Welcome to our November 2025 real estate update! In this edition, we're diving into the latest trends and news about the housing market, with insights on price fluctuations, inventory changes, and regional updates. Whether you're buying, selling, or just staying informed, we've got the details you need to navigate the evolving market and make smart decisions.
November 2025 Financial Market News
- Hiring picked up in October with 42,000 new private-sector jobs, which could make the Fed less likely to cut rates again in December and may cause mortgage rates to tick up.
- A new Reuters/Ipsos poll found 40% of Americans say cost-of-living is their top voting issue heading into next year’s midterms, with healthcare named the biggest expense concern.
- The Senate passed a bill to end the shutdown, funding key agencies and reopening the government until January 30, 2026. The House votes this Wednesday, with Trump backing the deal.
November 2025 National Housing Market News
- President Trump has proposed a 50-year fixed mortgage to make housing more affordable — lowering monthly payments by about $280 on a $400,000 loan, though buyers would pay roughly $425,000 more in interest over time.
- The Trump administration is exploring a late-2025 public offering of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which would end their 17-year government control and return the mortgage giants to private ownership—potentially reshaping how home loans are financed nationwide.
- After NYC’s mayoral election, wealthy New Yorkers are rushing to Connecticut, fueling bidding wars and homes selling $500,000 over asking.
- Furniture prices jumped 6% over the past year, as new tariffs on imported wood products and household goods continue to drive up costs for retailers and shoppers.
- Home prices keep rising, with 77% of U.S. metros posting gains and the median single-family price up 1.7% year over year to $426,800. The biggest jumps came in Trenton, NJ (+9.9%), Lansing, MI (+9.8%), and Nassau County–Suffolk County, NY (+9.4%), as tight inventory continues to drive prices higher.
- Despite headlines, foreclosures are not surging. The latest New York Fed report shows homeowners remain financially strong thanks to high equity, better credit quality, and tighter lending rules since 2008—keeping today’s housing market stable and far from a crisis.
November 2025 National Housing Trends
- Active listings in October were up 15.3% year-over-year, the 24th straight month of increases. However, monthly gains have steadily decelerated since May, showing that the post-pandemic inventory recovery is leveling off.
- The national median list price in October was $424,200, up 0.4% from last year, but price per square foot fell 0.5%, reflecting more supply and softening demand in key regions.
- Small landlords now make up nearly 63% of investor purchases, scooping up bargains in cities like Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Baltimore where homes sell for over 50% below typical buyer prices.
- 20.2% of listings had price cuts in October (+1.6 percentage points year-over-year), suggesting sellers are adjusting to slower buyer activity despite lower rates.
- A new survey found 81% of Americans ages 25–44 would rather buy a home than have a dream wedding. With weddings averaging $36,000 and the typical first-home down payment around $35,000 many couples are choosing keys over cake.
- The states with the lowest median property tax bills include West Virginia ($728), Alabama ($804), and Arkansas ($871), according to Realtor.com. Lower home values help keep taxes down, though low-tax states often offer fewer public services or rely more on sales taxes.
- The typical first-time home buyer is now 40, up from 33 just five years ago, as high prices and rates push younger buyers out and shrink their share of purchases to a record-low 21%.
- As big chains move out, small towns are getting their spark back. Home buyers aren’t just chasing square footage anymore; they want walkable downtowns, local coffee shops, and a real sense of community. Realtors say this “live local” mindset is helping Main Streets, and home values, come alive again.
- Homes are getting healthier, smarter, and more comfortable. Designers say 2026 trends focus on natural materials, cozy layouts, and tech that makes life easier—like smart lighting, built-in storage, and spa-like bathrooms.
November 2025 Regional Housing Market News
Curious about how the housing market is shifting in your area? Here’s a closer look at the latest trends across different regions of the U.S. From price changes to inventory updates, we’ve got the insights you need to stay ahead in your local market.
November 2025 Northeast Region Housing News:
- More homes are hitting the market across the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area, with listings up nearly 9% year-over-year and prices starting to cool—offering buyers a bit more choice and leverage heading into winter.
- Fixer-uppers make up 8% of Philadelphia listings and sell for about 38% less than move-in-ready homes, saving buyers nearly $197,000 on average.
- Frustrated by high housing costs, more New Yorkers are searching outside the city, with 14.1% looking elsewhere in New York, 12.9% in New Jersey, and 10.7% in Pennsylvania for more space and affordability. Florida still draws 10.4% of NYC movers.
- NYC voters approved three measures to speed up housing construction, cutting approval times from seven months to as little as one.
November 2025 Midwest Region Housing News:
- Chicago rent is up 6% from last year and 35% since before the pandemic, now averaging $2,113, making it one of the priciest big-city markets in the Midwest.
- Home prices around Detroit are climbing fast—up 7.4% in the past year to a $290,000 median, one of the biggest jumps in the country. Agents say out-of-state investors, suburban bidding wars, and the rise of “house hacking” are all fueling the surge.
- Midwest markets are heating up, with buyer demand up 5.5% and homes in states like Wisconsin, Illinois, and Ohio selling 27 days faster than the national average as shoppers chase affordability and strong local economies.
