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CENTURY 21 Affiliated Announces Strategic Partnership with CMG Financial and Welcomes Greg Harkleroad as Joint Venture Division Sales Manager
Madison, WI – June 26, 2025 – CENTURY 21 Affiliated is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with CMG Financial, a top five privately held mortgage lender in the U.S., and the appointment of Greg Harkleroad (NMLS ID# 427611) as the Joint Venture Division Sales Manager to lead this exciting collaboration.
This partnership represents our continued commitment to delivering a seamless and exceptional home-buying experience for our clients across the Midwest and West Coast. With CMG’s innovative lending platform and long-standing reputation for excellence, combined with CENTURY 21 Affiliated’s position as a leading real estate franchise, we are poised to provide unmatched service and support to our buyers and agents.
“We are thrilled to announce our relationship with CMG Financial,” said Dan Kruse, CEO of CENTURY 21 Affiliated. “After extensively researching mortgage partners, we found CMG to be best-in-class when it comes to technology, customer experience, and agent support. By aligning with a lender of their caliber, we are confident this partnership will significantly elevate the home-buying journey for our clients.”
At the helm of this new joint venture is Greg Harkleroad, who brings nearly 40 years of mortgage experience and a proven track record of leadership, team building, and business growth. His passion for helping individuals achieve homeownership and his commitment to Realtor collaboration make him the ideal leader for this initiative.
“Greg brings decades of mortgage expertise to the venture,” said Sam Bell, President of Brokerage, CENTURY 21 Affiliated. “He has built numerous winning teams and is dedicated to supporting our agents and buyers at every step of the home financing process. We are excited to have him onboard.”
Greg’s approach to leadership centers around strategic hiring, coaching, and fostering strong relationships with real estate professionals to ensure a purchase-focused, service-driven mortgage experience.
“A strong Realtor-lender partnership is the foundation for delivering exceptional service,” said Harkleroad. “I’m excited to collaborate with CENTURY 21 Affiliated to bring that vision to life.”
With this partnership, CENTURY 21 Affiliated continues to prioritize innovation, support, and growth across its markets in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Southern California, offering agents and clients access to an experienced lending team, in-house technology, and personalized mortgage solutions.
For more information, please contact Greg Harkleroad at gregh@cmgfi.com or (513) 617-4407.
About CMG Financial
CMG Financial is a well-capitalized mortgage lender founded in 1993 by Christopher M. George, a former Mortgage Bankers Association Chairman. CMG makes its products and services available to the market through three distinct origination channels: retail lending, wholesale lending, and correspondent lending. CMG also operates eight joint venture companies with builder & realtor partners, holds an impressive MSR/servicing portfolio, and serves the capital markets of fixed income trading & sales through CMG Securities. CMG currently operates in all states, including District of Columbia, and holds approvals with FNMA, FHLMC, and GNMA. The company is consistently recognized as a top-producing lender and top mortgage employer, and it prides itself on helping clients achieve the dream of homeownership through product innovation and streamlined servicing.
About CENTURY 21 Affiliated Real Estate LLC
CENTURY 21 Affiliated is a member of multiple listings services in California, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin with over 1,400 sales professionals and 60+ offices. CENTURY 21 Affiliated also specializes in worldwide relocation. At CENTURY 21 Affiliated, the customer comes first. The complete commitment to this philosophy is what has made CENTURY 21 Affiliated such a powerful force in the real estate industry. CENTURY 21 Affiliated has been ranked the number one CENTURY 21® franchise in the world for eleven years in a row. Visit C21Affiliated.com to learn more.
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Stronger Together: Local Real Estate Teams Unite Under CENTURY 21 Affiliated
NILES, Ml – [June 24, 2025] – A new chapter in Niles real estate begins as Integrity Real Estate Professionals officially join the CENTURY 21 Affiliated family. This exciting change follows Horizon Realty Group’s affiliation earlier this year.
As part of this transition, Brian Floor will be stepping away from his leadership role and resuming his position as a full-time Realtor®, continuing to serve clients with the same care and dedication he’s known for. Kyle Zelmer will lead the office moving forward as Managing Broker, bringing together the teams from Horizon Realty Group, Integrity Real Estate Professionals, and CENTURY 21 Affiliated.
