Own Early 219 Launches Initiative to Help Young Residents Achieve Homeonwership Before 40
- Frank Ruvoli
- Feb 2
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 2
As the average age of first-time homebuyers in the United States
reaches nearly 40 years old, a new local initiative is aiming to
change the trajectory for the next generation.
Own Early 219, a community-focused homeownership education
campaign created by The Ruvoli Group, a Century 21 Circle real
estate team, officially launches this month with the introduction
of the #Before40Homeowner Pledge — a voluntary commitment
designed to help younger individuals and families prepare earlier
for purchasing their first home.
According to the National Association of Realtors® 2025 Profile of
Home Buyers and Sellers, the median age of first-time buyers has
climbed from 33 to 40 over the past decade. Industry experts cite
rising home prices, student debt, lack of financial education, and
uncertainty about the buying process as primary contributors.
“People aren’t waiting longer because they don’t want to own,”
said Frank Ruvoli, founder of The Ruvoli Group. “They’re waiting
because no one ever taught them how to prepare. Own Early
exists to close that education gap.”
A Movement Focused on Preparation, Not Pressure
Unlike traditional real estate marketing, Own Early 219 is not
centered on immediate home purchases. Instead, the campaign
focuses on long-term education and clarity — helping
participants understand credit, budgeting, savings, mortgage
basics, and realistic timelines.
The #Before40Homeowner Pledge invites residents to publicly
commit to learning and planning for homeownership, regardless
of whether they plan to buy now or within the next several years.
Participants who take the pledge receive:
Access to the Own Early First-Time Homebuyer Toolkit
Educational resources and workshops
A shareable digital pledge badge
Invitations to community events and seminars
Optional one-on-one planning support through the First-Time Homebuyer Accelerator
“There is no pressure to buy,” Ruvoli emphasized. “This is about
empowerment. We can’t control interest rates or market
conditions — but we can help people control how prepared they
are when opportunity comes.”
Local Impact with Long-Term Vision
The Own Early 219 campaign is designed specifically for Northwest Indiana residents, with plans to partner with schools, employers, local organizations, and housing advocates to expand access to education around homeownership.
The initiative aims to help younger residents:
Understand what it actually takes to buy a home
Avoid costly financial mistakes
Build confidence and realistic timelines
Turn the idea of ownership into a clear plan
By encouraging preparation earlier in adulthood, organizers hope
to reverse the growing delay in first-time homeownership and
strengthen long-term community stability.
How to Participate
Residents can learn more and take the free pledge by visiting:
The campaign encourages participants to share their commitment using the hashtag: #Before40Homeowner
About Own Early 219
Own Early 219 is a homeownership education movement created by The Ruvoli Group to help younger individuals and familiesprepare earlier for buying their first home. Through education, planning tools, and community support, Own Early empowers residents to make informed decisions and pursue homeownership with confidence — on their timeline, not the market’s.
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