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

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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.

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

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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

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

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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.”

 

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Just Listed: Updated Comfort in the Heart of Shawnee

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Charming and updated, this 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home sits right on Broadway in the heart of Shawnee.

A spacious covered front porch welcomes you—perfect for morning coffee or catching up with neighbors. Inside, you’ll love the refinished hardwood floors that bring warmth and character to the living and dining areas. The kitchen is a standout with its sleek black granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and plenty of room to cook, gather, and entertain. Out back, the covered porch overlooks a generously sized yard—great for weekend hangouts or letting the dogs run. Need extra space? The large basement offers room for storage, hobbies, or future projects. This home blends classic charm with modern updates and is ready for its next chapter. Come see what makes this one special!

Listed by Nikki McCraw for West + Main Homes. Please contact Nikki for current pricing + availability.

 
 
 

Have questions?
West + Main Homes
(405) 652-6635
hello@westandmain.com

Presented by:
Nikki McCraw
405-201-4548
nikki@westandmainok.com

 
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Thinking about an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage? Read This First.

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If you’ve been house hunting lately, you’ve probably felt the sting of today’s mortgage rates. And it’s because of those rates and rising home prices that many homebuyers are starting to explore other types of loans to make the numbers work. And one option that’s gaining popularity? Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs).

If you remember the crash in 2008, this may bring up some concerns. But don’t worry. Today’s ARMs aren’t the same. Here’s why.

Back then, some buyers were given loans they couldn’t afford after the rates adjusted. But now, lenders are more cautious, and they evaluate whether you could still afford the loan if your rate increases. So, don’t assume the return of ARMs means another crash. Right now, it just shows some buyers are looking for creative solutions when affordability is tough.

You can see the recent trend in this data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). More people are opting for ARMs right now.

And while ARMs aren’t right for everyone, in certain situations they do have their benefits.

How an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Works

Here’s how Business Insider explains the main difference between a fixed-rate mortgage and an adjustable-rate mortgage:

“With a fixed-rate mortgage, your interest rate remains the same for the entire time you have the loan. This keeps your monthly payment the same for years . . . adjustable-rate mortgages work differently. You’ll start off with the same rate for a few years, but after that, your rate can change periodically. This means that if average rates have gone up, your mortgage payment will increase. If they’ve gone down, your payment will decrease.”

Of course, things like taxes or homeowner’s insurance can still have an impact on a fixed-rate loan, but the baseline of your mortgage payment doesn’t change much. Adjustable-rate mortgages don’t work the same way.

Pros and Cons of an ARM

Here’s a little more information on why some buyers are giving ARMs another look. They offer some pretty appealing upsides, like a lower initial rate. As Business Insider explains:

“Because ARM rates are typically lower than fixed mortgage rates, they can help buyers find affordability when rates are high. With a lower ARM rate, you can get a smaller monthly payment or afford more house than you could with a fixed-rate loan.”

On the flip side, just remember, if you have an ARM, your rate will change over time. As Barron’s explains there’s the potential for higher costs later:

“Adjustable-rate loans offer a lower initial rate, but recalculate after a period. That is a plus for borrowers if rates come down in the future, or if a borrower sells before the fixed period ends, but can lead to higher costs if they hold on to their home and rates go up.”

So, while the upfront savings can be helpful now, you’ll want to think through what could happen if you’re still in that home when your initial rate ends. Because while projections show rates are expected to ease a bit over the next year or two, no forecast is guaranteed.

That’s why it’s essential to talk with your lender and financial advisor about all your options and whether an ARM aligns with your financial goals and your comfort with risk.

Bottom Line

For the right buyer, ARMs can offer some big advantages. But they’re not one-size-fits-all. The key is understanding how they work, weighing the pros and cons, and thinking through if they’d be something that would work for you financially. And that’s why you need to talk to a trusted lender and financial advisor before you make any decisions.

Read more at Keeping Current Matters

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