Sisters become neighbors in WeBuild Concord homes
CONCORD — A home dedication ceremony in Concord last week celebrated more than new townhomes in the historic Logan neighborhood — it highlighted a shift in who is achieving homeownership locally.
Sisters Shaakira Mierez, 26, and Kristina Watson, 22, were recognized following the dedication of their neighboring homes in the Lincoln Street Townhomes development, a project led by nonprofit WeBuild Concord. Watson, at 22, is now the youngest homeowner in the organization's history.
Their milestone stands in contrast to national trends. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median age of a first-time homebuyer in 2025 was 40, while the median age of all buyers reached 59. By comparison, WeBuild Concord reports an average homeowner age of 32 this program year, with more than 57% of its buyers under 30.
For Mierez, the moment represents stability for her young family.
"I appreciate being able to create stability and generational wealth," she said. "It means a lot to my daughter and me to achieve homeownership at such a young age."
Her path to ownership came with unusual circumstances. Mierez gave birth to her daughter just two days before her scheduled closing. Attorneys with Bright Law-University completed the closing process while she was still in the hospital — a first for the organization.
Watson said homeownership at her age off ers a foundation for the future.
"Owning a home at a young age allows me to build roots in this community," she said. "It's taking a step toward building a future and a legacy for my family."
The sisters' homes are part of the Lincoln Street Townhomes, described as the largest community development project in more than 50 years in the Logan neighborhood. Leaders say the project reflects a broader effort to expand access to affordable housing while revitalizing a historic area.
WeBuild Concord CEO Dr. Patrick Graham said younger homeowners like Mierez and Watson represent the impact the organization hopes to make.
"Developing a legacy at this age is essential to economic mobility," Graham said. "The stories of people like Shaakira and Kristina are the fuel we need to change lives and provide opportunities."
As the ceremony concluded, the sisters stood outside their side-by-side homes — symbols, organizers said, of both personal achievement and a growing local trend that challenges national norms.
