Navigating homeownership

Navigating homeownership panel (L to R):Jennifer Pratt, Stephanie Schumacher, Matt Skogman,Ann Roushar, Zach Kucharski(9/23/2026) Prospective homebuyers, both first-timers and "right-sizers," heard a lot to ponder Tuesday morning at the latest edition of the Cedar Rapids Gazette's Business Breakfast Series, held at the NewBo City Market. Realty, finance, and community development were represented on a panel hosted by the Gazette's Zach Kucharski. The owner-occupied housing market has not been impacted by the surge in data center construction workers the way the rental market has. Nevertheless, there are not enough houses available to meet demand, said Matt Skogman, vice president of sales at Skogman Homes. He estimated the currently available supply at 400 or 500 houses, about one-third of the number available 15 years ago. Average prices have jumped at the same time, so that today's new construction is smaller and on smaller lots, and need appealing features to compete with slightly…