KCMO Realtor’s Big Goal: 1,000 New Black Homeowners by 2026
Homeownership remains a cornerstone of the American Dream, but for many in Kansas City, Missouri, the path to getting keys to their first home is growing longer. Local realtor Tenesia Brown of Keys Realty Group is actively working to bridge this gap, particularly within the Black community, with an ambitious goal to reach 1,000 new Black homeowners by 2026.
Navigating KCMO’s Evolving Housing Market
The journey to homeownership is more complex than ever. Nationally, the average age of a first-time home buyer has climbed to an all-time high of 40 years old, according to the National Association of Realtors. This trend is mirrored by a record low of just 21% of all homebuyers being first-timers. These statistics underscore significant hurdles, including fluctuating interest rates and escalating property values, making the dream feel increasingly out of reach for many.
From Renter to Homeowner: Shay Moore’s KCMO Story
Shay Moore, a familiar voice on Power 105.1 FM, exemplifies the changing dynamics. Having lived in six states and worked at eleven radio stations, homeownership wasn’t a priority until her decade-long residency in Kansas City. “It’s what folks call the American Dream,” Moore shared, expressing a desire to be part of it. She noted the dramatic increase in rental costs, stating that a three-bedroom townhome in Lee’s Summit, once affordable, is “not anymore. Things have gotten really out of control.” Despite initial concerns over interest rates and price points, Moore has found that “you can still get an affordable home” in Kansas City, fueling her determination to buy.
Tenesia Brown’s Vision: Closing the Homeownership Gap
For the past seven years, Tenesia Brown, CEO of Keys Realty Group, has been dedicated to demystifying the homebuying process. Her driving goal is impactful: to assist 1,000 Black individuals in becoming first-time homeowners. Brown poses a crucial question, “Why not?” highlighting the significant disparity in homeownership rates. She attributes this gap to a lack of education and insufficient access to essential resources, underscoring the importance of her work in empowering the community with the knowledge and tools needed to invest in their futures.
Steady Progress Towards a Significant Milestone
Brown’s dedication is yielding tangible results. Earlier this year, she had already guided 880 clients through their first home purchases. In a relatively short period, that number has grown to 887, bringing her just 103 clients away from her 1,000-homeowner goal. Brown expresses confidence that 2026 will be the year this ambitious milestone is achieved, stating, “We’re gonna get there. We’re not stopping.” Her success is rooted in providing realistic advice, ensuring clients understand that they “have to start where you can afford” and emphasizing the importance of not being “house rich and pocket poor.”
The demand for Keys Realty Group’s services saw a notable surge during the pandemic, a period marked by lower interest rates that encouraged many to pursue homeownership. Brown’s strategic guidance and unwavering commitment are pivotal for individuals like Shay Moore, who are poised to unlock the benefits of property ownership in Kansas City.
Understanding Homeownership: National Trends vs. Local Efforts
| Category | National Landscape | Tenesia Brown’s KCMO Initiative |
|---|---|---|
| First-Time Buyer Average Age | 40 years (all-time high) | — |
| First-Time Buyer Percentage | 21% (record low) | Focused on increasing Black homeownership |
| Target for Black Homeowners | — | 1,000 |
| Homeowners Assisted to Date | — | 887 |
| Projected Completion Year | — | 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Homeownership in Kansas City
- What is Tenesia Brown’s primary objective?
Tenesia Brown, through Keys Realty Group, aims to help 1,000 Black individuals in the Kansas City area become first-time homeowners. - What challenges do first-time homebuyers face nationally?
The average age for a first-time buyer is 40, and only 21% of all homebuyers are first-timers, indicating difficulties like rising costs and interest rates. - When is Brown expected to achieve her goal?
She anticipates reaching her goal of 1,000 new Black homeowners by 2026. - What is Tenesia Brown’s key advice for aspiring homeowners?
She advises clients to buy what they can truly afford, ensuring they are not “house rich and pocket poor,” and emphasizes the importance of education and leveraging available resources.
As Tenesia Brown and Keys Realty Group continue to empower individuals and families, their efforts are not just about transactions; they’re about building generational wealth and strengthening the fabric of the Kansas City community, proving that with the right support, the American Dream of homeownership is attainable.
KCMO Realtor Fuels Black Homeownership Goal
