As the national residential real estate landscape enters this newest phase, agents and brokers need to adjust fast. Most notably, for the first time in over a decade, home sellers now outnumber buyers. Steadily increasing mortgage rates, shifting affordability, and evolving consumer behavior are reshaping the dynamics that have fueled the post-pandemic housing boom.
Here’s what’s happening — and how real estate professionals can stay ahead of it.
Mortgage Rates Are High — So Lead With Strategy, Not Urgency
Goldman Sachs now projects that 30-year fixed mortgage rates will climb to 6.75% by year-end. Combined with persistently high home prices, this has sidelined many first-time buyers and move-up clients alike.
Agent Advice:
- Shift your messaging from “buy now” urgency to “let’s build a plan.”
- Highlight mortgage buydowns, rate-lock incentives, and creative financing solutions.
- Stay connected with lenders who are responsive and transparent — and bring them into your client conversations earlier.
A Cooling Market Doesn’t Mean a Cold One
Nationally, inventory is increasing — but in many metros, demand still outpaces supply. Cities like Miami (+9.4%), Austin (+7.2%), and Charlotte (+6.8%) are still seeing strong price appreciation due to local economic drivers, according to this June 2025 housing forecast.
Broker Strategy:
- Train agents on hyperlocal data — national headlines don’t always reflect local opportunity.
- Invest in market reports and CMA tools that allow agents to tell a compelling, real-time story.
- Encourage agents to publish content or host webinars that position them as trusted local experts.
Policies Are Shifting — Stay Informed and Proactive
From a proposed tax increase on high-end sales in New Jersey (NJ Real Estate Report) to the landlord-backed PAC support for Andrew Cuomo in NYC’s mayoral race, real estate policy is under the spotlight.
What You Can Do:
- Join or support your local REALTOR® association’s advocacy efforts.
- Educate your clients on how proposed policy changes might affect them — especially luxury sellers or investors.
- Prepare for potential listing or buyer surges ahead of policy changes.
Turn Uncertainty Into Opportunity
When markets shift, professionals who adapt rise to the top. That means re-engaging your sphere, leaning into digital marketing, and staying close to your data.
Tactical Tips:
- Launch educational campaigns explaining the new buyer-seller balance.
- Use your CRM to re-engage past leads who may now find more favorable buying conditions.
- Offer seller consultations focused on pricing strategies and staging — presentation is more important in a market with options.
Final Thought
Markets evolve. Great agents evolve faster — and they do it with the right tools.
This moment in the market isn’t a downturn — it’s a reset. Now is the time to double down on your digital foundation. A modern, high-performing real estate website positions you as the local authority. A connected real estate CRM keeps your pipeline warm and your follow-up tight. And dedicated single property websites help listings stand out when inventory rises and competition intensifies.
For brokers and agents who embrace strategy over pressure, who educate rather than sell, and who leverage technology to stay visible and valuable — 2025 offers real opportunity.
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Tags: AgentTools, BrokerTools, HousingMarketUpdate, Real Estate Marketing, RealEstate2025
