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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 ...
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General Community News • Michigan Community News • Real Estate Trends •
February 13, 2025
Top 10 Best Real Estate Markets for First-Time Buyers in 2025
If you’re like many aspiring homebuyers, the rising cost of living might feel like a major roadblock. From groceries to gas, and yes, especially home prices, everything seems to be getting more expensive.
But even in today’s market, there are still ways to make your homeownership dreams a reality. The key is knowing the current best real estate markets and how to approach your first home purchase strategically.
Think of Your First Home as a Stepping Stone
One of the biggest misconceptions among buyers is that their first home has to be their dream home. The truth is, your very first home doesn’t need to check every box on your wish list. Instead, think of your first home as a stepping stone to your final destination.
Owning a home allows you to start building equity, which grows over time as home prices increase. That equity can be a powerful tool when you’re ready to upgrade to a bigger home or move to a more desirable location in the future.
Rather than waiting until you can afford your dream home in your ideal neighborhood, consider starting with something that fits your current needs and budget. This approach gets you into the market sooner and may cost you in the short-term, but it sets you up for long-term financial growth. Best of all, it’s a real start to eventually buying your dream home at some point in the future.
Explore the Best Real Estate Markets in 2025
If the price of homes in your preferred area are holding you back, it might be worth broadening your search. With some flexibility in location, you can find more affordable options without sacrificing the amenities most important to you. Many first-time buyers find homebuying success by exploring surrounding areas or even considering a move to a different state.
According to a report from Realtor.com, these are the 10 best real estate markets for first-time homebuyers in 2025:
- Rochester, NY with a Median List Price of $129,900.
- Lansing, MI with a Median List Price of $135,000.
- Harrisburg, PA with a Median List Price of $140,000.
- Lauderdale Lakes, FL with a Median List Price of $154,850.
- North Little Rock, AR with a Median List Price of $160,000.
- Baltimore, MD with a Median List Price of $210,000.
- Wilmington, DE with a Median List Price of $222,000.
- Altamonte Springs, FL with a Median List Price of $229,400.
- Tonawanda, NY with a Median List Price of $229,000.
- Villas, FL with a Median List Price of $236.950.
Realtor weighted their market rankings by several factors including median price, location score, number of home listings, average commute time, and others specified in the full report. If one of these cities is in or near your target home location, it’s worth looking to see what properties are available. Even if you don’t find your dream home, you might find the perfect starter home on the path to it.
Stay Local and Look Just Outside Your Preferred Area
If moving to a different state isn’t an option, you can still find affordable homes by expanding your search locally. Sometimes, looking even just 10 to 20 minutes outside your ideal neighborhood can make a significant difference in price. Nearby areas can often offer similar amenities, like access to restaurants, shops, and activities, but at a lower cost.
And the best way to see what’s available is to work with a real estate agent who understands the local market and can help you identify hidden gems nearby. An agent can point you to communities you may not have considered that have lower price tags now and are steadily gaining value and appeal. That way you can buy your first home and be set up to gain equity through the years.
Conclusion
Today’s cost of living is a challenge for many homebuyers, but by exploring 2025’s best real estate markets and working with a knowledgeable agent, you can take that first step toward owning a home this year, and building equity for your future.
How far outside your area would you be willing to look to make your homeownership dreams a reality? Connect with us to discuss your options and find the perfect market for your first home.
General Community News • Real Estate Trends •
February 11, 2025
Home Price Growth Is Slowing in 2025 – What Does That Mean for You?
Over the past few years, home prices have skyrocketed as demand has increased and supply has stiffened. It’s been a frustrating market for buyers, leaving many to doubt their chances of ever owning their own home. But the early weeks of 2025 have brought welcome news: the pace of home price growth is finally slowing down, and that’s a positive shift for anyone looking to buy a home.
Home Price Growth Drops to a Healthy Pace
At the national level, home prices are still rising, but at a much more normal, manageable rate compared to the double-digit spikes we saw in 2021 and 2022. Recent data from Case-Shiller show that in November 2024, the year-over-year increase in home prices was just 3.8% nationally, a clear drop from Pandemic rates:
What does this mean for you? For one thing, you’re less likely to experience the sticker shock that was common just a few years ago. The days of rapid price jumps that made it difficult to plan or pursue your purchase are behind us, and projected drops in mortgage rates this year paint an even more positive picture. More stable price growth also means that the home you buy today is still likely to appreciate in value over time, helping you build equity and secure your financial future.
