Week of: October 23, 2025
📊 The Housing Market is BOOMING… and Crashing.
It sounds dramatic, right?
But that’s what happens when national headlines try to describe a market that’s completely local.
The truth is, both things can be true at once. Some parts of the country are still setting price records. Others are seeing price drops and more homes sitting on the market.
That’s because real estate isn’t one big market — it’s hundreds of smaller ones that all move at their own pace.
What the National Numbers Say
On a national level, home prices are still rising, up around 4–5% year-over-year in early 2025. At the same time, inventory has grown roughly 20–25%, which means more homes are available than we’ve seen in years.
Those two facts sound like they don’t belong together… but they do.
Because while some markets are cooling off, others are still in full swing.
Why the Market Feels Different Depending on Where You Live
In the South and West, we’re seeing bigger jumps in inventory and more price reductions.
In the Northeast and Midwest, things remain tighter — fewer homes, steady demand, and prices still ticking up.
Take two examples:
In some western metros like Las Vegas, listings are up over 40% and sales have slowed.
Meanwhile, cities like Milwaukee are seeing price gains of over 8% and double-digit increases in sales.
So, is the housing market booming or crashing?
Depends entirely on your ZIP code.
How to Read the Market Where You Live
You don’t need to be an economist to make sense of it. Just focus on a few key signals in your local area:
Inventory: Are there more homes for sale than last year? More inventory usually means buyers have more leverage.
Time on Market: Are homes taking longer to sell? That’s a sign things may be cooling.
Price Reductions: More sellers dropping their prices? That can mean buyers have room to negotiate.
Local Experts: Talk to people who work in your market every day — your agent, loan officer, or title rep. They’ll have the most accurate read on what’s actually happening.
The Bottom Line
National headlines make great clickbait — but they don’t help you make good decisions. Real estate will always be local.
So while one headline might scream “Boom!” and another says “Crash!”, the real story is what’s happening in your own backyard. That’s where the real opportunity is — and that’s where your focus should be.
🔥 Brandon’s Weekly Tip: The Truth About Soft Credit Pulls
A lot of loan officers now start with a soft credit pull because it’s cheaper for the mortgage company and doesn’t count as a full inquiry — but it can give you a false sense of where you really stand.
When a full credit check is eventually done, scores can drop and new debts can appear, changing how much you actually qualify for.
That’s why I always recommend getting a full credit pull upfront — it’s valid for 120 days and gives you a true, reliable picture before you start shopping for a home.
📉 Today’s Rates Snapshot (Week of Oct 23, 2025)
Loan Type | Rate | APR |
|---|---|---|
30-Year Fixed | 6.23% | 6.33% |
15-Year Fixed | 5.81% | 5.91% |
FHA Loan (30-Year) | 5.99% | 6.10% |
💡 Rates shown are national averages for well-qualified buyers (740+ credit, 20% down). Your actual rate may vary based on credit, loan type, and down payment.
👉 Want the full updated table?
See Today’s Full Rates →
That’s it for this week.
Continue learning, plan smart, and, as always, don’t pay more than you need to for your home. 🏡💡
- Brandon Brotsky
P.S. New here? Start with our Smart Homebuyer Welcome Kit, it’s a simple guide to rates, payments, and strategies that could save you thousands.