The State of the American Dream

Coldwell Banker American Dream Report: Homeownership Isn’t Just a Milestone. It’s a Movement.

For generations, owning a home has symbolized independence, stability, and success. The meaning of the American Dream continues to evolve, yet homeownership remains at its heart.

According to the Coldwell Banker 2025 American Dream Report, conducted by The Harris Poll, 71% of aspiring homeowners—those who don’t currently own a home but would like to someday—say they are delaying major life milestones such as marriage, starting a family, or career changes until they can afford to buy.

At Coldwell Banker Premier, which serves clients across Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Florida, this sentiment rings true. Our teams see every day how deeply the desire for homeownership still motivates buyers and sellers alike.

The American Dream, Redefined

While affordability challenges and lifestyle shifts continue to shape the market, the dream of owning a home endures.

The survey found that:

• 56% of Americans say homeownership defines their version of the American Dream.

• 83% of renters plan to buy a home in the future.

• 97% of Gen Z respondents aspire to become homeowners someday.

Across generations and geographies, the idea of homeownership is still synonymous with progress and pride. What’s changing is how people pursue it—focusing less on timelines and more on readiness, value, and purpose.

Purpose Over Pressure

Today’s aspiring homeowners aren’t rushing in—they’re planning with intention. Many are prioritizing financial security, career growth, and long-term goals before taking on a mortgage.

“Buying a home is one of life’s biggest decisions,” said Steve DuBrueler, CEO of Coldwell Banker Premier. “We’re seeing a shift toward smarter, more strategic moves. People want to build the right foundation before they buy—and that’s a good thing.”

This thoughtful approach is shaping how people move, invest, and build wealth across the Mid-Atlantic and beyond.

A Multi-State Commitment to the Dream

From the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia to the coastal communities of Delaware and Florida, Coldwell Banker Premier helps clients achieve homeownership with confidence. With more than 20 offices across six states, our brokerage blends local expertise with the global reach of the Coldwell Banker brand.

Our agents serve diverse communities every day—from historic towns like Winchester and Shepherdstown, to vibrant metro areas like Virginia Beach and Hagerstown, to scenic coastal markets like Rehoboth Beach and New Smyrna Beach.

Through innovative marketing, trusted guidance, and deep community roots, we help people move toward the life they want—wherever they are.

How We Empower Aspiring Homeowners

At Coldwell Banker Premier, we combine technology, insight, and personal service to help clients make informed decisions.

• Smart Tools: With proprietary resources like the Move Meter® and CB Estimate®, buyers and sellers can compare markets, track home values, and plan confidently.

• Expert Guidance: Our agents are backed by decades of experience and local knowledge across multiple regions and price points.

• Trusted Partnerships: From mortgage and title services to relocation and luxury programs, we provide full-service support from first showing to closing day.

The Future of the American Dream

The dream of owning a home isn’t fading—it’s transforming. It’s becoming more intentional, more strategic, and more personal than ever before. Looking ahead, Americans remain hopeful about reaching their goal of homeownership. Nearly two-thirds who don’t currently own a home (63%) say they would like to buy a home within the next five years, including 70% of Gen Z and 72% of Millennials.

At Coldwell Banker Premier, we’re proud to help lead that movement—empowering clients across Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Florida to turn their version of the American Dream into reality.

Homeownership isn’t just a milestone.

It’s a movement. Explore opportunities to buy, sell, or invest at PremierMove.com.

For more information on the Coldwell Banker 2025 American Dream Report, visit Blue Matter blog.

Survey Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Coldwell Banker from September 29 – October 1, 2025, among 3,068 adults ages 18+, including 885 aspiring homeowners (those who don’t currently own a home but would like to someday). The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within ±2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest.