2025 what can you expect?

What to expect in the 2025 market in real estate? The market is still experiencing inventory issues, in some price ranges the inventory is still at a record low. Which is still creating some multiple offer situations in some areas. This is sometimes a good thing for sellers, that want to move the property quickly. But for buyers it can soon become a struggle to even get your offer on the table. So, I want to focus on buyers in this blog and let them know what to expect not just in inventory but how things are being handled in 2025.

For buyers, things are not the same as they use to be. You see a home and no matter if it is online or in person. You want to get in to see the property as soon as you can. Or you see an open house sign up and you want to stop by just to preview. The new process for the home buyer is now part of a process of discussion on how things are going to be handled through the buyer and the buyer’s agent. The discussion is how the commission is going to be handled from the start of the process of seeing a home and working with an agent. Now before you get all frustrated and discouraged that you have to fill out paperwork before you get to preview a home. Understand, that the situation is now part of an agent’s responsibility and required by their state real estate commission along with national association requirements.

Agents are now required to discuss how they are going to be compensated by their client(you). What this means is that their commission however it is to be handled from flat fee to percentage or even hourly rates can be discussed. That can even per showing on an individual property. Agreements can be for a certain period of time, a one-time showing, or to be paid for by the Seller. In almost all situations the buyer’s agent will request the commission to be paid for by the Seller as a part of their purchase agreement and or offer to purchase. It may be that as a part of the offer the commission is handled by the seller and the buyer both? It is all about communication and negotiation of the purchase offer for that particular property.

Buyers are concerned that they will be made to pay a commission up front or they are responsible for that part of a sale upfront. But buyers need to understand that when you are working with an agent. An agent does not get paid until a property closes, now that can be different is someone signed an agreement as detailed above to compensate an agent differently. That can include retainer fees and or hourly fees for a potential buyer. In most cases the buyer will not be paying for anything until there is an accepted purchase agreement and the property closes. And understand that it does not matter if you are using the listing agent or any other agent this will be required to be completed by any buyer. So, choosing your agent is important and you will have a potentially long-term situation to get you into your new home. Your agent is working for you and their responsibility is for you and your needs and concerns. If your agent is not handling things the way you want or need, you need to move on to another agent that will.

So, with all this being said and knowing what you know now. Why is this important to have this process started and completed with your agent? The home buying process is difficult enough just dealing with a lender if you have to use a lender to purchase a home. With this continued shortness of inventory and home availability that will certainly continue for some time. Buyers need to be prepared not just for the lender requirements but the requirements to work with their agent. So, how can this help you? If a property hits the market and it is something that may fit your needs. Your agent will already have everything now required to get you into the property as soon as possible.  Which in this market may be the difference of getting the home you desire or not getting the home you want. This just starts the process of even getting an offer accepted and not including inspections and other parts of the buying process. Your agent will walk you through the necessary things that will be part of the buying process, from getting a lender on board to home inspections and so on.

Get in touch with your agent and know the process and how things are going to have to happen in this current market. Working through the process of home buying is not simple and guidance of a true real estate professional is made easier with someone who has your best interest in mind.

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