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Hop into Fun: Easter Events Around Denver 2025

April is here, which means Easter fun! Don’t miss out on any egg-cellent opportunities to make special memories with your family. From Easter Bunny visits to egg hunts, here’s your guide to spring celebrations around town.

Multiple Dates

Easter Bunny Photos
Cherry Creek | Colorado Mills | Flatiron Crossing | Park Meadows | Southwest Plaza | Town Center at Aurora
April 1–21
$19.99-59.99. Reservations suggested

Meet the Easter Bunny at Scheels
4755 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Johnstown
April 12–19, multiple times
Free

April 5, 2025
Photos with the Easter Bunny by Keller Williams Preferred Realty
11859 N Pecos St. Suite 200, Westminster
Saturday, April 5, 10am–4pm
Free

April 12, 2025

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at the Denver Aquarium
700 Water St., Denver
Saturday, April 12, 8:30am
Reservations required

Park Meadows Mall Easter Egg Hunt
8401 Park Meadows Center Dr., Lone Tree
Saturday, April 12, 8:30–10am
$2

Egg Hunt at Thundercloud Park
7340 W 72nd Ave., Arvada
Saturday, April 12, 9am
Free

Bear Mortgage Inc. Easter Egg Hunt
10291 Belvedere Ln., Lone Tree
Saturday, April 12, 9–11am
Free. Reserve tickets online

Hyland Hills Parks and Rec Easter Eggstravaganza
9650 Sheridan Blvd., Westminster
Saturday, April 12, 9am–Noon
Free

By Colorado Parent,

April 2025

40 Spring Cleaning Hacks to Transform Your Home in No Time

Make your own all-purpose cleaner

Combine one part white vinegar, one part water, a lemon rind and a few rosemary springs into a spray bottle. Shake and let it infuse for a week before using. This natural cleaner can remove hard water stains, clean trash cans, wipe away wall smudges and much more. Keep in mind: Vinegar is not safe for all surfaces, including natural stone and finished wood.

Clean oven racks in the bath tub

Rather than struggling to scrub your oven racks in the sink, give them a soak in the bath tub. Scrub racks with a medium or heavy duty scouring pad and grease-fighting dish soap. Our advice? Lay down towels in the tub first to prevent scratching from the metal racks.

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Refresh window treatments in the dryer

Put your dryer to work! Toss drapes, curtains and soft valances in the dryer for 15 minutes on air-only or the lowest temperature your model offers, then immediately rehang to avoid wrinkles.

Vacuum blinds

Attach your vacuum’s soft dusting brush attachment and turn the suction down to the lowest setting available. Close the blinds, hold the slats taut and vacuum slowly. (Move from left to right for horizontal blinds, top to bottom for vertical blinds.) Open and close the slats in the opposite direction, then vacuum each slat again.

RELATED: How to Clean Blinds Fast

Clean cutting boards with lemon

With regular use, even the best cutting boards can become stained. If you think that nasty mark on your cutting board is permanent, you could be wrong. Run the cut side of a lemon over the board to help remove food stains and smells. Sprinkle it with salt or baking soda first for extra oomph. Follow up with a coating of a cutting board oil to nourish the wood.

Wash pillows in the washing machine

Most bed pillows can go straight into the washing machine! You need to clean these items only two or three times a year, so they should be at the top of your list during spring cleaning season. Just make sure you check the manufacturer’s label for care instructions.

Use dish soap to tackle carpet stains.

Combine ¼ teaspoon of liquid dish soap and one cup water into a spray bottle, shaking to combine. Spray a microfiber cloth with the solution and dab the stain. Once the stain is removed, fill another spray bottle with fresh water and spray the area to rinse any suds. Blot well with a clean microfiber cloth and allow to air dry. You can also refresh carpets between deep-cleanings by using a portable carpet cleaner.

Tackle soap scum with lemon

Lemon juice acts as a natural acidic cleaner, so it can tackle soap scum. Mix it with water and spray it on tubs and showers, then scrub. Keep in mind: Never use this mixture on marble to avoid damaging the surface.

Clean the toilet with white vinegar

Use a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda to refresh the toilet bowl and remove hard water stains. Drain the water out of your toilet bowl. Pour white vinegar into the bowl until it covers the water line and let it sit overnight. Add one cup of baking soda to create a fizzy solution. Start scrubbing until stains are gone, then flush.

Vacuum door mats on both sides

Going over the backs of the mats will push trapped dirt out onto the floor, where it will be easier to pick up. To refresh outdoor mats, hose them off, then air-dry. Pro tip: You can trap more dirt by using two mats, one mat outside and one inside.

Dust with dryer sheets

Ditch a store-bought disposable duster for something you may have at home — used dryer sheets. Collect dust on furniture, air vents, ceiling fans, baseboards and much more. The anti-static properties are also great for wiping down TVs, mirrors and computer screens.

