, , , , ,

Why Buying Real Estate Is Still the Best Long-Term Investment

, , , , ,
 
 

Lately, it feels like every headline about the housing market comes with a side of doubt. Are prices going up or down? Are we headed for a crash? Will rates ever come down? And all the media noise may leave you wondering: does it really make sense to buy a home right now?

But here’s one thing that doesn’t get enough airtime. Real estate has always been about the long game. And when you look at the big picture, not just the latest clickbait headlines, it’s easy to see why so many people say it’s still the best investment you can make – even now.

According to the just-released annual report from Gallup, real estate has been voted the best long-term investment for the 12th year in a row. That’s over a decade of beating out stocks, gold, and bonds as America’s top pick.

And this isn’t new. Real estate usually claims the #1 title. But here’s what’s really interesting. This year’s results came in just after a rocky April for the stock and bond markets. It shows that, even as other investments had wild swings, real estate has held its ground. That’s likely because it gains value in a steadier, more predictable way. As Gallup explains:

“Amid volatility in the stock and bond markets in April, Americans’ preference for stocks as the best long-term investment has declined. Gold has gained in appeal, while real estate remains the top choice for the 12th consecutive year.”

That says a lot. Even though things may feel a bit uncertain in today’s economy, real estate can still be a powerful investment.

Yes, home values are rising at a more moderate pace right now. And sure, in some markets, prices may be flat in the year ahead or even dip a little – but that’s just the short-term view. Don’t let that cloud the bigger picture.

Real estate has a long track record of gaining value over time. That’s the kind of growth you can count on, especially if you plan to live in that home for a long time.

That’s part of why Americans continue to buy-in to homeownership – even when the headlines may sound a little uncertain. As Sam Williamson, Senior Economist at First American, says:

“A home is more than just a place to live—it’s often a family’s most valuable financial asset and a cornerstone to building long-term wealth.”

Bottom Line

Real estate isn’t about overnight wins. It’s about long-term gains. So, don’t let the uncertainty in a shifting market make you think it’s a bad time to buy.

If you’re feeling unsure, just remember: Americans have consistently said real estate is the best long-term investment you can make. And if you want more information about why so many people think homeownership is worth it, reach out to a local real estate agent.

Related Links

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

Search Homes in Colorado

Search Homes in North Carolina

Search Homes in Oklahoma

, , , , ,

Mortgage rates fall on ADP report. Will jobs Friday push rates even lower?

, , , , ,
 
 

Today, the ADP jobs report was released, marking the second of four jobs reports we’ll get during this jobs week. The numbers came in significantly weaker than anticipated, leading to lower mortgage rates.

Does this imply that the big jobs report on Friday will come in as a miss, too? As someone who believes that for mortgage rates to go lower, we need weaker labor data, the setup for jobs Friday just got more interesting.

Shortly after the report came out, President Trump and FHFA Director Bill Pulte took to social media to express their frustration that Fed Chair Jerome Powell hasn’t cut interest rates more. Trump posted: “‘Too Late’ Powell must now LOWER THE RATE. He is unbelievable!!! Europe has lowered NINE TIMES!”

Pulte joined the chorus and wrote: “Jerome Powell must lower rates, and now. Enough is enough.”

Last week President Trump shared my article about Pulte and Powell on his social media on the same day that he met with Powell, asking him to cut rates. If you read the article, you can see some of the labor risks in keeping rates high tied to this economic expansion.

I have consistently emphasized since 2022 that the Federal Reserve‘s focus is more on the labor market than on inflation when considering lowering rates toward a more neutral policy. The Fed has not shied away from stating that they have a moderately restrictive policy. At the last Fed meeting, Powell said he believed they had waited too long in 2024 to cut rates by 1% as the labor market was softening.

Will this jobs week push him and the Fed to start cutting rates soon, so they don’t make the same mistake this year? Let’s take a look at today’s report.

ADP Report

Today’s ADP report was estimated by some to come in near 110,000 and instead it came in at 37,000, which was a big enough miss to get bond yields to fall after the report was released. The ADP report doesn’t carry the same weight as the BLS jobs Friday report, but the miss was big. Here was the statement from the ADP’s economist:

“After a strong start to the year, hiring is losing momentum,” said Dr. Nela Richardson, chief economist, ADP. “Pay growth, however, was little changed in May, holding at robust levels for both job-stayers and job-changers.”

