Dealmaker$ | The Death of the Starter Home

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 inventoryThis 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.🎙️ Part of The Housecats Podcast Network🔗 Network hub: https://www.thehousecatspod.com🎧 Listen on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts📸 Follow on Instagram and Facebook📧 Business inquiries: [email protected] episodes drop regularly.