OHA Market Update Series - May 29, 2025
National: Younger homeowners are prioritizing kitchen remodels in 2025, even amid inflation and economic uncertainty, because it directly improves their lifestyle and long-term home value.
Local: The City of Kyle has launched a free Knox-Box program to help elderly and disabled residents by giving emergency responders secure access to homes during critical situations. This life-saving initiative offers peace of mind, promotes independence, and is fully funded by the city.
Intrigued? Keep reading.
(4 minute read)
National Real Estate Update
Housing Trends, Interest Rates, and Market Forecasts
Why Younger Homeowners Are Prioritizing Kitchen Remodels in 2025 Despite Inflation
Even with inflation, high interest rates, and all the financial noise out there, younger homeowners aren't backing down—they're doubling down on one major renovation in 2025: the kitchen. Here’s the scoop:
🍳 Kitchens are king – Millennials and Gen Z are leading the charge, twice as likely to be remodeling their kitchens compared to folks over 50.
🏡 A lot of these buyers jumped into the market between 2020 and 2022, grabbing what they could when rates were super low—but many of those homes? Total fixer-uppers.
👩🍳 The kitchen isn’t just for cooking anymore—it’s the hangout zone, remote office, and party central. No wonder it's first on the reno list.
💸 Even in a tight economy, younger homeowners are willing to spend where it counts—and kitchens just make life better.
😰 On the flip side, homeowners across the board are feeling the pressure. Almost half say home repairs are stressing them out more than ever this year.
🛠️ Over 70% of folks have put off a project thanks to inflation, economic uncertainty, or job stability concerns.
🔧 Instead of flashy upgrades, many are investing in boring-but-essential maintenance—think HVAC, roofing, plumbing—aka, "please don’t break" territory.
✨ That said, if money weren’t an issue, kitchens would still top the wish list, followed by bathrooms and outdoor spaces. Priorities, right?
📉 Inflation’s finally cooled to 2.3%—the lowest it’s been since early 2021—which could mean renovation dreams might start feeling doable again.
OHA’s HOT TAKE:
💡 Why This Matters
Kitchens = value: A modern kitchen boosts resale and improves daily life. It’s the heart of the home—and the first thing buyers notice.
Post-pandemic catch-up: Many younger buyers bought homes that needed work. Now they’re updating what they couldn’t during the frenzy.
Smart spending: Even with high costs, people are investing where it matters most—on spaces they use every day.
Maintenance mindset: Homeowners are also prioritizing HVAC, plumbing, and roofing to avoid pricey surprises.
Good timing? Inflation’s cooling, so remodels might get a little more affordable soon.
Thinking about a kitchen remodel or home update? We’ve got a great list of trusted designers, contractors, and vendors to help bring your vision to life—just shoot us a message and we’ll send over some recs!
Austin Area Real Estate & Community Update:
Market Trends, Local News, and Neighborhood Insights
Kyle Launches Free Knox-Box Program to Protect Elderly and Disabled Residents During Emergencies
The City of Kyle just launched something really thoughtful—and honestly, life-saving. It's a new Knox-Box program designed to help elderly and disabled neighbors during emergencies by giving first responders secure, fast access to homes when every second counts.
The best part? It’s completely free and funded by the city. For folks who qualify, it offers peace of mind, safety, and the chance to keep living independently, which is what so many of our older neighbors value most.
Here’s what makes this program awesome:
🔐 Safe & Secure Access – First responders can quickly enter a home during a medical emergency using a lockbox with a spare key (only accessible when 911 is called).
❤️ Peace of Mind for Families – Whether you’re a caregiver or a concerned adult child, knowing help can get in fast is a huge relief.
👵 Empowers Independence – Neighbors like La La Herrera, who live alone but want to stay that way, now have added confidence that help can reach them if needed.
🏡 No Cost, No Catch – Funded entirely by the City of Kyle, the program is 100% free and totally voluntary.
🤝 Community First – City staff are already out connecting with folks at places like the Kyle Senior Zone to get the word out and support sign-ups.
🚑 Designed With Care – This program was championed by residents and city leaders who knew there had to be a better way to help in critical moments—and now, there is.
I love seeing local government step up like this. It’s a great reminder that even small programs can have a huge impact when they’re built with compassion, safety, and community in mind.
Know someone in Kyle who could benefit? Definitely share this with them—this is the kind of program that could save a life.
OHA’s HOT TAKE:
This program is important because it addresses one of the biggest challenges in emergency response: time. For elderly or medically vulnerable neighbors, just a few extra minutes can make the difference between life and death. If a person is unconscious, behind a locked door, and no one can get in—emergency responders are stuck either wasting time or having to force entry, which adds stress and damage.
Here’s why it really matters:
🕒 Every second counts in a medical emergency. This program removes a huge barrier for responders.
🔐 It protects independence. Many seniors want to age in place. This adds a safety net without making them feel like they’re giving up control.
👨👩👧👦 Families can breathe easier. Adult children or caregivers get peace of mind knowing help can always reach their loved ones.
💸 It’s cost-free and low-hassle. A simple, city-funded solution with no downside—just smart, compassionate policy in action.
🧠 It’s proactive, not reactive. Instead of waiting for a tragedy to highlight the need, Kyle is stepping up now to protect its most vulnerable residents.
It’s a small step—but it reflects a much bigger idea: that every neighbor matters, and everyone deserves to feel safe in their home.
If you or someone you love lives alone in Kyle and meets the qualifications, don’t wait—sign up for the Knox-Box program today. It’s free, simple, and could save a life.
✅ Stay independent
✅ Give your family peace of mind
✅ Make sure first responders can reach you when it matters most
Visit the City of Kyle’s website or stop by the Kyle Senior Zone to learn more. Let’s look out for each other—because safety starts with community.✨
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🎶✨
