A heart-shaped piece of ice rests on a frost-covered branch.

January/February 2025 Real Estate Market Update

  • Candice Rich
  • February 13, 2025
Gold lion-head door knocker with a circular ring
 
Pastel conversation hearts with real estate messages, including “BE MY CLIENT” and “I ♥ REFERRALS.”

Excited to see what 2025 has in store! 2024 was a year of market highs and shifting trends. Home values soared to

record-breaking levels, but the year also highlighted the contrast between optimistic housing forecasts and economic realities.

 

Last year, we had the privilege of helping over 20 executive families buy and sell, along with several investors, closing the year ranked among the top 700 agents out of 17,000 in Oakland County—and holding strong in the top 5% statewide in Michigan.

 

Go Lions! They may not have clinched the championship, but what a season—our boys made us proud!

 

As always, this newsletter is packed with the latest real estate insights, market updates, buying and selling tips, and community highlights. I hope you find it valuable and enjoyable!

 

 

“The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.”

~ Michael Altshuler

 

 

 
 

JANUARY 2025 LUXURY MARKET REPORTS

Luxury Market Report: 2024 in Review, with a modern home terrace overlooking the water at sunset.

Welcome to 2025: In this review, we will break down the key events, trends, and insights from 2024, concluding with an outlook for the North American luxury real estate market

in 2025.

 

The luxury real estate market in 2024 was marked by a series of transformative trends, with key developments shaping the high-end housing sector throughout the year.

 

After a challenging 2023 characterized by limited transactions and stagnation, the luxury market made a remarkable resurgence. The year saw a notable recovery, driven by factors such as economic stabilization, a rise in inventory levels, and the return of affluent buyers with renewed confidence. 

 

 

Luxury Market Report 2024 In Review

 

NEW HIGHER LOAN LIMITS FOR HOMEBUYERS IN 2025

Home office with teal built-in shelving, a dark wood desk, and flowers on the desktop.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) recently announced that it will raise loan limits for mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, giving some homebuyers greater purchasing power. Starting in 2025, the maximum conforming loan limit for single-unit properties will increase to $806,500 – a 5.2 % increase from the current limit of $766,550...

 

Click Here To Read The Full Article

 

TIPS FOR SUCCESSFULLY REFINANCING

 
Living room with a white fireplace, woven chairs, and a round wooden coffee table.

 

Mortgage rates dropped to just above 6% in late September, drawing homebuyers from the sidelines and fueling the biggest refinancing boom in recent years. Although rates have since jumped up, they remain lower than the peak levels of October 2023, when they almost hit 8%.

 

“Proper Rate closed about 10 times more refinancing deals this past fall than we closed throughout 2023,” said Kyle Gillespie, SVP of mortgage lending at Proper Rate, @properties Christie’s International Real Estate’s affiliated mortgage lender.

 

 

CLICK HERE TO READ FULL ARTICLE

 

THE ULTIMATE LUXURY VALENTINE'S GETAWAY

Candlelit dinner table on a wooden pier over calm water at dusk
 

JUMBY BAY ANTIGUA

 

Jumby Bay, a private island off the coast of Antigua. Created in partnership with VistaJet, the all-inclusive two-night experience features a whole host of extras such as a private sunset cruise, dedicated butler service, couples’ spa treatments, portraits by a professional photographer and more. Of course, transport is taken care of courtesy of VistaJet’s signature silver and red fleet.

 

Price on request: oetkercollection.com

 

FEATURED HOMES FOR SALE

 
Stone-fronted house with an attached double garage, gabled roof, and autumn trees.

1736 HIDDEN RAVINES DRIVE BIRMINGHAM, MI 48009

Built in 1984 the elegant ranch home "Country French" in private enclave in heart of City of Birmingham. 1st floor Primary suite includes walk-in closet, spa bath, views of serene garden and woods. Approx. 4000 sq ft. of living space. 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths...

 

 

 

CLICK HERE FOR FULL LISTING DETAILS

Large stone and brick house with a conical turret behind leafless trees and a green lawn.

17325 PONCHARTRAIN BLVD

DETROIT, MI 48203

 

The most ESTEEMED estate on the entire golf course. EXQUISITE historic estate located in the heart of Palmer Park, situated directly on the DGC course with an unprecedented view. This home was originally designed and built by Jozsef Galamb, a Hungarian engineer, best known for his crucial role in designing and developing Ford's Model T and Model M, who utilized his expertise and innovative mind to create the most coveted residence in all of Detroit...

 

 

CLICK HERE FOR FULL LISTING DETAILS

 
Ocean-view balcony with tiled floor, curved railing, and a white chair.

