General Community NewsReal Estate Trends April 18, 2025

Many Fear a Housing Market Crash in 2025 – Will It Happen?

Between every economic uncertainty underpinning this year so far, Americans are understandably trepid about the future. Amid market lows and rising prices, many are asking if we’re heading for a housing market crash in 2025.

If talk of tariffs and mercurial markets are giving you pause about your plans, you’re not alone. In fact, new data from Clever Real Estate has found that 70% of Americans are worried about a housing crash in 2025. But how likely is this, and what does the latest data say?

 

Low Inventory Prevents a Crash in Prices

Before you put your plans to buy or a sell a home on hold, let’s look at the facts. The reality is that the trends in the housing market we’re seeing aren’t signs of crashing, only of shifting. As Chief Economist at First American Mark Fleming explains:

 

“There’s just generally not enough supply. There are more people than housing inventory. It’s Econ 101.”

 

Consider the basic laws of supply and demand. If the supply of something is low, its prices are bound to go up, and homes are no exception. And even though housing inventory is up in 2025, high demand from buyers is still driving home prices higher.

According to recent data from Realtor.com, the number of homes for sale in 2025 is climbing, but still below normal levels. Even still, home supply is at its highest since pre-pandemic levels, showing a positive trend in the right direction.

A line graph showing active monthly listings on the market from the year 2017 to 2025 and demonstrating the positive home supply of 2025.

 

That ongoing low supply is what’s stopping home prices from dropping at the national level. As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says:

 

“… if there’s a shortage, prices simply cannot crash.”

 

Home Prices Normalize as Inventory Increases

As more homes are listed on the market, upward pressure on home price growth normalizes. Prices may not be falling, but they’re rising at a rate closer to what we’d consider normal for the market.

Even though prices aren’t declining nationally, increased inventory means they’re rising more slowly than they were. The trend we’re currently seeing is what’s considered price moderation.

A bar graph showing the year over year monthly average home price change from January 2024 to January 2025.

The good news for buyers is that this price moderation is expected to continue throughout the rest of the year, according to a January report from Freddie Mac:

 

“In 2025, we expect the pace of house price appreciation to moderate from the levels seen in 2024, while still maintaining a positive trajectory.

 

This means that home prices will continue rising in most markets, but not as quickly as they did in 2024. This is great news for anyone who’s been priced out of the market thanks to rapid price appreciation these past few years.

These numbers represent national trends, so the true story will vary in individual markets. A local real estate agent can give you the latest details on the market trends in your your own unique area.

 

Conclusion

Fears of a housing market crash in 2025 abound, but don’t let this worry you. While a little caution is healthy, experts are confident that a housing market crash is unlikely in 2025. As a recent report from Business Insider says:

 

. . . economists who study housing market conditions generally do not expect a crash in 2025 or beyond unless the economic outlook changes.”

 

In reality, this year’s housing market is stabilizing thanks to decreasing price growth and increasing home supply. If you’re curious about the market trends in your local area, contact us today to connect with an agent who can reassure you with the facts.

General Community News April 15, 2025

It’s Tax Day – Here’s How a Refund Can Help You Save For a Home

If you’ve been planning to buy a house, you know how hard it can be to save for a home. What you might not know is that your tax return can be a helpful boost to your savings and budget. According to a recent post by Freddie Mac:

 

“ . . . your tax refund from the IRS can be a useful supplement to your homebuying budget.” 

 

So if you’re planning to get a tax refund this year, consider the difference that extra funding can make. A refund can help you pay for the upfront costs of homebuying, like a down payment or closing costs. And, according to the IRS, your tax refund may even help you out this year more than ever.

 

How a Tax Return Can Help You Buy a Home in 2025

Recent data from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has found that the average individual’s refund is 3.9% higher this year. And while that’s not a huge increase, it can make a big difference if you’ve been struggling to save. The graphic below visualizes the new IRS data, comparing the average tax return in March 2024 to March 2025.

 

A blue graphic comparing the average individual tax return in March 2024 to March 2025 and showing a 3.9 percent increase.

