OHA Market Update Series - Aug 6, 2025
National: Despite high mortgage rates, millennials are leading the charge in homebuying, with nearly 1 in 4 planning to purchase within the next six months. Driven by life changes and long-term goals, they're finding creative ways to make homeownership work—even in a challenging market.
Local: Rosemark Woodland is a brand new boutique townhome community unveiled in East Austin, offering modern design and a connected lifestyle just south of East Riverside.
Intrigued? Keep reading.
(4 minute read)
National Real Estate Update
Housing Trends, Interest Rates, and Market Forecasts
Why Millennials Aren’t Letting High Mortgage Rates Stop Them From Buying a Home
We’ve all seen the headlines: Mortgage rates are high. Inventory is tight. The market’s too competitive. And while there’s truth in all of that, the dream of homeownership is far from dead—especially for one generation that’s pushing forward anyway.
A new survey from Realtor.com® shows that millennials—yes, the same generation often labeled as “forever renters”—are actually the most motivated to buy a home right now, even in today’s tougher market. Nearly 1 in 4 millennials say they plan to buy a home in the next six months. That’s up from just 15% last fall. While Gen Z is mostly holding back and baby boomers are cautiously watching interest rates, millennials are stepping up and figuring it out.
Rising Rates, Real Determination
At the time of the survey, mortgage rates had crept up again, with a 30-year fixed hovering around 6.86% according to Freddie Mac. That’s definitely a bump from what we saw just a few years ago, and it’s enough to make a lot of buyers hesitate. In fact, about one-third of buyers overall said they’ve delayed their purchase because of high rates.
But not millennials.
This group—roughly ages 29 to 44—is forging ahead anyway. Why? It’s simple: life keeps moving. Whether it's jobs, marriage, pets, or kids, millennials are in that chapter of life where putting down roots just makes sense. And rather than trying to time the market perfectly (spoiler alert: nobody does), they’re finding ways to make it work.
How They're Making It Happen
One of the most interesting things to come out of the survey is how buyers—especially millennials—are financing their purchases. Over half are relying on personal savings, and about 1 in 4 are tapping retirement accounts or investments. Others are getting a hand from family with gifts or loans. It’s a reminder that every path to homeownership looks different, and there’s no “one-size-fits-all” strategy—especially in a market like ours here in Austin.
If you’re in the same boat—feeling stuck or unsure whether to wait—it’s worth remembering that buying a home is more about your personal timeline than market timing. If your lease is up, your family is growing, or you’re just ready for a change, there are ways to navigate this market smartly—even with higher rates.
What I’m Seeing in Austin
In the Austin area, I’m seeing more and more millennial buyers get creative with financing, shop for smaller or more efficient homes, or explore down payment assistance programs (especially helpful for first-time buyers). And guess what? It’s working.
I recently had a client purchase a home on her own in North Austin—using a local down payment assistance program—and she closed with less than $3,000 out of pocket. That’s proof that you can buy, even in today’s climate, without needing a massive cash reserve or perfect conditions.
OHA’s HOT TAKE:
Yes, mortgage rates are higher than we’d like. But that doesn’t mean homeownership is out of reach—especially if you’re willing to get informed, stay flexible, and work with a trusted agent (👋 hi there) to find the right path forward.
If you’re thinking about buying but feel overwhelmed, let’s talk through your options. Whether you're exploring local lender programs, curious about starter homes, or want to figure out your monthly budget with today’s rates—I’m here to help you feel confident and prepared.
The market might not be easy, but with the right plan, it is possible.
Austin Area Real Estate & Community Update:
Market Trends, Local News, and Neighborhood Insights
Modern Living Meets East Side Energy at Rosemark Woodland
If you've spent any time in East Austin lately, you've probably felt it: that electric mix of culture, creativity, and community that makes this part of town unlike anywhere else. And now, there’s a new boutique townhome community that’s capturing all of that East Side energy in one beautifully designed package—Rosemark Woodland, now officially on the market and exclusively sold by Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty.
I had the chance to attend the debut celebration on Thursday, May 8, and let me just say—it was very East Austin in all the right ways. Think: good people, great food, local vendors, and a vibe that feels effortlessly cool. DJ Nixx brought the beats, Desnudo Coffee kept everyone caffeinated with small-batch pours, and Fuze9 served up elevated bites that were as artful as the interiors of the homes themselves.
A Celebration of East Side Spirit
The event, titled Riverside in Bloom, really embodied what this neighborhood is all about. It’s not just about the homes (although more on those in a minute)—it’s about lifestyle. Rosemark Woodland sits just south of the East Riverside corridor, minutes from the hike and bike trails, Lady Bird Lake, and some of Austin’s best under-the-radar dining and entertainment. The energy of the area was definitely reflected in the crowd: a mix of creatives, locals, and industry insiders all gathered to toast this exciting new addition to the East Side.
Modern, Thoughtful Design with Nature in Mind
The interiors of Rosemark Woodland homes are a breath of fresh air—clean lines, natural light, and subtle nods to the area's vibrant artistic roots. You can tell this wasn’t just another cookie-cutter development. Each home is crafted with a clear appreciation for how people actually live here in Austin: open floor plans, high ceilings, smart layouts, and just enough style to feel special without being showy.
The community itself feels tucked away but still connected. There’s a quietness to the setting—hence “Woodland”—but it’s just minutes from all the action, whether you're hopping on a bike trail, grabbing coffee down the street, or heading into the city for dinner.
OHA’s HOT TAKE:
With so many new developments popping up, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or feel like everything is starting to look the same. But Rosemark Woodland stands out. It’s not trying to change East Austin—it’s trying to celebrate it. And for buyers who are looking for a thoughtfully designed home that reflects the character of the community it’s in, this is a rare opportunity.
No matter where you land in the Greater Austin area—East Austin, North Loop, Cedar Park, or Dripping Springs—there are incredible neighborhoods that reflect what makes Central Texas such a vibrant place to call home. But if East Side energy, walkability, and modern design top your wishlist, Rosemark Woodland just might be your next favorite spot.
Interested in touring a unit or learning more? Let’s connect—I’d love to show you around.
Jennifer Carey
Realtor and Agent Success Manager at Open House Austin, real estate investor, and renovation enthusiast with Wimberley Airbnbs. She loves mid-century modern design, hiking Austin with her dogs, yoga and pilates, and has been enjoying gardening at her new home in East Austin🎶✨
