Real Estate & Housing with New Administration in 2025
As the new administration takes office, there is considerable focus on economic policies, particularly in the realm of housing. President Trump has outlined several economic goals to lower the cost of living and improve home affordability. Here's a snapshot of housing policy proposals and their possible implications for real estate. Approach to Housing Affordability Trump’s housing affordability policy centers on two main objectives: increasing housing supply and minimizing regulatory barriers. High construction costs and restrictive zoning are cited as key obstacles to affordable housing. Federal Lands and Housing Supply Trump has proposed using more federal lands for housing development to mitigate the national housing shortage. This initiative, supported by figures like Vice-President Harris, is intended to facilitate large-scale housing projects. However, it faces challenges where local regulations may impede development. Regulatory Reductions Trump also aims to reduce the regulatory burdens on housing construction that increase production cost. While this could ease development, it may face resistance from groups advocating for sustainable building practices Immigration and Housing Costs Trump suggests that undocumented immigrants elevate housing demand and prices. He proposes restricting mortgage access for undocumented immigrants as a measure to reserve more housing for citizens and legal residents. Support for First-Time Homebuyers To boost homeownership rates, first-time homebuyers may be able to receive potential tax credits for down payments or more lenient lending terms. Such initiatives aim to help new buyers enter the market amidst rising property prices and adjusting interest rates. Mortgage Rates and Affordability While the president cannot directly control interest rates, Trump claims his economic policies will lower mortgage rates through broader economic strategies. Economic experts suggest that significantly lower rates would require substantial changes in monetary policy. This overview of policy proposals present a proactive approach to addressing key issues affecting affordability and home ownership for Americans across the country. Proposing to increase housing supply and reduce regulatory constraints, could make homeownership more attainable for more people. While optimistic in their goals, the success of these initiatives will largely hinge on navigating the complex interplay of federal and local regulations. If implemented effectively, these measures could significantly enhance market accessibility and provide a boost to prospective homeowners in achieving the American Dream of Home Ownership. Top Realtor, Marquesa Hobbs, is ready to help you whether you are buying or selling Real Estate! cell 719.238.0330 office 719.536.4444 Marquesa@ColoradoHearthstone.com
More Starter Homes Are Hitting the Market
More entry-level homes – also known as starter homes – are popping up on the market. And after several years with very few homes available to buy and prices rising, there are finally some more options for first-time buyers. Inventory Is Increasing – Especially at Lower Price Points Over the past year, the total supply of homes for sale has improved. According to Realtor.com, in November there were 26.2% more homes for sale compared to this time last year, marking 13 months of inventory growth and the most homes available since December of 2019. Interestingly, the growth isn’t spread evenly among all types of homes, though. According to Redfin, starter homes have seen the biggest increase (see graph below): So, if you’re a first-time buyer who’s been sitting on the sidelines waiting because you thought you might never find a starter home in your market, this could be a game-changer. You finally have more options to choose from, and you just might be able to find one in your price range. How an Experienced Agent Helps You Find a Starter Homes Finding the right starter home at the right price point in your local market might feel like an unthinkable challenge, but a local real estate agent makes it easier. They stay up to date on the latest starter home listings in your area, so you don’t miss any opportunities. Your agent will help you focus on homes that match your budget and your needs, making the search less stressful. They’ll also guide you through how to make the right offer and negotiate to get the best outcome possible. On top of that, they handle the important details, like documentation and deadlines, so you can stay right on track. And if you have questions, your agent is there with answers and expert advice every step of the way. Bottom Line Starter homes are making a bit of a comeback, and this could be your chance to find one. Whether you’re ready to visit listings, need advice, or just want to see what’s out there, let’s connect. Top Realtor, Marquesa Hobbs, is ready to help you whether you are buying or selling Real Estate! cell 719.238.0330 office 719.536.4444 Marquesa@ColoradoHearthstone.com
Struggling To Sell Your House? Read This.
When you sell your house, ideally, you want it to go something like this: your house sells for top dollar, you get it sold quickly, and it all goes down without a hitch. But what many people don’t realize is that even in today's market where there are more buyers than homes for sale, there are still things that can cause delays or even keep a house from selling. According to Zillow, in 2024, as many as 1 in 3 sellers took their home off the market before it ultimately sold. And while the reasons those houses didn’t sell are going to vary, there are some general themes that come through. If you’re having trouble getting your house sold, here are the top three hurdles that could be getting in the way, and how an expert agent can help you solve these issues. 1. Priced Too High It’s no surprise that price plays a major role when you sell. And in today’s market, overpricing a home in a high-mortgage rate environment is the biggest thing keeping homes on the market longer than the norm. As. U.S. News Real Estate says: “Talk to any real estate expert, and the first thing they’ll tell you is that a house is selling slowly because the price is too high." While it’s tempting to push the price higher to get more for your home, overpricing can really turn away potential buyers. It can also make your house sit on the market for far too long. And the longer it sits, the more skeptical buyers will be that there’s something wrong, even if there isn’t. Not to mention, buyers today have so many tools and resources to view homes in your area and compare prices. So, if your house is priced too high, you’ll risk driving away potential offers. To find out if this is happening with your listing, talk to your agent about what they’re hearing at open houses and showings. If the feedback is consistent, it may be time to re-evaluate your asking price. 2. Not Freshened Up Before Listing You only get one chance to make a great first impression on a buyer. That’s why sprucing up your house can be the difference between it selling or sitting. First, take into account your home’s curb appeal. There may be easy ways you can clean up the landscaping to make it tidy, inviting, and really make an impact. As an article from Realtor.com notes: " . . . for better or worse, buyers do tend to judge a book by its cover. You want to make sure potential buyers’ first impression of your home is a good one—and inspires them to stop by the open house or schedule a tour—so they can see more." But don’t stop at the front door. Small touches like removing personal items, reducing clutter, and cleaning the floors give buyers more freedom to picture themselves in the home. And inexpensive upgrades like a fresh coat of paint or updated listing photos to match the current season can go a long way with that wow factor. When in doubt, lean on your real estate agent for expert advice and whether you need a new game plan to close the deal. 3. Limited Access Another big mistake you can make as a seller is limiting the days and times that buyers can view your house. Because at the end of the day, if buyers can’t take a look around, your chances of selling decline — drastically. And here’s something else to consider. No matter what type of market you’re dealing with, buyers from outside the area are often highly motivated, but they don’t have as much flexibility or time as those who are local. So, give your house the best visibility by making it available as much as possible. Bottom Line You deserve to check selling your house off your list of goals this year. So, if your house isn’t getting enough attention or your listing is getting stale, don’t be afraid to ask your trusted real estate agent how you can revamp your approach. Top Realtor, Marquesa Hobbs, is ready to help you whether you are buying or selling Real Estate! cell 719.238.0330 office 719.536.4444 Marquesa@ColoradoHearthstone.com
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