“This change represents the best of what each team brings to the table,” said Kyle Zelmer. “We’re combining experience, strong community ties, and a shared commitment to putting our clients, agents, and community first. We’re all working together to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.”
Clients can expect continued excellence, familiar faces, and improved tools and resources to make their real estate experience even better. All three teams are committed to supporting one another and the broader Niles community as this new venture moves forward.
“I’m excited to return my full focus to serving clients,” said Brian Floor. “This new structure allows me to do what I love—helping people buy and sell homes—while knowing the leadership is in great hands with Kyle.”
About CENTURY 21 Affiliated
CENTURY 21 Affiliated is a member of multiple listings services in California, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, with over 1,400+ sales professionals and 60+ offices. CENTURY 21 Affiliated also specializes in worldwide relocation. At CENTURY 21 Affiliated, the customer comes first. The complete commitment to this philosophy has made CENTURY 21 Affiliated such a powerful force in the real estate industry. CENTURY 21 Affiliated has been ranked the No. 1 CENTURY 21® franchise worldwide for eleven years in a row. Visit C2Affiliated.com to learn more.
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America’s Richest Self-Made Woman, Billionaire Diane Hendricks, and Daughter Konya Hendricks Schuh Take on Hometown Revitalization in New Daytime Docuseries
“BETTING ON BELOIT”
New Home Renovation and Design Series Premieres July 12 at 1 pm ET/PT on A&E, Part of the Network’s Lifestyle Daytime Programming Block
Trailer HERE
NOTE: Konya Hendricks Schuh and Connor Fox are licensed real estate agents with CENTURY 21 Affiliated.
LOS ANGELES – (June 11, 2025) – America’s richest self-made woman, Diane Hendricks (#1 on the Forbes “Richest Self-Made Women” list the last eight consecutive years) is betting big on the town integral to her family’s success. The series chronicles the billionaire entrepreneur and her driven, accomplished daughter Konya Hendricks Schuh’s mission to revitalize Beloit, Wisconsin – once ranked as the state’s “worst city to live in” by USA Today.
Premiering Saturday, July 12, with back-to-back episodes at 1pm and 1:30pm ET/PT on A&E, Betting on Beloit airs as part of the network’s lifestyle daytime programming block. Episodes will also be available the next day on A&E’s website and on-demand.
Rising from humble beginnings to owning the largest wholesale construction supplier in the nation, Diane settled in the area in the 1970s and became a titan of industry – and one of Beloit’s biggest employers – helping build up the region as an industrial epicenter where thousands flocked to achieve the American dream. While Diane’s headquarters remained local, the 1990s saw too many industrial employers move overseas, forcing many residents of Beloit to find opportunity elsewhere. Determined to restore Beloit to its former glory, Diane has spent the last several decades working to improve the city through major economic development efforts. In addition to building a new stadium and school, hotels and multiple restaurants, Diane revitalized the entire industrial riverfront, finding new uses for the once-abandoned factory buildings.
Now, Diane has tasked Konya, a sharp real estate broker with a passion for design and a deep connection to the city, with leading the next phase of the revitalization effort.
Betting on Beloit follows Konya and her dynamic team – which includes her husband Matt (a plumbing contractor and former home builder), good friend and project manager Pete, and her realtor nephew Connor, as well as local artisans and designer friends Kristin and Mitch – as they purchase, restore and reimagine historic homes throughout Beloit’s storied neighborhoods.
With her mother financing this ambitious venture, the stakes are high for Konya and her team as they try to achieve their collective mission: to turn once-neglected properties into vibrant dream homes for individuals and families ready to plant new roots in Beloit. With grit, heart and a whole lot of Midwest spirit, they’re not just flipping houses—they’re rebuilding their community, one home at a time.
Tune in to all 12 episodes to get an inside look at the vision, challenges and triumphs of a bold revitalization journey that proves the American dream is still alive – and rooted in places you might not expect.
Betting on Beloit is produced by Wheelhouse’s Butternut, with Courtney White, Konya Hendricks Schuh, Rachel Sobel, Russ Friedman, Will Nothacker, Frank Carlisi and Tim Grady serving as executive producers.