Real Estate Is Local: Prices Vary by Market
While the national trend is pointing to more moderate price growth, keep in mind that all real estate is local. Some markets are still experiencing strong demand and upward price pressures, while others are cooling off or even seeing declines. For example, smaller, more affordable metro areas are still seeing significant demand and price increases. As CoreLogic Chief Economist Selma Hepp explains:
“Regionally, variations persist, as some affordable areas – including smaller metros in the Midwest — remain in high demand and continue to see upward home price pressures.”
Meanwhile, other regions, particularly those in southern markets, experienced slight month-over-month declines in November, according to Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) data:
Differences like these highlight the importance of understanding what’s happening in your specific market. National averages can provide a general idea, but they rarely give you the whole picture. That’s where the knowledge and expertise of a local real estate agent can really help. They can help you understand local trends, identify opportunities, and create a buying strategy tailored to your needs and budget. Whether you’re buying in a high-demand market or one that’s cooling off, having a local expert on your side ensures you’re making more informed and confident decisions.
Conclusion
Home prices in early 2025 are growing at a more manageable pace, giving you the opportunity to plan your purchase without fearing the rapid price hikes of recent years. Connecting with a local real estate agent can help you navigate your area’s local home market, and make the best decision possible.
If you’re thinking about buying a home, 2025 is shaping up to be a great time to explore your options. Reach out to us today to connect with a local expert who can help you buy with confidence and find the perfect home for you.
General Community News • Real Estate Trends •
February 5, 2025
2025 Housing Market Predictions: What Do the Experts Say?
Wondering how the housing market is expected to change in 2025? And more specifically, what it all means for you if you plan to buy or sell a home? As always, the best way to get that information is to consult the pros.
Experts are constantly refining their predictions in response to changes in the market and overall economy. Here’s the latest information on two key factors sure to influence the housing market in 2025: mortgage rates and home prices.
Will Mortgage Rates Come Down?
Mortgage rates remain one of the strongest factors influencing the market, and everyone is waiting for them to come down. The real question is: will they drop, and how quickly?
The good news is that mortgage rates are indeed projected to ease a bit in 2025, falling into the mid-6% range on average. But experts say not to expect a return to 3-4% mortgage rates, at least not this year. As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says:
“Are we going to go back to 4%? Per my forecast, unfortunately, we will not. It’s more likely that we’ll go back to 6%.”
Other experts agree with Yun’s 6% prediction. They’re forecasting rates could settle in the mid-to-low 6% range by the end of 2025 (see chart below):
But remember that the market can change quickly, and experts will revise their predictions as the new year continues. Market forecasts are based on what experts know right now. And since everything from inflation to economic drivers have an impact on where rates go from here, some ups and downs are still very likely. So, don’t get caught up in the most exact numbers and try to time the market. Instead, focus on the overall industry trend and on what you can actually control.
A trusted lender and a local agent partner will make sure you’ve always got the latest data and the context on what it really means for you and your financial goals. With their help, you’ll see that even a small decline in mortgage rates can help bring down your future mortgage payment when you decide to buy.
Will Home Prices Fall?
The short answer? Not likely. While mortgage rates are expected to ease, home prices are projected to keep climbing in most areas – but at a slower, more normal pace. If you average the expert forecasts together, you’ll see prices are expected to go up roughly 3% next year, with most of them hitting somewhere in the 3 to 4% range. But this is a much more typical and sustainable rise in prices compared to (see graph below):
If you’re thinking of buying in 2025, don’t expect a sudden drop to score you a big deal. That may sound disappointing if you’re hoping for home prices to come down, but this means you won’t have to deal with the steep increases we saw in recent years. You’ll also likely see any home you do buy go up in value after you get the keys in hand, and this can turn into a great investment over time.
Like many buyers, you might be wondering how it’s even possible that home prices are still rising. The answer all comes down to supply and demand. Even though there are more homes for sale now than there were in 2024, it’s still not enough to keep up with all the active home buyers on the market. As Redfin explains:
“Prices will rise at a pace similar to that of the second half of 2024 because we don’t expect there to be enough new inventory to meet demand.”
Keep in mind that the housing market is hyper-local, so this will vary by area. Some markets will see even higher prices, and some may see prices level off or even dip if inventory is up in that area. In most places though, prices will continue to rise as they usually do.
If you want to find out what’s happening in your local housing market, it always helps to lean on an agent who can explain the latest trends and what they mean for your homeownership plans.
