High rents, high debt and increased competition are three things buyers overcame to purchase their first homes this year, according to a National Association of Realtors executive.

The NAR released its 2015 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers on Nov. 5, which reported the percentage of mortgage originations that went to first-time buyers fell for the third straight year in a row to its second lowest level in history.

"We know rents have been steadily rising in many markets and this has a direct impact on the abilities of many renters to save for a new home purchase," NAR Director of Survey Research and Communications Jessica Lautz said. "Seventy-seven percent of first buyers were renting before they bought. That tells us they weren't just moving out from their parents' basements."

Complete your profile to continue reading and get FREE access to CUTimes.com, part of your ALM digital membership.

  • Critical CUTimes.com information including comprehensive product and service provider listings via the Marketplace Directory, CU Careers, resources from industry leaders, webcasts, and breaking news, analysis and more with our informative Newsletters.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and CU Times events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including Law.com and GlobeSt.com.
NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.