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Will Our Kids Be Able to Afford Johnston County?
Dated: June 8 2026
Views: 444
Will Our Kids Be Able to Afford Johnston County?
Reflections from NC REALTORS® Legislative Meetings on Homeownership, Housing Affordability, and the Future of Our Communities
One of the questions I hear most often from clients today is:
"How are young people ever going to afford a home?"
It's a fair question.
Home prices have increased significantly over the past several years, interest rates remain higher than many buyers would like, and the path to homeownership feels more challenging than it did for previous generations.
It's a conversation I hear from parents, grandparents, first-time buyers, teachers, nurses, and young professionals throughout Johnston County and the greater Triangle area.
Last week, while attending NC REALTORS® Legislative Meetings in Raleigh, I learned that communities across North Carolina are asking many of the same questions.
As I listened to housing experts, economic development leaders, REALTORS®, and elected officials from across North Carolina, one thing became clear: there is no single solution.
But there was broad agreement that housing affordability is becoming one of the defining challenges facing our state.
One presentation — based on a recent statewide poll of North Carolina residents — highlighted a statistic that stopped me in my tracks. Nearly 64% of homeowners described their financial situation as good or excellent, compared to only 35% of non-homeowners.
Think about that for a moment.
Homeownership has long been one of the most effective ways families build financial stability over time. Through equity growth, appreciation, and predictable housing costs, owning a home often becomes the foundation for long-term wealth and financial security.
While homeownership isn't the right choice for everyone at every stage of life, the data continues to demonstrate something many of us already know: owning a home can be life-changing. Unfortunately, that opportunity is becoming harder to reach.
According to NAR's 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, the median age of a first-time homebuyer has climbed to 40 years old — up from just 28 in 1992. Here in Johnston County, median home prices have risen sharply over the past five years as Triangle buyers continue to look east for value. Meanwhile, housing costs across North Carolina continue to rise, while entry-level inventory remains tight. Many young families are finding themselves waiting longer to buy their first home, save for a down payment, or establish roots in the communities where they hope to build their lives.
This challenge extends beyond individual buyers. It affects the strength of our communities.
Teachers, nurses, firefighters, police officers, and other essential workers increasingly struggle to find housing they can afford in the communities they serve. When workforce housing becomes scarce, the effects ripple throughout our local economy, schools, businesses, and neighborhoods.
That same statewide poll also found that a meaningful number of younger North Carolinians are considering leaving the state because of housing costs — whether they are renting or hoping to buy. Rising housing expenses are placing increasing pressure on household budgets across all income levels.
That should concern all of us.
Strong communities depend on having opportunities for people at every stage of life. We need places where young professionals can launch their careers, where growing families can put down roots, and where longtime residents can continue to thrive.
One thing that encouraged me throughout the week was that these conversations were not partisan. Regardless of political affiliation, there was broad recognition that housing affordability and housing availability are real challenges facing North Carolina.
While there may be different opinions on the best solutions, there was a shared commitment to finding practical ways to support homeownership opportunities, strengthen communities, and encourage responsible growth.
During the week, I had the opportunity to meet with Representative Donna White and Senator Benton Sawrey — and in just a few weeks, I'll travel to Washington, D.C. to continue these conversations with our federal elected officials. We discussed many of the same issues we see every day here in Johnston County and throughout the Triangle: housing affordability, workforce housing, private property rights, economic development, and ensuring that growth is supported by the infrastructure and planning necessary for long-term success.
Like many volunteer leadership roles, traveling to Raleigh and D.C. requires time away from family, clients, and business responsibilities. Fortunately, I have incredible support from my family, my teammate Kim Hall, and my HomeTowne Realty family, who help make that possible.
Beyond the meetings themselves, one of the greatest benefits of participating in events like this is the opportunity to learn from people across North Carolina. While every community is unique, many of the challenges we face are shared. Bringing those ideas, perspectives, and lessons back home helps me better serve my clients and stay informed about the issues shaping our local market.
What encouraged me most was that these conversations weren't about politics.
They were about people.
They were about ensuring that teachers, firefighters, nurses, police officers, young families, and future generations have the same opportunities that many of us have enjoyed through homeownership.
I continue to invest that time because I believe these conversations matter.The decisions being made today will shape the opportunities available tomorrow.
I want my children — and someday their children — to have the opportunity to live, work, and build a life in Johnston County if they choose. I want your children and grandchildren to have those same opportunities.
I want them to be able to buy a home, raise a family, build wealth, and become part of the next generation of homeowners in the communities they love.
Homeownership has always been about more than a house.
It's about opportunity.
And that's something worth protecting.
I'd love to hear your thoughts. What do you think is the biggest challenge facing homeownership today?
Samantha DiGiovanni
Samantha DiGiovanni is a Broker and Team Leader with The Sam DiGiovanni Team and HomeTowne Realty in Clayton NC. Sam relocated to North Carolina in 2010, with her husband and two kids and she has fall....
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