2025 Market Preview

At the NAR NXT conference in Boston, NAR.com | Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the National Association of REALTORS®, offered an optimistic forecast for the housing market, predicting recovery by 2025 and 2026. He expects home sales to rise, with existing-home sales increasing by 9% in 2025 and 13% in 2026, driven by improving job numbers, rising inventory, and reduced election-related uncertainty.Jessica Lautz, NAR’s deputy chief economist, discussed changing buyer demographics. First-time buyers are older, multigenerational households have reached record levels, and all-cash purchases are increasing due to homeowners leveraging equity. Urban living is also seeing a resurgence, reflecting the market's adaptability to economic pressures.Mortgage rates remain a challenge, with stabilization at the lower end of current levels expected but significant declines unlikely due to the federal budget deficit. Yun highlighted structural changes, such as reducing the deficit or easing regulations, as potential pathways for rate improvements, though these outcomes remain uncertain.Despite affordability challenges, Yun noted resilience in the market, with life milestones like births and job changes driving demand. He emphasized the need for increased housing supply to ensure equitable access to homeownership as the market gradually recovers.  --- JRL

View more

To-Dos: Your Home Checklist | DECEMBER

It's Christmastime! "With residents of cold regions experiencing or preparing for snow, plus all the holidays, December is a busy month. But with a little preparation (and some quiet time), you can savor the best of the season, whether it’s winter walks or hot cocoa. Check off these tasks for a less hectic, more harmonious month." --- Laura Gaskill, Houzz Contributor 1. Disconnect hoses.2. Keep an eye on trees.3. Set up a gift-wrapping station.  4. Make space for winter coats, boots and scarves . 5. Put up outdoor holiday decor.6. Add winter evergreens to outdoor spaces.7. implify your holiday.8. Get ready for winter storms.9. Block drafts.10. Spruce up indoor play areas.11. Carve out a space to find your Zen.12. Have your chimney cleaned. 13. Update your emergency kit.14. Plan for holiday home safety.

View more

To-Dos: Your Home Checklist | NOVEMBER

"With Thanksgiving approaching and the winter holidays around the corner, there are things to look forward to (and prepare for) this time of year — even with the adjustments we are having to make because of the pandemic. Batten down the hatches for winter weather and get a jump on holiday prep, so you can relax and savor the simple pleasures of the season, like family dinners and walks in the crisp air outdoors." --- Laura Gaskill, Houzz Contributor 1. Replace floor protectors on chairs.2. Examine the sump pump.3. Check paths, stairs and railings for safety. 4. Show some kindness to feathered friends. 5. Get a jump on holiday prep.6. Deep-clean bathrooms. 7. Check bathtub caulk and repair if needed.8. Inspect the home’s exterior, and then cover gaps. 9. Remove the last of the fall leaves.10. Fix plumbing issues before the holiday crunch.11. Force bulbs indoors.12. Stock up for winter.

View more