 

Your own personal tax refund will likely vary, but any financial boost helps when you’re saving for a home. According to Freddie Mac, the following are several ways you can put your tax return to good use when homebuying:

 

  • Saving for a down payment – A down payment on a home is often one of the biggest obstacles to homeownership that buyers face. Saving your tax refund for a down payment can be a smart way to make this major step easier. Keep in mind while a 20% down payment may be common, it’s not typically a hard requirement to buy.
  • Paying for closing costs – Usually due at closing, closing costs include fees for services like the appraisal, title insurance, and underwriting of your loan. While these vary by state, they’re often between 2% and 6% of your home’s total final purchase price. As a much lower percentage of your home’s price, closing costs can be a great use of your yearly refund..
  • Lowering your mortgage rate – Lenders sometimes give buyers the option to buy down their mortgage rate if they qualify. This allows buyers to pay an upfront fee to lower their initial mortgage rate, reducing monthly payments in the short-term. This option can be particularly helpful if interest rates and mortgage payments are a major homebuying hurdle you’re facing..

 

Financially speaking, this may be more complicated in practice, but there’s no need to do it all on your own. Working with an experienced, trustworthy real estate professional can simplify your financial planning, helping you reach the best decision possible. An agent who understands the homebuying process, your unique financial needs, and your personal goals can make all the difference.

 

Conclusion

If you’ve been saving for a home, you already know well that every penny counts. Your tax return probably won’t be the final financial boost you need, but there are ways to use it effectively. Planning and identifying how to best spend that money can give you a real, meaningful step toward buying your home.

Are you eager to buy a home but having trouble making things work? Contact us today. We can connect you with local lenders and agents to help make your dream of homeownership a reality.

General Community NewsReal Estate Trends April 11, 2025

New Data Points to a Promising 2025 Home Buying Season for Buyers

Many real estate markets have been in a bit of a freeze these past few years thanks to low inventory. But if you’ve been in the market for a home and discouraged by lacking options, good news has finally arrived. Home supply is rising, and the 2025 home buying season is shaping up to be a promising time for buyers. According to March 2025 data, new home listings are up to levels we haven’t seen since 2022.

 

New Home Listings Are Rising

The number of home listings on the market suffered a slump in 2022 that only worsened in 2023. But finally, after a frustrating few years, total new home listings this March reached a number just below pre-pandemic levels. According to Daryl Fairweather, Chief Economist at Redfin:

 

Now is the best time to buy in the last two years. Mortgage rates are comparable to what they were two years ago, and prices remain high. However, there is significantly more inventory . . .

 

A higher number of homes for sale on the market means more options for you as a buyer. While this is expected during the busy springtime market, the 2025 home buying season is showing significant, encouraging activity.

Put simply, existing homeowners are listing their houses at the highest rate in years. According to the latest data from Realtor.com, active home listings on the market have been increasing since the start of 2025.

 

A blue bar graph showing the number of new houses on the market per month from December 2024 to March 2024.

 

As the graph shows, more and people are putting their homes on the market each month as 2025 goes on. These sellers may be upgrading, downsizing, or relocating, but they’re all listing, and it’s a healthy trend for the market.

The takeaway is that sellers who may have been patiently waiting these past few years are finally jumping back in. That boost to the market’s inventory means better opportunities for both first time homebuyers and existing move-up sellers. But what’s most significant isn’t the month-over-month inventory increases, it’s the year-over-year gains over last year’s spring market.

The Realtor.com data showed that new listings this March were 10.2% higher than last year. That increase made last month the biggest March for new home listings since 2021, as you can see below.

 

A blue bar graph showing the number of new home listings added to the market in March each year from 2017 to 2025 demonstrating the upward trend of the 2025 home buying season.

 

If you’ve been patiently watching for more house options before moving, this is the market shift you’ve been waiting for. With more home listings entering the market, you have a much better chance of finding the perfect fit. Even better, having more options means sellers may be more willing to negotiate, giving you more power as buyer.

 

Conclusion

If you’ve been waiting to make a move, this is spring is promising to be filled with options and opportunities. More listings are on the market, and the 2025 home buying season is looking like the healthiest one in years. For buyers, this means more homes to choose from, and possibly even a better deal on the house you want.

If you’re in the market and don’t want to miss the perfect listing, reach out to us today. We’ll connect you with a local agent who can keep you current with your area’s latest listings.