- Home prices in the Midwest rose 4.2% year-over-year in Q3 2025 to a median of $331,100, according to NAR.
- Lansing–East Lansing, MI ranked among the top 10 U.S. metros for annual appreciation with a 9.8% increase.
November 2025 Southeast Region Housing News:
- Nashville is helping low-income and veteran homeowners fix small home repairs so they don’t face fines or risk losing their homes. The city will cover repairs under $5,000 through a new program with Rebuilding Together Nashville.
- The 15-story “Ritz-Carlton Residences, South Beach” will break ground in 2026, bringing 30 oceanfront condos priced from $4.25M to $125M to Miami Beach’s “Billionaires Beach,” with completion expected in 2029.
- In the Charlotte metro, fixer-upper homes sell for about 50% less than move-in-ready listings (median price $247,000 vs. $474,000) offering first-time buyers and flippers a cheaper entry point.
- Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis wants to get rid of property taxes for full-time homeowners, putting the plan to voters in 2026. Some experts warn it could leave a $25B hole in local budgets and might force the state to raise sales taxes to make up the difference.
- North Huntsville is getting a $500,000-square-foot retail development called North Village, driven by recent investments like the $60 million school campus and the new Northern Bypass. The project is expected to bring more housing, jobs, and shopping to the area.
November 2025 Southwest Region Housing News:
- In southeast Phoenix’s South Chandler area, Tri Pointe Homes broke ground on Emberly, a 32-acre gated community with homes up to 5,100 sq. ft., priced from $1.2M, with sales opening early 2026.
- Colorado’s housing market is tilting toward buyers, with agents calling it the strongest buyer footing in years. Median home prices are $585,000 in Denver and $460,000 in Colorado Springs, giving shoppers more time, options, and leverage when negotiating.
- More Denver homeowners are adding backyard cottages and garage apartments to host family, rent out space, or care for aging parents with over 300 ADUs built since the state made them legal in 2024.
- (UT) Governor Spencer Cox wants to override local zoning to allow more housing as prices near $600,000 and the state faces a 50,000-home shortage. Early data shows new construction is already helping ease costs in Salt Lake City.
November 2025 Texas Region Housing News:
- Cole Ranch, A new $5B community, will bring 4,300+ homes, parks, and local shops to Denton County, TX, one of the fastest-growing areas near Dallas, with first home sales expected in 2027.
- Houston’s supply of homes for sale has grown from 5.7 to over 6 months, making it one of the newest buyer-friendly markets. More new listings and slower sales mean buyers now have more choices and less competition.
- Just outside Austin, Bastrop is booming with Elon Musk’s new tech hub, a $1.9B film studio, and thousands of new homes — pushing prices up 38% since 2019 and driving major growth.
- Austin’s housing market is cooling fastest, with 53% of listings cutting prices and the median list price down to $499,000, while Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston remain more balanced and San Antonio trends toward a buyer’s market as inventory builds.
- Mexican buyers remain the top foreign investors in Texas real estate, accounting for 40% of Mexico’s U.S. home purchases and spending $4.4B nationwide (nearly half in cash) prompting NAR to spotlight Mexico at its upcoming Houston conference.
November 2025 Pacific Northwest Housing News:
- Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity opened homeownership applications for Bear Creek Village, an 8-home affordable community in Midtown Bend for households earning under 80% of the area median income, with completion expected in fall 2026.
- Homes in Oregon are sitting longer (a median of 43 days on the market) giving buyers more leverage. In Portland, listings outnumber buyers by 32%, and sellers are increasingly cutting prices to stay competitive.
- Wyoming leads the nation for home value growth — prices jumped 5.17% year-over-year, adding about $18,000 to the average home price as demand surged and supply stayed tight.
- Washington's Covenant Homeownership Project has helped nearly 900 minority buyers purchase homes using funds from a $200 real estate fee, offering down payment aid and loan forgiveness to address historic housing discrimination.
- Seattle’s wet climate makes home upkeep crucial. Experts say seasonal maintenance can boost resale value by up to 3% and extend roof life 5–10 years—just by staying ahead on gutters, moss removal, and sealing decks.
November 2025 California Housing News:
- Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a new law allowing denser housing near transit stops across California. Starting next July, developers can build up to nine stories by major rail lines and must include 7–13% affordable units, aiming to boost housing supply, transit use, and lower emissions.
- California’s “hidden gem” markets are drawing attention for affordability. Cities like Blythe, Ridgecrest, and Hanford have home prices $400,000–$565,000 below the state average, while Sacramento, Clovis, and Vacaville balance livability and value—showing that buyers can still find deals outside the coast.
- Inventory is rising in Riverside and San Diego, giving buyers more options while prices stay steady. Homes now take 2–4 weeks to sell, and mid-6% mortgage rates are drawing buyers back.
- San Francisco’s market heated up again thanks to AI job growth and rising rents ($3,113 for a one-bedroom), while South Bay prices dipped 2% as tech layoffs slowed demand. The region is now a two-speed market—cooler in Silicon Valley, hotter in the city.
Be sure to check back next month for our updated insights and trends to keep you informed on the latest developments. In the meantime, if you’re thinking about buying, selling, or refinancing, our Home Loan Specialists are always ready to help you make the right move.
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