Housing Market Forecasts for the Rest of 2025

Housing Market Forecasts for the Rest of 2025

If you’ve been watching the market, you’ve likely noticed a few changes already this year. But what’s next? From home prices to mortgage rates, here’s what the latest expert forecasts suggest for the rest of 2025 – and what these shifts could mean for you.

Will Home Prices Fall?

Many buyers are hoping home prices will come down soon. And recent headlines about prices dipping in some areas are making some people believe it’s just a matter of time before there’s a bigger drop. But here are the facts.

While home price growth is slowing down, that doesn’t mean we’re headed for a crash. As NAHB explains:

“House price growth slowed . . . partly due to a decline in demand and an increase in supply. Persistent high mortgage rates and increased inventory combined to ease upward pressure on house prices. These factors signaled a cooling market, following rapid gains seen in previous years.”

But experts say, even with that slowdown, prices will still rise this year at the national level. The average of 8 leading forecasters shows prices are expected to go up 1.5-2% in 2025 (see graph below):

That means, if you’re waiting for a major drop, experts agree that’s just not in the cards.

Keep in mind, while some markets are already seeing prices come down slightly, the average dip is just -3.5%. That’s a far cry from the nearly 20% decline the market experienced during the 2008 crash.

Plus, those small changes are easily absorbed when you consider how much home prices have climbed over the past few years. Data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) shows prices are up 55% nationally compared to just 5 years ago.

The takeaway? Prices aren’t crashing. They’re expected to keep climbing – just not as quickly these days. And some may argue they’ll be closer to flat by the end of this year. But, again, this is going to vary by market, with some local ups and downs. So, lean on a pro to see the latest price trends for your area.

Will Mortgage Rates Come Down?

Another common thought among today’s buyers is: I’m just going to wait for rates to come down. But is that a smart strategy? According to Yahoo Finance:

“If you’re looking for a substantial interest rate drop in 2025, you’ll likely be left waiting. The latest news from the Federal Reserve and other key economic data point toward steady mortgage rates on par with what we see today.”

In other words, don’t try to time the market or wait for a drop that may not be coming. Most experts say rates will remain in the 6s, and current projections have them settling in the mid-6% range by the end of this year (see chart below):

a blue rectangular table with white textAnd that’s not a big change from where they are right now. So, if you need to move, let’s talk about how to make it happen and what you should watch for. Because while rates may not be as low as you want them to be, you don’t want to put your needs on the back burner, hoping for something the data shows isn’t likely to happen.

Working with an expert who is keeping an eye on all the economic factors that can influence mortgage rates is going to be essential this year. That’s because changes in things like inflation and other key drivers could impact how rates move going forward.

The Takeaway for Buyers and Sellers

Whether you’re buying, selling, or thinking about doing both, this market requires strategy, not guesswork. Prices are still rising nationally (just more slowly), and rates are projected to stay pretty much where they are, so the bigger picture is one of moderation – not a meltdown.

Bottom Line

If you want to make a move, your best bet is to focus on your personal situation – not what the headlines say – and work with a real estate pro who knows how to navigate the shifting conditions in our local market.

 

Let’s talk about what’s happening in our area to build a plan that works for you.

 

Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Realty

1300 Main Chapel Way, Gambrills, MD 21054
443.995.9595 Cell
410.721.0103 Office
eMail: rich@richsellshomes.com
Web: https://richsellshomes.com

A portion of every commission goes to support St. Jude charity directly

 

#AnnapolisRealEstate, #CroftonMDHomes, #BowieMDRealEstate, #SevernaParkHomes, #PasadenaMDHomes, #GambrillsRealEstate, #ArnoldMDRealEstate, #EdgewaterMDHomes, #MillersvilleMDHomes, #OdentonRealEstate

Mortgage Rates Are Stabilizing – How That Helps Today’s Buyers

Mortgage Rates Are Stabilizing – How That Helps Today’s Buyers

Over the past few years, affordability has been the biggest challenge for homebuyers. Between rapidly rising home prices and higher mortgage rates, the topic of mortage rates is one that many have felt stuck between a rock and a hard place.

But, something pretty encouraging is happening. While affordability is still tight, mortgage rates have shown signs of stabilizing in recent months. And that may finally make it a bit easier to plan your move.

