Affordability ups and downs
But rather than do my own crunching this time, I've graphed the Maryland Association of Realtors' first-time homebuyer affordability index, which tries to measure whether a typical first-timer could afford the typical "starter" home. (The group, relying on survey data, assumes a first-timer's median household income is 57 percent of all buyers and a starter home is 85 percent of the median home price.)
If the affordability index hits 100, it means that first-time buyer has enough income for the starter home. If the index is, say, 50, the buyer has only half the income needed. Here's how the index has changed in recent years:
And here's a look at the last several quarters:
Naturally, your experience may vary. Feel free to chime in.
Interested in the Realtors' methodology? See it here.
Sign up for the At Home newsletter 