Steam clean the microwave

Clean up those pesky tomato stains once and for all. To clean your microwave, fill a large microwave-safe bowl with one cup of water and a lemon, lime or orange cut into thin slices — or several tablespoons of vinegar — and stick it inside. Turn the appliance on high for several minutes or until the solution boils and the window is steamy, then let it cool for five minutes before opening the door. Remove the bowl and wipe the inside and outside of the microwave with a sponge.

Clean your washing machine with bleach

Before you start to notice an odor, clean your washing machine by adding bleach and turning on the special washer-cleaning cycle on your machine. Or use a washing machine cleaner like GH Seal Star Tide Washing Machine Cleaner.

Use ketchup to shine copper pots and pans

Ketchup helps dissolve tarnish on copper pots and other copper cooking accessories. Just massage the sauce over the surface, and add a pinch of salt if you come across exceptionally stubborn spots.

Clean kids’ toys in the dishwasher or washing machine

When it comes to cleaning kids’ toys, don’t overlook the convenience of your dishwasher or washing machine. For plastic toys, choose the crystal or quick cycle on the dishwasher and skip the heated dry. For stuffed animals, check the care labels, and if machine washable, place them in a mesh bag or pillowcase before throwing it into the washing machine on a gentle cycle. A quick once-over with a lint roller can help too.

Clean your mattress with a garment steamer

It’s the ideal time to pay attention to what’s under the sheets. To clean your mattress, first use a top-performing clothing steamer to kill dust mites near the surface. Vacuum the mattress afterward, making sure to press firmly with your vacuum’s upholstery and crevice tools to clean the top and sides. After vacuuming, sanitize the mattress with a disinfecting spray like Lysol Fabric Disinfectant Spray.

Freshen up carpets with baking soda

To rid your carpet of odors, sprinkle baking soda on your carpet. Using a soft brush, work the baking soda into your carpet and let it set for 15 to 30 minutes. Vacuum the baking soda off the carpet with a fresh bag or clean dirt cup.

Donate clothes you’ve only worn once

Go through clothes and shoes, purging anything you’ve only worn once and likely won’t wear again. Think a bridesmaid dress, Halloween costume or formal dress you’ve outgrown. Try on anything you’re unsure about before giving it closet space. Keep an eye out for anything stained, in need of repair or worn out.

Remove (and clean) bins from the fridge

In addition to wiping down your fridge’s interior shelving on a regular basis, give the removable bins and shelves a deep-clean every now and then. Pop out the door shelves and bins and wash them in warm, soapy water to help get rid of food bacteria and spillage. Don’t forget to rinse and dry everything well before putting the shelves and bins back in.

Clean windows on a shady day

Wait for an overcast day to clean windows. Choosing a sunny day is one of the most common window-cleaning mistakes to avoid. “Raise blinds or shades and wash windows with glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth,” Forté says.

Clear crumbs from hard-to-reach places

If there’s a gap between your stove and kitchen counters, there’s a good chance food bits have made their way into this tight, dark space. Use the crevice tool on your vacuum or an extendable duster to reach into this space.

Clean your vacuum

Yes, you have to clean your cleaners. Replace the vacuum bag or clean the dust cup, and replace or wash the filters. Snip threads snarled in the brush with scissors or a seam ripper.

Use a DIY mixture to clean white sneakers

A bright new pair of white sneakers goes well with almost any outfit, but those cool new kicks can also be magnets for dirt and debris. Clean white shoes using a simple DIY mixture:

In a small bowl, mix one tablespoon of baking soda, a half tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and a half tablespoon of warm water until it forms a thin paste. Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the shoes, then rinse well with a damp cloth and allow to air-dry away from the sun. For leather sneakers, skip the hydrogen peroxide.

DIY a stainless steel cleaner for sparkling appliances

To clean stainless steel appliances and sinks, mix a solution of one teaspoon dish detergent and one quart hot tap water. Using a microfiber cloth, rub the solution onto the marks in small sections, going with the grain. Rinse with clean hot water and dry immediately with a clean cloth.

Use baby shampoo to clean makeup brushes

To clean makeup brushes, squeeze a few drops of baby shampoo or Dawn dish soap into your palm and rub the bristle tips into the soap, then gently work the suds through them. To rinse, hold the brush (bristles down) under warm running water. Gently shake over the sink to remove excess water, then lay the brush down on a paper towel to finish drying.

Machine wash your shower curtain

Turns out, you can put your plastic or vinyl shower curtain in the washing machine. “Select a warm, delicate cycle or for very dirty liners a hot, short cycle adding in some bleach (for clear or white liners) and some old towels for scrubbing action,” says Forté. Place the liner in the dryer on low heat for only a few minutes to remove excess moisture. Hang the liner to finish drying.

Vacuum upholstered furniture

Switch to the upholstery tool on your vacuum to go over both sides of cushions and underneath them. The crevice tool is a great way to remove any gunk along the trim and stitching. After, use a handheld garment steamer to kill surface dust mites, allowing just steam to touch and penetrate the fabric.