General Community NewsReal Estate Trends April 9, 2025

Selling Your Home? Avoid This Mistake When Setting Your Asking Price

When selling your house, the typical goal is to sell quickly at the best price possible. Naturally, ever since home prices took off around 5 years ago, most sellers have been aiming high. But housing inventory is making a comeback, and some sellers haven’t considered what this shift means for their asking price. As a result, buyers are becoming choosier, and price cuts on overpriced listings are increasing alongside home supply.

According to February 2025 data from Realtor.com, home price cuts this February reached their highest number since 2019. That’s the highest number of price cuts in 6 years, and a real return to pre-pandemic market levels.

 

A blue bar graph showing the national number of home price cuts from February 2017 to February 2025 demonstrating the need for sellers to consider their asking price before listing.

 

Given that 2019 is considered the housing market’s last normal year, this demonstrates a major, substantial shift. The market is finally starting to normalize, and may quickly break out of the post-pandemic slump it’s been stuck in.

However, this is a distinctly different trend from the hot seller’s market of 2021 and should be treated differently. You may not sell your house for top dollar like you would have at the pandemic’s peak, but that’s okay. By setting a smart asking price and tempering your expectations, you can still sell quickly, and at a great price.

You may be planning to price your listing high and cut it later if necessary, but this has its drawbacks. Pricing too high and lowering later means you may actually end up with lower offers in the end. Pricing right the first time is the best way to avoid this, and a local agent can make the difference.

 

How a Local Agent Can Find Your Perfect Asking Price

A true expert real estate agent doesn’t set an asking price without good reason. These agents consider real data and trends unique to your market, setting a price specific to your home. This way, you set a realistic price based on your home’s true value to attract as many buyers as possible.

Depending on your local market and your agent’s analysis, they may even recommend strategically pricing slightly below market value. While this may sound counterintuitive, it can be a strategic move to attract more attention to your listing, earning you more competitive offers. Here are a few ways a local agent will determine the best price for your listing:

  • Researching recent home sales. What price did homes similar to yours finally sell for? Were these homes initially listed higher before dropping in price to sell?
  • Analyzing local market trends. The true value of your home isn’t based on the price you’d like to sell it at. It’s the price that potential buyers are willing to pay. A local agent will have a strong idea of this number based on experience.
  • Strategizing to sell. A great agent will price your home to attract attention, creating a sense of urgency among buyers and increasing demand.

 

How Overpricing Your Home Can Backfire

Unfortunately, some sellers still ignore their agent’s advice and prefer to start high just to see what happens. The hope being maybe they get their full asking price, or they at least have more wiggle room for negotiation. But pricing high usually ends up costing you, and here’s why:

  • Buyers may ignore it. The market’s past few years – and the direction it’s headed – have made buyers more budget-conscious than ever. If a home listing looks overpriced, buyers are more likely to ignore it and move on than consider negotiating.
  • It could stay on the market too long. The longer your home sits on the market without selling, the more buyers will assume something is wrong with it. This can make it harder and harder to sell as time goes on, and makes a price cut almost inevitable.
  • You may sell for less in the end. Price cuts often lower a listing’s final selling price below its best, most realistic market value. Listing at the right price to begin with gives sellers the best chance of selling quickly at a great price.

The graph below demonstrates how these factors play out in the market. Using data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), it shows how time on the market lowers final selling price.

 

A blue graph plotting the median selling price of homes over time as a percentage of the original asking price.

 

According to the data, if a house sells within its first 4 weeks after listing, it usually sells for full price. Homes that are priced at or just below current market value typically sell quickly in this same window. When a home is priced right, it attracts truly interested buyers who are willing to buy at your asking price. In a hot market, buyers may even compete with other buyers, or even make an offer above your listing price.

On the other hand, a home that’s overpriced will take longer to sell, if it sells at all. As the graph demonstrates, after that first 4 weeks on the market, final selling price starts to drop. And as buyer interest declines over time, the more likely a seller will accept a low offer, or cut their price.

 

Conclusion

The housing market is normalizing thanks to increasing housing inventory, causing price cuts to rise with increasing buyer power. For sellers, setting the right asking price is more important than ever, and overpricing could make your listing sit on the market. Advice from a local agent can help you avoid this mistake and sell quickly without having to lower your price.

