Dear Real Estate Super Stars,
As we head into the final stretch of 2025, the residential real estate market continues to navigate a landscape shaped by recent monetary policy shifts and seasonal slowdowns. This week brings a quieter economic calendar following the Federal Reserve's December 9-10 FOMC meeting, where the Fed delivered its third consecutive 25-basis-point rate cut, bringing the federal funds rate to 3.50%-3.75%. While this move was widely anticipated and provides some tailwind for borrowing costs, mortgage rates have remained sticky above 6%, limiting immediate boosts to affordability. Lower rates over time could encourage more inventory and buyer activity in residential real estate, but the Fed's signaled pause on further cuts citing persistent inflation and a resilient labor market may keep mortgage rates elevated in the near term, sustaining the "lock-in effect" for homeowners with sub-4% rates.
What to Expect in the Economy Before the Holidays
Heading into the Christmas season, the U.S. economy shows signs of moderation after a resilient 2025, with real GDP growth projected around 1.9-2.0% for the year. Consumer spending remains supportive amid holiday shopping, but softening labor indicators (unemployment edging toward 4.4-4.5%) and sticky inflation around 2.75-3% suggest a "soft landing" scenario rather than robust acceleration. With no major data releases this week and markets focusing on year-end positioning, expect low volatility but potential rotation away from high-valuation tech stocks into broader sectors. Overall, the pre-holiday period should feature steady if unspectacular growth, providing a stable backdrop for real estate professionals to close out the year.
3 Tips for Realtors to Gain More Clients Before the Holidays
The holiday season often slows transactions, but it's a prime opportunity to build relationships and position yourself for a strong 2026 start. Here are three actionable tips:
- Leverage Personal Touch with Past Clients and Sphere of Influence: Send handwritten holiday cards, birthday notes, or small gifts to your database. Stay top-of-mind by checking in with a "just thinking of you" message. Many referrals come from consistent, genuine outreach during quieter times. Think “High Touch.”
- Host or Attend Community Events: Offer to host open houses for colleagues on vacation (gaining exposure to their listings) or organize low-key holiday gatherings, like client appreciation events or neighborhood parties. These build trust and visibility in a season when competition is lower.
- Ramp Up Digital and Local Networking: Update your online presence (Google Business Profile, social media) and volunteer or join local groups. Share valuable content like market updates or holiday home tips to attract inquiries from buyers pausing their search but planning moves post-holidays.
One Stock Tip for Long-Term Investment
For investors seeking stable, long-term growth outside real estate, consider Microsoft (MSFT). As a leader in cloud computing (Azure), artificial intelligence (via OpenAI partnership), and productivity software, Microsoft benefits from secular trends in digital transformation and AI adoption. With strong recurring revenue, wide economic moat, and consistent innovation, it's well-positioned for compounded growth over the next decade, trading at a reasonable valuation relative to its quality.
Market Snapshot: MSFT
- Closing Price on Friday, December 12, 2025: $478.53
- 52-Week High (2025): $555.45
- 52-Week Low (2025): $344.79
Always consult a financial advisor before investing.
Wishing you a productive week and a joyful holiday season ahead. Stay connected, keep mentoring, and let's make 2026 our best year yet!
Have feedback or a topic request? Send it to us: https://www.realestatementorhub.com/contact-us
Stay festive and have some fun!
Agi Vermes Smith
Founder Real Estate Mentor Hub
RealEstateMentorHub.com
Always Unlocking Your Real Estate Potential
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