2025 Housing Trends To Watch
And just like that, we find ourselves at the beginning of another new year. At about this time each year, economists share their predictions for the housing market for the upcoming year. Honestly - no expert knows exactly what's ahead - but I like to note what they think will happen and review at the end of the year to see how accurate their forecasting was.
Fannie Mae Economists recently shared their 5 housing predictions for 2025.
•Average mortgage rates will decline modestly but remain above 6 percent, with likely bouts of volatility.
•Existing home sales will remain near 30-year lows, but location matters.
•New home sales will remain a bright spot in the housing market (where they can be built).
•National home price growth will decelerate.
•Multifamily housing will remain in a holding pattern.
In short, from an affordability perspective, experts think the 2025 housing market is going to be similar to 2024. Mark Palim, Fannie Mae Sr. VP and Chief Economist says, "While we think conditions on a national basis will remain challenging, we’re seeing meaningful regional differences in market conditions, and the homebuying experience — as the adage goes — will continue to be a local one."
We're hoping to see positive growth in our local market. The past few years have taught us unexpected events can throw a monkey wrench in even the best of predictions. In the months ahead, we'll be watching to see if the recent presidential election impacts the local housing market. We're cautiously optimistic.
How a Heat Pump Helped Our Family Sleep Better and Live Greener
By Seth Frame
When our son Lorenzo was born, keeping him asleep felt like an impossible task. We tried blackout shades to keep his room dark, but our window air conditioning unit left a slight gap that let in early morning light, waking him at dawn and disrupting afternoon naptime. The unit's noise and inconsistent performance didn’t help either, further disturbing his sleep.
Our home had window units for cooling and oil for heat. My wife and I had often thought about switching to a heat pump, but the idea of a new system installation and the hefty cost held us back. However, as sleep-deprived new parents, we eventually decided to take the plunge. We had done our research and felt it was the right move.
Initially, the cost seemed overwhelming but we were pleasantly surprised by the available rebates. In New York, programs like NYS Clean Heat offer not only
educational resources and contractor referrals but also significant incentives that may cover the entire cost of installation for eligible households. This made the heat pump much more affordable than we anticipated. For us, moving away from fossil fuels had been a long-term priority and between rebates, tax credits, and fuel oil savings, our heat pump nearly paid for itself.
During our research, understanding the technology behind heat pumps work was impressive—they use electricity to transfer heat rather than burning fuel, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions. They also improve indoor air quality by eliminating carbon monoxide risks and offering better air filtration and dehumidification. One of the many improvements we saw after our heat pump installation was consistent heating and cooling throughout every room in our home. Our old boiler system created inconsistent temperatures from room to room, but the heat pump maintained a steady temperature that we could customize room by room.
I also learned that, in the US, heat pump sales have surpassed those of gas furnaces over the past few years. Their efficiency, comfort and health benefits are winning people over. Even in cold climates like upstate New York, modern heat pumps can function efficiently in
temperatures as low as -15 degrees Fahrenheit. They come with advanced features like variable speed compressors and smart thermostats, further boosting energy efficiency and user control.
The installation was straightforward and quick, which was a huge plus for our busy family. We prepared the wiring and electrical setup in advance, allowing the team to finish in half a day. Lorenzo napped peacefully that same afternoon—blackout curtains fully drawn and no window unit noise. A parent’s dream come true.
Since then, we’ve moved to a new home and I’m scheduled to have three heat pump units installed this month. If you’re considering a heat pump, my advice is to go for it. It’s easy to use, made our home more comfortable, saved on energy bills and reduced our carbon footprint.
This time, I was able to skip the research, confident that I’m investing in an efficient, effective and eco-friendly heating and cooling system for our new home. I’ll also benefit from recent federal tax credits thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, making energy efficiency upgrades like this even more cost-effective.
(Seth Frame is a resident of Schenectady, NY)
This home has been beautifully renovated with a perfectly redesigned layout to maximize square footage & flow. This property feels much larger & spacious compared the actual square footage!
Some updates include, new roof, windows, plumbing, electrical, kitchen, bathrooms, carpet, gorgeous tile showers and kitchen backsplash, glistening quartz counter tops, lovely lighting throughout and so much more.
You’ll notice the attention to detail, care, and thought that went into this home.
A positively unique & stunning property right around the corner from quaint Donovan Memorial Park! With LOW taxes & Sauquoit schools, and one exit away from Washington Mills. Minutes from convenient amenities, such as gas, groceries and restaurants! Contact Tara D’Amico For more information on this stunning home!
Help Spread the Word!
Amodio
MILITARY
FIREFIGHTERS
HEALTH CARE
PROFESSIONALS
HEROES wear many uniforms LAW ENFORCEMENT
Amodio Realty gives 25% of earned commission directly to the Hero when we
FIRST RESPONDERS
TEACHERS
Two Family Income Opportunity
Well cared for and mostly updated two-family home on 2 acres, including a 26X32 garage with an 8X26 attached lean-to.
For those who desire one floor living you will love the three-bedroom, 1 bath unit featuring an updated center island kitchen, updated bath, newer furnace, and Central Air. The newly remodeled and heated front porch could be your new favorite spot overlooking the well-manicured yard, plus new LVT flooring, trim and paint throughout!
