Embracing Rest & Renewal
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Elections, Real Estate & Thankfulness
Real Estate in the Wake of the 2024 Election With the 2024 Presidential election behind us, many people are wondering how it might impact their real estate plans. For a year already full of uncertainty, the election may have added another layer of hesitation for both buyers and sellers. Real estate has been a central topic of debate throughout the campaign season, and even if concerns haven’t been voiced outright, chances are they’ve been on your mind. Whether you’re thinking about buying or selling, history shows that while elections can create temporary caution, the housing market remains resilient over the long term. What History and Current Trends Tell Us It’s normal for the real estate market to slow in the fall after the busy spring and summer seasons. The added uncertainty of an election can amplify this pause as people wait to see how things shake out. However, historical trends reveal that this is usually short-lived. Data from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that after nine of the last eleven presidential elections, the housing market rebounded in December and gained momentum into the new year. For buyers, this quieter period could be the ideal moment to act. The winter months often mean less competition and more negotiating power, giving you a better chance at favorable pricing and terms. For sellers, listing during this time can help you stand out. With fewer homes on the market, motivated buyers will have fewer options, making your property more likely to capture attention. Home Prices and Mortgage Rates: What to Expect One question on everyone’s mind is whether home prices will take a hit. The answer? Historically, home prices stay strong—even in election years. NAR data shows that home prices increased in the following year after seven of the last eight presidential elections. The only exception was during the 2008 housing crash—a unique event unrelated to elections. Today’s market is far more stable, offering confidence to homeowners and buyers alike. Additionally, mortgage rates are expected to trend downward as we move forward. While dramatic drops aren’t likely, even slight decreases can improve affordability for buyers and support demand for sellers. If rates continue to stabilize, both parties can feel more confident about their decisions. What This Means for You While the election may have caused some hesitation, the housing market’s long-term trends remain strong. For buyers, this season presents an opportunity to secure a home when competition is lighter and terms may be more favorable. For sellers, listing now allows you to take advantage of low inventory and capture the attention of serious buyers eager to make their move. No matter which side of the transaction you’re on, staying informed and working with a knowledgeable real estate professional is the key to confidently navigating this unique time we're in. As we give thanks this season, we pray for peace and blessings for you and your loved ones. Remember, we’re always here for you! Reach out anytime—call, text, email, or download our APP. And don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook and Instagram! Have you downloaded our app yet? Find it here on Google Play and iTunes!
3 Keys to Helping You Decide When to Make the Move
“Hey Blake, when are things gonna get back to normal?” I've been getting this question a lot the last few months. If you've been wondering when things will be getting back to the way they were a couple years ago, you’re not alone! Hopefully the things I'll be sharing with you will give you direction towards the goals you want to achieve for yourself and your family. First of all, I’ve got something you might not expect me to say: Buying a house isn’t for everyone. And that’s totally okay! If you’ve been holding off on home-buying, hoping for the market to return to “normal,” let’s take a moment to reflect on whether now is the right time for you. The New Normal: Are You Ready to Embrace It? Just a few years ago, we had interest rates hovering between 2% and 5%, and median home prices that felt a lot more manageable. If you’re feeling stuck on the sidelines, waiting for those days to return, I encourage you to ask yourself a couple of important questions: #1 Are you okay sitting in your current living situation for another year? Whether you’re cramped in a three-bedroom house when you need four. Or maybe your lot feels too small for your growing family. Consider the implications of waiting. If your current home isn’t meeting your needs, sitting still may not be the answer. #2 What bothers you more- the interest rates and home prices, or not creating the life you want? It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers, but let’s remember: dollars and cents aren’t the only factors that matter. Take the time to identify what the more important needs are for yourself and your family. #3 Remember Your Resources Friends, it's been a crazy year of learning and readjusting for everyone in the real estate business. From lenders and agents, to tax professionals, there are a lot of people who have been studying, learning, and seeking answers to all the questions you may have. Remember that you are not alone in this. Better information helps you make better decisions. We're just a phone call, email or text away, and we absolutely love helping our people win. Your Next Steps The Shawn Team is here to help. We believe that making a move—whether it's now or later—is about helping you create the life you want. Whenever you're ready to make that move, we are in your corner. Blake Shawn is a Real Estate Advisor and Team Leader for The Shawn Team of Real.