Conclusion
The housing market is always changing, and 2025 will be no different. With mortgage rates likely to ease down to the 6% range and prices rising at a slower, more sustainable pace, it could be a great time to finally buy or sell. As always, it’s all about staying informed and making a plan that works for you.
If you’re in the market to buy or sell a home in 2025, let’s connect you with a local agent who can give expert advice on what’s happening in your area and make sure your next move is a smart one.
General Community News •
January 27, 2025
3 Reasons To Buy a Home Before Spring
Buying a home before spring
Let’s face it — buying a home can feel like a challenge with today’s mortgage rates. You might even be thinking, “Should I just wait until spring when more homes hit the market and rates might be lower?”
But here’s the thing, no one knows for sure where mortgage rates will go from here, and waiting could mean facing more competition, higher prices, and a lot more stress.
What if Buying a home before spring might actually give you the upper hand? Here are three reasons why that just might be the case.
1. Less Competition from Other Buyers
The winter months tend to be quieter in the real estate market. Fewer people are actively looking for homes, which means you’ll likely face less competition when you make an offer. This makes the process feel less rushed and less stressful.
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homes sit on the market longer in winter compared to spring and summer (see graph below):
Fewer buyers in the market means you’ll likely have more time to make thoughtful decisions. It also means you may have more negotiating power. According to the Alabama Association of Realtors:
“A significant benefit of buying a home in winter is the reduced competition. Because of the perceived benefits of spring, many buyers delay the start of their house hunt. As a result, you will find fewer people competing for the same properties during winter. Less demand can translate into more negotiating power as sellers may be more willing to entertain offers or agree to concessions to get a deal closed quickly.”
2. More Negotiating Power
With homes staying on the market longer, sellers may be more willing to negotiate. This can lead to better deals for you as a buyer, whether that means a lower price or added incentives, like sellers covering closing costs or making repairs. As Chen Zhao, an Economist at Redfin, points out:
“. . . buying during the off season means less competition from other buyers. That means potentially negotiating a better deal.”
Plus, when demand is lower, sellers often feel more pressure to work with serious buyers. This could give you an edge to negotiate terms that work best for your situation.
3. Lock in Today’s Prices Before They Rise
Historically, home prices tend to be at their lowest point in the winter months, too. According to data from NAR, home prices last year were at their lowest in January, February, and March — right before the spring buying season kicked in (see graph below):
This trend isn’t new — Bright MLS shows between 2010 and 2024, home prices in January and February were, on average, 15% lower than during the month of peak home prices (typically June). Buying in the off-season means you’re more likely to avoid paying the premium prices that come with the high demand of spring.
On top of that, home prices generally appreciate over time, meaning they tend to go up year after year. That means if you’re ready to buy and you can make it happen, you’re not only taking advantage of what might be the lowest prices of the year, but you’re also locking in today’s price before it increases in the future.
Bottom Line
While spring may seem like the obvious time to buy, moving before the peak season can give you significant advantages, like less competition, more negotiation power, and lower prices.
Start your home buying journey by visiting our Property Search page.
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Eau Claire, WI • Madison, WI • Mount Pleasant, WI • Sun Prairie, WI • Wisconsin Community News •
September 24, 2024
The Top 5 Fastest-Growing Cities in Wisconsin
Like many areas throughout the country, Wisconsin has seen varied population growth across its cities in recent years following the COVID-19 pandemic. This growth is often driven by homebuyers seeking affordable homes or stronger local economies, and there are several areas enjoying particularly strong influxes of new residents. In this post, we’ll explore the five fastest-growing cities in the state of Wisconsin, based on recent data and trends.
1. Madison
Madison, the ever-popular capital city of Wisconsin, has experienced significant population growth in recent years. Between 2020 and 2023, Madison’s population increased by 4.4%, from 274,686 to 286,785 residents. This growth continues a trend observed over the past decade, where the city saw a 17.7% increase in population from 2010 to 2020. Madison’s robust growth can be attributed to its strong economy, education opportunities, and consistently high livability and quality of life rankings.
2. Fitchburg
Fitchburg, a suburb south of Madison and part of the Madison metropolitan area, has also seen substantial post-pandemic growth. From 2020 to 2023, the city’s population grew by 9.74%, from 30,999 to 34,019 residents. Fitchburg’s recent growth rate is one of the highest in the state, reflecting the town’s appeal as a suburban community with convenient access to the nearby amenities of Madison.
