There is plenty of blame going around about why potential homebuyers are still staying on the sidelines including persistent inflation, high interest rates, escalating oil prices, economic uncertainty and a national debt that has just surpassed $39 trillion.

Optimists are quick to point out that all of this is temporary, and the U.S. will soon get back on track. But even if some of those issues are resolved, the underlying problem remains. According to the National Association of Realtors:

• In 2019 people earning $50K could afford 27.8% of houses listed on the market. In 2025, that dropped to 8.7%.
• In 2019 people earning $75K per year could afford 48.8% of homes listed on the market. In 2025, that dropped to 21.2%.

In March, NAR, which predicted a 14% uptick in home sales in 2026, reported that February pending home sales registered a bleak -0.8% decrease compared to 2025.

Real estate professionals who are in the trenches everyday understand the challenges homebuyers face but often feel helpless to change the current reality.

• They cannot fix the wealth and income inequality
• They cannot stop investors from consuming starter home inventory
• They cannot overcome NIMBY opposition to building affordable homes

But as a consolidated group, real estate professionals, title agents, homebuilders, developers and lenders invested in the long-term health of their communities can do something.

Here are tactics that have proven fruitful in communities across the country.

Build a Coalition

Build a network of real estate professionals, urban planners, contractors, local nonprofits, and architects to pool expertise on strategies for creating affordable housing in your community.

Identify and support local organizations that are already involved in affordable housing projects, including Habitat for Humanity and other developers focused on affordable housing projects, assisting them with financing and zoning issues.

Support Local Reform and Initiatives

Work with local government to create new policies that allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and reduce minimum lot sizes to increase affordable options.

Become an advocate for Community Land Trusts (CLTs) and mixed-income developments to preserve affordability in areas that are undergoing regentrification.

Explore Investment and Development Opportunities

Recruit developers interested in addressing the “missing middle” of housing: starter homes, townhomes and multi-family units.

Work with local organizations whose mission is to renovate distressed properties to add to the affordable housing supply.

Investigate and support unexplored initiatives to convert underutilized commercial, office, or industrial space into residential housing.

Dwindling affordability does not bode well for anybody’s future in this industry. Those who have a stake in homeownership in their community must invest time and energy now.

Hope is not a strategy.

Hoping potential homebuyers will suddenly get rich enough to afford available housing stock, inflation will abate, interest rates will come down, the war will end, and gas prices will drop will not resolve the underlying problem.

Industry professionals who are willing to roll up their sleeves and get involved are the best way to ensure a stronger housing market for the future.

At FAN, we maintain the highest standards in providing title, escrow and closing services throughout Florida, and in addition, we are dedicated to collaborating locally with stakeholders to ensure future affordable housing stock for our neighbors. Contact us today to learn how we can help you with your next transaction.