Mortgage Rates Have Stabilized – For Now

Over the past year, mortgage rates have had their share of ups and downs, making it tough for buyers to know what to expect. But recently, rates have started to level out and have settled into a more narrow range (see graph below):

a graph of a rateAs the graph shows, rates have stayed within that half-percentage-point since late last year. Yes, there’s been movement within that range, but wild swings and sudden ups and downs just haven’t been the story lately. And that’s a bigger deal than you may realize. As HousingWire explains:

“Analysts, economists and mortgage professionals are coining this quarter’s activity as one of the most “calm” periods for mortgage rates in recent memory.”

How This Helps Today’s Buyers

Let’s be real. Unpredictability makes it tough to plan ahead. When rates are bouncing around and making big jumps week to week, it’s easy to be intimidated. But with rates staying in a pretty steady range over the past several months, you have a clearer picture of what your potential monthly payment could look like. That makes moving feel less uncertain – and more doable.

So, stop waiting. And start planning. Even though rates may not be where you want them to be right now, they have been much less volatile for quite some time.

Will This Stability Last?

According to the experts, it looks like that stability might hang around for a bit. Rates may come down ever so slightly in the months ahead, but it’ll likely be a slow and mild change. As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, says:

“I expect a generally downward trend for rates this year, but at a slow enough pace that it might not be noticeable in any given month.”

So, if you’ve been holding out for the perfect mortgage rate, the best advice is to avoid trying to time the market. It may not look terribly different than the opportunity you already have in front of you. As Jeff Ostrowski, Housing Market Analyst at Bankrate, explains:

“Trying to time mortgage rates is really difficult. There’s no guarantee that rates are going to be any more favorable in three months or six months.”

And if we look at the latest expert forecasts that go out a bit further, even those tell much of the same story. Two out of the three projections say rates will still likely be in the mid-6% range by the end of 2026 (see graph below):

a graph of a graph showing the rate of a mortgage rateThis puts today’s buyers in a much better spot. As Sam Khater, Chief Economist at Freddie Mac, explains:

“Mortgage rates have moved within a narrow range for the past few months . . . Rate stability, improving inventory and slower house price growth are an encouraging combination . . .”

Just remember, mortgage rates are still going to react to changing economic conditions, inflation, and more – and that means they could shift again. But right now, you’ve got more predictability, and that means more opportunity, too.

Bottom Line

While affordability is still a challenge, the market may be offering a bit more stability – and that makes planning your next move a lot easier.

Let’s connect if you want to run the numbers and see what a monthly payment would look like in today’s market. That way you can stop waiting and start planning.

I can help you buy or sell a home in MD. Call Rich at 443.995.9595 Cell or 410.721.0103 Office.

Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Realty

1300 Main Chapel Way, Gambrills, MD 21054
443.995.9595 Cell
410.721.0103 Office
eMail: rich@richsellshomes.com
Web: https://richsellshomes.com

A portion of every commission goes to support St. Jude charity directly

#AnnapolisRealEstate, #CroftonMDHomes, #BowieMDRealEstate, #SevernaParkHomes, #PasadenaMDHomes, #GambrillsRealEstate, #ArnoldMDRealEstate, #EdgewaterMDHomes, #MillersvilleMDHomes, #OdentonRealEstate

Crofton MD – July 2025 Market Snapshot

Richard Iarossi Realtor

🏡 Thinking about buying in Crofton, MD? With homes moving fast at a median of just 13 days on the market and selling for about 100% of their asking price, it’s a hot market! The median sold price is $485,000, making it a great time to make a move. Let’s talk! — Richard Iarossi, Coldwell Banker Realty

📈 Crofton, MD is buzzing with activity! Homes here are selling for about 100% of their asking price, with a median sold price of $485,000. With only 1.24 months of inventory, it’s a strong seller’s market. Ready to find your perfect home? DM me! — Richard Iarossi, Coldwell Banker Realty

🏠 Buyers, take note! Crofton’s median home price is $485,000, and homes are selling in just 13 days. With a 1.24-month inventory, this seller’s market is competitive! Don’t wait—let’s find your dream home today! — Richard Iarossi, Coldwell Banker Realty

📊 Crofton, MD homes are moving fast with a median of 13 days on the market and selling for about 100% of their asking price. With a median sold price of $485,000, now’s the time to buy. Ready to start your journey? Contact me! — Richard Iarossi, Coldwell Banker Realty

🏘️ Crofton’s housing market is hot! With a median sold price of $485,000 and homes selling for about 100% of their asking price, properties are moving quickly—just 13 days on the market. Let’s make your homeownership dreams a reality! — Richard Iarossi, Coldwell Banker Realty

I can help you buy or sell a home in MD. Call Rich at 443.995.9595 Cell or 410.721.0103 Office.

Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Realty

1300 Main Chapel Way, Gambrills, MD 21054
443.995.9595 Cell
410.721.0103 Office
eMail: rich@richsellshomes.com
Web: https://richsellshomes.com

A portion of every commission goes to support St. Jude charity directly

 

 

#AnnapolisRealEstate, #CroftonMDHomes, #BowieMDRealEstate, #SevernaParkHomes, #PasadenaMDHomes, #GambrillsRealEstate, #ArnoldMDRealEstate, #EdgewaterMDHomes, #MillersvilleMDHomes, #OdentonRealEstate

The 5-Year Rule for Home Prices

The 5-Year Rule for Home Prices

a screenshot of a graph

Some Highlights

  • If recent home price headlines have you feeling worried, here’s some perspective on home prices.​​
  • Home values almost always go up in the long run. ​And the long-term gains offset any short-term dips. Basically, if you plan to live there for 5 or more years, you should be able to buffer yourself against any short-term declines.
  • Let’s have a conversation about what’s happening with prices in our market, and we’ll look at the bigger picture together.

Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Realty

1300 Main Chapel Way, Gambrills, MD 21054
443.995.9595 Cell
410.721.0103 Office
eMail: rich@richsellshomes.com
Web: https://richsellshomes.com

A portion of every commission goes to support St. Jude charity directly

#AnnapolisRealEstate, #CroftonMDHomes, #BowieMDRealEstate, #SevernaParkHomes, #PasadenaMDHomes, #GambrillsRealEstate, #ArnoldMDRealEstate, #EdgewaterMDHomes, #MillersvilleMDHomes, #OdentonRealEstate

Homes Fall Out of Contract – Don’t Let Yours

Richard Iarossi Realtor

Top Reasons Homes Fall Out of Contract

It’s not something you usually think much about when you list your home for sale, let alone when you get and accept an offer, but it happens a lot: The buyer backs out of the sale. Over the past year, we’ve seen quite a lot of buyer back-outs. Approximately one out of seven real estate contracts are terminated for any number of reasons. A report published by Redfin on July 23, 2024, revealed that nearly 56,000 home-purchase agreements were canceled in June 2024. That equates to 14.9% of homes that went under contract that month, and the highest percentage of any June on record.

The Appraisal Comes In Low

It’s my experience, and that of many REALTORS® that the most common reason for buyers to back out of a sale is because the appraisal comes in lower than the offer price.  The buyers may very well want the house, but are unwilling or unable to pay over the appraised value.

“Buyers sometimes offer more than a home is worth, either from exhaustion of bidding wars or the fear of missing out,” Kalla said. “If the appraisal is lower than the agreed price, lenders won’t finance the full amount, and buyers may not have the cash to cover the gap.”

As long as the contract allows, it’s an easy walk away when the appraisal is low, especially for VA and FHA loans.

The Buyer’s Financing Falls Through

Preapproval on a mortgage loan does not equal approval. A buyer needs to go through a complex underwriting process in order to get a final approval from a lender. It’s not uncommon for financing to fall through, resulting in a buyer backout.

“Even in the tech-driven, affluent Bay Area, buyers often rely on mortgage financing,” Kalla said. “If a buyer’s loan is denied due to a change in employment, a sudden dip in credit score or unanticipated credit card debt, the deal can collapse.”

Financing can fall through over seemingly insignificant issues.

“I have had a buyer’s financing being jeopardized because of using a Target credit card that he didn’t pay off for $400 and was not aware of it,” Kalla said. “This is especially prevalent in a high-cost market where even small financial hiccups can derail loan approval.”

A Bad Inspection

Most homebuyers get a home inspection done before closing escrow. They are very expensive, but more importantly they are very comprehensive. A home inspector checks the condition of numerous parts of a home including the roof, walls, foundation, electrical systems and more. A poor inspection can easily lead to a buyer getting nervous and backing out. Not all buyers want to come into a new house and have to make a lot of repairs.

Some items are automatic red flags like foundations, roofs and leaking basements.

