We talk a lot about how hard it is to save for a down payment. The age of first-time homebuyers has been rising, and the ripple effects are real: delayed homeownership means delayed wealth-building, which means the gap between those who own and those who rent widens.

But, like almost everything in real estate, it’s not the same everywhere. In some markets, the “down payment clock” moves quickly. In others, it moves slowly. And understanding which clock you are on might be one of the most practical insights for buyers.

Read more details…