From my perspective, if the economy is in a phase of expansion, a 10-year yield within the range of 4.35% to 4.70% aligns well with current Federal Reserve policy. This range represents the upper end of my 2025 forecast for the 10-year yield, and I’d like to note that we are currently at 4.35%.

Mortgage rates have been in the upper range of 6.75% to 7.10% recently; currently, they stand at 6.87%. What would be ideal for the housing market is to get the 10-year yield to around 3.80%, which means mortgage rates between 6%-6.25%. However, the current Fed policy is strict, making it challenging to achieve that level without weaker economic data. This has been the frustration for Trump and Pulte — that Fed policy is too restrictive for housing.

Today, the ISM PMI service data also came in, with new orders near cycle lows, which added to the mix of softer data for the day and sent yields a bit lower as well.

Conclusion

At this point it’s important to consider the interplay between the president and the Fed. I believe if rates don’t fall soon, the president will initiate a shadow Fed president policy, meaning he will let the marketplace know who will replace Powell and that person will go on a media blitz telling bond traders rates will be coming down soon. In this recent podcast, I discussed why I believe the president promoted my article and I outlined the potential White House strategies for managing the Fed in the current environment.

On Thursday we will get jobless claims data and we have the big jobs report on Friday. With how the bond market reacted to the ADP report today, Friday’s report will be even more important for mortgage rates.

Read more at Housingwire

Related Links

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

Search Homes in Colorado

Search Homes in North Carolina

Search Homes in Oklahoma

Greater Denver Area Real Estate Market Report from May 2025

 
 

In a world where we are conditioned to expect immediacy and convenience, real estate reminds us that some things still take time., according to the Denver Metro Association of Realtors Market Trend Committee.

The Denver Metro housing market right now is a masterclass in patience. Whether you're a buyer waiting for the right home to hit the market or a seller holding out for the best offer, today's conditions reward those who can pause, plan and stay engaged.

Patience is especially essential as inventory builds. This report tracks inventory in two ways: new listings refer to the number of homes that entered the market during the month, while active listings at month's end reflect the number of listings available on the last day of the month-those that roll over into the next cycle. In May, new listings increased by 3.26 percent for detached homes and 2.80 percent for attached homes compared to April. Year-to-date, 29,881 new properties have entered the market-up 17.55 percent from 2024 and 9.21 percent from 2021-highlighting a notable increase in seller activity.

As more homes come to market, active inventory continues to rise. With new listings outpacing closed sales, more properties remain active into the next month. At the end of May, there were 13,599 active listings-up 13.67 percent from the previous month and 48.48 percent year-over-year. This is the highest level of inventory the Denver Metro area has seen since 2011, underscoring the importance of strategy and staying power for both buyers and sellers.

Still, inventory alone does not tell the whole story. The balance between supply and demand remains the key driver of market direction. Pending sales- a leading indicator of buyer activity— dipped 8.56 percent from March to April, suggesting an early spring slowdown. However, May brought a renewed burst of buyer interest, with pending contracts rising 6.88 percent month-over-month.

Prices remained relatively stable, with the median sale price for detached homes up 0.76 percent and attached homes seeing a stronger 4.52 percent increase. Homes are still selling, and quickly in many cases; closed sales in May spent just 16 days in the MLS for detached properties and 28 days for attached. However, a look at currently active listings tells a different story: average days in the MLS now trend closer to 45. This divergence reflects a growing split in the inventory.Homes in a desirable location, updated and priced appropriately, continue to sell quickly. Meanwhile, properties that miss the mark in condition, location or pricing often linger, requiring price reductions to attract discerning buyers.

As much as the algorithms try, homes are not a commodity. Each home is influenced by location, condition, evolving societal expectations and personal priorities. As this market reminds us, real estate is nuanced, and that nuance is where a skilled Realtor® brings real value. Buying and selling a home is a deeply personal process, and no two clients share the same motivations. The key is aligning personal goals with current market realities-finding that balance between strategy and adaptability, patience and decisive action. In a shifting market like this, staying focused on your "why" while remaining flexible in your "how" is what leads to confident, successful outcomes

Learn more about the market from the Denver Metro Association of Realtors.