Check cosmetics for expiration dates

Getting rid of expired makeup, skincare and hair products is a quick way to declutter. Not all products note an expiration date, but many say how many months the product will last after opening.

Use a microfiber mop to wipe walls

Rid painted walls of dust by wiping them with a damp microfiber mop. For walls with vinyl wallpaper, make sure to wring out the damp mop well to avoid damage. Skip the water altogether if you’re dealing with paper, fabric or grass cloth wallpaper. Be sure to start from the top and make your way to the bottom.

Use lemons to de-stink the kitchen sink

Got kitchen stink you just can’t kick? You might already have the necessary ingredients to freshen up your sink in the fridge right now. Try dropping a couple of lemon rind slivers into your garbage disposal, and turn it on for 15 to 30 seconds. Follow with cold water to flush out any bits of lemon rind that remain.

Go beyond the dryer’s lint trap

More than 15,000 fires start in home laundry rooms every year, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Beyond removing the fuzz from your dryer’s filter after every load, pull out hard-to-reach lint with the crevice tool on your vacuum to suck up debris. Vacuum under, around and behind the dryer as well. Unplug the dryer and use your vacuum’s hose to clean as far into the dryer vent as possible.

De-gunk your oven

Cleaning your oven is an essential part of spring cleaning. Use the appliance’s self-cleaning function to remove stubborn, baked-on grime. If your oven doesn’t have one, place a hot, wet cloth on top of burned spots to help soften the gunk. Then apply an oven cleaner (like one of the best oven cleaners we’ve tested) and let stand for as long as the manufacturer recommends. Rinse with a wet cloth and wipe dry.

Scrub down kitchen cabinets, on both sides

Unsightly kitchen grime is a mix of dust and grease that builds up over time. To de-gunk kitchen cabinets, use a cabinet cleaner or mixture of dish soap and water to cut through dirt. Wipe both sides of the cabinet door, paying special attention to knobs and drawer pulls.

Use dish soap to clean outdoor furniture

With warmer weather on the horizon, it’s time to get your outdoor furniture ready for lounging. To do this, add a squirt of dish detergent to a bowl of warm water, then wipe down tables and chairs. Rinse with a cloth or a spray from your garden hose and let them air dry.

Refresh drains with baking soda

To freshen drains (not unclog them) and help keep them free-flowing, mix a half cup of baking soda with one fourth of a cup of table salt. Pour the mixture down the drain, followed by one cup of warmed white vinegar. It will foam and bubble. Let it stand for 15 minutes, tops.

Follow by running hot tap water for at least 15 to 30 seconds. This is especially helpful for seldom-used drains, like those in guest bathrooms.

Scrub trash cans

Trash bags break, and when they do, washing your trash can is the only way to keep odors out of your home. To wash the inside of your trash can, hose it down and scrub the inside with your favorite dish soap and a sponge. Rinse it well, and either allow it to air-dry or dry it with a microfiber cloth before returning it to your kitchen. Regularly use a sanitizing wipe or spray to keep the outside of the trash can free of food bits and drips.

Clean your shower head with a bag of vinegar

Hard-water buildup can cause unsightly stains and even affect your showerhead’s water flow. If scrubbing with a sponge doesn’t clear the debris, clean your showerhead and restore its flow using a few kitchen products you probably already have in your home. (Take note: This method is best suited for chrome fixtures.) Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a plastic bag and tie the bag around the showerhead, making sure to immerse the showerhead entirely. Secure it with a twist tie. Leave the bag around the shaft for up to an hour, then wipe away any residue left behind. Run the shower’s hot water to flush out the vinegar.

Caution: To help prevent damaging decorative showerhead finishes, choose instead to dunk a brush into the vinegar-and-water mix and scrub the showerhead nozzles. Then flush the openings by turning on the hot water.

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Invest in an extendable duster for light fixtures and fans

Spring cleaning is all about tackling the areas you forget about during the rest of the year. Grab an extendable duster, like the one from GH Seal holder Swiffer, and attack ceiling fans, hanging and recessed lights, vents and more. Make sure to start your cleaning here, from top to bottom, so you don’t have to vacuum your floors twice.

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Wash reusable bags

Reusable grocery bags cut down on wasteful plastic, but they can get grimy over time. Look at the care label on your reusable bags to determine the best way to clean them. If they’re not machine washable, clean them thoroughly with a sponge or cloth dipped in sudsy water. Rinse with a clean cloth and let air-dry.

40

Replace air conditioner filters

Spring is a great time to clean or replace HVAC and window air conditioner filters before you start to use them regularly in the summer months. It’s best to check with your unit’s manufacturer for the recommended way to clean filters if they’re washable.

By Ashley Fahey – Editor, The National Observer: Real Estate Edition,

Jul 28, 2022

Denver leads the U.S. in apartment rent decline, Zillow finds

Rent costs in the Denver-metro area recorded the largest monthly decline in the nation in January, according to Zillow’s monthly rental report.

