In my 2025 forecast, I anticipated the following ranges: Mortgage rates between 5.75% and 7.25% The 10-year yield fluctuating between 3.80% and 4.70% Overall, 2025 is on track with my forecast. The 10-year yield has remained within its proper range in response to Federal Reserve policy and economic conditions, while mortgage rates have fluctuated between 6.29% and 7.25%.
Redfin puts it bluntly: America's homeowner population has stopped growing. Chen Zhao, Redfin's head of economics research, attributes this to "rising home prices, high mortgage rates and economic uncertainty [which] have made it increasingly difficult to own a home." Zhao also noted secular shifts in the economy that may be playing a role. "People are also getting married and starting families later, which means they're buying homes later-another factor that may be at play."
Sales and inventory: Total condo sales experienced a slight dip in Q2 2025 compared to the previous year, but inventory remained significantly low. The number of listings increased in July, providing buyers with more options than in previous years. Pricing: The median condo price in the greater Boston area saw modest growth overall. However, this figure masks underlying market polarization, as luxury buildings saw an 11% decrease in median price while certain downtown neighborhoods saw a 20% increase.
As Labor Day approaches, the U.S. housing market has faced a challenging summer, with frustrated expectations for buyers, sellers, and builders. The market is deadlocked, with increasing inventory, low sales, and hesitant movements from all parties involved. Despite some silver linings on the horizon, the housing market remains in a state of stagnation, according to the July housing market trends report from Realtor.com®.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell hinted at potential rate cuts in September, which could lead to an increase in home renovation spending rather than a surge in home sales due to persistently high mortgage rates. The focus shifts to Home Equity Lines of Credit as they are influenced more directly by short-term rates and could see reduced costs, allowing homeowners to tap their equity for long-delayed renovations and improvements.
The fix-and-flip market is experiencing a slowdown, affecting both flippers and average home sellers. Data from John Burns Research and Consulting and Kiavi show a decline in sales, which can be attributed to economic uncertainty, higher mortgage rates, and increased material expenses. Flippers in specific regions like Florida and California face challenges due to high costs and competition, affecting their profitability and ability to secure insurance.
Mortgage rates have remained elevated since 2023 and home prices are at record highs, locking out many millennials and Gen Z buyers from the housing market. A significant portion of younger homebuyers are betting on future rate drops by taking on adjustable-rate mortgages or planning to refinance, but experts warn this is an unreliable gamble. Although mortgage rates peaked at 8% in late 2023, they remain relatively elevated at about 6.5%.
Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes rose in July as homebuyers were encouraged by a modest pullback in mortgage rates, slowing home price growth and the most properties on the market in over five years. Existing home sales rose 2% last month from June to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.01 million units, the National Association of Realtors said Thursday. Sales edged up 0.8% compared with July last year.
Mortgage rates that rise higher than expected before financing is secured can deal a serious blow to a home's affordability or a client's chances of loan approval. Regardless of where rates head, your role as a real estate agent is to remain calm, informed, and proactive. Here's a practical guide to help you support your clients when mortgage rates shift higher or lower before closing.
The economy grew by 73,000 jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That was less than most economists were forecasting. Worse, the initial estimates for job growth in May and June were revised downward by a total of 258,000.