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By The JK Team – Berks, Montgomery & Lancaster County Real Estate Experts | thejk-team.com
The clock is ticking on 2025. With just 60 days left in the year, the final stretch of the housing market is revealing critical signals for both end-of-year 2025 housing market predictions and the first quarter 2026 real estate forecast. If you’re asking “Should I buy or sell before 2025 ends?” or “Will Q1 2026 be better for Pennsylvania homebuyers?”, this hyper-focused update from The JK Team gives you the data-driven clarity you need—right now.
Backed by 22+ years serving Berks, Montgomery, and Lancaster Counties, John Griffin and Kymberlie Rahim are breaking down the late 2025 real estate trends and Q1 2026 housing market predictions with local precision. From mortgage rate drops in December to inventory surges in January, here’s what’s coming—and how to position yourself to win.
End-of-Year 2025: The Final 60 Days – A Window of Opportunity
1. Mortgage Rates: The December Dip Is Coming
The Federal Reserve’s November meeting is widely expected to deliver another 25-basis-point cut, pushing 30-year fixed rates below 6.2% by mid-December 2025—the lowest since early 2023.
Pennsylvania Impact: A $350,000 loan at 6.1% = $2,118/month At 6.5% = $2,213/month → $95/month savings = $1,140/year
Action Step: Lock your rate before December 20. Holiday slowdowns mean fewer competing buyers—but lenders get busy. Pre-approve now at thejk-team.com/preapproval.
2. Inventory Spike in Late November – Then Freeze
Listings traditionally peak the week before Thanksgiving, then drop 40% by Christmas, per Bright MLS data. In Berks, Montgomery, and Lancaster Counties, we’re seeing:
| County | Active Listings (Oct 30) | Projected Dec 31 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berks | 1,420 | 980 | -31% |
| Montgomery | 1,890 | 1,300 | -31% |
| Lancaster | 1,610 | 1,050 | -35% |
Translation: November 15–30 is your last shot at maximum selection before inventory dries up. Buyers who wait until January face fewer homes and rising competition.
3. Seller Concessions Hit 3-Year High
Motivated sellers—especially empty nesters and relocators—are offering:
- 2–3% in closing cost credits
- Rate buydown assistance (1-point = ~$3,500 on a $350K loan)
- Home warranties + repairs
Lancaster County Example: A $375,000 colonial in Manheim listed at $389,900 just accepted an offer with $12,000 in concessions—effectively a 3.2% discount.
Seller Tip: Price 1–2% below recent comps in early December to trigger multiple offers before the holiday lull.
Q1 2026 Forecast: The January Thaw & Spring Preview
1. Rates Stabilize—Then Creep Up in March
Fannie Mae and MBA now project 30-year rates averaging 6.0–6.3% in Q1 2026, with a potential climb to 6.5% by April if inflation ticks up.
Why January–February?
- Post-holiday buyer surge
- Tax refunds fuel down payments
- Rates still near cycle lows
Pro Move: Buy in January 2026 to beat the spring price jump (historically +1.8% from Q1 to Q2 in PA).
2. Inventory Rebounds—But Not Evenly
Expect +25% more listings by February 2026 vs. December 2025—but Berks and Lancaster will lag Montgomery.
| County | Projected New Listings (Jan–Mar 2026) | Days on Market |
|---|---|---|
| Berks | +180 | 38 |
| Montgomery | +320 | 32 |
| Lancaster | +165 | 35 |
Hot Spot Alert: Wyomissing (Berks) and Lititz (Lancaster) will see under 30-day DOM—still a mini seller’s market.
3. Price Growth: +1.2% in Q1 2026 (PA Average)
No crash. No boom. Just steady, predictable appreciation:
- Berks County: +1.0% (median → ~$288,500)
- Montgomery County: +1.1% (median → ~$455,000)
- Lancaster County: +1.5% (median → ~$355,000)
Investors: Target Manheim Township duplexes—rents up 6% YoY, cap rates ~6.8%.
Your 60-Day Action Plan: End 2025 Strong, Start 2026 Ahead
| If You’re a BUYER | If You’re a SELLER |
|---|---|
| ✅ Get pre-approved this week | ✅ List Nov 18–25 for max exposure |
| ✅ Tour 5+ homes before Dec 1 | ✅ Offer 2% concession to close by 12/31 |
| ✅ Submit offers Dec 1–15 | ✅ Stage lightly for holiday buyers |
| ✅ Close by Jan 15 to avoid Q1 rush | ✅ Relist in mid-Jan if no bites |
Don’t Guess—Partner with The JK Team
The end-of-year 2025 housing market and Q1 2026 real estate predictions aren’t just numbers—they’re your timeline to act. Whether you’re searching “homes for sale in Berks County now” or planning a spring 2026 launch in Lancaster, The JK Team delivers:
- Instant home valuations (free at thejk-team.com)
- Custom Q1 2026 buyer/seller roadmaps
- Negotiation muscle that saved clients $14,800 on average in 2025
Call 610-908-7033 or visit thejk-team.com/contact to lock in your strategy before the year ends.
John Griffin & Kymberlie Rahim The JK Team | Wyomissing, PA Facebook | Instagram
Predictions based on Bright MLS, Fannie Mae, and local trend data as of October 30, 2025. Subject to economic shifts.
