The conversation around homeownership has never been more critical. With skyrocketing prices, stagnant wages, and a generation feeling increasingly locked out of the housing market, it’s easy to feel hopeless. But there are voices, like Delaware-based real estate agent Zachary Foust, that provide clarity, guidance, and practical steps for navigating today’s challenging landscape.
On the Foreclosure.com podcasts, Zach shared insights from his journey from the military to real estate success, as well as observations on how younger generations can still carve a path to homeownership.
Zach’s story begins far from the housing market. “I got into the military when I was 17 years old,” he recalls. After serving overseas in Afghanistan and spending six years with the Army National Guard, Zach transitioned into law enforcement. Yet it wasn’t until a real estate agent encouraged him to leverage his personality and get licensed that he found his calling.
“I ignored her a few times until finally getting my license and getting into real estate,” Zach says.
His career took off quickly, earning Rookie of the Year at Keller Williams in 2016 and building the No. 1 team in southern Delaware. From speaking on stages with Tom Ferry to interviewing Grant Cardone, Zach became a recognizable figure in real estate circles.
But 2022 marked a turning point. “Nobody can afford a home anymore,” he notes. “Advice doesn’t really work anymore, and we have an entire generation that seemingly is being ignored because they do not have financial strength at this point and have no power in politics to make actual palpable change.” Zach’s focus shifted to helping younger buyers navigate a market that feels increasingly stacked against them.
When asked about the root causes of the housing affordability crisis, Zach was frank:
“Greed is what's happening. We are seeing consistent and constant greed from corporate capitalists and brokers, as well as the billionaires and oligarchs that are running our government.”
He highlights how legislative changes, such as the Citizens United ruling, have given lobbying immense influence, leaving everyday buyers with little leverage. The consequences are clear: wages lag behind costs, affordable housing remains scarce, and investor activity dominates the market.
“One out of three homes is being bought by an investor,” Zach notes. “Greed is keeping affordable housing off the market because it’s the best thing to cash flow.”
The result is a market where first-time buyers face enormous challenges. Zach compares it to a gladiator fight:
“The first-time homebuyer is just tethered into this country trying to win, and they’re going out time and time again just getting beaten in the face by boomers, retirees, and investors.”
Despite these challenges, Zach emphasizes practical steps that can help younger buyers prepare for homeownership, even if it’s years down the line. He outlines four essential areas to focus on:
He stresses that income is the biggest bottleneck:
“The National Association of Realtors said a starter home right now costs $360,000+ on median in America. That takes a $108,000 median income a year to afford.”
Zach highlights that younger generations, particularly Gen Z, are facing unique pressures. “We have 10% unemployment for those that don’t have a degree, and 9.4% if you do. 51% of people under 27 are underemployed,” he explains. Despite hard work and qualifications, the rewards promised by previous generations often fail to materialize.
“The median first-time homebuyer age is now 38 and climbing. In 1999, over 50% of under-30 adults were married and had a house. Now it’s 12%.”
The American Dream, once attainable by the early 30s, is increasingly delayed, leaving many young adults frustrated and disillusioned.
While the market is challenging, Zach sees opportunity in distressed and off-market segments:
“Short sales are going to become a lot more prevalent—not 2008 level—but there are going to be people who simply can’t afford to upkeep their homes anymore.”
Platforms like Foreclosure.com provide access to these off-market listings, giving younger buyers a potential path forward. He also emphasizes the importance of financial literacy:
“Education and data are so important for people that are searching for a home.”
Despite the obstacles, Zach offers encouragement and focus:
“There’s always going to be hard times. You have to focus on what you can do next because curling up in a ball isn’t going to help.”
His advice for younger buyers centers on self-awareness, financial literacy, and intentional planning. He shares an actionable framework: examine your finances, understand your emotions, and focus on growth.
He recommends books like Think and Grow Rich and Miracle Morning to build habits and mindset that prepare for opportunity. Moreover, Zach predicts a cultural shift:
“In the next five years, we are going to see Gen Z absolutely tear the old grind-to-survive model to shreds because they do not want to side hustle themselves to death.”
Unlike past generations, today’s buyers face a fundamentally different reality where smart planning, not just hard work, is key.
Zach’s perspective is rooted not in pessimism, but realism. He urges buyers, parents, and policymakers alike to recognize structural challenges in housing and act:
“We need forms within our administration, economic forms that are put together to say housing affordability is a crisis. How do we solve it?”
Even with systemic barriers, he sees paths forward through education, understanding market dynamics, and exploring alternative routes to homeownership. As he sums it up:
“Understanding the truths, understanding the facts, our history, is the start of us being able to have a grounded conversation on what can change. Then we can work toward solutions—step by step, person by person.”
Zachary Foust’s insights remind us that although the housing market may seem overwhelming, preparation, education, and strategy can still give younger buyers a fighting chance. Gen Z might face tougher odds, but with the right mindset and tools, homeownership remains attainable.
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