Interested in selling but need help pricing your home for your local market? Get in touch with us today. We can connect you with a local agent who can sell your home at the best price possible.

Affiliated UpdatesIn The Media April 4, 2025

REAL Trends Recognizes CENTURY 21 Affiliated Among Leading Realty Firms in 2025

REAL Trends has once again recognized CENTURY 21 Affiliated as a top real estate firm in the United States. Ranked 58 in brokerage sales nationwide, the REAL Trends 500 places CENTURY 21 Affiliated as the top-producing CENTURY 21 franchise.

 

CENTURY 21 Affiliated ranked #1 in both state volume and sides, and received the prestigious “Billionaires’ Club” Award for surpassing $3.76B in closed sales over the past year.

 

See the Report Here.

 

The REAL Trends 500 list highlights CENTURY 21 Affiliated’s continued success across its five-state footprint, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in the real estate industry.

 

“CENTURY 21 Affiliated sales professionals approach everything they do with passion and professionalism, which has made our company a fixture across the United States,” said Dan Kruse, CEO of CENTURY 21 Affiliated. “We couldn’t be more proud of our Affiliated Family and the dedication they bring to their clients and communities.”

 

For over three decades, REAL Trends has been the industry standard in ranking the performance of residential real estate service firms. The organization remains a trusted source for news, analysis, and insight into the real estate market since 1988.

 

2024 was another milestone year for CENTURY 21 Affiliated, as the franchise continued to expand its offices and strengthen its market presence. Once again, CENTURY 21 Affiliated was named the #1 CENTURY 21 franchise in the world for units sold and AGC (Average Gross Commission) – marking its eleventh consecutive year at the top.

 

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 70+ 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.

 

©2025 CENTURY 21 All Rights Reserved. CENTURY 21® and the CENTURY 21 Logo are registered service marks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. Each office is independently owned and operated.

 

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Affiliated UpdatesIn The Media April 3, 2025

CENTURY 21 Affiliated Named Among Top 100 Real Estate Firms in RISMedia’s 2025 Power Broker Report

CENTURY 21 Affiliated, the #1 Century 21 franchise in the world, proudly announces its ranking in RISMedia’s 2025 Power Broker Report, which recognizes the nation’s top-performing real estate firms based on transactions.

 

CENTURY 21 Affiliated has been ranked #40 based on transactions, and #57 based on sales volume, reinforcing its standing as a dominant force in the real estate industry.

 

Published annually, RISMedia’s Power Broker Report is based on responses to its Power Broker Survey, distributed each January. The report celebrates the remarkable achievements of real estate leaders and brokerage firms that continue to drive the industry forward.

 

See Dan Kruse’s Feature in the 2025 Power Broker Report Here.

 

“Our real estate professionals consistently deliver exceptional service in an evolving market,” said Dan Kruse, CEO & Owner of CENTURY 21 Affiliated. “We’re honored to be recognized among the top brokerages in the country, a testament to our agents’ dedication and commitment to excellence.”

 

With 1,400 sales associates and 70+ offices spanning California, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, CENTURY 21 Affiliated remains a leading full-service real estate brokerage. Since joining the CENTURY 21® system in 1978, the company has upheld a legacy of innovation and customer-focused service.

 

View the Full 2025 Power Broker Report Here.

 

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 70+ 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.

 

©2025 CENTURY 21 All Rights Reserved. CENTURY 21® and the CENTURY 21 Logo are registered service marks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. Each office is independently owned and operated.

 

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Real Estate Trends April 1, 2025

Get Ready: The Best Time to List Your House This Year Is Coming Soon

If you’re waiting for the best time to list your house this year, then wait no longer. Experts have looked at the data, and the best week to list your house in 2025 is almost here.

A recent study from Realtor.com analyzed years of housing market trends and found that April 13–19 is expected to be the best week this year to list your house:

 

. . . we’ve identified April 13-19 as the best week to list for sellers . . . a seller listing a well-priced, move-in ready home is likely to find success. Because spring is generally the high season for real estate activity and buyers are more plentiful earlier rather than later in the year, listing earlier in the spring raises a seller’s odds of a successful sale.”