3. Sun Prairie
Sun Prairie, yet another city in Dane County, has experienced a 6.73% population increase from 2020 to 2023, growing from 35,967 to 38,387 residents. Over the past decade, Sun Prairie’s population has surged by 29.3%, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in Wisconsin. Sun Prairie’s growth is strongly driven by its proximity to Madison, family-friendly suburban environment, and considerably strong economic development.
4. Oak Creek
Oak Creek, located on the southwestern shores of Lake Michigan in Milwaukee County, saw a 4.59% increase in population from 2020 to 2023, growing from 36,497 to 38,174 residents. This growth is significant given the overall population decline in Milwaukee County during that same period. Oak Creek’s rising population and development is supported by its strategic location between Milwaukee and Chicago and expanding residential and commercial sectors.
5. Eau Claire
On the opposite side of the state, the city of Eau Claire has enjoyed a 2.71% population increase from 2020 to 2023, growing from 69,421 to 71,304 residents. This growth has positioned Eau Claire as the seventh-largest city in Wisconsin, surpassing Waukesha since the last U.S. census in 2020. Eau Claire has long stood as an attractive destination thanks to its reputation as a cultural hub and close proximity to Minnesota’s Twin Cities. Other notable attractions driving Eau Claire’s growth include its vivacious arts scene and ongoing municipal investments such as the expansion of its downtown area.
The cities of Madison, Fitchburg, Sun Prairie, Oak Creek, and Eau Claire are leading the way in population growth in Wisconsin. These destinations offer a compelling combination of economic opportunities, quality of life, and strategic locations that are driving new residents into their welcoming arms. If you’re interested in making a move to one of Wisconsin’s most popular cities, start a search for a new home today or contact us to get in touch with a local real estate expert.
General Community News •
August 16, 2024
What Credit Score Do You Need To Buy a House?
Buying a house is a major milestone for many people, but it can also be a daunting process. One of the biggest concerns for potential homebuyers is their credit score. So what credit score do you need to buy a house in Wisconsin? Let’s explore this question and how it relates to the housing market.
Understanding Credit Scores
Before we dive into the specific credit score needed to buy a house, it’s important to understand what a credit score is and how it is calculated. A credit score is a three-digit number that represents your creditworthiness and is used by lenders to determine your risk as a borrower. The most commonly used credit score is the FICO (Fair Isaac Corporation) model, which ranges from 300 to 850 and prioritizes payment history. The other credit score type is the VantageScore model, which prioritizes total credit usage and is typically referred to less often.
Your FICO score is calculated based on several factors, including your payment history, amounts owed, length of credit history, new credit, and types of credit used. Credit payment history and amounts owed are typically the most significant factors in determining your FICO score. Keeping your credit balances low and making regular on-time payments are the best ways to maintain a good FICO score. The higher your credit score, the better your chances of getting approved for a loan and receiving favorable mortgage rates.
The Housing Market and Credit Scores
The housing market is constantly changing, and this can have an impact on the credit score needed to buy a house. In a strong housing market, lenders may be more lenient with credit score requirements as they are more confident in the market’s stability. On the other hand, in a weaker housing market, lenders may tighten their requirements and look for higher credit scores to mitigate their risk.
Credit Score Requirements for Different Types of Loans
Different types of loans have different credit score requirements. For example, a conventional loan typically requires a credit score of at least 620, while an FHA loan may accept a credit score as low as 500 with a 10% down payment. While a higher credit score will usually result in better mortgage rates and loan terms, it’s always advisable to compare the repayment terms of different loan offers before accepting one. While a loan with a lower down payment may be enticing in the short term, a lower interest rate will results in a lower monthly payment, saving you more in the long term.
Good Credit Score for Buying a House
While the minimum credit score required for a mortgage loan may vary, a good credit score for buying a house is generally considered to be 700 or above. In particular, Wisconsin has one of the highest average credit scores in the country at 732, which falls in the upper end of the “Good” score range. Having an average credit score or better shows lenders that you are a responsible borrower and can handle the financial responsibility of a mortgage. With a good credit score, you are more likely to be approved for a loan and receive favorable mortgage rates.
Improving Your Credit Score
If your credit score isn’t where you want it to be, don’t worry. There are steps you can take to improve your credit score before applying for a mortgage. These include paying off outstanding debts, making all payments on time, and keeping credit card balances low. It’s also a great practice to regularly check your credit report for any errors and dispute them if necessary. Generally, the best way to build your credit score over time is to make regular monthly payments that slowly lower your total credit usage.