Denver was one of 11 major metro areas where monthly rental rates fell, leading the way at a 0.4% decline in January rent costs, the report shows. Cincinnati and Birmingham tied for second place with a decline of 0.2%.

The decline bucked a national trend where rents increased in 47 of the 50 largest metro areas in January compared to the same month last year, according to Zillow.

The typical January rent in the Denver region was $1,918, a 0.8% decrease from January 2024.

Multifamily rents experienced a larger decline than single-family rental properties, with Denver once again recording the largest drop in the nation at 0.5% in January, tying with Cincinnati.

Denver also led the nation in its annual increase in the share of listings offering renters concessions, which jumped 20.7 percentage points year over year. That was followed by Nashville at 17.2 percentage points. Concessions increased from year-ago levels in 48 of the 50 largest metro areas.

In January 67.2% of rental listings in Denver included concessions, Zillow found — a far higher rate than the U.S. average.

“While most metros are seeing rent growth, landlords are increasingly offering concessions to attract renters, with more than 41% of Zillow rental listings featuring incentives in January – a record high in Zillow data,” the report notes. “However, there are signs these concessions may decline in the coming months.”

The trend in rental rates softening and terms becoming more friendly to Denver-area renters isn’t new.

The Apartment Association of Metro Denver’s fourth-quarter vacancy and rent report for 2024 showed the number of new multifamily properties that came online in the Denver-metro area last year led to higher vacancy rates and lower rent costs at apartment buildings, the association noted in January.

A total of 19,910 new units came online in the previous 12 months across the metro area, according to the association, with 2,228 new units in the fourth quarter alone, setting a record for a calendar year. That increased the supply of apartments in the Denver-metro area by 4.8% in 2024.

The flood of apartments led to a record $69 decrease in the area’s average monthly rent for multifamily properties to the previous quarter, marking a 1.5% decrease from the previous year, the association’s report noted.

While the current trend favor renters, that is expected to change soon.

“2025 will still deliver a lot of new units, and so there’ll be a lot of competition out there, but the spigot pretty much gets turned off, you know, in the next, I don’t know, 18 to 24 months,” Mark Williams, the executive vice president of the association, said in January. “And that’s going to be bad news for renters and bad news for the market, really.”

By Justyna Tomtas – Reporter, Denver Business Journal

Feb 26, 2025

Mortgage Rates Hit Lowest Point So Far This Year

If you’ve been holding off on buying a home because of high mortgage rates, you might want to take another look at the market. That’s because mortgage rates have been trending down lately – and that gives you a chance to jump back in.

Mortgage rates have been declining for seven straight weeks now, according to data from Freddie Mac. And the average weekly rate is now at the lowest level so far this year (see graph below):

While that may not sound like a significant shift, it is noteworthy. Because the meaningful drop from over 7% to the mid-6’s can change your mindset when it comes to buying a home. Especially when the forecasts said we wouldn’t hit this number until roughly Q3 of this year (see graph below):

Why Are Rates Coming Down?

According to Joel Kan, VP and Deputy Chief Economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), recent economic uncertainty is playing a role in pushing rates lower:

“Mortgage rates declined last week on souring consumer sentiment regarding the economy and increasing uncertainty over the impact of new tariffs levied on imported goods into the U.S. Those factors resulted in the largest weekly decline in the 30-year fixed rate since November 2024.”

And the timing of this recent decline is great because it gives you a little bit of relief going into the spring market. Just remember, mortgage rates can be a quickly moving target, so you should expect some volatility going forward. But the window you have as they’re coming down right now might be the sweet spot for your purchasing power now.

What Lower Rates Mean for Your Buying Power

Even small changes in rates can make a difference to your monthly payment. Here’s how the math shakes out. The chart below shows what a monthly payment (principal and interest) would look like on a $400K home loan if you purchased a house when rates were 7.04% back in mid-January (this year’s mortgage rate high), versus what it could look like if you buy a home now (see below):

In just a matter of weeks, the anticipated payment on a $400K loan has come down by over $100 per month. That’s a significant savings. When you’re making a decision as big as buying a home, every bit counts.

Just remember, shifts in the economy drove rates down faster than expected. But that can change, making rates volatile in the days and months ahead. So, if you’re waiting for rates to fall further before you buy, think hard about the current window of opportunity if you’re ready to act.

Bottom Line

Mortgage rates have dipped, giving buyers a bit more immediate breathing room. If you’ve been waiting for rates to ease before jumping in, this could be your window.

Would a lower monthly payment make buying a home feel more doable for you?

Connect with an agent to break down the numbers and find out.

By KCM Crew,

March 11, 2025

St. Patrick's Day Weekend in Denver

Denver is the place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 2025. Go green at these events or hang out at a pub for an authentic Irish cultural experience

St. Patrick’s Day-Related Events

Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade

WHEN: March 15, 2025
WHERE: Downtown Denver
The Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been a hallmark of The Mile High City since 1962, celebrating a deep love for Irish culture. The parade will start on Wynkoop Street at 19th Avenue, then turn southeast down 17th Avenue before turning northeast on Blake Street (renamed Tooley Street for the parade), then continue on Blake Street until 27th Avenue.

