Knowledge Brokers Podcast  cover image

Knowledge Brokers Podcast

Zillow’s Chief Economist: Shocking Prediction For 2025 Housing | Knowledge Brokers Podcast Ep 096

Dec 6, 2024
Skylar Olsen, Zillow's Chief Economist, provides expert insights into the housing market's upcoming shifts. She predicts a year of fluctuating mortgage rates, with potential challenges for buyers amidst rising home costs. The conversation highlights a move toward smaller living spaces as affordability drives preferences. Skylar shares strategies for navigating this volatile market and emphasizes the importance of understanding local trends for smarter real estate decisions. She even touches on evolving retiree migration patterns impacting housing choices!
59:50

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Interest rates are predicted to remain above six percent in 2025, impacting buyer competition and mortgage options significantly.
  • Despite rising competition, home price growth may stabilize thanks to wage growth, providing hope for potential buyers' affordability.

Deep dives

Interest Rates Impact on the Housing Market

Interest rates are a significant factor influencing the housing market, and predictions suggest they will remain above six percent throughout 2025. Although there were earlier expectations for rates to fall into the fives, fluctuations in economic indicators such as job growth and core inflation have led to a reassessment of this outlook. The lack of substantial mortgage rate relief has resulted in a more competitive environment for buyers, despite stagnation in new home listings. As buyers navigate this landscape, understanding the interplay between interest rates and mortgage options becomes crucial for making informed decisions.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner