Featuring the perspectives of:

Colleen Barry
Chief Executive Officer, Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty

Pauline Bennett
Regional President, Northeast, Coldwell Banker Realty

Jim D’Amico
CEO, Director and Owner, Brands by Integra, including CENTURY 21 North East

Anthony Lamacchia
Broker, Owner and Founder, Lamacchia Realty

Nick Warren
Founder and CEO, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Warren Residential

What do you expect for the overall housing market in 2025?

Colleen Barry: We anticipate a very strong market in 2025. Interest rates are likely to get closer to 6%, inviting a whole new group of buyers and sellers into the market. The Massachusetts economy continues to remain strong, so there are plenty of potential buyers in the mix.

Jim D’Amico: I expect an increase in homes sold in 2025, with prices coming down a tiny bit. The small decrease in prices and the continued decrease in interest rates (hopefully), along with the culmination of the election, should push the market forward in 2025.

Nick Warren: With the election behind us and interest rates predicted to continue their downward trend, I believe we’ve already hit the low point in total transactions. In 2025, I expect a modest increase in market activity as stability returns and buyers regain confidence. Lower interest rates will help unlock demand that has been sitting on the sidelines, especially from first-time buyers and those looking to upgrade. The inventory situation will remain tight, which should keep prices stable or slightly up, but overall transaction volume should see a healthy rebound. The combination of improved consumer confidence and easing mortgage rates positions 2025 as a year of gradual market recovery, with opportunities for both buyers and sellers to re-engage.

Pauline Bennett: New England continues to be a diverse, in-demand market, from high-rise Boston condos to picturesque countryside living. The National Association of REALTORS® is predicting a more positive year with fewer challenges to housing, and we share that optimism. Homebuyers and sellers can likely look forward to more choices, from the agent they choose to represent them to the available supply of homes. Housing inventory has been an ongoing challenge, both in volume, quality and price. We are hopeful that somewhat stable interest rates will ultimately persuade more sellers who have been on the sidelines to make their move, giving buyers more options and increased negotiating power as prices stabilize. Cash is still king, though, accounting for a record number of purchases in 2024 and likely continuing into 2025.

What growth, if any, do you expect for your company next year?

Anthony Lamacchia: Our company grew about 40% this year and we expect similar growth in 2025.

Warren: At Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Warren Residential, we’re aiming for growth both in agent count and market share. In 2025, we plan to strategically recruit more experienced agents and teams who want strong support and a collaborative culture. By focusing on building a community of top talent and offering unparalleled tools, technology and training, we see excellent opportunities to grow our footprint in Boston and surrounding suburbs. We also plan to expand our luxury home division and strengthen relationships with clients who value our expertise in high-end properties. Overall, it’s about continuing to create an environment where agents can thrive, and clients receive exceptional service, which will drive our growth trajectory next year.

Barry: We anticipate growth for a couple of key reasons: The expected increase in inventory, due to the lowering mortgage interest rates, is going to unlock some of the challenges we have all had with there being limited choice for buyers. In addition to that, the anticipated drops in the Fed Funds Rate will make some portfolio loan options much more attractive for HNWI. Those, unlike conforming mortgage rates, are very closely linked to the short-term borrowing rate.

Bennett: We continue to prioritize attracting and retaining top sales talent that expands our presence throughout the New England real estate market. Our job is to simplify the day-to-day routines of agents so they can focus on what’s most important — providing top-level service to clients while attaining a fulfilling and prosperous work-life balance. We accomplish these goals by hiring exceptional leadership and offering a full suite of support options, with tools that streamline every aspect of real estate marketing. For example, we quickly and carefully adopted Generative AI into our Listing Concierge platform, enabling our agents and staff to work more efficiently and win more time for high-touch, service-based tasks. Overall, Coldwell Banker Realty is an established and trusted force in the real estate industry with an extensive global network. We’ve seen many twists and turns in the market over the past 118 years but continue to emphasize our agent support and customer service, as always.

D’Amico: Our company is unique in the sense that we have grown over 40% in volume and 45% in units in 2024. We spent most of 2023 and 2024 expanding our company to 12 states, with our most notable growth in the New York, Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania and Illinois markets. We now serve a wider territory under both the C21 and Coldwell Banker brands. We expect organic growth in 2025 but we are always on the lookout for larger acquisitions.