About A&E
A&E leads the cultural conversation through high-quality, original programming that captivates viewers and brings them to the heart of the stories that matter. Through its distinctive brand of award-winning non-fiction and documentary programming, A&E always makes entertainment an art. For more press information and photography, please visit press.aegm.com. A&E is a division of A+E Global Media (aegm.com), a joint venture of the Disney-ABC Television Group and Hearst Corporation.
About Butternut
Lifestyle production company Butternut is run by lauded producer and executive Courtney White, formerly president of Food Network and general manager of HGTV. A joint venture with Wheelhouse launched in 2022, Butternut creates original food, home and other lifestyle content for all platforms, working with a range of established, emerging and home-grown talent. The company’s current slate includes Next Baking Master: Paris (Food Network); Giada In My Kitchen (Prime Video); Cookie, Cupcake, Cake (Hulu/A&E); Last Bite Hotel (Food Network); Divided by Design (HGTV) and Celebrity Family Food Battle(Roku), executive produced and starring Sofia Vergara, plus other series on deck for launch later this year.
About Konya Hendricks Schuh
With more than two decades of experience in real estate development, sales and construction, Konya Hendricks Schuh brings a deep understanding of the industry and a long-standing commitment to community revitalization. The daughter of Diane Hendricks – co-founder of ABC Supply and one of America’s most influential business leaders – Konya has long been immersed in the business of building, transforming and investing in communities. Sharing in her parents’ devotion to Beloit, Konya has played a key role in numerous projects that have contributed to the city’s ongoing growth and renewal.
As a real estate broker, she specializes in residential and new construction properties, helping clients navigate the market with a designer’s eye and a developer’s mindset. For each project, Konya runs point on all decisions, big and small, and leads the design process with a focus on honoring each home’s history and style while elevating spaces with modern touches.
Konya serves as the secretary and treasurer of the Hendricks Family Foundation, where she helps guide philanthropic initiatives focused on education, workforce development and economic opportunity. She is also the new chairman of the board for Grey Collar Enterprises, which is the parent company of Hendricks Commercial Properties and Geronimo Hospitality Group. In addition to her professional achievements, Konya is a proud mother, wife and devoted advocate for animal welfare.
About CENTURY 21 Affiliated Real Estate LLC
CENTURY 21 Affiliated is a member of multiple listings services in California, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin with over 1,400 sales professionals and 60+ offices. CENTURY 21 Affiliated also specializes in worldwide relocation. At CENTURY 21 Affiliated, the customer comes first. The complete commitment to this philosophy is what has made CENTURY 21 Affiliated such a powerful force in the real estate industry. CENTURY 21 Affiliated has been ranked the number one CENTURY 21® franchise in the world for eleven years in a row. Visit C21Affiliated.com to learn more.
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From Dan’s Desk: June 3, 2025
As spring winds down and June approaches, we typically anticipate a familiar surge in housing market activity across the United States. This seasonal trend is especially pronounced in regions like the Midwest, where warmer weather traditionally brings buyers and sellers out in force. But this year, something feels different. The energy we expect to accompany spring’s closing weeks has been muted. The 2025 spring market, it seems, is stalling.
So, What’s Different This Time Around?
There are a number of likely culprits behind this pause. Mortgage interest rates, while slightly lower than last year, are still hovering in the high 6% range—making monthly payments a challenge for many would-be buyers. Combined with lingering concerns over global trade tensions and general market conditions, both buyers and sellers appear to be proceeding with caution.
Let’s Talk Stats:
This caution is reflected in national data. According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), existing-home sales dropped by 0.5% in April, totaling a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4 million homes—a 2.0% decline compared to April 2024. While these figures aren’t catastrophic, they do suggest a cooling from the more aggressive pace we saw last spring.
Regionally, the story is mixed. In the Midwest, sales actually rose slightly by 2.1% month-over-month, though they’re still down 1.0% compared to last year. The median home price in this region climbed to $313,300—a 3.6% increase, suggesting that demand hasn’t vanished, but is perhaps more measured. In contrast, sales in the West declined 3.9% from March.
Yet, within this slowdown, there are glimmers of opportunity. Inventory is growing—a crucial signal for future momentum. The number of unsold existing homes jumped 9.0% from March to April, now sitting at 1.45 million units. More listings mean more choices, and more choices may nudge hesitant buyers off the fence.
