Dear Friends, Family, Clients, and Neighbors –

Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on past successes and set new goals for the year ahead. Whether you’re looking to invest in a new property, find your dream home, or explore exciting opportunities in the real estate market, this year is filled with potential.

With fresh opportunities on the horizon, The Jule Team is here to help guide you through every step of your journey.

Let’s make 2025 a year of new beginnings, new investments, and new possibilities!

As we reflect on the past year, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the trust you’ve placed in us to help with such an important chapter in your lives. Whether it was finding the perfect home, selling a cherished property, or guiding you through a relocation, it’s been a true honor to walk alongside you. We are beyond thankful for the opportunity to serve such wonderful, kind-hearted people, and we feel truly blessed to have been a part of your journey.

Real Estate Market Update

The real estate market in early 2025 is shaped by a number of key factors, reflecting both challenges and opportunities for buyers, sellers, and investors.

Here’s an overview of what’s happening:

1. Mortgage Rates and Affordability

Mortgage rates remain high, continuing to hover near their highest levels since mid-2023. This is making it harder for some buyers to afford homes, especially first-time homebuyers or those looking to trade up. While rates have fluctuated, they are still significantly higher than the historic lows seen in the past few years.

2. Low Inventory

Housing inventory remains a persistent issue, with supply still well below typical levels for a balanced market. Many homeowners are reluctant to sell, given the current high mortgage rates—choosing instead to stay in their existing homes with lower-rate mortgages. This has kept demand for homes strong while the number of properties available to buy remains tight.

3. Price Growth Slowing

Home prices are still rising, but the pace of growth has slowed in many areas. Nationwide, home prices have risen by 5–7% year-over-year, but compared to the explosive growth in 2021 and 2022, it’s a more tempered pace.

4. Shift Toward Suburban and Smaller Markets

While urban areas saw significant demand during the pandemic, many buyers are now focusing on suburban or smaller markets due to more affordable pricing, larger homes, and access to outdoor space. Areas with good schools, remote work opportunities, and affordable housing are experiencing a surge in demand.

5. Increased Rental Demand

As mortgage rates remain high, many people are opting to rent, leading to increased rental demand and rising rents in some regions. In turn, this is making the rental market competitive and creating a squeeze on availability in many major cities. Investors in rental properties may find favorable conditions for returns, especially in areas with high demand.

6. Investor Activity

Real estate investors are still active in the market, with a focus on rental properties and long-term investments. Some investors are targeting properties in emerging markets or areas where they can capitalize on rental demand.

7. Looking Ahead to Spring 2025

As the spring selling season approaches, there is potential for an uptick in inventory, as many sellers traditionally list their homes during this time. However, this could also bring more competition and pricing challenges, depending on demand and how the interest rate environment evolves. Many sellers may still hold off on listing their properties if they feel that rates will improve later in the year.

Key Takeaways for Buyers, Sellers, and Investors:

Buyers: Be prepared for competitive markets with high mortgage rates.

Sellers: If you’re in a position to sell, now may be a good time to take advantage of strong demand, especially in low-inventory markets.

Investors: Focus on rental properties or emerging markets, where demand and prices are still favorable, but be cautious about overpaying in expensive areas.

2025 New Communities Coming To Franklin, TN

These communities are in high demand for a reason – prime locations, spacious homes, and top-tier amenities make them the ultimate spots to call home.

Local New Business Spotlight

Two Hands – Located in The Factory At Franklin

Recently Opened!

Two Hands Hospitality is a collection of community-driven Australian restaurants dedicated to enhancing your lifestyle with fresh, flavorful food, craft cocktails, and quality coffee.

Serving everything from breakfast to dinner, Two Hands offers a health-conscious menu that emphasizes local sourcing and sustainability. Whether you’re enjoying coffee or cocktails, they focus on nourishing food and beverages that support a balanced lifestyle.

Their mission at Two Hands is to build community through collaboration and inclusivity, ensuring every experience is positive. They form intentional partnerships with like-minded organizations and suppliers, invest in employee development by fostering growth and leveraging individual strengths, and create thoughtfully designed spaces that resonate with the communities they serve.

Additionally, they give back by matching customers’ round-up contributions to our charity partner, Many Hopes.

Hours: Monday-Sunday: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm