The story of home values rising and falling in 2025 is becoming more regional than ever. The latest data shows values increasing in the Midwest and Northeast while declining in the South and West—reshaping affordability and opportunity. Builder confidence remains weak, prompting widespread use of price cuts and incentives. Meanwhile, Rocket Companies continues its expansion with Redfin and Mr. Cooper acquisitions. And in Malibu, a modular home built to resist wildfires is changing how buyers think about high-end real estate. From affordability shifts to design innovation, here’s what’s driving this moment in housing—and what it means for professionals and consumers alike.
Home Values Rising and Falling in 2025
Read the Full Story → Zillow Research
Home values are up year-over-year in half of the largest U.S. metros—especially in the Midwest and Northeast. Cities like Hartford, Milwaukee, and Cincinnati are leading the pack with continued price gains. At the same time, metros like Austin and Phoenix are seeing prices retreat.
Nationally, the market is flat, with only a 0.2% increase in values. Mortgage costs have ticked down slightly, and inventory is rising. The shift in regional trends is giving some buyers more breathing room, while others face intensifying competition.
Sellers are feeling the pressure, with price cuts at record highs. This balance of rising and falling values shows just how localized housing has become in 2025.
Rocket Companies Delivered Strong Q2
Read the Full Story → Yahoo Finance
Rocket Companies delivered a strong Q2, beating earnings expectations with $0.04 EPS and $1.36 billion in revenue. Their financial performance was solid, but the bigger story is their rapid expansion through acquisition.
In July, Rocket completed its purchase of Redfin and is on track to finalize its Mr. Cooper acquisition later this year. These deals make Rocket one of the most vertically integrated companies in real estate and mortgage services.
These moves could trigger a new wave of competition. UWM and others may respond soon, as Rocket positions itself to become a dominant force across the housing spectrum.
Builder Confidence Still Stuck in Low Gear
Read the Full Story → Eye on Housing
The latest NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index held steady at 32 for August. That keeps builder confidence in the negative for the 16th straight month, as affordability challenges and buyer hesitation persist.
To move inventory, 66% of builders are now offering incentives, while 37% are cutting prices—numbers not seen since 2020. These tactics are helping maintain sales, even in a tough market.
Despite low confidence, builders aren’t panicking. Expectations for future sales are stable, and the rise in incentives reflects an effort to work with the market—not retreat from it.
Fire-Resistant Modular Home Debuts in Malibu
Read the Full Story → Realtor.com
In wildfire-prone Malibu, a new luxury home is turning heads for more than its ocean views. This modular residence is built with non-combustible concrete panels, fire-rated glass, and heat-resistant materials throughout.
The design blends modern aesthetics with disaster resilience. Built off-site and assembled in Malibu, the home offers speed of construction without sacrificing custom quality. It’s a sign of where high-end, risk-aware housing is headed.
Priced at $3.9 million, the listing signals rising interest in homes that prioritize both beauty and protection. For buyers in high-risk regions, it’s an attractive and forward-thinking option.
Loan Officer Perspective
Buyers in regions where values are falling now have more room to negotiate. Monthly mortgage costs are easing slightly, and builder incentives offer even more leverage—great news for financing conversations.
Rocket’s expansion is big, but not something to fear. Your personal service and local expertise are things big-box lenders can’t match. This is the perfect time to remind clients why working with you adds value.
The modular Malibu home also offers a talking point with affluent clients. Disaster-resistant design is becoming more relevant, and financing innovation can be part of that conversation too.
Real Estate Agent Perspective
This regional market divide gives agents more power to tailor strategies. In appreciating markets, emphasize investment potential. In declining ones, highlight affordability and incentives.
Partnering with builders is smart right now. With price cuts and bonuses on the table, you can create real value for your clients by helping them explore new construction.
And listings like the Malibu modular home give agents a chance to stand out. Sharing forward-thinking properties—whether locally or just as content—shows clients that you’re connected to what’s next in real estate.
Home Buyer & Seller Perspective
If you’re a buyer, the power balance is shifting in your favor—especially in markets where values are falling and builders are offering deals. Lower payments and more listings mean more chances to find the right home.
For sellers, it’s all about knowing your market. In hot metros, pricing right could still spark competition. In cooler areas, you may need to be more flexible or offer incentives.
Have questions about buying, selling, or the market in your area? Contact the real estate agent or loan officer who shared this post. They’re ready to help you navigate the moment.
Frank’s Thoughts
Rocket and UWM never stop trading punches. Rocket’s moves this quarter are huge—Redfin and Mr. Cooper are major acquisitions that could shift how consumers experience the mortgage process. You’ve got to wonder if UWM is planning to counter.
Still, for most of us, the key is staying focused on our own clients and communities. Let the giants spar—we’ve got people to help and deals to close. Relationships still win.
And that Malibu home? Very cool. Fire-resistant, modular, and modern—an awesome example of where smart design and safety intersect. More of this, please.
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