Consumer attitudes are also evolving. We’re seeing increased willingness among sellers to embrace strategic price reductions. Buyers, in turn, are responding to those reductions and showing renewed interest in properties they might have previously dismissed. First-time homebuyers are stepping back into the market as well, accounting for 34% of April’s purchases—an encouraging uptick from earlier this year.
Optimism is bubbling in some corners of the industry. There’s talk that the second half of 2025 could bring a notable rebound, especially if mortgage rates stabilize or even soften. NAR projects total existing-home sales to reach 4.5 million by year’s end, with the national median price expected to hover around $410,700.
Of course, time will tell. But whether that optimism materializes into a midyear boom or not, one thing remains clear: preparation matters. In today’s uncertain environment, the professionals who stay engaged—those who nurture their networks, prospect consistently, and understand the shifting behaviors of both buyers and sellers—will be best positioned for success.
So, while this spring may not be delivering the surge we expected, it’s far from a lost season. It’s a moment of reset—a chance to watch the signals, adjust strategies, and get ready for what’s next.
That’s all for now,
Dan
Adjustable-Rate Mortgages on the Rise: Should You Jump In?
If you’re in the market for a house, you’re probably not encouraged by today’s mortgage rates. Elevated rates and rising home prices have many homebuyers starting to explore other financing options that make more sense. One type of loan gaining popularity is adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs).
If you remember the 2008 market crash, you may be wary of new types of loans. It’s wise to be cautious, but there’s no need to worry. Today’s ARMs much safer and stricter than the ones you may remember from 2008.
During that time, some buyers held loans they couldn’t afford once their rate adjusted. Today, lenders are more careful, and determine whether you can afford an increased rate before the loan is ever offered. This time, ARMs are returning thanks to creative buyers looking for affordable ways to buy a home..
According to recent data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), more buyers are using ARMs to buy this year.
How Does an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Work?
If you’ve never heard of ARMs before, you may be wondering what they are, and if they’re right for you. Here’s how Business Insider explains the main difference between a traditional fixed-rate mortgage and an adjustable-rate mortgage:
“With a fixed-rate mortgage, your interest rate remains the same for the entire time you have the loan. This keeps your monthly payment the same for years . . . adjustable-rate mortgages work differently. You’ll start off with the same rate for a few years, but after that, your rate can change periodically. This means that if average rates have gone up, your mortgage payment will increase. If they’ve gone down, your payment will decrease.”
Taxes or homeowner’s insurance can still influence a fixed-rate loan, but your baseline mortgage payment typically changes very little. Meanwhile, adjustable-rate mortgages can potentially change drastically in either direction after your initial payment period ends. Depending on your situation and anticipated market trends, this could either work for you, or be far too risky.
Pros and Cons of Adjustable-Rate Mortgages
With ARMs on the rise in 2025, it’s clear that more buyers are finding them appealing. Under the right conditions, they may offer attractive upsides, like a lower initial rate. According to Business Insider again:
“Because ARM rates are typically lower than fixed mortgage rates, they can help buyers find affordability when rates are high. With a lower ARM rate, you can get a smaller monthly payment or afford more house than you could with a fixed-rate loan.”
Remember that if you have an ARM, your rate will change over time. As Barron’s explains, they can potentially cost you more in the long run:
“Adjustable-rate loans offer a lower initial rate, but recalculate after a period. That is a plus for borrowers if rates come down in the future, or if a borrower sells before the fixed period ends, but can lead to higher costs if they hold on to their home and rates go up.”
While the upfront savings can be helpful now, consider what could happen if your initial rate ends before you move. Even though rates are projected to ease a bit over the next couple years, nothing is ever guaranteed. Before you choose an ARM, talk with your lender and financial advisor about all your options, and the potential risks.
Conclusion
For certain buyers, adjustable-rate mortgages can offer some big advantages, but this won’t be true for everyone. Understand how they work and whether their pros and cons make sense for you financially. Always talk to a trusted lender and a financial advisor before making entering into a new mortgage.
Need help connecting with a trustworthy lender in your area? Reach out to us for help today.
Top 12 Home Improvement Projects That Add the Most Value
Home improvement projects can be productive, fulfilling ways to spend your spare time. But, they can also be costly ventures that end up being more trouble than they’re worth. Your invested time, money, and energy matter, and some upgrades don’t offer the return on investment you expect. U.S. News Real Estate explains it this way:
“. . . not every home renovation project will increase the resale value of a home. Before you invest in a swimming pool or new addition, you should consider whether the project will pay itself off by getting prospective buyers in the door when it’s time to sell.“
Like most projects, home improvement is best tackled when you’ve done all the planning beforehand. That’s why it pays to know the cost of your project, and how much it might increase your home value. Whether you have plans to move or not, strategizing to find the best project will pay off in the long run.
How Preparation Pays Off
If you’re planning to move soon, starting early can make a valuable difference. And if you’re not, you’ll still be glad you planned ahead when life’s surprises get in the way. If your moving timeline changes, you won’t want to shell out extra for rushed projects on short notice.
By doing home updates now, you can work at your own pace, saving yourself headaches and money later on. You’ll also have time to enjoy the updates you make to your home before you decide to move. And when you do move, you’ll rest easier knowing there’s no laundry list of work left before you list.
What Buyers Really Want
Your first step is choosing a project that will increase your home’s appeal to buyers at selling time. So if you’re not sure what projects are worth your time and money, new industry data can help. A recent study from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows the top upgrades offering the best return on investment (ROI).
As the graph above shows, the top home improvement projects that add the highest (estimated) value are as follows:
- New Steel Front Door – 100% return on investment.
- Closet Renovation – 83% return on investment.
- New Fiberglass Front Door – 80% return on investment.
- New Vinyl Windows – 74% return on investment.
- New Wood Windows – 71% return on investment.
- Basement Conversion to Living Area – 71% return on investment.
- Attic Conversion to Living Area – 67% return on investment.
- Complete Kitchen Renovation – 60% return on investment..
- Minor Kitchen Upgrades – 60% return on investment.
- Bathroom Addition – 56% return on investment.
- New Primary Suite – 54% return on investment.
- Bathroom Renovation – 50% return on investment.
If you’ve already been thinking about a high-ROI project on this list, that’s great news. There’s a good chance it’ll improve your living quality now and increase your home’s value in the long term.
But remember that this list is based on national data using averages from listings sold nationwide. The most in-demand improvements that buyers will pay for depends largely on your local real estate market. That’s where talking to a local agent can help, as an article from Ramsey Solutions explains:
“The best way to gauge what you can expect in terms of resale value on home improvements—especially if you’re planning to sell soon—is to talk to a real estate agent who is an expert in your market. They’re sure to know the local trends, and they can show you how other homes with the features you want to add are selling. That way, you can make an educated decision before you start ordering lumber and knocking down walls.”
At the same time, be careful not to overdo it on home improvements. An excess of upgrades can raise your home’s price right out of the local market. And while that may sound ideal, it can make your listing unattractive to the buyers in your area. This is another area where a local agent can help you choose the best projects for your specific market.
Conclusion
Whether you have moving plans on the horizon or not, making thoughtful, deliberate home improvements can be valuable. Even if you have no intention to move, updates give you more reasons to love and enjoy your house. And, of course, the home value increases that high-ROI projects offer are bound to pay off in the future.
Have you been considering a particular home upgrade but aren’t sure if it’s worth it? Contact us today to connect with an agent who can give you the best advice for your unique area.
How Could a Recession in 2025 Affect the Housing Market?
As talk about economic slowdowns runs wild, worries about a potential recession in 2025 are on the rise. Naturally, many homeowners are wondering what a recession could do to the value of their home, and their buying power.
Using historical data from recessions of decades past, let’s see how a recession might affect the housing market in 2025.
A Recession Won’t Lower Home Prices
It’s a common misconception that a recession will cause home prices to crash, like they did in 2008. In reality, 2008 was the only time the housing market saw such an extreme, dramatic drop in prices. Overflowing home inventory caused that price crash, and conversely, low inventory has prevented a similar crash in the years since.
Even in markets where housing inventory is up, it’s still far below the listing oversupply that caused the 2008 crash. Indeed, according to data from Cotality, home prices actually increased during four of the last six major recessions.
As the graph shows, a recession doesn’t necessarily mean that home prices will crash, or even drop. In reality, historical data shows that home prices usually continue along their current trajectory when a recession hits. And at the moment, home prices are still rising nationally, but at a more normalized rate. So, as the market stands now, a recession in 2025 would most likely drive prices even higher.