Time to Paddy

WHEN: March 1, 2025
WHERE: Bear Creek Lake Park, Morrison
It’s time for the annual Time to Paddy 5k/10k and Lucky 13.1 Half Marathon! This St. Patrick’s-themed run is perfect for the whole family and includes great swag (designer shirt, custom medal), chip-timing, live results and awards, free photos, a “biggest team” contest, a kids’ dash, great post-race food, and plenty of fun! Can’t make the race? No problem! There’s also a virtual race option where you can run anywhere, at any time, and still earn the fun swag!

Celtic Festival XI

WHEN: March 7 & 8, 2025
WHERE: Bethany Lutheran Church, Cherry Hills Village
Embrace the enchanting melodies and rich traditions of Celtic music at our concert Celtic Festival XI! This will be an unforgettable evening filled with soul-stirring performances by Nerea the Fiddler and the Michael Collins Pipes and Drums. The musicians will captivate you with works like “Loch Lomond,” “Thistle and Rose,” “The Parting Glass,” and “Grace.” Immerse yourself in the magic of Celtic music.

Runnin’ of the Green

WHEN: March 9, 2025
WHERE: Washington Park
Feeling the luck o’ the Irish? Lace up and chase the rainbow in Denver’s favorite Irish-themed run! The Runnin’ of the Green is a family-friendly 7K and 2-mile race/walk celebrating Irish traditions, Saint Patrick’s Day and spring! The event will be a day filled with Irish fun, live Irish music and dancers, bagpipes and cold beer. Stay after to explore the post-race Festival/Expo.

A St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with Altan

WHEN: March 9, 2025
WHERE: Lone Tree Arts Center, Lone Tree
No Irish traditional band in the last 30 years has had a wider impact on audiences and music lovers throughout the world than Altan. With a career in Irish music spanning more than 35 years, the band has achieved legendary status in a genre that has been equally shaped by the band’s influence and genius. This St. Patrick’s Day celebration promises a boisterous concert with vision, artistry and an undeniable sense of fun.

The Young Dubliners

WHEN: March 9, 2025
WHERE: Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins
After 30 years as one of the world’s leading Celtic Rock bands, The Young Dubliners have returned to the road stronger than ever and determined to bring their fusion of Celtic and rock music to as many people as they can. Catch them just in time for St. Patrick’s Day at the Aggie Theatre.

Goatstatic Dance (Legendary Goats)

WHEN: March 14, 2025
WHERE: The Shops at Northfield
Get ready for a magical evening of movement, music and mischief at Goatstatic Dance: Legendary Goats! Move freely to vibrant beats in a high-energy, heart-centered space while Nigerian dwarf goats roam the dance floor, bringing playful energy, cuddles and maybe even a little luck your way. Wear your best green and gold, bring your radiant energy and prepare for an unforgettable experience.

Friday Afternoon Concert: Beth Gadbaw Celtic Trio

WHEN: March 14, 2025
WHERE: Longmont Museum, Longmont
Enjoy an afternoon of live music in the Stewart Auditorium featuring folksinger Beth Gadbaw, who was drawn to Irish music at the age of seven upon discovering what it meant to be Irish-American. A Fulbright scholar and award-winning singer, composer and teacher, she grew up singing harmonies with her triplet sisters in a musical household in Western Colorado and came of age singing in Irish pubs and English folk clubs. Performers Sandra Wong and Steve Mullins will join Beth for this afternoon of Celtic music in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. Come early to explore the new Picasso exhibit , which is free for members.

St. Patrick’s Celebration

WHEN: March 14–17, 2025
WHERE: FIRE at the ART Hotel
Head to FIRE at the ART Hotel for a festive, four-day celebration featuring green beer and Irish nachos (corned beef, house chips, thousand island dressing, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and green onions) from March 14 to 17 and a special performance by the Colorado Emerald Society—Colorado’s only bagpipe band made up exclusively of firefighters and police officers—on March 16 at 2 p.m.

Gobs O’Phun

WHEN: March 15, 2025
WHERE: Swallow Hill Music
Enjoy a family living room experience of traditional Irish and Scottish folk songs via seasoned harmonies.

Annual Olde Town Arvada St. Patrick’s Day Festival

WHEN: March 15, 2025
WHERE: Olde Town Arvada
Everyone’s Irish at this all-ages St. Patrick’s Day Festival! The free street festival features live music, 70+ unique vendors, food trucks, a kids zone and adult libations.

The Verdant Virtuoso

WHEN: March 15, 2025
WHERE: LUKI Brewery, Arvada
March is an interesting month. It hosts St. Patrick’s Day—a holiday we’ve adopted from its home country of Ireland—during which we celebrate the Emerald Isle by drinking good (or green) beer. It’s also the month of the spring equinox, when we see the first green shoots of our gardens coming out of the ground, new growth that heralds the brightening sun after long days of darkness. Join Opera on Tap Colorado and LUKI Brewery to celebrate all things green and drink some good beer of which the Irish would be proud!

