The Housing Market Is Still Complicated
Mortgage rates remain the elephant in the room.
For anyone dreaming of buying a home, 2025 has been a year of mixed emotions. Rates are still hovering around uncomfortable highs compared to pre-pandemic lows, and many homeowners with old low-rate mortgages just aren’t selling.
The result? Low inventory, stubborn prices, and a lot of frustrated buyers.
Renters, on the other hand, have seen some mild relief. Rental inflation has cooled in most major cities, though it’s still high in hotspots like Miami, Austin, and Phoenix.
What you can do:
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If you’re a homeowner: Consider staying put unless you really need to move. Refinancing might make sense after a couple more rate cuts — not right now.
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If you’re renting: Keep an eye on local rent trends. Many landlords are offering renewal bonuses or slower increases to keep good tenants.
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If you’re in retirement: Downsizing or renting out part of your property can be a smart way to create cash flow while markets stabilize.
Owning isn’t always the win it used to be. Sometimes, flexibility is worth more than square footage.
