The country is in a new economic era, which some say is filled with uncertainty. I asked a few of Trixie’s List friendly realtors what they thought about the current market, and here are their responses (listed alphabetically):
Kylah Campeta, LYF Homes
Brittany Craig, This Old Hudson Team at Houlihan Lawrence
Anthony D’Argenzio, Founder & Associate Broker, This Old Hudson Team at Houlihan Lawrence
Daniel ‘Dan’ Mahar, Principal Broker of Mahar Real Estate
Trixie’s List: How, if at all, does the current economic mood affect the local real estate market? Have you seen any trends over the last couple of months?
Kylah Campeta: Reassurance plays a huge role in home buying, especially when the market feels unpredictable. Buyers often want to feel confident that they’re making a sound investment, and in uncertain times, that reassurance can be harder to find. Homes that are priced well, and in the mid-range seem to be moving quickly which suggest that homes at this price have not been available and there is a sense of comfort in this lower range. Higher priced homes seem to be taking longer to sell possibly due to broader economic conditions and uncertainty.
Brittany Craig: We have a perfect storm of a market with more buyers than ever competing for a much smaller pool of inventory than years past.
Sellers are wary to give up their previously lower interest rates they locked into back from the pandemic or earlier and buyers are coming in droves to be a part of the growth and community the Hudson Valley is known for. Homes are selling in a matter of days with multiple bids going well over asking. We’ve always had a strong NYC market of buyers but now we have a lot of out of state buyers including a huge uptick from California, many who lost their homes or communities from the horrific fires and are seeking safer environments and more affordable real estate.
Also with the stock market being so uncertain I think we are seeing investors jumping into this buyer pool and turning to real estate for a low-risk investment.
Anthony D’Argenzio: Nationally, economic uncertainty—especially around tariffs and broader financial shifts—can definitely impact the overall momentum of the real estate market. That said, we’re fortunate to be in a region that attracts both primary and secondary homeowners. Inventory remains relatively low here, which has helped keep our market strong. Over the past few months, we’ve seen consistent interest, and we feel confident about continued growth ahead.
Dan Mahar: Hudson has cooled slightly, but not stalled. Well-priced and finished properties still move, especially in walkable areas. In Columbia and Greene Counties, the trend is buyers are shifting focus to villages like Catskill, Coxsackie, Athens, Philmont, Hillsdale and Valatie, where value meets character which have the potential to increase over time.
The market we are in operates in a few ‘bubbles.’ We have the State-wide one, Hudson Valley one, Columbia/Greene county one, then specific city/village one. As you go from bubble to bubble you will see inventory is still exceedingly high in Columbia County. The trend is buyers have an opportunity to shop more because houses are sitting. They’re taking their time.
Trixie’s List: For someone interested in buying or selling real estate, what do you recommend? Is it worthwhile to wait until interest rates change?
Kylah Campeta: These rates are relatively high compared to historical averages, so waiting for a potential decrease could be beneficial, though predicting interest rate movements is tricky. If you’re buying, consider whether you can afford at the current rates or if waiting might allow you to secure a lower rate. Also, you should have all the information on your mortgage. Is it a locked rate, when can you refinance etc. If you’re selling, the rising home values could work in your favor, but the slower market might mean it takes longer to find a buyer. I think all buyers should have a cushion and be comfortable entering into a long commitment and the only one that can ultimately decide that is the buyer.
Brittany Craig: In the Hudson Valley area: buy now!! With what I see coming into our communities – creative event spaces, hotels and restaurants – the Hudson Valley is only going to increase in popularity. Many want to enjoy the quality of life this area has to offer. There is a good probability you could sell your home in five years or less and most likely have a decent return – in that short of a time – is a smart investment with or without rate changes.
Anthony D’Argenzio: In most cases, we recommend listing sooner rather than later—especially in a seasonal market like the Hudson Valley, where the ideal listing window tends to run from May through September. Of course, every property is different, and timing depends on your unique goals and circumstances. Even if you’re just curious about what selling might look like for you and your property, we invite you to connect with the This Old Hudson Team at Houlihan Lawrence—we’d be happy to walk you through the process and support you in your journey!
Dan Mahar: Don’t wait for perfect conditions or the perfect house. How many boxes of your wish list doesn’t it check? If the property fits your needs and budget, it’s worth pursuing
For sellers, pricing and presentation matter more than ever. As I always say to my clients, ‘list prices are fictitious until a buyer proves them to be true.’ Some agents believe in the theory of listing a house high because ‘you don’t know if you don’t ask’ and we just simply aren’t in that market anymore.
This goes in conjunction with the unpredictable interest rate fluctuation. It could take months, years or over a decade like last time (1977-1993 was the last stretch of equivalent increase and decrease.) The time to buy is when you see it!
Trixie’s List: What do you foresee in the local real estate market over the next few years?
Kylah Campeta: Looking ahead, factors like migration trends, interest rates, and economic conditions will shape the market. Keeping an eye on these shifts will be key. If migration patterns continue to shift toward certain regions, that could influence demand in specific markets, while rising or falling interest rates could keep things stable or create volatility depending on how quickly they change. Economic conditions, like employment rates and consumer confidence, will definitely play a role too.
Brittany Craig: I see a continued growth in our local market for years to come. The type of homes I see being requested is shifting: ( which I also think has to do with a more low-risk investment) less 1800s farmhouses and trending now is Mid-Century Modern and newer builds. They have a lower price point than our historic farmhouses, and less maintenance. If buyers are going to put money into a new purchase, they would rather spend it on esthetics to enjoy now, than on mechanicals and foundations.
Anthony D’Argenzio: The Hudson Valley remains a highly desirable destination, and with limited housing inventory, it’s still very much a seller’s market. Buyers are competing for fewer homes, especially as more people from outside the area look to relocate or invest here. From what we’ve been seeing, that demand shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Dan Mahar: Hudson continues to attract interest, but the next wave of growth is happening in nearby towns such as Catskill, Athens, Philmont, Hillsdale, and Valatie where walkability, charm, and community meet long-term value. The ‘NYC-to-upstate’ pipeline is still moving, just with more discernment than during the pandemic peak. It’s like a car on cruise control: t’s like a car on cruise control on the highway. Prices and sales aren’t really going up or down they’re just steady. At Mahar Real Estate, we pay close attention to these shifts. Success in this market isn’t about chasing hype. It’s about understanding where the energy is moving and why.