Monthly Archives : February 2025

Hey y’all, it’s Joanne! I just got back from Keller Williams’ Family Reunion, where Gary Keller gave his annual Vision Speech—breaking down what’s happening in the housing market and what it means for all of us. And let me tell you, there’s a lot to unpack!

Now, I know the headlines can be overwhelming, and you might be wondering:
“Is now a good time to buy or sell? Should I wait? What’s next?”
So, let’s talk about it in real terms—because while the market is shifting, there’s still plenty of opportunity out there.

Where We Are Now: The Big Picture
The real estate market is definitely feeling a slowdown, with home sales projected to be around 4.2 million in 2025—the lowest we’ve seen in nearly 30 years. That’s a big shift from what we got used to in the past decade. Now, historically, when the market dips like this, it takes about three to four years to fully bounce back, which means we may not see things feel truly ‘normal’ again until 2026 or later.

KWFR 2025

But before you panic—let’s put things in perspective.

Home prices are still strong overall, and while we saw some crazy price jumps after the pandemic, things are trending back toward affordability. In other words, real estate is still one of the best investments you can make—it’s just about knowing how to navigate today’s market.

2025 KWFR

For Buyers: What You Need to Know

If you’re thinking about buying, here’s some good news for you:

Price Stability – Even though the number of homes sold is lower, the overall market is still moving. In fact, 2024 saw $2.2 trillion in home sales—making it the third-best year on record. That tells us that home values aren’t falling off a cliff.

More Negotiation Power – We’re seeing more price reductions—from 24% of listings in early 2024 to 31% in early 2025. That means more room to negotiate and better deals for buyers! And as more inventory hits the market, that trend should continue.

Real Estate is a Long-Term Game – If you’re waiting for the “perfect” time to buy—you might be waiting forever. The truth is, real estate appreciates over time, and the sooner you get in, the better your long-term returns. Like Jay Papasan (one of the smartest guys in the business) said, “Don’t wait to buy real estate. Buy real estate and wait.”

Bottom line? If you find the right home at the right price and it fits your budget, don’t be afraid to go for it!

For Sellers: What to Expect

If you’re thinking about selling, you can still win in this market—you just have to be strategic.

Homes Are Taking Longer to Sell – With fewer buyers in the market, homes aren’t flying off the shelves overnight like they did a couple of years ago. That means pricing right from the start is more important than ever. Overpricing will just cause your home to sit longer and force price cuts later.

Less Transactions, More Volume – There are fewer deals happening, but when they do, they’re still moving big dollar amounts. This means there’s still demand, but buyers are being more selective—so you’ve got to stand out.

Stay Positive & Work with the Right Agent – The long-term outlook is still strong for real estate. Home values hold steady over time, and working with an experienced agent (hi!) can help you price, market, and sell your home the right way.

Final Thoughts: There’s Still Opportunity!

I know the market feels uncertain right now, but here’s the truth: there’s never a “bad” time to buy or sell—only a bad strategy.

If you’re buying, now’s the time to negotiate strong and take advantage of price reductions. If you’re selling, it’s all about smart pricing and great marketing to attract serious buyers.

The best thing you can do? Stay informed, get good advice, and don’t let fear make your decisions for you. If you have questions, we’re here to help—whether you’re buying, selling, or just trying to make sense of it all.

Maximizing Your Home’s ROI: Smart Improvement Choices

Deciding which home improvements to make isn’t always just about return on investment (ROI). If you’re upgrading your home to enhance your own living experience, it’s difficult to quantify that value. However, if your goal is strictly resale, it’s essential to evaluate your choices carefully. There’s a lot of misleading information out there—from HGTV shows suggesting things like “This kitchen cost $20K, and the seller got back $40K when they sold” to social media claims that a new garage door can bring a 194% ROI or a new front door brings 188% ROI. These figures are misleading and often overlook crucial variables. To help you make informed decisions, we’re offering some expert insight.

Prioritize Routine Maintenance

The best way to protect and enhance your home’s value is by staying on top of routine maintenance. Not only does this bring peace of mind while you live there, but it also prevents buyers from significantly discounting their offers due to perceived neglect. If you’ve maintained some aspects of your home but ignored others, buyers may assume the worst and believe there are other surprises awaiting them, which they will factor into their offer price. If you’re handy and can handle basic maintenance and upgrades yourself, your sweat equity will give you the best chance at a positive ROI.

Manage Your Expectations

Most renovations don’t yield a positive ROI if you plan to sell immediately unless you’re going from zero renovations to 100% (more on that later). If you’re planning to sell soon after a major remodel, it’s best to keep expectations in check. The key is to make your home as functional and appealing as possible for you and your family while maintaining realistic financial expectations. Renovations differ from maintenance—if something is broken, it should be repaired or replaced before selling as a general rule.

Avoid Partial Upgrades

If your home hasn’t been updated in decades, doing one-off renovations—like upgrading a single bathroom or installing a brand-new front door—won’t necessarily translate into a higher sale price, at least not enough to cover what you just spent. Buyers typically fall into two categories: those looking for a complete renovation project at a bargain price or those willing to pay a premium for a fully updated home. Partial upgrades often fail to deliver a strong ROI because they leave lingering work for the next owner.

A home that is 100% move-in ready will attract the highest offers. Buyers will pay a premium if they feel like everything is complete (maintenance) and up to current aesthetic standards. However, once updates fall below that threshold, buyers hesitate to pay a premium. Once you go below 100% and there are still some updates or projects left to do, you lose the ROI.

Think of it like buying a car—new vehicles lose value the moment they leave the lot. Similarly, buyers often pay 20%-25% more for a brand-new home versus a resale home, reinforcing the importance of a fully updated property.

The Power of Paint

If there’s one cost-effective upgrade that offers a strong impact, it’s a fresh coat of paint. However, color choice matters significantly. The wrong shade can turn buyers away, so it’s wise to consult an experienced Realtor or designer before making a final decision. Fresh paint in the wrong color can result in a negative ROI.

Final Thoughts

Before making any major home improvements, consider whether they align with your long-term goals. If you plan to sell soon, focus on maintenance, full-scale updates rather than partial ones, and simple yet impactful changes like painting. Always consult professionals to ensure you’re making the best choices for maximum ROI.