St. Paddy’s Party

WHEN: March 15, 2025
WHERE: New Terrain Brewing Co., Golden
New Terrain’s annual St. Paddy’s Day celebration is back, and, per usual, it’s free entry! J Street will be serving Irish food all day long, multiple bars will be open for quick and easy service, and there will be performances from Irish dancers and high-energy funky brass with Guerrilla Fanfare and Funk in the Name!

Charly’s Lucky Magic Spectacular

WHEN: March 15, 2025
WHERE: 40 West Arts District, Lakewood
Step into the world of Charly’s Lucky Magic Spectacular and prepare for a night of magic, laughs and the luck of the Irish! Hosted by the one and only Charly Wonder, this live variety show features some of Denver’s most talented magicians, bringing you an evening that’s as thrilling as it is nostalgic. With a vibe straight out of your favorite 1980s sitcom—where “Cheers” meets “Night Court” with a dash of young David Copperfield—this show will have you celebrating in green and embracing the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day in style.

Celtic Awakening

WHEN: March 15 & 16, 2025
WHERE: Newman Center for the Performing Arts
The ancient runes, hewn into the mossy boulders that dot Streedagh Beach in Ireland’s County Sligo have puzzled scientists and anthropologists for decades. Legends of their meaning have been passed down by word of mouth by the local villagers for generations. Some say the runes describe a story of a great sea beast that terrorized the village, some say they hold the recipe for a hearty and medicinal stew; but the mysteries of the runes have never been fully uncovered… until now. Denver Brass has decoded the forgotten language and unlocked the secrets of the ancient Celtic ritual they describe. To pull this off and divine the disembodied spirits of the elder druids, we will need some help from our friends at Celtics Steps Irish Dance, Rocky Mountain Highland Dancers, Celtic Colorado Pipes and Drums and Irish Tenor Todd Teske. Join Denver Brass as they perform the sacred rites of Celtic Awakening!

Kevin Fitzgerald and His Lucky Charms

WHEN: March 16, 2025
WHERE: Comedy Works Downtown in Larimer Square
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of laughter, music and Irish spirit as Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald returns for one night only! Best known for his sharp wit, larger-than-life personality and legendary career in comedy and veterinary medicine, Dr. Fitzgerald brings his signature humor to the stage for a show that’s sure to delight. But that’s not all—immerse yourself in the lively sounds of traditional bagpipers and the high-energy footwork of authentic Irish dancers, setting the perfect tone for a night filled with Celtic charm and nonstop entertainment.

Unearthed: Voices of Leadville’s Shanty Irish

WHEN: Permanent exhibit
WHERE: Healy House & Dexter Cabin, Leadville
During the late 1800s, what was once a small gold camp in the high mountains of Colorado became one of the most important Irish immigrant communities in the United States. Three thousand Irish-born residents came from other mining communities across North America and the British Isles, seeking work. They occupied the lowest rung on the social ladder, with nearly two-thirds of the men working underground. Facing stark poverty and with few opportunities to improve their livelihoods, the Leadville Irish formed some of the strongest and most important labor unions in Colorado. Although this is not an uplifting story, we hold it up to the light as a way to demonstrate how first and second-generation immigrant laborers fought for a dignified existence—a story that continues to this day.

Bar Crawls

Denver St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl Party (Friday)

WHEN: March 14, 2025
WHERE: Multiple venues in Downtown Denver
Voted Denver’s BEST St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl for three years in a row, this promises to be the ultimate Irish celebration, with exclusive access to venues like The Mill, Swanky’s Vittles and Libations, Mario’s Speakeasy Pizza, Disco Pig, Honor Farm and Larimer Beer Hall. Dress in your best green attire and get ready to celebrate like never before as you dance to music from live DJs spinning all the hottest tracks, all night long!

Denver St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl Party (Saturday)

WHEN: March 14, 2025
WHERE: Multiple venues in Downtown Denver
This isn’t just any night out—it’s the ultimate St. Paddy’s celebration where you and your friends can create unforgettable memories. Voted Denver’s BEST St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl for three years in a row, with exclusive access to venues like Honor Farm, Swanky’s Vittles and Libations, Disco Pig and Mario’s Speakeasy Pizza. Dress in your best green attire and get ready to celebrate like never before as you dance to music from live DJs spinning all the hottest tracks, all night long!

2025 Denver St Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl (Saturday) All Access

WHEN: March 15, 2025
WHERE: Multiple venues in Downtown Denver
The annual St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl in Denver offers access and drink discounts at some of Denver’s most shamrockin’ venues! Your St. Patrick’s Day pub crawl kit includes six hours of bar hopping, $10 to spend at the event, food and drink specials, a mystery gift, a scavenger hunt for prizes and more. From Irish jigs, DJs, live bands and green-drink cheers, the St Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl is the perfect place to celebrate this Irish holiday with those you care for the most.

