Claiming the Keys: How Education Is Empowering the Next Generation of Homebuyers

Part of the American dream is owning your own home. You graduate from college, find a good job, and the goal is to eventually buy your first house. It sounds like a simple plan and something that is very achievable, but with everything going on in today's economy, that dream has become a little more challenging. With that being said, it's not impossible. According to the 2026 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report from the National Association of Realtors, 35% of Gen Z buyers were single females—the highest share among all generations. More and more young women are no longer waiting and are taking homeownership into their own hands, just like Laura Acosta, who recently purchased a home. With the right resources, education, and discipline, homeownership is very possible, and young women are making it happen.

I had the opportunity to speak with Laura Acosta, a Gen Z mother who made her dream of becoming a homeowner a reality. As the mother of a four-year-old son, Acosta wanted to provide him with a stable home where he could grow up. As with any new venture, it can be scary stepping into new territory. In the beginning, Acosta was surprised by the initial financial requirements, but with help and guidance, she was able to overcome her concerns.

A major stress reliever for Acosta was finding someone she could trust to help guide her through the process. As a former JPMorganChase employee, Acosta knew exactly whom to turn to: Jane Lach. Lach is a Senior Home Lending Advisor at Chase Bank. She has ten years of experience in home lending, covering the Greater Cincinnati area. Her office is currently located in West Chester, Ohio, but she also serves branches across the river in Kentucky. Lach works with many first-time homebuyers. Recently, Cincinnati was ranked the sixth most active metro area for Gen Z homebuyers. When asked about the trends she is seeing among Gen Z buyers, Lach said, "They are more comfortable and confident when it comes to home buying."

Education is the overarching theme that Lach emphasized. When it comes to the homebuying process, there are many misconceptions. "One of the biggest ones is, 'How much do I need to put down?' Like, what is the minimum amount that I can put down? I think a lot of people are like, 'I don't have 20%, so I shouldn't try at all,' and that's not the case," Lach said. Taking the time to research and speak with a professional will help clear up any questions a first-time homebuyer may have. Developing good financial habits is a great start if you are preparing to buy a house in the next few years. Understanding your finances and how credit works early—especially if you are Gen Z—can put you in a good financial position for the future.

"Education around credit is probably one of the biggest pieces. You get access to credit starting at 18 years old. You need credit for a lot of things, not just buying a house," she said. She continued, "Really getting educated and knowing, when you apply for things, ask, 'How is it going to affect me in the future?'"

Chase Bank knows the importance of education and makes it a priority to help its customers. Lach stated, "We do homebuyer seminars, we have resources available to help with affordability payments, and we help pair clients with homebuyer assistance programs that are available locally." She continued, ""We also, in certain areas, have grants for eligible homebuyers that are either $2,500 or $5,000.”

In addition to serving its customers, Chase Bank offers publicly available resources such as the Homebuyer Assistance Finder, which helps prospective homebuyers identify local assistance programs and grants, including opportunities available through organizations outside of Chase.

Fortunately for Acosta, she knew she was in good hands with Chase Bank, and when things felt a little overwhelming, she had Jane Lach to turn to, giving her the tools and knowledge she needed to make well-informed decisions. As a young mother who achieved her goal of owning her own home, she encourages others—especially young women—to do their research and educate themselves before making major financial decisions.

Acosta looks back on her journey and remembers the joy she felt the moment she received the call telling her she got the house and the excitement of sharing the news with her parents. It is a memory she will never forget and one she will cherish forever.