2100 S OCEAN BLVD, 602 S PALM BEACH, FL 33480

 

 

Exceptional development opportunity in the heart of Emmet County! This property is a developer's paradise, offering immense potential for residential development. Currently zoned for up to 144 units with convenient access to sewer and water hookups, this land represents a lucrative investment opportunity....

 

CLICK HERE FOR FULL LISTING DETAILS

Swimming pool beside a tan stucco home, framed by palms and rocky landscaping.

11691 E TURQUOISE AVE

SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85259

 

Experience pride of ownership in this captivating custom home, situated on an expansive corner lot in the prestigious Stonegate community. From the moment you step inside, you'll be enchanted by a beautifully designed interior bathed in natural light, featuring plush carpeting, recessed lighting, soothing tones, and built-in surround sound ...

 

CLICK HERE FOR FULL LISTING DETAIL

 

2025 HELP ME WIN ROAD TO ROLEX!!

 
Two-tone Rolex Cosmograph Daytona watch with a pink dial, gold subdials, and diamond hour markers.

IT'S A NEW YEAR TO HELP ME WIN THE ROAD TO ROLEX COMPETITION

 

Although I was super close last year I didn't win -

 

I believe this is my year to win the prestigious Christie's Elite Road To Rolex Contest but I need your help!!

 

Your referrals and business are crucial in helping me achieve this milestone.

If you know anyone looking to buy or sell a home, please send them my way.

 

Thank you for your continued support and trust in me!

 
Love where you live
 
Happy Valentine’s Day greeting with a seated portrait of Candice Rich and a large red heart.
@properties and Christie’s International Real Estate
 
GUILD
 
 
Map of the United States with blue-shaded states and red location pins.
Michigan real estate service-area collage featuring eight communities and a large “love” over the state silhouette.

With 9 offices across the State of Michigan now, as well as a robust International network of highly vetted referral partners, remember I can assist you wherever your real estate needs may take you. 

 

Contact Me First!

 

 

Candice Rich, CNE®, CLHMS®

Global Luxury & Relocation Advisor

 

O: 248.724.6124

C: 313.218.5300

[email protected]

Candicerich.com

 

Facebook  Instagram

 
 
 
 
 
 
Gold lion-head door knocker with a circular ring
 
Pastel conversation hearts with real estate messages, including “BE MY CLIENT” and “I ♥ REFERRALS.”

Excited to see what 2025 has in store! 2024 was a year of market highs and shifting trends. Home values soared to

record-breaking levels, but the year also highlighted the contrast between optimistic housing forecasts and economic realities.

 

Last year, we had the privilege of helping over 20 executive families buy and sell, along with several investors, closing the year ranked among the top 700 agents out of 17,000 in Oakland County—and holding strong in the top 5% statewide in Michigan.

 

Go Lions! They may not have clinched the championship, but what a season—our boys made us proud!

 

As always, this newsletter is packed with the latest real estate insights, market updates, buying and selling tips, and community highlights. I hope you find it valuable and enjoyable!

 

 

“The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.”

~ Michael Altshuler

 

 

 
 

JANUARY 2025 LUXURY MARKET REPORTS

Luxury Market Report: 2024 in Review, with a modern home terrace overlooking the water at sunset.

Welcome to 2025: In this review, we will break down the key events, trends, and insights from 2024, concluding with an outlook for the North American luxury real estate market

in 2025.

 

The luxury real estate market in 2024 was marked by a series of transformative trends, with key developments shaping the high-end housing sector throughout the year.

 

After a challenging 2023 characterized by limited transactions and stagnation, the luxury market made a remarkable resurgence. The year saw a notable recovery, driven by factors such as economic stabilization, a rise in inventory levels, and the return of affluent buyers with renewed confidence. 

 

 

Luxury Market Report 2024 In Review

 

NEW HIGHER LOAN LIMITS FOR HOMEBUYERS IN 2025

Home office with teal built-in shelving, a dark wood desk, and flowers on the desktop.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) recently announced that it will raise loan limits for mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, giving some homebuyers greater purchasing power. Starting in 2025, the maximum conforming loan limit for single-unit properties will increase to $806,500 – a 5.2 % increase from the current limit of $766,550...

 

Click Here To Read The Full Article

 

TIPS FOR SUCCESSFULLY REFINANCING

 
Living room with a white fireplace, woven chairs, and a round wooden coffee table.

 

Mortgage rates dropped to just above 6% in late September, drawing homebuyers from the sidelines and fueling the biggest refinancing boom in recent years. Although rates have since jumped up, they remain lower than the peak levels of October 2023, when they almost hit 8%.

