General Real Estate News October 25, 2024

Navigating the 2025 Housing Market: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

What to Expect from the Housing Market in 2025

Curious about the 2025 housing market? Experts have an encouraging outlook, especially regarding two key factors: mortgage rates and home prices.

A Decline in Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates have risen recently, but experts predict a slight drop in 2025. This decline may not be steady, as it will depend on new economic data and inflation. Focus on the overall trend rather than short-term fluctuations.

Lower mortgage rates will improve affordability, lowering monthly payments and increasing your buying power. This change is likely to bring more buyers and sellers back into the market. Charlie Dougherty, Director and Senior Economist at Wells Fargo, states, “Lower financing costs will likely boost demand by pulling affordability-crunched buyers off of the sidelines.”

As demand rises, expect more inventory and increased competition among buyers. It’s a good time to get ahead. Work with your agent to understand how these rate changes affect demand in your area.

Modest Growth in Home Prices

While mortgage rates are expected to decline, home prices are projected to rise at a manageable rate. Experts estimate a national average increase of about 2.5% in 2025, much slower than the double-digit growth of previous years.

This price growth is driven by rising demand as more buyers enter the market. However, as sellers feel less “rate-locked,” supply should also increase. More buyers in a market with limited inventory will put upward pressure on prices. Thankfully, increased listings will help moderate this growth, leading to a healthier pace of appreciation.

These national trends may not hold true for local markets. Some areas may see faster price increases, while others might experience slower growth or slight declines. Lance Lambert, Co-Founder of ResiClub, notes, “Even if the national home price forecast for 2025 is correct, some regional markets could see mild declines, while others may appreciate.”

In regions where prices might level off or dip, past appreciation may soften the impact. Collaborating with a local real estate expert can provide insights specific to your market.

In Summary

With mortgage rates expected to decrease and home prices projected to rise at a moderate pace, 2025 looks promising for both buyers and sellers. If you have questions about how these trends could impact your plans, reach out to your Century 21 Integrity Group agent. They can help you navigate the market and seize upcoming opportunities.