Mortgage Rates Typically Decline During Recessions
Home prices may stay their path during economic slowdowns, but mortgage rates actually tend to drop. Looking again at historical data from the last six recessions, this time from Freddie Mac, mortgage rates fell each time.
Historically speaking, a recession could mean that mortgage rates may even decline this year. However, the last time a recession dramatically lowered mortgage rates was over three decades ago in 1991. So with that said, even if a recession does happen, don’t expect a game-changing drop in mortgage rates.
Conclusion
Nobody ever truly knows what the economy will do, but the odds of a recession in 2025 have increased. Still, a recession doesn’t mean you need to worry about the housing market or the value of your home. The historical data tells us that a recession may even drive home prices higher and mortgage rates lower.
Wondering how an economic slowdown could impact your local market? Connect with us to get the info you need to plan ahead.
Foreclosures Rose in Q1 2025 – Is It a Warning Sign?
With everyday costs seemingly rising across the board, the state of the housing market is a natural concern. When basic living expenses rise, even critical financial responsibilities like mortgage payments start to slip, leading to increased foreclosures. Unsurprisingly, new data shows filings for foreclosures rose in Q1 2025, stirring worries about another housing crash like in 2008.
But as it turns out, there’s less cause for worry than you might think. When contextualized correctly, it’s clear these new number don’t point to a repeat of the last big housing crash.
The 2008 Market Versus 2025
The latest quarterly report from ATTOM shows that foreclosures did rise in Q1 2025, which is concerning at first glance. However, foreclosure filings were still lower than the normal historical average, and far below the levels seen in 2008. When plotted visually, it’s easy to see the huge difference between 2008 and 2025.
Compare the foreclosure filings in Q1 2025 to the years surrounding the 2008 crash on the graph below. Even in the years preceding and following the 2008 crash, foreclosures were dramatically higher than what we’re seeing now.
Back in 2008, lenders were approving loans using much riskier practices, saddling many homeowners with mortgages they couldn’t afford. This flooded the market with distressed properties, surplus housing inventory, and free-falling home prices that collectively caused the crash.
In the years that followed, lending standards became much stricter and stronger to prevent such a crash from happening again. Today, most homeowners are in a much better financial position, and foreclosures have stabilized as a result.
The graph may appear to show foreclosures ramping up since the lows of 2020 and 2021, but this is deceiving. Foreclosures during those years were unusually low thanks to a moratorium designed to help millions of homeowners through the pandemic. That moratorium has since ended, which has caused foreclosure filings to return to the more normal levels we see now.
Compared to pre-pandemic years like 2017-2019, foreclosures overall are actually relatively down from what’s considered normal. So while foreclosures rose in Q1 2025, this doesn’t point to a troubling surge in the market.
Why Foreclosures Haven’t Surged in 2025
Another reassuring difference in today’s real estate market is the power of increased homeowner equity. As home prices have exploded over these past few years, homeowners have enjoyed a welcome boost to their wealth. According to Rob Barber, CEO at ATTOM:
“While levels remain below historical averages, the quarterly growth suggests that some homeowners may be starting to feel the pressure of ongoing economic challenges. However, strong home equity positions in many markets continue to help buffer against a more significant spike . . .”
In short, if a homeowner can’t make their mortgage payments, they may be able to sell their home to avoid foreclosure. During 2008, many people owed more than their homes were worth and had no choice but to foreclose. Today, most homeowners have much stronger equity that protects them from being forced into foreclosing. As Rick Sharga, Founder and CEO of CJ Patrick Company, recently explained in a Forbes article:
“ . . . a significant factor contributing to today’s comparatively low levels of foreclosure activity is that homeowners—including those in foreclosure—possess an unprecedented amount of home equity.”
Conclusion
It’s true that foreclosures rose in Q1 2025, but they’re nowhere near the levels seen during the 2008 crash. Even as home prices continue rising, strong equity is protecting existing homeowners and bolstering their wealth. This doesn’t discount the struggles some homeowners are facing, but it’s a reassuring fact for the market at large.
If you’re a homeowner facing foreclosure, ask your mortgage provider about what options are available to you. Are you a first time buyer eager to build your equity? Contact us today for the info you need to get started.