 

Why Is This the Best Time?

Spring is typically a strong season for sellers and when the housing starts to really take off every year. But according to Realtor.com, this window could be particularly advantageous in 2025 thanks to a few key factors. Here are the biggest influences that make April 13-19 the ideal week for new listings:

  1. More potential buyers are looking at your home since demand is usually highest in the spring and summer every year.
  2. A faster, easier sale since many serious, committed buyers are eager to move before summer.
  3. Higher chances of getting the best offer. According to Realtor.com, you could get $4,800 more on average this week, and $27,000 more than earlier in the year.

 

Want Your House Listed at the Best Time? Start Now

Only a couple weeks are left before the year’s prime listing week, but you can still make the deadline. If you’ve been planning to list for a while, a smart plan and quick action can make it happen.  This is where working with a great local real estate agent can make all the difference between selling and not. An expert agent can help you:

  • Figure out exactly what you need to do to get your home ready to list and, eventually, sold.
  • Prioritize the tasks to make the biggest impact on your listing and chances of selling in the shortest time.
  • Identify any quick fixes or easy upgrades to help you attract as many potential buyers as possible.

If your house is already in good repair and condition, your focus should be on quick, value-adding updates. The idea is to eliminate any potential dealbreakers for interested buyers, as Investopedia says:

 

“You won’t have time for any major renovations, so focus on quick repairs to address things that could deter potential buyers.”

 

With the April 13-19 window fast approaching, the quicker you can finish these projects, the better. Here are some small projects recommended by Redfin you can do that can make a big difference to interested buyers:

 

An infographic titled Things You May Want To Tackle Before You Sell which features four small projects to complete before the best time to list your house.

 

What if You’re Not Ready to List?

If you don’t think you’ll be ready to list before this windows passes, then don’t worry. Even though Realtor.com expects April 13–19 to be the best time to list, it’s not the only good time to sell. What’s most important is getting your home ready to maximize its attractiveness to buyers when you do decide to list. Even if you list a bit late, there’s still plenty of opportunity before prime homebuying season is over.

 

Conclusion

If you’ve been waiting for just the right moment to sell, April 13-19 could be the perfect time. Realtor.com projects this as the best time to list your house this year, but there’s a bit more to consider. Making sure your home is fully prepped and priced competitively for your local market can make the difference.

Ready to list but need a real estate agent’s advice and expertise first? Reach out today and we’ll connect you with a local expert who can help you list and sell your home fast.

Real Estate Trends March 26, 2025

The Spring 2025 Housing Market: 4 Things To Expect

Spring is in full swing, and the spring 2025 housing market is swinging along with it. Wondering whether now is the right time to finally buy a house or sell your home? Here are four trends you can expect in the market this year, and what they mean for you.

 

1. More Homes on the Market

After years of housing shortages nationwide, the number of homes for sale is finally improving. According to recent national data from Realtor.com, active home listings are up 27.5% compared to this time last year. Housing inventory took a tremendous dive in 2020, but at long last, it’s close to reaching pre-pandemic levels this spring.

The graph below shows monthly active listing count for each year dating back to 2017. As you can see, even though inventory levels still haven’t quite returned to pre-pandemic norms, they’ve improved over last year. In fact, they’re almost at 2020 levels, and will likely exceed them this summer if their upward trend continues.

 

A blue line graph comparing monthly housing inventory from the years 2017 to 2025 highlighting increases in the spring 2025 housing market.

 

For Buyers: More housing inventory means you have more options and choices. Having options means you can be more selective, and that sellers may be more willing to negotiate with you.

For Sellers: With more homes available, you’re more likely to find the right house to move into. With inventory still below normal levels, your current home will stay in higher demand, at least until home supply normalizes.

 

2. Home Price Growth Is Slowing

As inventory increases, the rate of home price growth is slowing down as prices respond to buyer demand. This will continue through the spring 2025 housing market and beyond into 2026 if the current trend holds steady. With more homes for sale, eager buyers are less pressured to compete for limited inventory. Price growth will continue to slow as supply rises and buyers enjoy more options, but it will generally remain positive. A recent projection from Freddie Mac says:

“In 2025, we expect the pace of house price appreciation to moderate from the levels seen in 2024, while still maintaining a positive trajectory.”