Denver St Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl and Block Party

WHEN: March 15, 2025
WHERE: Multiple venues in Downtown Denver
Join the largest St. Patrick’s Day pub crawl in Denver! Explore LoDo or RiNo with access and drink discounts at 20+ different venues. Your St. Patrick’s Day pub crawl kit includes drink coupons, free welcome shot vouchers and a map of all participating bars. Dress in green, rally up your friends, then come celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with hundreds of other revelers.

Denver St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl

WHEN: March 15, 2025
WHERE: Multiple venues in Downtown Denver
Whether you’re Irish or simply love a good party, Denver’s St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl is the perfect way to kick off the holiday. Experience the best venues, festive vibes and incredible drink deals alongside hundreds of other party-goers dressed in their greenest gear! Your ticket includes free entry to all venues, a mid- and post-crawl party, two to three drinks or shots, green shot glass necklaces, food and drink specials and more Irish-themed fun!

Kiss Me, I’m Irish! Denver St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl

WHEN: March 15 & 17, 2025
WHERE: Multiple venues in Downtown Denver
Experience the best bars Denver has to offer and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with an epic three-day bar crawl! Your wristband offers you bar entry with no covers, drinks specials and music. Venue sneak peek: Rock Bottom Brewery, Viewhouse, Giggling Grizzly, The Retro Room, Sidecar Lounge, The Refinery and more.

Irish Pubs

Scruffy Murphy’s Irish Pub

Scruffy Murphy’s is easily one of the most authentic slices of the Emerald Isle you’ll find in Denver. Just minutes away from Coors Field , it’s the perfect place to grab a pint or enjoy some traditional Irish pub fare: shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash and more.

DON’T MISS: Thursday through Saturday, Scruffy Murphy’s hosts musical acts, from DJs spinning to rock bands shaking the stage.

My Brother’s Bar

My Brother’s Bar is a Mile High City institution known for its Beat Generation clientele; this was the watering hole of choice for renowned Beats Jack Kerouac and Neal Cassady in the 1950s. Today, not much has changed at My Brother’s Bar — you can still get a pint and a burger for under $10 and enjoy one of the city’s coolest spots.

DON’T MISS: The sunny patio, tucked around the back of My Brother’s.

The Irish Rover

Amidst the dive-y rock clubs and indie boutiques of South Broadway, you’ll encounter the Irish Rover, a relaxed and friendly pub. Enjoy a pint or two, chat with the locals, sit by the fireplace or on your high stool at the bar. International sports fans love the Rover for its six large televisions, broadcasting rousing football games (European-style, of course).

DON’T MISS: The Irish Rover’s huge rooftop patio. One of the best places to get above it all in Denver.

Pints Pub

While there are plenty of Irish pubs in Denver, the city also has a fantastic British-style joint in Pints Pub, located just down the street from Denver Art Museum . At Pints, you’ll find the charm and personality of the “local,” a place that serves as a crossroads for society, where good beer, good food and good conversation are on the bill.

DON’T MISS: The extensive selection of single malt whisky — the menu is 16 pages long!

Nallen’s Irish Pub

This Downtown mainstay was opened in 1992 by John and Una Nallen, who moved to Denver after immigrating to New York from County Mayo, Ireland in 1972.

DON’T MISS: Stop by the pub for a glimpse into Denver’s Irish culture through concerts and Irish dance.

Slattery’s Pub & Grill

Head south to Greenwood Village for lunch, happy hour, dinner or late-night eats and drinks. Slattery’s is the perfect spot to grab a bite before a show at Fiddler’s Green or Comedy Works South.

DON’T MISS: Inventive spins on classic Irish dishes, like corned beef eggrolls, Irish nachos, lamb stew, a corned beef sandwich, shepherd’s pie, and bangers and mash.

The Celtic on Market

Located on the corner of 14th and Market, The Celtic is an open and welcoming pub featuring two floors of entertainment. Inside you’ll find an array of Celtic delights reflecting the cultures of the Irish as well as all Celtic nations. Home to more than a dozen football supporter clubs, The Celtic has made its mark as one of Denver’s best soccer bars.

DON’T MISS: The Celtic’s award-winning pub food is a mix of Celtic and American offerings, with the amber battered fish and chips being the most popular staple for guests. Their famous whiskey collection features classics and rarities alike.

The Abbey Tavern

Enjoy Irish hospitality, the Irish way of comfort, at The Abbey Tavern. The comfort extends to the food and drink, whether that’s a little Jameson, Guinness or some good, old-fashioned pub food.

DON’T MISS: Dig into Irish grub like shepherd’s pie, corned beef Abbey rolls, corned beef Ruebens, Guinness beef stew and fish and chips.

Clancy’s Irish Pub

Clancy’s Irish Pub is Colorado’s oldest and longest-running Irish pub, serving the greater Wheat Ridge and Denver communities with exceptional food and drinks.

