
Century 21 CEO Mike Miedler has expressed optimism about the 2025 real estate market, projecting signs of stability and new opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Despite lingering concerns about high mortgage rates and limited housing inventory, Miedler believes the market is poised for a recovery as key economic conditions shift.
According to Miedler, one of the most overlooked factors influencing the housing market is the potential for reduced competition from cash buyers and investors. During the height of the housing boom, institutional investors and cash buyers crowded out traditional homebuyers, driving up prices. However, Miedler notes that these players have begun pulling back as interest rates and borrowing costs rise, giving everyday buyers more breathing room in the market.
Another positive indicator for 2025 is the potential stabilization of mortgage rates. While rates remain elevated compared to historical lows, Miedler predicts that buyers may begin to adjust their expectations, accepting current rates as the “new normal.” He emphasized that while higher rates may seem daunting, the long-term benefits of homeownership remain strong, and buyers should focus on the opportunity to build equity over time.
Century 21's CEO also highlighted the role of "motivated sellers" in shaping market conditions. As homeowners who need to relocate for work, family, or other personal reasons enter the market, they may be more willing to negotiate, providing better buying opportunities. Miedler encourages buyers to look for deals where sellers may be under pressure to close quickly.
Additionally, Miedler addressed the ongoing inventory shortage, which continues to challenge prospective buyers. However, he sees signs that new construction may help ease supply issues over time. Homebuilders are beginning to respond to the demand for more affordable housing, with projects targeting entry-level buyers—a segment that has been underserved in recent years.
For potential homebuyers, Miedler advises taking a long-term view of homeownership, emphasizing that waiting for a "perfect" market may not be a viable strategy. "There’s no perfect time to buy a home," he said, urging buyers to focus on their personal financial readiness rather than market conditions alone.
As the housing market approaches 2025, Miedler's outlook offers a sense of hope and perspective. Buyers who remain flexible, informed, and ready to act may find unique opportunities amid shifting conditions, as the market transitions toward a more balanced environment.
CFPB Focuses on Mortgage Servicers’ Compliance with Consumer Financial LawsOn January 17, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued a statement emphasizing its ongoing efforts to ensure that mortgage servicers comply with federal consumer financial regulations. The bureau’s action follows a review of the industry, which revealed troubling practices, particularly among certain servicers who have failed to send periodic statements to homeowners with loans that have accrued interest and fees. These loans are often part of a category known as “zombie second mortgages,” which homeowners mistakenly believed had been forgiven or resolved years ago.
The Frozen Housing Market: Challenges Persist into 2025As 2025 begins, the housing market remains largely frozen, with few signs of improvement in the near future. The high mortgage rates, limited inventory, and persistent affordability challenges that have weighed heavily on the housing sector over the last two years show no sign of disappearing. While there were some hopeful signs late in 2024, the broader picture still points to a sluggish market as buyers and sellers grapple with difficult conditions.