Real Estate Newsletter | May 2025

Interest rates play a major role in the real estate market, impacting everything from monthly mortgage payments to overall buyer activity. When interest rates are low, borrowing money becomes cheaper, which means lower monthly payments and more purchasing power for buyers. This often leads to a more competitive market, with homes selling faster and, in many cases, at higher prices. For sellers, low rates can be a huge advantage—more buyers mean more offers and stronger selling prices.

On the flip side, high interest rates can slow the market down, but they’re not all bad. While buyers may qualify for smaller loans and face higher monthly payments, high rates can cool competition and reduce bidding wars. For investors and cash buyers, this often opens up opportunities to negotiate better deals. Plus, in slower markets, sellers may need to offer incentives or lower prices, which can benefit strategic buyers willing to weather the higher cost of financing.

Burglars don’t choose their targets at random—certain homes are far more attractive than others based on a few key factors. Often, they look for properties that appear unoccupied, lack visible security systems, or have easy access points like unlocked doors or low, climbable fences. Homes with overgrown lawns, piled-up mail, or no cars in the driveway can signal to a burglar that no one is home. Even something as simple as no lights on in the evening can make a home look like an easy target.

Additionally, burglars often target neighborhoods where residents may feel a false sense of security and become lax about locking doors or installing basic security features. They may also scope out homes with high-end electronics or expensive vehicles, indicating valuable items might be inside. As a homeowner or real estate professional, it's smart to promote small, effective deterrents like motion-sensor lights, visible security cameras, or smart doorbells. These inexpensive upgrades not only increase safety but can also be appealing selling points for prospective buyers.