May sales figures are out and they are painting a picture of a difficult market in Northern Colorado, which is unusual during the peak selling season. There is "adequate" action and activity in the market, just not the fast paced machine we have been used to. Even in the interest rate restricted 2023 and 2024, buyers were quick to make decisions. Now, with essentially the same rate environment, buyers are hesitant, apprehensive and cautious as they tour homes. Showing activity is down as some buyers watch from the sidelines, waiting for price reductions. Buyers seem to have all the time in the world to wait, while sellers sit back, anxiously. Bottom line, the homes that are moving quickly are: well priced, turn key homes in the most desirable neighborhoods. The ones that have trouble moving are homes with projects or deferred maintenance, resale homes in new construction neighborhoods where they compete with builders, and homes that require a lot of creativity or mental gymnastics to fit the buyer's needs.

April sales figures are out and while it appears like all is well, there is some uncertainty creeping into the market, especially as we head into May. In most years, April is a very strong month, with competitive sales, great inventory, and overall healthy activity. This year, we're seeing much of the same, but a cloud may be forming over the market. Buyer, who are usually very motivated to make quick and informed decisions, have been hesitant to commit to homes, or better yet, hesitant to commit to an interest rate and monthly payment. Economic uncertainties with the fallout of the administrations tariff plans, stock market fluctuations, and overall economic health are giving buyers pause. While sellers have held up their end of the market, providing new and attractive options for buyers, those buyers are slow to commit, which is causing a lot of real estate professionals (myself included) to be left scratching our heads wondering where the showings and buyer activity actually is

While March is typically the month where the market begins to unfreeze a bit, it is still too early to tell if this market will take off for the year or if it will be somewhat subdued over the next few months. The good news is, there are some signs of life as both home buyers and sellers are coming into the market after the colder off season. April is really the month we hope inventory starts to improve, or, buyers will need to get more competitive with a smaller amount of available listings. Also, with the stock market being in turmoil, there is a chance interest rates could come down a bit, but that good news might be offset by losses in downpayment investments or savings, putting some buyers on the sidelines until better conditions come forward. If you're considering making a move this year, now is the time to reach out to your favorite agent (I'm sitting by the phone awaiting your text) and get started strategizing to make sure your plans can become a reality.more

Right out of the gate in January, the market is showing signs of life, in an otherwise typically subdued buying or selling season. January is typically low energy, and has been especially slow in the last 2 years, but in 2025, there is optimism. After the election, there is at least some clarity as to how the next few years will play out, and with interest rates remaining stable and not expecting any big changes, some fence-sitters and the wait-and-see folks are up and moving. It is still too early to tell how the remainder of 2025 will shake out; however, it's good to see the market off to a good start this year.more

Northern Colorado real estate finished very strong in 2024, capping off a year of pretty low energy, activity, supply and demand. All that being said, the market had tremendous head winds throughout the year - from a glut of picked over inventory, a major shift in the real estate industry, and higher than expected interest rates. I'd say that we came out in great shape in 2024 and could be poised for a less volatile and bumpy 2025.more