Real Estate Roundup: June 17, 2025
Leonard Steinberg, Compass Agent
As June settles in, we’re reminded not only of blooming landscapes and longer days—but of the subtle alarm bells that tell us we’re almost halfway through the year. It’s the perfect moment to pause, reflect, and recalibrate.
The Economic Picture: Mixed Signals & Hidden Trends
This month, the economy delivered a cocktail of contradictions. Employment remains strong with nonfarm payrolls adding 139,000 jobs in May. But despite the headline strength, new college grads are facing unusually high unemployment, and private sector hiring is at a two-year low.
Meanwhile, global growth is projected to slow to 2.9% in 2025, with the U.S. GDP expected to slip to 1.6%. These forecasts come alongside renewed inflation concerns, fueled by surging oil prices and new tariffs. The Fed seems unlikely to cut interest rates until the data shifts meaningfully.
Yet amidst the economic murkiness, optimism peeks through. Global and U.S. stock markets posted their best May since 2023, and AI is being hailed as a potential GDP booster—if tax collection ever catches up.
Real Estate: Local Realities, National Headlines
The real estate market is equally nuanced. Nationally, inventory is rising and buyers may be gaining some leverage. In cities like Miami, sellers outnumber buyers 3 to 1. But in Silicon Valley, bidding wars are alive and well—one Saratoga home sold for $1 million over asking.
Luxury listings remain strong, especially in Manhattan and the Hamptons, where seasoned agents stress the power of in-person property previews. “Seeing is believing” still holds true in a digital age.
And speaking of sight, keep an eye out for those humble yard signs. They’re telling a story, too—about market momentum, neighborhood desirability, and the psychology of FOMO.
Industry Shifts: Regulation, Technology & Trust
From tax reforms and the SALT deduction to debates over listing flexibility (see the now-defeated Zillow-backed bill in Illinois), agents are increasingly stepping into advocacy roles. These aren’t just transactions—they're issues of fairness, access, and professional autonomy.
Within the industry, innovation is exploding. New modular and 3D-print construction methods are being tested for post-disaster rebuilding. Meanwhile, AI is transforming everything from investment strategy to agent workflows. COMPASS even launched “Agent Intelligence,” a newsletter focused on this intersection.
Yet with innovation comes introspection. Trust in tech giants is waning. Zillow no longer shows all MLS listings, and some are questioning how free that “free” Zestimate really is. As consumer expectations evolve, agents are reclaiming the value of personalized, human expertise.
Wealth, Taxes & The Bigger Picture
This month’s reflections weren’t limited to housing data and job stats. A deeply personal anecdote about capital gains taxes revealed lingering discomfort around fairness. One investor pays millions in taxes, while another—thanks to savvy structuring—pays none.
These inequalities touch real estate too. From property tax disparities in the same neighborhoods to the generational shift in wealth management, money talk is no longer taboo—it’s essential.
Let’s also not forget the less obvious ways that policy affects the market. The SALT deduction debate is more than just tax talk. It’s a battleground of ideology: who pays, who benefits, and how federal and local responsibilities intersect.
Final Thoughts
Leonard’s mid-year wake-up call reminds us: we have 700+ hours left this month—nearly 9% of the year. Time enough to revisit January goals, reach out to that lead you’ve been meaning to call, or finally write that content piece.
This isn’t just about productivity. It’s about intention. About using our days wisely in a world full of distractions, where big moves are made in quiet moments of reflection and resolve.
Have questions about the market? Let's connect and explore the best strategies for your real estate goals.
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Featuring
Leonard Steinberg
Compass Agent
