For years, I struggled to find my first home, never anticipating the hurdles that lay ahead. One unexpected obstacle is something that former President Donald Trump is attempting to address through a recent presidential order signed on January 20th.
I’m a 30-something living in Marco Island, Florida. This area has beautiful beaches and a rich history, which makes it a hot spot for homebuyers. Unsurprisingly, prices have surged, with typical homes now going for low six figures and many exceeding $1 million. This trend is particularly challenging for young families seeking affordable housing.
Adding to the difficulty is the fact that a significant number of houses are listed as short-term rentals. In Marco Island, about one in four homes falls into this category. These were initially meant for first-time buyers like myself, but they’re effectively off the market. While many are owned by individuals renting out their older homes, others are controlled by large institutional investors from places like New York City.
These companies are essentially not part of the community, yet they continue to acquire homes at alarming rates. This is especially problematic given our area’s recovery from the devastating hurricane in 2017. According to reports, my county has become a hotspot—perhaps even the most active—in the nation for such investors. This creates serious challenges for those of us looking to buy.
Institutional investors tend to undercut local buyers. It’s simple supply and demand: with so many potential buyers but fewer homes available due to these companies making the initial purchases, prices inevitably climb. It’s a troubling cycle that’s been ongoing for the last decade.
Moreover, these investors often buy homes outright with cash, making it nearly impossible for average individuals to compete. Even if we offer the same price, homeowners typically prefer an all-cash deal. I get it; it’s less risky, and homeowners want their money quickly. But how can a regular person compete with Wall Street?
In 2021, I made several offers, but none were accepted. I’ve always been willing to bid competitively, yet I eventually abandoned the idea of a single-family home and opted for a small condo instead. Unfortunately, this landscape has only worsened as more institutional buyers flood in. I know plenty of locals—landscapers, waitstaff, fishing guides—who are struggling even to find a condo, which is just disheartening.
This situation has escalated alarmingly. Back in 2011, there weren’t any investors with over 1,000 single-family homes in the U.S. Fast forward less than 15 years, and the top five firms alone own more than 300,000 homes. And it’s not just isolated to places like Marco Island.
In cities like Atlanta, large investment firms own about 25% of the homes. In Jacksonville, it’s around 21%. As of 2022, there were 12 major U.S. cities where investors held over 10% of the housing stock, and that number has only grown as affordability issues have worsened. By the second quarter of 2025, it was reported that one in three new homes purchased in the U.S. were bought by investors, which feels like a severe blow to those of us looking to buy.
Is there any glimmer of hope for prospective homebuyers like me? Perhaps. Trump’s recent executive order could lead to federal regulations aimed at protecting everyday buyers from institutional influence. His statement, “People live in their homes, not their businesses,” resonates deeply. It’s encouraging to see him explore options for reform.
However, critics—especially those from Wall Street—suggest that cracking down on institutional investors won’t significantly reduce home prices. While that might hold in areas without investor presence, it certainly doesn’t apply to places like Marco Island. Increasing the available housing stock could, theoretically, lead to price stabilization, or at the very least less rapid increases. Starting to limit how much of the single-family market institutional investors can control seems like a sensible first step towards addressing this crisis.
One thing is clear: individuals like me desperately need support. We’re not looking for handouts; we just want the opportunity to secure a home. It’s frustrating to feel outmatched by billion-dollar companies. I genuinely appreciate President Trump’s efforts to reduce their hold on the market and fight for the average American. It’s a start, and hopefully there’s more to come.