A Bad Neighbor

Is your new next door neighbor someone who likes to blast loud music at home? Do they hoard junk on their front porch or cars up on blocks on the lawn? Are they always in your business? A bad neighbor is a good reason for a buyer to back out.

It’s not unusual for buyers to drive by the property several times and if they see a concern, prepare to exit the contract. Political signs are a huge turnoff…at least for 50% of buyers.

Buyer’s Remorse

Buying a house is an incredibly intense process. It’s not only a complete headache in regard to paperwork, but it’s also exhausting to be put through the ringer when going through the underwriting process to get final approval. Buyers sometimes back out because they get cold feet or feel overwhelmed.

“Some buyers second-guess their decision or feel buyer’s remorse the day after they get into contract, especially if they rushed the process or waived contingencies.” Buyer’s Remorse is a very real thing.

Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Realty

1300 Main Chapel Way, Gambrills, MD 21054
443.995.9595 Cell
410.721.0103 Office
eMail: rich@richsellshomes.com
Web: https://richsellshomes.com

A portion of every commission goes to support St. Jude charity directly

#AnnapolisRealEstate #CroftonMDHomes #BowieMDRealEstate #SevernaParkHomes #PasadenaMDHomes #GambrillsRealEstate #ArnoldMDRealEstate #EdgewaterMDHomes #MillersvilleMDHomes #OdentonRealEstate

The Truth About Where Home Prices Are Heading

The Truth About Where Home Prices Are Heading

There are plenty of headlines these days calling for a housing market crash. But the truth is, they’re not telling the full story. Here’s what’s actually happening, and what the experts project for home prices over the next 5 years. And spoiler alert – it’s not a crash.

Yes, in some local markets, prices are flattening or even dipping slightly this year as more homes hit the market. That’s normal with rising inventory. But the bigger picture is what really matters, and it’s far less dramatic than what the doom-and-gloom headlines suggest. Here’s why.

Over 100 leading housing market experts were surveyed in the latest Home Price Expectations Survey (HPES) from Fannie Mae. Their collective forecast shows prices are projected to keep rising over the next 5 years, just at a slower, healthier pace than what we’ve seen more recently. And that kind of steady, sustainable growth should be one factor to help ease your fears about the years ahead (see graph below):

a graph with green barsAnd if you take a look at how the various experts responded within the survey, they fall into three main categories: those that were most optimistic about the forecast, most pessimistic, and the overall average outlook.

Here’s what the breakdown shows:

  • The average projection is about 3.3% price growth per year, through 2029.
  • The optimists see growth closer to 5.0% per year.
  • The pessimists still forecast about 1.3% growth per year.

Do they all agree on the same number? Of course not. But here’s the key takeaway: not one expert group is calling for a major national decline or a crash. Instead, they expect home prices to rise at a steady, more sustainable pace.

That’s much healthier for the market – and for you. Yes, some areas may see prices hold relatively flat or dip a bit in the short term, especially where inventory is on the rise. Others may appreciate faster than the national average because there are still fewer homes for sale than there are buyers trying to purchase them. But overall, more moderate price growth is cooling the rapid spikes we saw during the frenzy of the past few years.

And remember, even the most conservative experts still project prices will rise over the course of the next 5 years. That’s also because foreclosures are low, lending standards are in check, and homeowners have near record equity to boost the stability of the market. Together, those factors help prevent a wave of forced sales, like the kind that could drag prices down. So, if you’re waiting for a significant crash before you buy, you might be waiting quite a long time.

Bottom Line

If you’ve been on the fence about your plans, now’s the time to get clarity. The market isn’t heading for a crash. It’s on track for steady, slow, long-term growth overall, with some regional ups and downs along the way.

Want to know what that means for our neighborhood? Because national trends set the tone, but what really matters is what’s happening in your zip code. Let’s have a quick conversation so you can see exactly what our local data means for you.

 

Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Realty

1300 Main Chapel Way, Gambrills, MD 21054
443.995.9595 Cell
410.721.0103 Office
eMail: rich@richsellshomes.com
Web: https://richsellshomes.com

A portion of every commission goes to support St. Jude charity directly

 

#AnnapolisRealEstate #CroftonMDHomes #BowieMDRealEstate #SevernaParkHomes #PasadenaMDHomes #GambrillsRealEstate #ArnoldMDRealEstate #EdgewaterMDHomes #MillersvilleMDHomes #OdentonRealEstate