First Time Home Buyers

Preparation is Key for Home Buyers in 2025

First-time home buyers and home buyers in general navigating the Maple Grove area housing market in 2025 need strategic planning, informed decision-making, flexibility, and motivation to be successful. The housing supply is less than in previous years, which means many home buyers are often competing with several other buyers for the same property. Competing against multiple offers is common. Despite this, Mike Juliff’s buyers have consistently come out on top. Mike Juliff has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Marquette University, with 10+ years of engineering consulting experience, holds the professional designations of Private Engineer, and Realtor®, and has extensive experience in real estate asset management. Mike is a process and detail-driven Maple Grove real estate agent, enabling him to be an invaluable partner to buyers.

Homes for Sale Maple Grove

Build Your Real Estate Team

Strategic planning begins with building your real estate team. Contact Mike Juliff for a no-obligation buyer consultation at 612-655-3309. Let Mike know what your dream home looks like and explore the areas you want to live in. Mike will survey the market with you and help map out the next steps, like getting a mortgage pre-approval, connecting with a title company, and home inspector. If you have a preferred mortgage broker, title company, or home inspector, Mike will initiate contact to get the ball rolling to ensure a seamless buying process. But, if you need a referral, Mike would be glad to help. Since 2017, Mike Juliff has worked diligently to build trusted relationships and partnerships with mortgage brokers, title companies, and home inspectors to get results for his clients.

Financial Preparation

The next step is to strategize with your mortgage broker a “good, better, and best” scenario for mortgage financing and obtain a mortgage pre-approval letter so that when it comes time to make an offer, the sellers will take it seriously.

For mortgage financing, some considerations for first time buyers include:

Conventional and Federal Low Down Payment Mortgage Programs (3.5%) vs Higher Down Payment Mortgage Programs.
Down Payment Assistance Programs
Federal Zero Downpayment Mortgage Programs (USDA and VA mortgage programs)
State Mortgage Programs: Explore programs offered by the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, such as the Start Up program for first-time buyers, which provides affordable interest rates and down payment assistance.
Local Mortgage Programs: Investigate city-specific assistance, like the Homeownership Opportunity Minneapolis (HOM) program, offering zero-interest loans to eligible buyers.

Search for Homes for Sale Maple Grove and the Twin Cities Area

Use Mike’s online home search tool to create an advanced property search, explore with an interactive map, investigate detailed listing information, like school district data, save home searches, get email alerts for all new MLS home listings, and price reductions with mobile friendly browsing.

Educate Yourself on Housing Market Trends

Understanding market trends is critical to submitting a successful purchase agreement and getting accepted, particularly if you are competing against multiple offers. In addition to real estate listings, open houses, best neighborhoods, and Maple Grove school district homes for sale, Mike grew up in the Twin Cities, he knows the neighborhoods in the Twin Cities and their amenities. Whether you are buying in Inver Grove Heights, Minnetonka, or anything in between, Mike can help educate you on housing market trends so you can make informed decisions.

Summary of Housing Market Trends 2025

According to experts, buyers will see moderate home price appreciation in 2025. The housing market in 2025 will resemble 2024, with increased buyer opportunities and more moderate price growth. Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of REALTORS®, forecasts a 9% increase in home sales for 2025, while other projections suggest increases closer to 5%.

For mortgage interest rates, they are expected to stabilize around 6-6.5% for a 30-year fixed-rate conventional loan. However, economic factors such as federal policies and inflation could influence these rates.

Be Flexible and Motivated

Keep abreast of market developments, as housing trends can vary significantly in the Maple Grove area. The Twin Cities may experience different dynamics compared to rural areas. For example, many rural areas are being developed by builders who recognize the housing demand and supply issues. As a result, if you are ok with expanding your home search to a 20-to-30-minute drive from your ideal area, newly built homes near Maple Grove could be everything you are looking for.

With an anticipated increase in housing inventory, buyers may have more room to negotiate terms and prices.

By staying informed and proactive, you can navigate the 2025 Maple Grove and Twin Cities area housing market effectively and make a well-informed home purchase.