A recent survey by Bright MLS has shed light on the homeowners most likely to sell in 2025, and the results may surprise you. While many assume Baby Boomers dominate the selling market, it’s actually pandemic-era homebuyers—those who purchased in the past five years—who are the most likely to list their homes next year. Let’s dive into what this means for Rhode Island’s real estate market and how these trends could impact buyers and sellers.

Pandemic Buyers Are Shaking Things Up

Bright MLS’s nationwide survey revealed that nearly one in five homeowners is considering selling their home in the next 12 months. Interestingly, those who purchased during the pandemic are leading the charge. These homeowners often took advantage of record-low mortgage rates and rapid home price appreciation, which has allowed them to build equity faster than previous generations.

Among prospective sellers, 32% have owned their homes for less than five years, compared to just 23% of all homeowners nationally. This group is ready to make their next move, driven by newfound financial flexibility and changing personal circumstances.

Younger Homeowners Are Leading the Market

Bright MLS’s findings indicate that homeowners in their 30s and 40s are expected to be the most active sellers in 2025.

• 26.8% of homeowners aged 30-39 are planning to sell.

• 28% of those aged 40-49 also plan to list their homes.

In contrast, older generations are staying put, with just 10% of homeowners aged 60 and older planning to sell. These younger sellers are largely influenced by life events, such as growing families or career changes, prompting them to seek larger homes or relocate for new opportunities.

Family and Career Changes Are Driving Sales

Life happens, and for homeowners in their 30s and 40s, that’s often the biggest motivator to sell. For those aged 30-39, 36.7% are moving due to job-related reasons, such as a career change or a new job in a different location. Meanwhile, 43.8% of sellers aged 40-49 are prioritizing family-related changes, such as marriage, the birth of a child, or moving closer to loved ones.

These findings highlight the continued importance of demographic milestones in shaping the housing market, even as other factors like interest rates grab headlines.

Mortgage Rates Aren’t Holding Sellers Back

While many homeowners currently enjoy mortgage rates below 5%—thanks to the pandemic-era lows—life changes are pushing them to sell regardless. According to the survey, 30.3% of younger sellers (aged 30-49) have a mortgage rate below 4%, and 67.4% have a rate below 5%. Even with today’s rates averaging around 6.7%, personal and financial priorities are outweighing concerns about higher borrowing costs.

Baby Boomers Are Staying Put

Unlike younger generations, Baby Boomers are largely sitting out of the 2025 selling market. Only 6% of Boomers aged 60 and older plan to sell next year, with downsizing being the primary reason for those who do. Nearly 60% of Boomer respondents have lived in their homes for more than 20 years and own them outright, giving them little incentive to move.

For those Boomers who do plan to sell, smaller, low-maintenance homes or properties in age-restricted communities are appealing options. However, the vast majority of Boomers are staying put, driven by comfort, familiarity, and financial stability.

What This Means for Rhode Island’s Real Estate Market

In Rhode Island, these national trends are mirrored locally. Towns like Warwick, Cranston, and East Greenwich are likely to see increased listings as younger homeowners move up to larger homes. Meanwhile, neighborhoods with more modest properties in areas like Coventry and West Warwick could attract first-time buyers eager to get a foothold in the market.

For Baby Boomers, downsizing opportunities in Narragansett, Bristol, and other coastal areas offer the chance to enjoy Rhode Island’s charm while transitioning to a more manageable lifestyle.

Key Takeaways for Buyers and Sellers

• For Sellers: If you’re among the younger homeowners planning to list your property, highlight features that cater to growing families or career-focused buyers, such as proximity to schools, home office spaces, and flexible layouts.

• For Buyers: With more inventory expected to hit the market, now could be a great time to find your next home, especially in areas popular with pandemic-era sellers.

• For Agents: Understanding these demographic shifts can help tailor your marketing strategies to better connect with both younger and older sellers.

Looking Ahead to 2025

The 2025 housing market is shaping up to be driven by life milestones rather than financial factors alone. Younger homeowners are leading the charge, moving up or relocating to fit their changing needs. Meanwhile, older generations are largely holding steady, with downsizing opportunities continuing to grow.

If you’re considering buying or selling in Rhode Island, now is the time to start planning. Let’s connect to discuss how these trends could impact your next move and how I can help guide you through the process.