What NAR sees for the new year

#61

If you missed NAR NXT in Boston last weekend, here’s the biggest news of the conference:

Chief economist Lawrence Yun expects home sales to jump 9% in 2025—and 13% in 2026.

With mortgage rates leveling off and the job market running smoothly, his optimistic take on the next 12 months is a welcome bit of good news after a rocky year for real estate. 

Our advice? Stay agile, move with the market, and don’t miss a Real Estate Roundup 😉

SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS

🔊Today’s Top Podcast Rec:

If you’re struggling to get solid leads or gain traction with the prospects you do land, Bill Pipes, the most experienced real estate coach in the world, has a fresh take for you. His approach is prospecting-based, marketing-enhanced, and leans on the tried-and-true principles agents have been using for years to drive serious business growth—even in declining markets. Watch the latest Inspection Period to learn more.

MARKETS

More predictions from NAR

If Lawrence Yun’s sunny 2025 prediction wasn’t enough to get you energized for the new year, the National Association of Realtors says there’s more where that came from. NAR predicts that the challenges of recent years could give way to higher sales and stabilizing mortgage rates in the coming months, driving a steady recovery and increased inventory. 

Here’s what to watch for:

  • Fueled by pent-up demand, home sales are expected to rise, with a projected 9% increase in existing-home sales and an 11% boost in new-home sales next year.

  • Mortgage rates are predicted to level out, potentially reaching the lower end of the 6%-7% range—though a high national budget deficit could limit some decreases. 

  • Buyer demographics will likely continue to shift. All-cash buyers have surged to a record 26%, the average first-time buyer age is going up, and the number of multigenerational households has reached an all-time high, three factors that impact how agents find and engage with clients.

As these trends unfold, real estate professionals have the chance to both capitalize on a stronger market and reach a new group of buyers in the new year.

DIVE IN

The Friday Five

📖 Real art. Meet the talented artists interior designer Paige Wassel can’t get enough of.

👀 Read between the lines. When’s the last time you read the contracts your clients sign?

👀 Windows and woodwork. See inside Wiz Khalifa’s surprisingly stylish Pittsburgh mansion.

💡Cold Call Battle is back. Watch Ricky Carruth face off against Houston agent Orrin Padgett in a heated cold call battle for local leads. 

💡Follow the leader. Four tips for finding the right career mentor to help shape your business.

WHAT’S NEW FROM ESTATE MEDIA

Let’s get REAL [TALK]

REAL TALK, Instagram’s #1 digital chat show featuring interviews and insights from some of the most prominent agents, architects, designers, and more is now a part of the growing Estate Media family. REAL TALK was created by The SOCIETY Group—the industry leader for property PR, iconic branding, extravagant events, and social media-driven engagement around the hottest properties on the market—and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome the viral show to our star-studded lineup. 

Tap to watch the announcement—and catch Josh Flagg’s humble braggs in the full hot-seat interview.

HANGS & HAPPENINGS

Inman Connect | NYC | January 22-24, 2025. Grow your network, learn from the best in business, and get inspired through multiple networking opportunities and breakout sessions from industry pros like Rayni Williams, Mauricio Umansky, and Jimmy Burgess. 

RETCon | Las Vegas, NV | March 10-12, 2025. RETCon is a must-attend event for real estate technology and innovation professionals. The conference focuses on PropTech and RealTech solutions, trends, automation tools, AI advances, and more, and gives agents and industry pros a place to learn, network, and stay competitive.

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TIPS & TAKEAWAYS

Last Minute Tax Break

Need another reason to help your potential buyers sign a deal before year-end? In some situations, purchasing real estate, especially in the sub-$500,000 range, can offer serious tax advantages. Property tax deductions, mortgage interest deductions, or rental property expenses can all add up to smart savings. Thanks Shannon Gillette for sharing this tax-time tip!

Before we go…

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