Thank you to our partners at the Denver Metro Association of Realtors for compiling this information.

Related Links

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

Search Homes in Colorado

, , , , , , ,

As Featured in West + Main Home Magazine: A Groovy Getaway

, , , , , , ,
 

A Vintage Condo Revival with West + Main Agent Cindy Hall

“ “I’ve always had a love for design elements that elicit a certain feeling,” she says. “The goal was to blend that cozy ski chalet vibe with modern touches—a funky, retro blast from the past.””
— Cindy Hall

When W+M agent Cindy Hall stumbled across a dated studio condo in Dillon, Colorado, she saw more than old cabinets and mirrored walls—she saw potential. “I’ve always had a love for design elements that elicit a certain feeling,” she says. “The goal was to blend that cozy ski chalet vibe with modern touches—a funky, retro blast from the past.”

What followed was a bold, budget-conscious renovation that turned a tired unit into a vibrant and rentable gem affectionately dubbed The Bob Dillon. With just over $12K (and plenty of late nights), this glow-up proves that with creativity, strategy, and a little help from handy friends, big change doesn’t have to mean a big budget.

“I found this project to be really approachable,” she shares. “Some paint, some vision, and a few extra trips to the hardware store can go a long way.” The kitchen showcases original vintage charm—like the sunny yellow countertops and existing tile, now refreshed with paint—blended seamlessly with bold new touches. Think playful furniture, peel-and-stick backsplash, and a statement ceiling in Jade Romanesque green that ties it all together in a groovy new era.

Rather than demoing dated features, she leaned into their charm. “Even the bathroom tile isn’t new—it’s just painted!” And the floor-to-ceiling mirrors? They reflect Lake Dillon from the bed. “That could’ve been missed if I hadn’t lived in the space for a bit.”

When asked what she loves most about the finished product, she lights up: “The reaction of friends and guests who visit The Bob Dillon. It’s more appreciated than I ever imagined.”

 

Related Links

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

Search Homes in Colorado

Search Homes in Oklahoma

Search Homes in Oregon

 
,

Just Listed: Welcome to Morningside Condos! This updated, no-maintenance, 2-bed 2-bath condo is the one you've been waiting for!

,
 

Welcome to Morningside Condos! This updated, no-maintenance, 2-bed 2-bath condo is the one you've been waiting for!

Upon entering, you'll immediately notice the abundance of natural light to complement the new LVT flooring. The kitchen has been upgraded with new quartz countertops, refinished cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. The guest bedroom functions perfectly as an office/ flex space, or even as a guest bedroom with a large closet and full, remodeled guest bathroom right across the hall. The primary bedroom is MASSIVE with an en suite, and of course, remodeled, bathroom. The walk-in closet matches the size of the bedroom with plenty of space, and new closet systems so you can store outfits for whatever seasons Colorado wants to throw your way. If that's not enough, it also has new A/C units so you can enjoy the Colorado Summers in comfort. And if fresh air is more your style, it also has a private 2nd-floor balcony perfect for lounging. The relaxation continues with an extremely well run HOA that includes all of your bills outside of electricity, and gives you access to both an indoor and outdoor pool, grill set up, and a clubhouse with pool tables, full kitchen for entertaining, multiple fitness centers, as well as a sauna and steam room!! While you have no reason to leave the community, the location also puts you right next to James Bible and Hutchinson parks, a mile from the Southmoor Light Rail Station, and gives you easy access to I-25 to head into the city or out West for a day in the mountains. Come check it out today, your new home awaits!!!

Listed by Chase Arnold for West + Main Homes. Please contact Chase for current pricing + availability.

 
 
 

Have questions?
West + Main Homes
(720) 903-2912
hello@westandmainhomes.com

Presented by:
Chase Arnold
(303) 731-7162
chase@westandmainhomes.com

 
 
W+M_Logo (1).jpg
 
Cart (0)