June 2025, Los Angeles, CA – With summer 2025 underway, the housing market is entering a new chapter. According to Alex Shekhtman, CEO of LBC Mortgage, buyers, sellers, and investors should expect a market that’s slower, smarter, and finally tipping back toward balance.
“We’ve had a few wild years. First it was panic buying, then rate shock,” says Shekhtman. “Now we’re in a moment of correction – and for serious buyers, that’s actually good news.”
For the first time in over a decade, the number of home listings is outpacing buyer demand. That shift, backed by reports from the New York Post and Business Insider, is giving buyers breathing room – and bargaining power.
“We’re seeing less of the chaos and more of the calm,” Shekhtman explains. “Sellers are starting to price realistically, and buyers can finally stop waiving every contingency just to get noticed.”
According to Business Insider, inventory is now at a five-year high, giving buyers more choice than they’ve had in years.
When it comes to rates, Shekhtman doesn’t sugarcoat it.
“We’re not going back to 3%. That era’s over. And honestly, it probably wasn’t sustainable,” he says. “But we are seeing slow, steady improvement.”
Fannie Mae’s latest outlook predicts that the 30-year fixed rate will settle around 6.3% by the end of the year. While it’s still higher than what buyers may be used to, Shekhtman believes it’s workable – especially with the right loan strategy.
“We’re helping clients get creative,” he says. “Temporary buydowns, adjustable-rate options, seller credits – there are ways to make the numbers work without waiting for the market to move.”
Investors: Look Where Others Aren’t
With home prices stabilizing and competition cooling, Shekhtman says investors are starting to circle back – especially in smaller cities or under-the-radar suburbs.
“This summer is all about timing,” he explains. “We’re seeing smart investors make moves in places they skipped before. Secondary markets, rental-friendly areas, multi-units – those are heating up again.”
According to PwC’s Emerging Trends report, many investors are moving away from flashy flips and leaning into long-term value in overlooked areas.
Advice to Buyers: Act Before the Market Catches Up
Zillow forecasts a small 1.4% dip in national home values this year, but Shekhtman is quick to point out that averages don’t tell the whole story.
“Real estate is extremely local,” he says. “You can’t make one blanket statement about prices going up or down across the board. Yes, some markets are getting softer, but others are still climbing steadily. We’re seeing 4 to 5 percent appreciation in certain pockets.”
That’s why he believes buyers should be paying attention – not just to headlines, but to what’s happening in the zip codes they care about.
“Right now, buyers have a shot – more listings, more leverage, and slightly better rates on the horizon,” he says. “But once the Fed signals another cut, expect competition to come roaring back.”
When asked if it’s smarter to wait, he’s quick to answer.
“If the numbers work, move forward. You can refinance later. But you can’t go back in time to buy the right house at the right moment.”
Final Word: Summer 2025 is About Smart Moves
“This market isn’t ‘hot,’ but that’s not a bad thing,” says Shekhtman. “It’s not about rushing. It’s about understanding where things are headed – and making your move before everyone else figures it out.”
About LBC Mortgage
LBC Mortgage is a national mortgage brokerage licensed in California, Florida, Illinois, Washington, Texas, North Carolina and Colorado. The company provides residential and investment loan solutions with a focus on fast closings, clear communication, and long-term relationships with clients and industry partners.
Media Contact:
Sofiia Kovalchuk
Head of PR, LBC Mortgage
sofiia@lbcmortgage.com
(818) 217 0138
lbcmortgage.com