5 Lessons We Learned from the 2025 Massachusetts Mortgage Market
It’s been a fascinating year for mortgage and real estate. If 2024 was the year of “wait and see,” 2025 was the year we learned how to adjust to the “new normal.” The Massachusetts housing market remains one of the most resilient in the country. But the homebuying approach is different now. It’s a more measured and prepared approach.
As we look toward 2026, here are five key takeaways from the past twelve months.
1. The “Perfect Time” is a Myth
Many buyers spent a good part (or all) of the year waiting for rates to drop back to 4% or 5%. While we did see some relief toward the end of the year, those who waited often found they’d be waiting a lot longer than they’d thought. And by that time, home prices had risen just enough to offset any savings from a lower rate. Here’s the lesson: Buy when the monthly payment fits your budget, not when a huge, magical low rate falls from the sky. Nobody has a crystal ball. Not the Fed, not the CNN talking heads.
2. Inventory is Thawing (Slowly But Surely)
We finally saw a modest 5–10% increase in new listings across the state this year. While we are still in a seller’s market, the frantic bidding wars of 2022 and 2023 have cooled. Buyers in 2025 learned that they finally have a bit more room to breathe and, in some cases, even negotiate on repairs, inspections and closing costs.
3. Home Equity for Renovations
With Massachusetts home values rising another 3–5% this year, many homeowners are sitting on record amounts of equity. We saw a surge in homeowners using home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) to renovate their current homes rather than moving. It’s often cheaper to build an addition than to trade a 3% mortgage for a new one. Still, inventory continues to open up slowly around the state.
4. Preparation is the New Competition
In a market where inventory is still tight, “pre-approved” wasn’t always enough. The winners in 2025 were those who had their “ducks in a row” before even visiting an open house. This included having a fully vetted file, a clear understanding of down payment assistance programs, and a local lender who could pick up the phone on a Sunday afternoon. Get in touch: Call 617-965-1236 or email me.
5. Strategy Beats Guesswork
The biggest lesson of 2025: Success in real estate now requires a long-term strategy. Whether it’s a “buy now, refinance later” approach or looking at emerging markets outside of Greater Boston, having a plan and a team is what separated successful homeowners from the frustrated ones this year.
If you’re planning to start your homebuying journey now or into early 2026, please reach out. I’ll help you get prepped and positioned so you can move quickly and confidently to find your dream home.
Home Improver: WiFi Issues? 3 Easy Tips to Boost Your Signal
A WiFi “dead zone” in your house is not something you can just live with. We depend on WiFi for gaming, streaming music, watching movies, and talking to Alexa or whatever home device you use. For those who work from home, you need it for your phone, computer, tablet and Zoom meetings. If your signal drops the moment you walk into the kitchen or corner bedroom, you might not need a new internet provider. Your setup may just need a boost.
Here are three simple ways strengthen your WiFi at home.
1. The “Center of the Universe” Rule
Many people tuck their router inside a cabinet or leave it on the floor in a far corner. WiFi signals travel outward and downward. For the best coverage, move your router to a central, elevated location, such as a shelf in the living room. Keeping it out in the open rather than behind a door can instantly increase your signal strength.
2. Upgrade to a Mesh WiFi System
If you live in an older New England home with lath and plaster walls, a single router often isn’t enough. A Mesh system (e.g. Eero or Google Nest) uses several units placed around the house that work together to create one seamless “web” of coverage. Unlike a single router trying to push a signal through brick or metal mesh, a Mesh system ensures you have a full-strength connection from the basement to the attic.
3. Clear the Physical Hurdles
WiFi signals are easily blocked by heavy materials. Brick walls, water (like a large fish tank), and even large metal appliances can act as shields. If your router is sitting right next to a microwave or a large mirror, moving it just three feet away can significantly reduce interference. Happy WiFi = Happy Family!