Should I Sell My House in 2025? Factors to Help You Decide
Mortgage rates experienced dramatic spikes and dips throughout 2024, with the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate peaking at over 7% during April and May. While rates dipped slightly in the third quarter, they climbed back into the upper 6% range, reaching 6.91% in early November — the highest level since July.
Despite the Fed rate cuts in September and November, mortgage rates have stubbornly hovered around 6%. According to experts, a third rate cut made in December is unlikely to significantly impact mortgage rates, as it’s relatively small, and lenders may have already accounted for it in their current loan offerings.
After a year of wild fluctuations, many homeowners are left wondering what 2025 will bring. The big question on everyone’s mind: should I sell my house next year?
If your low mortgage rate has kept you from moving or the inventory in your desired neighborhood has been wholly unimpressive, we’ve got good news for you — there are several reasons to be optimistic about the 2025 housing market. Experts are predicting rebounding home sales, stabilizing mortgage rates and home prices, and renewed buyer demand.
That said, sellers should be realistic about the current market. While conditions are improving, sellers no longer have the upper hand in some locations.
“Sellers need to understand that the extreme sellers market of ‘20 – ‘21 with multiple, cash offers over asking is over,” says Richard McKinney, a top agent from Port St. Lucie, Florida, with 26 years of experience.
According to property data site CoreLogic, home prices in the U.S. increased by 3.4% in October 2024 from the same month last year. But McKinney says he’s seen prices coming down in higher price ranges, and in some cases, properties are taking months to sell. He advises, “Sellers and agents need to be out in front of price, marketing, and staging.”
Ahead, we tackle the big question on many homeowners’ minds: “Should I sell my house in 2025?” We break down the pros and cons, drawing on insights from the latest housing market forecasts and seasoned real estate agents.
Pros for selling your house in 2025
Selling your home in 2025 offers promising opportunities. With mortgage rates stabilizing and home prices continuing to rise moderately, sellers can benefit from a more predictable market. Additionally, the increasing number of buyers using cash reduces financing delays, streamlining transactions. These favorable conditions can help sellers maximize profits while navigating a steadier and more confident housing market.
More stable mortgage rates will get buyers off the sidelines
Existing-home sales rose by 3.4% month-over-month in October 2024, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). This is a 2.9% growth from a year ago, the first year-over-year increase in more than three years.
At a recent industry conference in Boston, NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun explained the recovery in housing demand, noting that mortgage rates may remain steady.
“The worst of the downturn in home sales could be over, with increasing inventory leading to more transactions.”
He adds, “Additional job gains and continued economic growth appear assured, resulting in growing housing demand. However, for most first-time homebuyers, mortgage financing is critically important. While mortgage rates remain elevated, they are expected to stabilize.”