The appealing & comfortable two-story unit offers 4 bedrooms, 1.5 baths a mud room, eat in kitchen, a spacious living area, some new trim, and updated baths. Both units feature plenty of natural light shining through newer vinyl windows with rural views, decks, updated electric, 40-gallon propane water heaters, and washer dryer hookups. There is plenty of storage including built-in closets, two attics, three basements, one with an overhead door, plus an attic over the garage. 508 ft of road frontage on state rt 46 and 165 ft of frontage on Glur rd.
property could be a great fit for an owner-occupant that needs an in-law suite, an owner-occupant renting out one side, or an investment. Located very close to Rome,
ATTENTION REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS
Amy Abdoo
Lic. R. E. Broker 315-794-2653
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Dominion Homes Real Estate Brokerage
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Bruce Ward & Company, Inc.
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Lic. R.E. Broker 315-429-9754 sbaisley@hbegroup.com
United Country Real Estate/ HBE Group Inc.
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Lic. R.E. Broker 315-826-7070
Kayd3659@gmail.com
Kay Delano Real Estate
Clyde Diedrich
Lic. R.E. Broker
315-868-4339 rcentur3@twcny.rr.com
Diedrich Associates Valley Realty
David Drapalski
Lic. R.E. Assoc Broker 315-868-3233 superdd527@aol.com Bruce Ward & Company, Inc.
Janet L. Giacovelli
Lic. R.E. Salesperson 315-404-7108 janetgiacovelli@howardhanna.com
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Lic. Assoc. RE Broker 315- 534-2709 azzagiorgi@gmail.com
Howard Hanna CNY IncUtica/New Hartford Office, NY
MLS BROKER/AGENT DIRECTORY
Gina Hartman
Licensed R.E. Salesperson 315-717-5249
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Bruce Ward & Co, Inc.
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Lic. R. E. Salesperson 315-219-3116
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Patricia Kelly
Lic. R.E. Salesperson 315-717-2421
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Thomas F. Koehler
Lic. R. E. Broker/Modular Home Dealer 315-891-3254
Koehler RE/ New Homes Modular
Kuyahoora Luxury Lodge & Resort
Lic. R.E. Broker 315-741-2202 guestservice@kuyahooraresort.com Vacation Rentals
Fred Macchia
Lic. R. E. Broker 315-292-0373 fmccim@hotmail.com 1st Rome Realty
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Lic. Associate R. E. Broker 315-360-1920
bill.joemacrirealty@gmail.com
Joe Macri Realty
John Macri
Lic. R. E. Salesperson 315-866-2521
jmacri40@yahoo.com
Joe Macri Realty
Monica Munford
Lic. R.E. Salesperson 315-822-6666
pmumford@twcny.rr.com
Bruce Ward & Company, Inc.
Robert Paul Lic. R.E. Salesperson 315-717-3527
rpaul07@yahoo.com
Bruce Ward & Company, Inc.
Art Pratt GRI, Lic. R.E. Broker 315-366-3600
PrattRealty@ArtPratt.com
Pratt Realty
Matthew Pryputniewicz
NY Licensed R.E. Salesperson/ Commercial Director 315-794-3305
mattrealty@msn.com
Berkshire Hathaway CNY Realty
Paul Sacco
Lic. RE Salesperson (315) 525-1377
paulsacco1013@gmail.com
Howard Hanna Utica/ New Hartford
Joel Siegfried Lic. R. E. Broker 315-796-2258
joelsiegfried@gmail.com SBG, Inc.
Carol Spisak Lic. R.E. Salesperson 315-269-6933
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Bruce Ward & Company, Inc.
Michelle Gorea Thompson
Lic. R. E. Salesperson 315-794-3260
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Coldwell Banker Faith Properties - John Brown Tream
K Bruce Ward Lic. R.E. Broker 315-796-4425
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James F Woodrick
Lic. Associate R. E. Broker
315-866-0258
jwoodric@twcny.rr.com
Bruce Ward & Company, Inc.
LifeandHomes Product & Service Directory
Antiques/Estates
THE POTTING SHED ANTIQUES
315-736-5214
CABINET AMERICA Estate & house sales, appraisals, coins, vintage jewelry, antiques, glass, china, furniture, Americana, art, lighting and more. thepottingshedantiques.com
Cabinets
315-733-6261
Kitchen cabinets and Stone countertops. Exceptional quality and great prices. Fast estimates. Over 50 years experience. By appointment only. cabinetamerica.net
Farm & Garden
BENSON'S FARM AND GARDEN
315-520-8395
Member Since 12/21
area offering a wide selection of annuals, vegetables, perennials, and hanging baskets as well as everything you need to build and maintain your pond.
Flooring
Automobile, Business, Landlord Insurance. Jordan Roorda, Principal Agent. www.ProtectNY.com 315-795-4900
Garage Doors
Home Inspection
315-792-9029
Member Since 04/13
HOME INSPECTION SERVICE, LLC Garage door Installation, Repair, Service Professional, Dependable, Courteous Service. Joe Griswold, Owner
27 years experience. NYS Licensed/Certified Inspector. NEHA/NRPP Certified Radon Inspector. Electronic Inspection Report Emailed Same Day. www.advancedhomeis.com
Serving the Oneida, Herkimer & Madison counties, we have a simplified and centralized database of area listings to help you promote your new listings and buyer needs to cooperating agents and brokers, plus off-market, solds and historic info. 315-865-5845
Painting
URBANIK’S PAINT CO.
315-724-5129
315-336-0400 Member Since 07/15
Largest selection of paint and wallcovering in Central NY. Rentals: floor sanders, polishers, airless sprayers, power washers, edgers. 1420 Oriskany St. Utica
Michael SanFlippo Owner
