consumer confidence and labor market concerns may cast a long shadow into the fall housing market,” she wrote.
Scott Turner, secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, said in a June 19 X post, “The simple answer to addressing the housing affordability issue: Build more housing.”
Turner proposed building more Opportunity Zones that “allow our private sector to innovate and cut down costly red tape.”
Opportunity Zones, created under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, allow people to invest in distressed areas in America, according to an Oct. 8 post by the IRS. They are aimed at spurring “economic growth and job creation in low-income communities while providing tax benefits to investors.”
Safeguarding Your American Dream: Discover the Power of America First Healthcare
In today’s economy, healthcare costs remain one of the biggest threats to financial stability and family security. Americans work hard to build a better life, yet rising medical expenses can quickly erode savings, force tough trade-offs, and even push families toward debt or bankruptcy. Medical bills continue to rank as the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States, with millions facing underinsurance or unexpected out-of-pocket burdens that no one plans for. Many turn to government-run marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act, hoping for relief, only to discover that what appears affordable on paper often delivers higher long-term costs, limited real protection, and coverage that may not align with personal values or family needs.
America First Healthcare stands out as a private insurance agency dedicated to helping conservatives and families secure better coverage and better rates through customized, values-aligned options. By conducting free insurance reviews, the agency uncovers hidden gaps in existing policies and connects clients with private alternatives that emphasize personal responsibility, small-government principles, and genuine affordability—often delivering up to 20% savings while providing stronger protection for the American Dream.
The allure of marketplace plans is easy to understand: open enrollment periods, premium tax credits for many households, and the promise of “comprehensive” benefits mandated by law. Yet recent data reveals a different reality, especially after the expiration of enhanced premium subsidies at the end of 2025. Enrollment for 2026 dropped by more than one million people compared to the prior year, with many shifting to lower-tier bronze plans to keep monthly premiums manageable.
These plans feature significantly higher deductibles—averaging around $7,500 nationally—and greater cost-sharing requirements. Families who once paid modest amounts after subsidies now face average premium increases of $65 or more per month, even as they accept plans that leave them responsible for thousands in upfront costs before meaningful coverage kicks in.
High deductibles create a dangerous barrier to care. Studies show that people in such plans are less likely to seek timely treatment for chronic conditions, attend preventive screenings, or fill necessary prescriptions. A seemingly minor illness or injury can balloon into major expenses when patients delay care until problems worsen. For a family of four, a single hospitalization, cancer diagnosis, or unexpected surgery can easily exceed the deductible, triggering coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximums that still leave substantial bills. One recent analysis noted that some proposed changes could push family deductibles toward $31,000 in future years, further exposing households to financial risk.
Beyond the numbers, marketplace plans often carry structural limitations. Coverage for certain critical services may include waiting periods or narrower networks that restrict access to preferred doctors and specialists. Preventive care is required to be covered without cost-sharing, but everything else—lab work, imaging, specialist visits, or ongoing treatment—typically waits until the deductible is met. This reactive model contrasts sharply with the proactive, holistic approach many families prefer, especially those focused on wellness, early intervention, and maintaining health to enjoy life rather than merely reacting to illness.
Values alignment represents another growing concern. Government-influenced plans operate within a framework shaped by federal mandates and political priorities that may not reflect conservative principles of limited government, personal freedom, and ethical stewardship. Families who want to direct their healthcare dollars toward providers and benefits that honor traditional values sometimes find marketplace options feel misaligned, forcing a compromise between affordability and conviction.
Private alternatives, by contrast, offer year-round flexibility without the restrictions of open enrollment windows. Independent agents can shop across a wider range of carriers to design plans tailored to specific family needs—whether that means lower deductibles for frequent medical users, broader provider networks, or add-ons that support wellness and preventive services from day one. Clients frequently report more stable premiums that do not automatically escalate each year, along with genuine cost savings once the full picture of deductibles, copays, and coverage depth is considered.
Take the experience of real families who made the switch. Amanda C. shared that her new plan felt “way better” than what she had through the marketplace. Johnny Y. noted his previous coverage kept increasing annually until he found a more stable private option. Sofia S. expressed delight with her plan and began recommending it to others. These stories echo a common theme: when families move beyond one-size-fits-all government marketplaces, they often discover customized protection that better safeguards both health and finances.
Founder Jordan Sarmiento’s own journey underscores the stakes. In 2021, a six-day hospitalization generated a $95,000 bill. Under a well-structured private “Conservative Care Coverage” plan, his out-of-pocket responsibility would have been just $500. That stark difference illustrates how thoughtful planning and private options can prevent a medical event from becoming a financial catastrophe.
Practical steps exist for anyone questioning their current coverage. Start with a no-obligation review of your existing policy to identify gaps—high deductibles, limited critical-care benefits, or escalating premiums. Compare total projected costs (premiums plus potential out-of-pocket expenses) rather than monthly premiums alone. Consider family health history, anticipated needs, and lifestyle priorities. Private agencies can present side-by-side options that include stronger wellness incentives, broader access, and plans built on shared values of self-reliance and freedom.
In an era when healthcare inflation continues to outpace general cost-of-living increases, relying solely on marketplace solutions carries growing risk. Families who proactively explore private alternatives frequently achieve meaningful savings while gaining peace of mind that their coverage truly works when needed most.
America First Healthcare makes this exploration straightforward through its free review process. Families and individuals receive personalized guidance to close coverage holes, reduce unnecessary expenses, and secure plans that align with conservative principles—protecting wallets, health, and the American Dream without government overreach. Many who complete a review discover they can enjoy better benefits for less, often saving up to 20% while gaining the customization and stability that marketplace plans struggle to deliver.
Ultimately, protecting your family’s future requires looking beyond the marketing of “affordable” government options. By understanding the long-term costs hidden in high deductibles, shifting coverage tiers, and values mismatches, Americans can make empowered choices. Private, values-driven insurance offers a smarter path—one that rewards diligence, supports wellness, and delivers real security. For those ready to move beyond the limitations of traditional marketplace plans, a simple review can reveal options designed to serve families, not bureaucracies. The American Dream thrives when individuals and families retain control over their healthcare decisions, and thoughtful private coverage plays a vital role in making that possible.
