For most people in America, one of the key signs of financial maturity and achievement is purchasing a home. Many consider owning property to be a key part of the American Dream. The people of Buffalo and Western New York are not exempt from those desires, and, believe it or not; it is more likely to achieve the American Dream here in the 716 as opposed to many other places in the United States.

Even though Buffalo and WNY have the hottest housing market in the entire country, Buffalo still remains one of the most affordable places to buy a home in America. Yes, it's a little more difficult to become a homeowner than in years past, but it's still absolutely achievable for most people.

READ MORE: Community Groups Demand Help With Housing Quality in Buffalo, NY

If 2024 is going to be the year you become a homeowner, then now is the time to get to work. There are plenty of good starter homes all over the 716 that you can make your first purchase, but what is a starter home, and where do you find them?

What Is A Starter Home?

The National Association of REALTORS says that the typical homeowner in America will own four houses in their lifetime and stay in each of those homes for an average of 13 years. The average length of housing tenure, the time a person stays in their house before they sell it, in Buffalo is a little longer at 16 years.

READ MORE: You Can Own This Amazing Victorian Home Today

However, before you can close on your fourth house, you have to get into your first house, which is often a starter home:

A starter home is a home that would need a little more TLC, renovations, and improvements. I consider it a stepping stone into home ownership due to lower price points compared to bigger or more luxury homes. The average price for starter home is between $150,000 to $175,000 in Western New York.
-Tamika Collins-Murphy, Associate Broker & Partner at MMB Realty Group

For many, the starter home is where it all starts: building wealth and learning how to be a successful homeowner. Those lessons help you to prepare for your forever home.

Check Out These 5 Houses That Can Be Considered Starter Homes

Even though we have historically low housing inventory, if you look around websites like Zillow or Trulia, you will see tons of houses for sale. Many of those houses fall into the starter home category. Check out a few options below:

5 Starter Homes You Can Buy Right Now In Erie and Niagara County, New York

Buffalo has the hottest housing market in the nation, and if you're looking to move from renting to owning, then here are a few options for you to check out. 

Gallery Credit: Ed Nice

These Non-Profit Agencies Can Help You Get Started On The Journey To Buy a House

If you think you're in the market to buy a house, several non-profit agencies in Western New York will help you for free. Many of these organizations also have financial assistance like grants to help you if you're a little short on funds.

You can find out more information about first-time homebuyer programs here.

Beautiful Victorian House In Allentown For Sale

The housing market in Buffalo and Western New York is booming and there are tons of great houses on the market to check out, like this gem in Allentown, just a few steps from Kleinhans Music Hall in Buffalo

Gallery Credit: Ed Nice

Massive Grand Island Hotel Available For Sale

A former 263-room hotel on Grand Island with amazing views of the Niagara River is on the market waiting for you to snatch it up.

Gallery Credit: Ed Nice

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