What will be the biggest challenges for agents in 2025 and how can they overcome those challenges?

Bennett: Real estate agents are learning to navigate one of the largest industry changes in recent memory, following the NAR commission rules settlement. As a company, we have been offering guidance all along to agents as they adjust to this new paradigm. Agents are learning to refocus the initial conversations they have with prospective clients, explaining commission guidelines up front and the irreplaceable benefits of their service. My suggestions for agents in 2025? Be authentic and articulate the value that your expertise, determination and advocacy bring to each of your buyer and seller clients. Take full advantage of all the tools your brokerage offers and continue to cultivate your professional network, both in-person and virtually.

Lamacchia: The biggest challenge for agents is going to be continuing to learn how to get the right price on listings and price adjustments when necessary. The market overall, and particularly with condos, is vastly different then it was 3 or 4 years ago when everything that got listed sold immediately. This market requires more skills and more planning in working with sellers.

D’Amico: The biggest challenges for agents will continue to be to educate clients about the differences in the way we do business now vs. last year when it comes to agency and compensation. Agents will also be challenged with longer days on the market for listings that are not priced appropriately.

Barry: The biggest challenge is going to be the speed of the market. There are currently fewer active agents than in recent years. Many agents left the industry due to inventory challenges and changes to industry practices. With more buyers and sellers coming into the market in 2025, the agents who have remained dedicated to their craft will be quite busy.

Warren: The biggest challenge for agents in 2025 will be navigating shifting market conditions and rising consumer expectations. As the market steadies, buyers and sellers will be more cautious and selective, which means agents need to bring real value to every transaction. To overcome these challenges, agents should double down on hyper-local expertise — understanding every nuance of Boston’s neighborhoods is critical. Additionally, staying up-to-date with tech trends is vital. Buyers and sellers expect a seamless digital experience, and agents who can deliver on this will set themselves apart. Finally, fostering authentic relationships will always be key. Agents who focus on being trusted advisors rather than transactional salespeople will find success even in a competitive market.

What impact, if any, will the recent Affordable Homes Act have on Boston-area housing?

D’Amico: I hope it will assist the right people in achieving the dream of home ownership. There are many features to the Act, including ADUs and public housing initiatives. As an owner of both a sober living facility and two homeless diversion properties, we provide over 100 beds to those in need. I hope that we will see even more opportunities to help eliminate homelessness in the U.S.

Barry: The governor’s housing initiatives will hopefully result in an increase in housing availability. There have been some headwinds, with some of the towns pushing back on parts of the initiative in their areas. So that could slow some of the intended growth. Ultimately, the governor’s goal to increase housing would affect the most challenged side of the supply and demand equation, which has been supply. If she is successful, we should see prices stabilize and more choices for those at the entry level of the market.

Warren: The Affordable Homes Act will likely have a positive impact on the Boston-area housing market by increasing access to affordable options, especially for first-time buyers. With measures designed to boost affordable housing inventory and provide financial incentives, the Act will help bridge the gap for many middle-income buyers who have struggled to compete. In the Boston market, where affordability is a key challenge, any increase in housing supply — particularly in the entry-level segment — will be beneficial. That said, the actual impact will depend heavily on local implementation, including zoning adjustments and collaboration with developers. If the city can effectively leverage the Act’s provisions, we could see a much-needed boost in accessible housing options in the coming years.

Bennett: As real estate professionals, the true joy of this business is helping people to attain the American Dream. Over the last few years, our agents have witnessed so many buyers endure the heartache of losing out to higher bidders on houses they had already envisioned themselves in. Agents provide a shoulder to cry on and motivation to keep looking as home searches span months. We fully support legislation that brings the dream of home ownership in reach of more buyers, especially first-time homebuyers who haven’t had the equity to compete, and that aims to provide much-needed relief to the high demand for housing throughout New England. We’re hopeful the Affordable Homes Act will make a tangible, positive impact in the coming years.

Lamacchia: I am happy that the Affordable Homes Act passed, and I think it will have some positive impact on providing housing supply.

Check out this year’s other predictions below!