re: The Average Retirement Savings By Age

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Our $100k home in 1996 is congruent with $250k home today at 3ish % inflation. However, the actual home price was $340k. I feel the point some are making about home affordability.

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There is something happening with lower middle class housing inventory. the so-called "starter home" is now a mobile home or DR Horton in many rural places. In urban centers, might be distressed condos or townhouses coming on the market.

But, expectations also went up - drastically - starting in the 1990s. For example, I grew up - initially in a 900 sq ft home built in the late 60s. In the mid-70s, we upgraded to a ~1800 sq ft home (3br/2ba - basic but nice) also built in the mid-late 60s. 20 years later, I bought my starter home, which was one of these same homes from the same era (mid-60s), about ~1800 sq ft, (3br/2ba - basic but nice).

I just don't know if there is money to be made building these sorts of home over the last 20, 25 years. Younger millenials and after are very spoiled and particular when it comes to housing expectations, even in their 20s. They expect 2800 square feet, 4 or more bedrooms, expensive finishes, appliances, etc., when they're shopping and are shocked to find these homes start in the high $300s (with some age and wear on them at that).

It's math.