Happy New Year to 2025!!!
Hey friends,
I’m beyond excited to share some incredible news with you all!
There are 30,000 realtors in the Front Range, and recently, the executive producer of a new national real estate and lifestyle show visited Colorado to meet with only the top producers in the area. I’m truly honored to say that I was invited, and after a thorough selection process, I’ve been chosen as one of the realtors to be part of the cast of Selling Colorado!
I’ll be focusing on the beautiful neighborhoods and, of course, the local real estate market. This is a real show—no "reality TV drama" here! It's all about celebrating the stories of our communities and spreading positivity.
The show has already been nominated for an EMMY in other markets, and an award winning TV show—I'm thrilled to be hosting an EMMY-nominated TV show alongside some of the biggest names in real estate. It’ll air on cable networks like Travel Channel, HGTV, CNBC, Bloomberg TV, as well as on streaming platforms like Amazon Fire, Apple TV, and Roku. There will also be plenty of content shared on social media.
Here’s where I need your help:
The executive producer specifically asked me to highlight the "movers and shakers" in our city—the innovators, philanthropists, and community leaders making a positive impact. If you know anyone who fits this description, please let me know! I’d love an introduction to feature them on the show.
Additionally, the producers are looking for homes to feature in upcoming episodes—specifically, the latest listings hitting the market. If you know anyone thinking about selling, I’d be thrilled to pitch their property to the team.
I’d be so grateful for your support, and I’d love to have a conversation with you if you know someone who might be a great fit. Feel free to email or text me anytime!
2025 Forecast
Last month I said I would touch on what the 2025 forecast looks like. The Spring Market in any given year is typically the best market to sell in, as there are more home buyers looking in that time frame, which is the highest demand of the market. Although, with the right marketing strategies and price positions, homes sell any time of the year.
None of us have all the answers, and predicting the unknowable is always a challenge. As we look ahead to the coming year, we’re reminded that even the best forecasts are just educated guesses. The future is full of surprises, and that’s what makes it so exciting!
First let’s look at what 2024 had in store and we can talk about 2025 predictions.
In 2024, many were surprised to see mortgage rates remain as high as they did. There were widespread predictions that rates would dip into the 5% range, but those expectations didn't materialize. As a result, home sales didn't see the expected uptick. Now, we're 2.5 to 3 years into a significant market slowdown. While we anticipated an increase in inventory, it grew more than most expected. Additionally, the strength of home price appreciation played a key role in shaping the market dynamics.
2024 brought a number of surprises. In Boulder County, inventory is currently sitting at 3.1 months, reflecting a 29.2% increase compared to this time last year. In the broader Front Range, inventory is at 2.7 months, a 42.1% year-over-year increase.
Demand throughout the year was slower, with one notable exception: in mid-September, when mortgage rates dipped into the low 6% range, we saw an uptick in pending sales.
As a result of the higher inventory, home prices have softened. Additionally, the migration trend has stalled, largely due to the ongoing impact of high mortgage interest rates.
Inventory can increase for two reasons: an influx of new listings or a decline in demand. In 2024, the rise in inventory was primarily driven by a slowdown in demand rather than a surge in new listings.
Altos Research and HousingWire have made some predictions for the 2025 housing market. So, what can we expect in terms of mortgage rates and the broader housing landscape?
The migration pattern is currently on hold, which many believe is temporary. We're seeing what’s being called ‘The Great Stay’—people are staying put longer, whether it’s in their jobs or homes. This trend is also reflected in the labor market, where unemployment is at historic lows, hiring has slowed, and people aren’t moving as frequently. Experts predict this will gradually shift over time. After three years of this market, we’re likely facing another two years of higher interest rates before significant changes occur.
Looking ahead to 2025, mortgage rates are currently 6.85 %, which is expected to be the peak for the year. However, they should gradually decline into the low 6% range.
As we know, high interest rates generally lead to higher inventory, while lower rates tend to reduce inventory. Some believe we may return to a pre-pandemic market in the next couple of years, though the likely scenario is a modest 5% growth in sales for 2025.
With rising mortgage rates, home prices, and payments at all-time highs, affordability is at its lowest point in decades. Homes are staying on the market about 20% longer than they did in previous years.
As for me and the team at Real Realty Colorado, we'll be closely monitoring weekly new listing volumes, as they will help confirm our predictions for 2025.
As always, feel free to reach out if you'd like to chat, have any introductions for this new TV host, or know anyone looking to buy or sell real estate in 2025.
All of the best,
Zana Leiferman
Real Realty Colorado
[email protected]
303-810-1059