Every housing market is different, so while home prices are rising nationally, this may not be true everywhere. Some markets are actually seeing stronger price growth, while others are slowing or even seeing home prices decline.

For Buyers: Slower home price growth means prices aren’t rising as quickly as before. Still, any home you buy now is likely to appreciate in value over time, helping you build equity.

For Sellers: Home prices are still rising, but you may need to temper your expectations in terms of pricing your home. Pricing too high in a more competitive market could mean your house takes longer to sell. Listing at a price point competitive with your local market is going to become a key factor as prices normalize.

 

3. Mortgage Rates Are Falling and Stabilizing

One of the biggest obstacles for buyers – especially new ones – since the pandemic has been higher, less predictable mortgage rates. Fortunately, rates have been slowly stabilizing so far in Q1 of 2025, and have even dropped faster than experts anticipated. These aren’t the 3% rates of 2020, but less volatile rates give buyers more reason to buy with confidence. As Chief Economist at CoreLogic Selma Hepp says:

“With the spring homebuying season upon us, the recent improvements in mortgage rates may help invite homebuyers back into the market.”

For Buyers: When mortgage rates are stable, planning ahead is easier because your future payments are likely to be more predictable. But keep in mind that even though mortgage rates are stabilizing, they’re still far from being completely static. When buying, consult your agent and lender to stay current with rates and how they might affect your plans.

For Sellers: Lower rates starting to stabilize means more buyers are becoming active – especially those who have been patiently waiting. This means increases in housing demand and more potential interested buyers for your house.

 

4. More Buyers Are Entering the Market

With more inventory, slowing price growth, and stabilizing mortgage rates, buyers are gaining confidence and finally reentering the market. Demand is increasing, and recent data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) shows an uptick in mortgage applications compared to the start of the year.

 

A blue line graph showing the weekly number of mortgage applications from January 2025 to March 2025 and demonstrating the increasing number of buyers in the spring 2025 housing market.

 

For Buyers: The spring 2025 housing market buying season is quickly heating up. Making your move now and getting a leg up on your competition could be a wise strategy this spring.

For Sellers: Eager buyers wanting to buy a home in the spring or summer are entering the market quickly. Naturally, this is great news for you: more buyers means a better chance of selling your home fast.

 

Conclusion

Between more homes for sale, slowing price growth, and stabilizing mortgage rates, there’s plenty reason to be positive this spring. Buyers can expect higher housing inventory at more reasonable rates, while sellers can count on a busier market with more activated homebuyers. If you’re wondering how this spring’s trends might affect you, contact us today to get started with an expert agent in your area.

Real Estate Trends March 18, 2025

Spring Home Inventory Hits Highest Level in Five Years

The spring 2025 housing market is shaping up to be a great time for buyers. Home inventory has risen to the highest level in five years, which puts more pressure on sellers to negotiate. This grants buyers more power and more options to get the home they really want at a fairer price. Here are just a couple promising things that more houses on the market could mean for you as a buyer.

 

1. More Homes on the Market To Choose From

The number of homes for sale in February this year was higher than it’s been in five years, dating back to February 2020. This is the strongest home supply seen since the COVID-19 pandemic, and it’s great news for any hopeful homebuyer. The following graph shows new data from Realtor.com illustrating a significant 27.5% increase in home inventory since last year.

 

A blue bar graph comparing February 2025 home inventory to previous years dating back to 2017.

 

While inventory hasn’t returned to pre-2020 levels yet, experts say that inventory is expected to continue rising this year. More houses available means more choices, more options, and more chances to find the house you want. And according to Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, more inventory will bring other welcome changes to the market.

“Buyers will not only have more home options . . . but they are also likely to find somewhat lower asking prices and more time to make decisions – all buyer-friendly factors as we inch closer to the busy homebuying season.”

 

2. Sellers Are More Likely To Accept Price Cuts

When buyers have more options, some homes tend to stay on the market for longer than they otherwise would. This is especially true of homes that are initially priced too high and out of some buyers’ ideal range. When this happens, sellers are forced to drop prices to keep their listing competitive with other houses on the market. And combined with falling mortgage rates, it means a more normalized market and better deals for buyers.

