Millennials are leaving the basement

[Hersh M.]

Opinion: Millennials are about to kick-start a home-buying boom

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/millennials-are-a...

Does anyone buy this theory? Do you see this happening around you? Will it affect your business decisions? 

[Michael Boyer]

I hope so. I see lots of these folks as a college teacher...pretty much watched this generation for some time and tried to get them into things like investing in index funds or stocks in my business class and I highlight the economic advantage of home buying... 

They like the idea. Fewer pull the trigger. Perhaps risk averse or just really careful (or just plain broke)...

I think ability is lacking in home buying. Strapped with student loan debt and fewer job prospects, it is harder.  I also see financial education and personal management skills lacking some.. Just not in the curriculum in the school system.So I try to help some  with financial and even soft skills or they may not get employed or able to save money.

It seems they are ok in the basement until they meet someone, then we have classic "family formation" driving the home buying. Even if adult kids in the basement is a norm, adult kids with families in the basement is still not in my view.

As the generation gets employed, forms families, and is able to save the downpayment, I think they will buy in many markets, they are just delayed some in my view by economic and other factors...