Affiliated UpdatesGeneral Community NewsIn The Media June 26, 2025

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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Beloit, WIIn The MediaWisconsin Community News June 17, 2025

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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General Community NewsReal Estate Trends May 27, 2025

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.

A blue graph plotting the national increase of home buyers utilizing adjustable rate mortgages in 2025.

 

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.

General Community NewsReal Estate Trends May 13, 2025

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.

A graph showing the national percent change in home prices during the last six major recessions in 1980 1981 1991 2008 and 2020.

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.

A graph showing the national percent change in mortgage rates during the last six major recessions in 1980 1981 1991 2008 and 2020.

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.

General Community NewsReal Estate Trends May 6, 2025

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.

A bar graph of national quarterly foreclosure filings from 2005 to 2025 contrasting Q1 2025 from the 2008 housing market crash.

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.

General Community NewsReal Estate Trends April 29, 2025

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.

A bar graph comparing the percent change of national housing inventory from 2024 to 2025 versus pre-pandemic levels demonstrating increasing inventory in 2025.

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.

General Community NewsReal Estate Trends April 24, 2025

Should You Buy a Home This Spring or Wait for Lower Prices?

You’re probably familiar with the saying “The best time to plant a tree was yesterday, but the next best time is today.” It’s a valuable lesson about future planning and investment that, surprisingly, applies to the decision to buy a home too.

Even though buying a home is a major financial expense, it’s also a major investment that grows over time. As the price of your home increases over time, the value of the equity you’ve built grows with it. And while waiting for prices to drop may be an attractive option, trying to time the market rarely works.

But here’s something to consider: the longer you wait to buy a home, the more your patience could cost you. Let’s explain why.

 

Home Prices Are Expected To Continue Climbing

Each quarter, over 100 housing market experts respond to Fannie Mae‘s Home Price Expectations Survey (HPES). Consistently, the survey results show experts agreeing that home prices will continue to rise through 2029 or even longer.

Sharp price increases may be behind us, but experts predict steadier, healthier increases of 3-4% per year moving forward. This rate of increase will vary by market from year to year, but it’s much closer to normal. Reliable growth is a promising sign for hopeful buyers, and the housing market at large, as the graph below demonstrates.

A green bar graph showing projected home price percent increases from December 2025 to December 2029 demonstrating the benefits of buying a home early.

Even in markets experiencing slower price growth or short-term decreases, the steady gains of homeownership eventually win in time. After all, a growing, long-term financial investment will always beat a one-time discount.

Here are the main points to remember:

  • Home prices will be higher next year. Experts don’t expect home prices to fall any time soon, at least at the national level.
  • Waiting for a perfect mortgage rate or price drops is a gamble. With only slight dips in mortgage rates expected in the near future, price increase could outpace any potential mortgage savings. Unless home price growth is slow or mortgage rates are low in your area, waiting will likely be more expensive.
  • Buying early means building more equity. When you invest in homeownership early, your equity and appreciating home value reward you in the long run.

 

The Costs of Waiting To Buy

To demonstrate how these theories play out in real-world numbers, here’s a typical example. If you were to buy a $400,000 house in 2025, it could gain almost $80,000 in value by 2030. The graph below demonstrates how this value appreciates year by year based on the expert data we mentioned earlier.

A bar graph showing projected yearly home value appreciation of a four hundred thousand dollar home from January 2025 to January 2030 demonstrating the benefits of buying a home early.

This can be a considerable difference in your future wealth and why buyers who invest early are often glad they did. When it comes to building wealth through long-term investment, time in the market matters.

The question to consider isn’t “Should I wait to buy?” It’s really “Can I afford to buy now?” Just like planting a tree, making short-term sacrifices to buy a home will eventually pay off in the long-term.

Between rising prices and stubborn mortgage rates, today’s housing market is challenging, but achieving homeownership is far from impossible. Exploring different neighborhoods, seeking alternative financing options, or applying for down payment assistance programs can all make a critical difference.

What’s most important is acting decisively when you’re able to, instead of waiting for a perfect opportunity that never comes.

 

Conclusion

If you’re interested in buying but still undecided, take the time you need to make the right choice. But, remember that realizing an investment takes time, and the sooner you make one, the sooner you’ll be rewarded.

If you’re curious about what’s happening with prices in our local area, then reach out to us. Even if you’re not ready to buy, an expert local agent can fill you in with the info you need.

General Community NewsReal Estate Trends April 23, 2025

Here’s the Next Best Time To Sell Your Home This Spring

Back in March, Realtor.com reported that the best time to list your house in 2025 was April 13–19. With that week now behind us, you may be wondering if you missed your chance this year. Fortunately, you still have plenty of time, if another source’s prediction holds true this spring.

Realtor.com may be one of the biggest property search sites, but others have their own data, studies, and methodologies. This means that they sometimes receive different results and reach different conclusions. This means that they sometimes receive different results and reach different conclusions, which may be good news for you. Because according to Zillow, the ideal spring house selling window hasn’t passed yet.

 

Reports on the Best Spring Selling Period

New research from Zillow has found that sellers who list their homes in late May tend to see higher sale prices. Based on home sales from 2024, homes listed in May had the highest sale premium of about $5,600. According to Zillow‘s study:

 

“Search activity typically peaks before Memorial Day, as shoppers get serious about house hunting before their summer vacation and the new school year in the fall. By targeting late spring, sellers can get their home listed when the most shoppers are looking. When more buyers are competing for homes, sellers can command a higher price.

 

But Zillow isn’t the only one declaring May as the best time for home sellers to list. Using data from 59 million home sales over the past 13 years, ATTOM Data completed a similar study. In this case, it was found that sellers who list in May net an 11.1% higher closing price on average.

 

Freshly compiled sales statistics from ATTOM demonstrate that home sellers continue to reap significant benefits from listing their properties during the month of May. Examination of home sales trends spanning thirteen years reveals that, on average, sellers are commanding 11.1 percent premium above the estimated market value.”

 

Meanwhile, a report from Bankrate states that listing at any time in April or May is ideal. In fact, it found that homes listed in May on average sell for about 13.1% above market value:

 

“Some patterns and trends usually do hold true throughout the year, and one is that spring continues to be the best time to sell. Sellers can net thousands of dollars more if they sell during the peak months of April and May. . .”

 

If these reports are accurate, then there’s still time to list during peak home selling season. Closing your home sale in May could get you a sizable increase in your final sale price.

Of course, the best week to list your house ultimately depends on your own local real estate market. Prices are driven by buyer demand and home supply, and these can vary wildly from market to market. This is why working with an experienced local agent can be so helpful, especially in uncertain markets.

 

Conclusion

Even though Realtor.com‘s recommended spring selling window has passed, other sources say there’s still plenty of time this year. Spring is always a busy time in real estate, and you can take advantage without listing during a specific week.

The true best time to sell your house will be determined by your own unique local market this spring. Working with an agent can help remove some of the guesswork, and get you the best closing price possible.

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.

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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