As 2025 comes to a close, it’s clear that this year brought a wave of questions about the housing market. Whether you were actively buying or selling—or just watching from the sidelines—you probably searched for guidance online more than once. Real estate is one of the most searched topics on Google, and this year, the questions reflected a mix of uncertainty, strategy, and curiosity.
If you’ve been navigating the market in Peoria, Arizona, you’ve likely encountered many of the same themes. Looking at the most Googled questions about real estate in 2025 is more than a trend recap—it’s a helpful way to understand what really mattered to buyers and sellers like you throughout the year.
Will Mortgage Rates Go Down?
This was, without question, one of the most searched real estate questions in 2025. With interest rates rising in 2022 and 2023, many people entered 2025 hoping for relief. As the year progressed, rates remained higher than many buyers expected, despite a few modest dips.
In Peoria, you likely felt this impact in your monthly payment estimates. Higher rates meant adjusting your price range, changing your financing structure, or in some cases, waiting for better conditions.
Going into 2026, expect this to remain one of the top concerns for anyone planning to buy a home.
Is 2025 a Good Time to Buy a House?
This question trended repeatedly all year—and for good reason. Market conditions weren’t as aggressive as they were during the pandemic years, but they weren’t especially soft either. You may have wondered whether to act now or wait for prices to drop or rates to improve.
In Peoria, the answer often depended on your goals. If you were looking for a long-term home in an area like Vistancia or near Lake Pleasant, 2025 presented some strong opportunities.
Inventory grew slightly in several neighborhoods, creating options for buyers who had more time to make thoughtful choices.
How Much Down Payment Do I Need?
Many of you searched this in hopes of unlocking a lower barrier to entry. The traditional 20 percent down payment was still common in 2025, especially for buyers in the luxury segment or those using jumbo loans. However, other options remained available depending on loan type, credit strength, and location.
For first-time buyers, Peoria’s mid-range market offered a few paths to lower down payments, especially with certain FHA or conventional loan programs. But if you were shopping for a high-end home, most lenders still expected 20 percent or more.
What Will Happen to Home Prices?
Another top question in 2025 was about price movement. National headlines were mixed all year, and many of you searched for clarity on whether home values would rise, fall, or stay flat.
In Peoria, most homes held steady or saw modest appreciation—particularly in well-established neighborhoods and newer master-planned communities. Price stability made it easier for both buyers and sellers to move forward with confidence, but expectations had to be realistic. Gone were the days of 10 percent annual growth.
How Much Are Closing Costs?
You likely searched this if you were budgeting for your purchase or sale. In 2025, closing costs remained relatively stable, but confusion about what’s included continued to drive online searches.
For buyers in Peoria, typical closing costs included loan fees, title insurance, inspections, and prepaid taxes. Sellers paid agent commissions and, in some cases, offered credits to help buyers offset their expenses. Knowing these numbers upfront helped avoid surprises—and working with an experienced local agent gave you better estimates from the beginning.
Should I Rent or Buy?
This question always trends, but in 2025, more people than ever searched it with real urgency. You may have asked it yourself as you weighed lifestyle flexibility, rising rents, and uncertain home prices.
In Peoria, the answer often came down to timeline. If you planned to stay in the area for several years, buying still made financial sense in most cases. Homeownership gave you stability, the potential for long-term equity, and the ability to personalize your space. But if your job or life situation was likely to change within a year or two, renting remained a logical option.
What’s the Best Way to Find a Real Estate Agent?
This question saw a big spike in search volume in 2025, especially among first-time buyers and relocating sellers. When you’re not sure where to start, figuring out how to find a real estate agent can feel overwhelming.
The most reliable approach this year was still personal referral. If someone you trust had a great experience with a local agent, that was worth investigating. But many of you also turned to online reviews, agent websites, and social media profiles. In Peoria, agents with strong neighborhood knowledge, consistent results, and solid communication skills stood out from the rest.
Is It Better to Buy New Construction or a Resale Home?
In a growing area like Peoria, you probably asked this at least once. New construction was available throughout the year, and for many buyers, the chance to choose finishes and benefit from builder warranties made these homes attractive.
On the other hand, resale homes often had more mature landscaping, established neighborhoods, and lower tax assessments. The decision came down to what mattered most to you—convenience, customization, price, or location.
If you had flexibility in your move-in date, new builds offered potential savings or incentives. But if you needed to be in a home quickly, resale listings gave you more immediate options.
What Should I Expect in 2026?
As the year wraps up, this is the question now rising on search engines. You may be wondering whether to take action now or wait for more favorable conditions.
No one can predict exactly what 2026 will bring, but most experts expect continued moderation in home prices, steady demand in suburban markets like Peoria, and the possibility of slightly lower interest rates. That means if you’ve been waiting, now could be a smart time to prepare—so you’re ready to act when the opportunity appears.
Buying, selling, or investing always involves timing, but preparation is just as important. Understanding the market and working with someone who knows how to navigate it gives you an advantage.
Reach Out to John Rowan
If you found yourself asking any of these questions during 2025, it may be time to get personalized answers for your situation. John Rowan has spent the year helping clients across Peoria navigate changes in the market, secure strong deals, and move forward with clarity. Whether you're preparing to buy, sell, or simply want to understand your options before the new year, John offers professional guidance and reliable insight.
Reach out to John Rowan today to schedule a consultation. With his local experience, attention to detail, and clear communication, you’ll have the support you need to make smart real estate decisions—no matter what 2026 brings.