Based on data from Realtor.com, the number of listings with price reductions has increased over the last few years. In fact, price reductions have even risen above the levels seen in 2020, as the graph below illustrates.

 

A blue bar graph comparing February 2025 home listing price cuts to previous years dating back to 2017.

 

Price reductions are a great sign that sellers are more willing to negotiate and compromise today. Compared to the market’s more normal years of 2017–2019, today’s number of price cuts is much closer to what’s typical. For most buyers, this is a welcome relief, and a promising sign of where the market is headed.

For you, this could mean fewer compromises and a better chance to negotiate on price, closing costs, or even repairs. Not every seller is willing to adjust their price, but a higher home inventory means many more will. Either way, healthier inventory levels mean you have more leverage in the market than buyers have had in years.

 

Conclusion

If you’ve been watching the market and waiting for the right moment to buy, this spring could be the perfect time. Home supply is up, mortgage rates are down, and more sellers are cutting prices to attract eager buyers. Best of all, these trends are expected to continue into the spring, making for a stronger, healthier market for everyone.

For help navigating your unique local housing market, consider connecting with an expert real estate agent. They can talk to you about what’s happening in your area and get you started on your home search. Reach out today and we’ll connect you with a local expert who can find the home you’re looking for.

General Community NewsReal Estate Trends March 14, 2025

What’s Your Real Home Value in the 2025 Market?

If you’ve checked home prices in the past few years, you know too well that they’re always rising. But if you’re a current homeowner, have you considered what this might mean for your own home value? It may be that your home is worth far more than you think in 2025.

While rising prices are expected, the home value increases of the post-Pandemic housing market have been dramatic. And if you’re a seller waiting to list, this could mean a huge payoff when you finally close. If you’re eager to know much your own house could sell for, finding out is easier than you think.

 

The Post-Pandemic Home Value Launch

Home prices typically rise around 2-5% per year, but in 2021-2022 that number rose to double-digit levels. In the spring of 2022, year-over-year percentage growth finally peaked at over 20% nationally. The sheer number of buyers in the market during this time sent home prices soaring as housing supply lagged. And though price growth has settled since then, the home value accrued by homeowners in that time remains.

The lingering effects of that volatile period have caused difficulties for buyers, but they’ve also produced great opportunities for sellers. There’s a good chance your house has gained tremendous value since then, and that means more wealth for you.

The map below references data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to illustrate that home prices have risen by nearly 60% in just the past 5 years alone nationally. The most extreme increases have taken place in states marked with a darker blue, like Maine, New Hampshire, and Florida.

 

A blue map of the United States showing the percent change in home prices over five years by state as of Q4 2024.

 

If worries about today’s rates and prices have stopped you from selling your home, let these numbers reassure you. Your home’s risen value may be exactly what you need to close the affordability gap and purchase your next house.

Even better, if you’ve owned your home for 10 years or more, your value is likely even higher. You can stack the incredible gains of the past five years on top of five years of healthy appreciation too. And an agent can help you figure out what that really looks like.

 

How To Find Out What Your House Is Really Worth

Percentages will help you ballpark an estimate, but you need specific numbers to make real, actionable decisions. To help, you can get a free home valuation estimate from us right now using the tool below. You can even sign up for a full valuation report.

 

Home valuations can be great tools, but only a local real estate agent can give you the best, most accurate look at your house’s real market value. An agent will know the state of your local housing market and the factors driving it. They can provide insights about current housing inventory, pricing of comparable homes, and unique contributors to value like renovations.

By knowing what’s happening where you live, an agent can stack their market knowledge against the unique condition and features of your home and give you an accurate estimate of your home’s current value in your area.

 

Conclusion

Home values have taken off in just the past few years, and that’s great news for current homeowners. Knowing what your house is worth in today’s real estate market will help you plan your next move. A local agent can give you a great idea of how much your home might realistically sell for.

If you’re a homeowner considering a move, get your free home valuation from us at Century 21 Affiliated now. Ready to sell? Reach out now and we’ll connect you with a local expert real estate agent who can get your house sold.