Back from Easter Break - Market Insights, and News from Dave & Travis

by David Johnson

REAL ESTATE MARKET UPDATE
"Back from Easter Break - Market Insights, and News from Dave & Travis"
I’m just getting back into the swing of things after a lovely Easter and some unforgettable vacation time with my grandchildren. It was truly special – full of laughter, sweet routines, and a whole lot of love.
 
Gonna miss them! My son Matt was up from Ketchikan so I got a rare picture of me with both my boys!
Now it's back to Grandma and work mode! I’ve included some of my favorite photos from the trip in this email — hope they bring a smile to your day like they do to mine.
 
Do You Think The Housing Market's About To Crash?
 
Lately, it feels like a lot of people have been asking the same question:
“Is the housing market about to crash?”
 
If you’ve been scrolling through social media or watching the news, you might have seen some pretty scary headlines yourself. But before you hit pause on your plans to buy or sell a home, take a deep breath. The truth is: the housing market isn’t about to crash – it’s just shifting. And that shift actually works in your favor.
 
Today’s historically low Inventory Keeps the Housing Market from Crashing
 
Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, says: “There’s just generally not enough supply. There are more people than housing inventory. It’s Econ 101.”
 
Think about it. If there’s a shortage of something – like tickets to a popular concert – prices go up. That’s what’s been happening with homes. We still have a shortage of supply especially for affordable homes. Now there are areas seeing very increased supply and downward pressure on prices. Real estate is LOCAL. Check out the white line for 2025 in the graph below. Even though the number of homes for sale is climbing, data from Realtor.com shows we’re still well below normal levels (shown in gray):
 
As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says:
 
“… if there’s a shortage, prices simply cannot crash.”
 
More Homes for Sale Means Price Growth Is Easing
 
However inventory is increasing (just not back to "normal" levels) and as more homes become available, that takes some of the intense upward pressure off home price growth – leading to healthier price appreciation. So, while prices aren’t falling nationally, growing inventory means they also aren’t rising as fast as they were. What we’re seeing is price moderation (see graph below):
And according to Freddie Mac, that moderation should continue through the rest of this year: “In 2025, we expect the pace of house price appreciation to moderate from the levels seen in 2024, while still maintaining a positive trajectory.”
 
Put simply, that means prices will continue going up in most areas, just not as quickly. That’s good news for anyone who’s been having trouble finding a home and feeling sticker shock from the rapid price appreciation of the past few years.
 
 
But of course, what’s happening with prices and inventory is going to vary by local market. So, contact Travis or I for Alaska market info or talk to your agent to find out what’s happening where you live.
Don’t let the talk scare you. Experts agree that a housing market crash is unlikely in 2025. As Business Insider reports: “. . . economists who study housing market conditions generally do not expect a crash in 2025 or beyond unless the economic outlook changes.”
Instead, we’re heading into a housing market that’s healthier and more balanced, with slower price growth and more opportunity.
 
Mortgage Rate Update – What Buyers & Sellers Need to Know This Week!
 
We’ve got the latest mortgage rate update for you as of April 17, 2025—straight from trusted sources like Mortgage News Daily, Freddie Mac, & the Mortgage Bankers Association. Changes happen quickly though! I still feel rates will trend lower overall this year..slowly. Don't hold on to the fantasy of those lovely 3-4% rates however. Rates ticked up slightly this week—but they’re still well below the 52-week highs, giving both buyers and sellers some breathing room. Remember most sellers are buyers too!
 
If You're Buying:
  • Locking in now could mean hundreds in monthly savings compared to last year's peak rates (some as high as 7.68%).
  • FHA and VA options are still attractive for qualified buyers—rates in the 6.3% range make affordability better than you might think.
  • ARM loans (like the 7/6 SOFR) are showing the biggest year-over-year drop—down nearly a full percentage point, which may be appealing if you're planning to move or refinance in a few years.
If You're Selling:
  • Lower mortgage rates tend to bring more buyers into the market, especially in the spring season.
  • This increase in demand can help your home sell faster and potentially for a higher price.
  • Buyers have more financing confidence, which makes your listing more attractive.
Need help running the numbers or getting pre-approved? We’re happy to connect you with trusted lenders or help walk you through what works best for your situation. Let’s make your next move a smart one. Feel free to reply here or reach out at any time.

What's Happening Around Town?
Moving to Anchorage? You May Qualify for Rent Assistance!
 
Looking to rent in Anchorage, Girdwood, Eagle River, or nearby? The Housing Choice Voucher Program is now open for applications. This gives eligible families a chance to rent on the private market, with AHFC covering a portion of the rent. This round is specifically for folks planning to rent within the Municipality of Anchorage. Even if you’re not living in Anchorage now but plan to move here—you're eligible to apply. Income limits apply, and AHFC will check eligibility before issuing vouchers. Applications are online through RENTCafé. Need help or accommodations? Call AHFC at 907-330-6100 or email: phd.anchorage@ahfc.us.

 

The Juneau Maritime Festival
Hey folks, if you’re looking for a good time in the heart of Juneau, mark your calendar for Saturday, May 3rd. The Juneau Maritime Festival is back — and it’s one of those events that really brings the whole community together. We’re talking over 80 local vendors, live music, tasty grilled seafood, and a good ol’ fashioned beer garden. Got kids? There’s plenty of free activities to keep 'em smiling. You’ll also see harbor cruises, a tug-o-war (yep, it’s as fun as it sounds), and performances by the One People Canoe Society and Yees Ku Oo Dancers. Even the Coast Guard and Navy swing by to say hello. It all goes down at Elizabeth Peratrovich Plaza, right in beautiful Downtown Juneau. The Juneau Economic Development Council puts it all together — and they do a heck of a job. So come on out, support local, and soak up a little maritime pride. I’ll see ya there.

 

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Call or text Dave now at 907-863-7289
Call or text Travis now at 907-575-6779

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David Johnson

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+1(907) 863-7289

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