Final Thoughts
The credit score needed to buy a house can vary depending on the local housing market and the type of loan you are applying for. With that said, a good credit score for buying a house is generally considered to be 700 or above. If your credit score is not where you want it to be, take steps to improve it before applying for a mortgage. Keep in mind that the average credit score in Wisconsin is relatively high at 732, and that meeting or exceeding this score will grant you a valuable advantage. With a good credit score, you can increase your chances of loan approval and receive better mortgage rates that will save you a considerable amount of money in the long run.
General Community News • Real Estate Trends •
July 24, 2024
Modular Homes vs. Regular Homes: How Do They Compare?
Between the woes of rising home prices and a lack of new inventory, many eager home buyers are exploring newer, more accessible options for achieving home ownership. One increasingly popular choice among new homeowners is the modular home, a type of prefabricated housing designed to offer increased affordability, customizability, and even construction quality over conventional site-built homes. But what exactly is a modular home, and how does it compare to a traditional single-family home? Keep reading for all the information you need to answer these questions and decide if a modular home is right for you.
What is a Modular Home?
Modular homes are a type of prefabricated housing built in individual sections or modules in a factory and then transported to the site for assembly. Unlike other prefab units, modular homes are placed onto a permanent foundation during assembly, and are built to the same building codes and regulations as traditional homes. Because modular homes are composed of different modules or “pieces”, the buyer has much more freedom and control over the design, layout, and style of the final product.
The main difference between modular homes and other prefabricated housing is the construction process. Modular homes begin as individual modules built in a controlled factory environment, which allows for increased efficiency and quality control. Once the modules are completed in the factory, they are transported to the site and assembled to create the finished home. This assembly process typically takes a shorter amount of time compared to traditional home construction, as the modules are already built and only need to be connected together. The result is a quickly-built and affordable new home, custom-tailored to fit the buyer’s preferences and needs.
Despite these differences from traditional site-built homes, modular homes are subject to the same building codes and meet the same standards of quality and safety. However, like any manufactured product, quality of service and construction can vary between sellers, so it’s advisable to buy from a trusted builder.
Quality Construction
One major advantage of modular homes is the quality construction that scaled factory production provides. In addition to following the same building codes as regular homes, the controlled factory environment ensures that modular homes are consistently produced at a set quality standard. Reputable manufacturers also produce home modules using the same materials that regular home builders do, making sure that a completed modular home meets or exceeds the quality of a traditional one. Of course, this may vary between manufacturers, so it’s always a good idea to research and confirm a builder’s practices before choosing one.
Customizable Options
As their nature implies, modular homes offer customization and creative freedom far beyond a traditional home. The ability to choose and combine different modules provides a considerable number of potential floorplans, allowing homeowners to personalize their new living space. Modular homes also offer the flexibility of adding additional modules in the future, providing the option to expand and adapt your home over time. Meanwhile, regular homes often have limited options for expansion, especially in planned communities or developments. This is even truer of starter homes, which can be costly to expand with added square footage thanks to construction costs. Naturally, this leads us to the last and perhaps most attractive strength of modular construction: cost-effectiveness.
Affordability
Modular homes and their owners enjoy considerable advantages in cost and affordability over regular homes. According to SoFi, modular homes tend to be 10% to 20% cheaper than traditional homes. The simplicity and efficiency of large-scale factory production means modular homes can be constructed and assembled at much lower costs than traditional homes. In addition, housing modules made with high quality materials are often more energy-efficient thanks to more effective insulation, which results in savings on utility bills during summer or winter. The combination of these lower costs provides a home that’s not only more affordable to buy, but more affordable to live in as well. In contrast, regular homes can have higher construction costs due to the increased labor required. The potential for weather delays can also extend a new house’s required construction time, driving up the final cost even further.
Is a Modular Home Right for Me?
Modular homes can be a great option for new home buyers who want the option to expand in the future, but there are downsides to consider as well. You’ll need to work with a contractor to purchase a parcel of land for your modular home, and finding suitable land can be difficult. Purchasing a modular home might require a construction loan rather than a mortgage, and some lenders may not finance a modular home due to unfamiliarity and inexperience. Reselling a modular home can also be challenging due to their customization as well as public misconceptions about their quality and desirability.
If you’re considering a modular home but have reservations, it’s always a great idea to consult a real estate professional or financial advisor. Modular homes certainly aren’t for everyone, but they can be the perfect alternative to the costs and long-term commitments of a regular home.