 

“Proper Rate closed about 10 times more refinancing deals this past fall than we closed throughout 2023,” said Kyle Gillespie, SVP of mortgage lending at Proper Rate, @properties Christie’s International Real Estate’s affiliated mortgage lender.

 

 

CLICK HERE TO READ FULL ARTICLE

 

THE ULTIMATE LUXURY VALENTINE'S GETAWAY

Candlelit dinner table on a wooden pier over calm water at dusk
 

JUMBY BAY ANTIGUA

 

Jumby Bay, a private island off the coast of Antigua. Created in partnership with VistaJet, the all-inclusive two-night experience features a whole host of extras such as a private sunset cruise, dedicated butler service, couples’ spa treatments, portraits by a professional photographer and more. Of course, transport is taken care of courtesy of VistaJet’s signature silver and red fleet.

 

Price on request: oetkercollection.com

 

FEATURED HOMES FOR SALE

 
Stone-fronted house with an attached double garage, gabled roof, and autumn trees.

1736 HIDDEN RAVINES DRIVE BIRMINGHAM, MI 48009

Built in 1984 the elegant ranch home "Country French" in private enclave in heart of City of Birmingham. 1st floor Primary suite includes walk-in closet, spa bath, views of serene garden and woods. Approx. 4000 sq ft. of living space. 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths...

 

 

 

CLICK HERE FOR FULL LISTING DETAILS

Large stone and brick house with a conical turret behind leafless trees and a green lawn.

17325 PONCHARTRAIN BLVD

DETROIT, MI 48203

 

The most ESTEEMED estate on the entire golf course. EXQUISITE historic estate located in the heart of Palmer Park, situated directly on the DGC course with an unprecedented view. This home was originally designed and built by Jozsef Galamb, a Hungarian engineer, best known for his crucial role in designing and developing Ford's Model T and Model M, who utilized his expertise and innovative mind to create the most coveted residence in all of Detroit...

 

 

CLICK HERE FOR FULL LISTING DETAILS

 
Ocean-view balcony with tiled floor, curved railing, and a white chair.

2100 S OCEAN BLVD, 602 S PALM BEACH, FL 33480

 

 

Exceptional development opportunity in the heart of Emmet County! This property is a developer's paradise, offering immense potential for residential development. Currently zoned for up to 144 units with convenient access to sewer and water hookups, this land represents a lucrative investment opportunity....

 

CLICK HERE FOR FULL LISTING DETAILS

Swimming pool beside a tan stucco home, framed by palms and rocky landscaping.

11691 E TURQUOISE AVE

SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85259

 

Experience pride of ownership in this captivating custom home, situated on an expansive corner lot in the prestigious Stonegate community. From the moment you step inside, you'll be enchanted by a beautifully designed interior bathed in natural light, featuring plush carpeting, recessed lighting, soothing tones, and built-in surround sound ...

 

CLICK HERE FOR FULL LISTING DETAIL

 

2025 HELP ME WIN ROAD TO ROLEX!!

 
Two-tone Rolex Cosmograph Daytona watch with a pink dial, gold subdials, and diamond hour markers.

IT'S A NEW YEAR TO HELP ME WIN THE ROAD TO ROLEX COMPETITION

 

Although I was super close last year I didn't win -

 

I believe this is my year to win the prestigious Christie's Elite Road To Rolex Contest but I need your help!!

 

Your referrals and business are crucial in helping me achieve this milestone.

If you know anyone looking to buy or sell a home, please send them my way.

 

Thank you for your continued support and trust in me!

 
Love where you live
 
Happy Valentine’s Day greeting with a seated portrait of Candice Rich and a large red heart.
@properties and Christie’s International Real Estate
 
GUILD
 
 
Map of the United States with blue-shaded states and red location pins.
Michigan real estate service-area collage featuring eight communities and a large “love” over the state silhouette.

With 9 offices across the State of Michigan now, as well as a robust International network of highly vetted referral partners, remember I can assist you wherever your real estate needs may take you. 

 

Contact Me First!

 

 

Candice Rich, CNE®, CLHMS®

Global Luxury & Relocation Advisor

 

O: 248.724.6124

C: 313.218.5300

[email protected]

Candicerich.com

 

Facebook  Instagram

 
 
 
 
 
 

Work with Candice

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE

A DECADE OF REAL ESTATE | THREE DECADES OF FINANCIAL ADVISING

Candice Rich is a skilled negotiator, trusted real estate advisor, and former private practice Accountant known for her strategic approach, market expertise, and dedication to personalized representation.