From Dan’s Desk: May 5, 2025
As we continue navigating a rapidly evolving real estate landscape, I wanted to take a moment each quarter to connect directly with you—our agents, staff, and leadership team—to share what I’m seeing in the market, what it means for our business, and how we can continue moving forward together.
This new quarterly message is meant to offer perspective, spark conversation, and keep us aligned on the bigger picture. Whether you’re helping clients buy and sell every day, or supporting our operations behind the scenes, we’re all part of what makes this company strong, and what makes this company continue to succeed.
Let’s take a look at where things stand today and where I believe we’re headed next.
Where Is the Residential Real Estate Market Going?
This is the major question everyone in the industry is asking. With January and February sales numbers coming in weaker than expected—per the latest NAR data—and no significant movement in interest rates, many are beginning to second-guess 2025’s ability to rebound after two consecutive years of significantly low home sales in the U.S.
While I don’t have a crystal ball, we are beginning to see encouraging signs in many local markets. Our internal data shows March’s open business was up year-over-year, and listing inventory is starting to grow. As a company, we remain bullish that the summer of 2025 could be one of the stronger selling seasons we’ve experienced in recent years.
That being said, it may be a long time before we return to the 6 million-plus annual home sales we saw during the boom years of 2020 and 2021. Companies need to continue reinventing themselves in markets like this. The real challenge lies in this: how do we provide outstanding service to consumers and best-in-class support to our agents, all while maintaining an expense structure that allows organizations to thrive?
This is the question we all need to be asking to stay ahead of market trends. Personally, I don’t believe these types of markets are to be feared—but rather embraced. They push us to innovate, to adopt new technologies, and to develop new services that will make our businesses more resilient and better equipped to serve our clients in the long run.
That’s all for now,
Dan
Are You Waiting To Buy? This Spring May Be Your Time To Move
Between low inventory, high home prices, and unpredictable mortgage rates, 2024 was a rocky year for real estate. It should come as no surprise then that 70% of buyers stopped their home search last year. If you were one of them and are still waiting to buy in 2025, this spring could be your time.
The Drive of Housing Inventory
Many homeowners who put their move on pause last year are reentering the market this year. This means higher, stronger listing inventory, and with builders finishing more homes, new construction inventory is growing as well. Together, this creates more options for buyers like you, and better chances of finding the home you’ve waited for.
But that’s only part of the story. When you’re selling, you want to feel confident that you’ll find a home you’ll be thrilled to move into. At the same time, you don’t want housing inventory so high that your current house sits on the market. Fortunately, the spring 2025 market is striking a balance between supply and demand that many have waited for.
According to research from Realtor.com, housing inventory has jumped 28.5% year-over-year, making March the 17th straight month of inventory growth. This is still below pre-pandemic levels in most markets, but it’s a sweet spot for anyone waiting to buy.
For patient buyers, this means you’ll have more options when moving, but not so many that your current house won’t sell. As long as there’s a healthy demand for homes in your area, your house should still sell relatively quickly. Especially if you work with a local agent to make sure it’s priced right and fixed up to maximize value.
The Sweet Spot: More Options and Steady Demand
Here’s another promising point to think about. As we said, Realtor.com‘s March 2025 data shows that housing inventory has been rising for 17 consecutive months. What’s better, industry experts agree that listing inventory is likely to continue climbing through 2025. According to Lance Lambert, the Co-Founder of ResiClub:
“The fact that inventory is rising year-over-year . . . strongly suggests that national active housing inventory for sale is likely to end the year higher.”
If this prediction proves correct, this spring may be a better time to sell than you think. Listing now could help your house may stand out more than it would later in the year as inventory grows. With more homeowners reentering the market, waiting too long could make it all the more difficult to stand out.
Conclusion
If you’re one of the many who have been waiting to buy a house this past year, here’s your chance. Housing supply is growing but hasn’t caught up to demand yet, meaning new listings are still getting extra buyer attention. Meanwhile, increasing inventory is giving current homeowners more opportunities to scale up, further driving supply and activating buyers.
For both first time buyers and homeowners waiting to sell, this spring’s market is trending toward an ideal sweet spot. If you have questions keeping you from making your move, reach out to us for answers today. We can get you the info you need, or connect you with an agent to navigate your unique local market.
