03/24/2026
📊 Then vs Now: The Reality of Homeownership (1980 → 2026)
It’s easy to say “real estate is expensive today”… but when you actually look at the numbers, the story becomes very clear 👇
🏡 Home Prices Have Skyrocketed
Back in 1980, the average home was around $47,000.
Today, we’re looking at $420,000–$435,000.
👉 That’s nearly a 9x increase
💼 But Wages Didn’t Keep Up
Household income grew from about $21,000 to $80,000–$85,000.
👉 That’s only about a 4x increase
⚖️ The Real Difference: Affordability
• 1980 → Homes cost about 2.2x annual income
• 2026 → Homes cost about 5.2x annual income
👉 In simple terms:
Owning a home today is more than twice as difficult compared to before
💰 What About Interest Rates?
Yes, rates in the 1980s were extremely high (13–18%) compared to today (6–7%).
But here’s the key insight 👇
👉 Even with high rates, lower home prices made it easier to enter the market than it is today.
🧠 What This Means for Buyers Today
The game has changed.
Today’s buyers are adapting by: • Combining dual incomes
• Using creative financing strategies
• Planning for longer timelines
💡 The Takeaway
Real estate is no longer just about saving money — it’s about strategy, timing, and guidance.
If you’re thinking about buying, investing, or just want to understand your options in today’s market, I’m here to help you navigate it the right way.
Kaleem Farooqui
Realestate Broker
647-470-1048