What’s New (Nov 2025): Real Estate Market Snapshot

🔍 What’s New (Nov 2025): Real Estate Market Snapshot

📈 Existing-Home Sales Are Picking Up

• The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) reports that U.S. existing-home sales rose 1.2% in October 2025, bringing the seasonally adjusted annual rate to 4.10 million units — the highest monthly pace since February. GlobeNewswire+2Finance & Commerce+2

• That’s a 1.7% increase year-over-year. Finance & Commerce+1

• Inventory also increased — total inventory hit 1.52 million homes, a 10.9% rise versus October 2024. GlobeNewswire+1

What this suggests: More homes on the market + rising sale closings = signs of life after a sluggish period.

🏦 Mortgage Rates Easing (Again)

• New reporting from Freddie Mac shows the 30-year fixed mortgage rate sliding to 6.23%, down from 6.26% the prior week — providing a boost to affordability. AP News+1

• Analysts tie this drop to a decline in long-term Treasury yields and shifting expectations around interest rates. AP News+1

Why it matters: Even modest rate relief can increase buying power — giving prospective buyers in places like Jefferson County a renewed opening.

✂️ Price Reductions & Buyer Leverage Are Rising

• According to NAR’s 2026 outlook, many homes are seeing price cuts as listing times stretch: typical reductions range from ~5% (0–14 days on market) to ~13–14% for listings older than 120 days. National Association of REALTORS®+1

• Builders are feeling the pressure too. As of November 2025, ≈ 41% of U.S. homebuilders report they’ve cut prices on new homes (average discount ~6%) to stimulate demand. MarketWatch+1

Implication: The advantage is shifting slightly toward buyers — especially those willing to negotiate or act while pricing is softening.

📉 Buyer Hesitation & “Rate-Shock” Hangover Still Lingers

• Even with rate dips, many buyers remain cautious. Recent data from the brokerage community indicates that pending home-sale contracts have declined, with understandably conservative buyer behavior. Redfin+1

• Economic uncertainty and affordability pressure continue to chill demand, especially in higher-priced or lower-income buyer segments. MarketWatch+1

🔮 2026 Forecast: Modest Rebound, Not a Boom — But Opportunity Persists

• According to NAR economists, 2026 could bring a 14% jump in nationwide home sales, following a multi-year lull. The forecast also predicts ~4% median price appreciation, not a crash. National Association of REALTORS®

• Despite lingering challenges, supply gains, interest-rate stabilization, and pent-up demand could lay the groundwork for a healthier cycle in mid-sized markets. National Association of REALTORS®+2Coldwell Banker Blue Matter+2

🏡 What This Means for Jefferson County, WI & Nearby Markets

🔑 Strategic Takeaways for Local Buyers, Sellers & Investors

✅ For Buyers:

• Get pre-approved and monitor rates: 6.2–6.4% is far more manageable than last year’s peak.

• Watch listings closely — with inventory relatively strong, good homes may stay on longer (negotiation window open).

• Don’t wait for a “bargain basement” — price reductions are modest, but timing + readiness = advantage.

✅ For Sellers:

• Price realistically from the start; be prepared for potential reductions or negotiations if your home lingers.

• Stage and market strongly — when buyers have choices, presentation matters.

• Use the 2026 rebound window — momentum seems to be building for next year.

✅ For Investors:

• Look for discounted or new-build homes in your price range — builder incentives + price cuts = potential value.

• Model conservatively: even if sales rise in 2026, expect moderate growth — don’t count on rapid flips.

• Consider long-term holds in mid-size or undervalued communities — demand may gradually rise as affordability returns.

📩 How I Can Help You Navigate These Trends

If you’re in Jefferson, Fort Atkinson, Janesville, Watertown, Oconomowoc, or nearby — and you want a local, data-backed strategy for buying, selling, or investing — I’d be happy to run a custom market analysis for your ZIP code or neighborhood.

Contact: Century 21 Integrity Group
📧 integrity@sellzhomez.com
🌐 c21integritygroup.com

Let’s connect soon — timing and strategy will matter more than ever as we move into 2026