DON’T MISS: Clancy’s features four bars and two patios and offers Irish grub, weekly brunch and live bands in a warm locale.

Doughterty’s Restaurant & Pub

Denver’s premier Irish restaurant and pub exudes an authentic Emerald Isle feel, thanks to a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere and five large TV screens that broadcast the latest football, hockey, soccer and baseball games.

DON’T MISS: Doughterty’s boasts authentic Irish cuisine such as Belfast chicken, bangers & mash and some of Denver’s best shepherd’s pie. There’s also a game room with darts, pool and Hammerschlagen—the most famous brand of nail-driving competition in the world!

Ned Kelly’s Irish Pub

Historic Downtown Littleton’s only authentic Irish pub is known for its welcoming atmosphere, where locals and strangers can easily strike up a conversation.

DON’T MISS: Dig into a fusion of Irish-Colorado flavors, like corned beef hash and eggs served with green chili and toast. Wash it down with Ned Kelly’s Irish beer flight: Guinness, Kilkenny, Smithwicks and Harp.

3 Reasons To Buy a Home Before Spring

Let’s face it — buying a home can feel like a challenge with today’s mortgage rates. You might even be thinking, “Should I just wait until spring when more homes hit the market and rates might be lower?”

But here’s the thing, no one knows for sure where mortgage rates will go from here, and waiting could mean facing more competition, higher prices, and a lot more stress.

What if buying now — before the spring rush — might actually give you the upper hand? Here are three reasons why that just might be the case.

1. Less Competition from Other Buyers

The winter months tend to be quieter in the real estate market. Fewer people are actively looking for homes, which means you’ll likely face less competition when you make an offer. This makes the process feel less rushed and less stressful.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homes sit on the market longer in winter compared to spring and summer (see graph below):

Fewer buyers in the market means you’ll likely have more time to make thoughtful decisions. It also means you may have more negotiating power. According to the Alabama Association of Realtors:

“A significant benefit of buying a home in winter is the reduced competition. Because of the perceived benefits of spring, many buyers delay the start of their house hunt. As a result, you will find fewer people competing for the same properties during winter. Less demand can translate into more negotiating power as sellers may be more willing to entertain offers or agree to concessions to get a deal closed quickly.”

2. More Negotiating Power

With homes staying on the market longer, sellers may be more willing to negotiate. This can lead to better deals for you as a buyer, whether that means a lower price or added incentives, like sellers covering closing costs or making repairs. As Chen Zhao, an Economist at Redfin, points out:

“. . . buying during the off season means less competition from other buyers. That means potentially negotiating a better deal.”

Plus, when demand is lower, sellers often feel more pressure to work with serious buyers. This could give you an edge to negotiate terms that work best for your situation.

3. Lock in Today’s Prices Before They Rise

Historically, home prices tend to be at their lowest point in the winter months, too. According to data from NAR, home prices last year were at their lowest in January, February, and March — right before the spring buying season kicked in (see graph below):

This trend isn’t new — Bright MLS shows between 2010 and 2024, home prices in January and February were, on average, 15% lower than during the month of peak home prices (typically June). Buying in the off-season means you’re more likely to avoid paying the premium prices that come with the high demand of spring.

On top of that, home prices generally appreciate over time, meaning they tend to go up year after year. That means if you’re ready to buy and you can make it happen, you’re not only taking advantage of what might be the lowest prices of the year, but you’re also locking in today’s price before it increases in the future.

Bottom Line

While spring may seem like the obvious time to buy, moving before the peak season can give you significant advantages, like less competition, more negotiation power, and lower prices.

If you’re ready to explore your options, a local real estate agent is there to help.

New Year, New Home: How To Make It Happen in 2025

This is the time when a lot of people take a moment to reflect and set their goals for this year. And as you picture what you want your 2025 to look like, one thing that may pop into your mind is the vision of you in a new home. But how do you get there? And where do you start?

Here’s some advice that can help you get the ball rolling.

Focus on Your Why

To lay the foundation, you need to focus on your why. While the dollars and cents are important, so is the driving force behind your desire to move. Maybe you need more space for a growing family, want to sell so you can downsize, or are finally ready to buy your first home. Whatever your reason, it’s important to keep it front and center.

Your why is what helps you stay focused. Share your motivation with your agent and they’ll use their expertise to help support that goal, no matter what the market looks like. With a great agent by your side, you’ll have someone to guide you, problem-solve, and keep you moving forward until you can check that goal off your to-do list.

Get Clear on What You Need

Then it’s time to figure out what your next home needs to have. How many bedrooms do you need? If you don’t have a designated home office, is that a deal-breaker? What about a big fenced-in backyard? Knowing your must-haves and nice-to-haves makes the search a lot smoother.

Since affordability is still tight, it’s important to have a clear idea of your essential items upfront. Maybe you can flex a bit on location, if it’s got everything else you’re looking for. Go over those essential items with your agent and they’ll help you focus on the homes that check the boxes that matter most while staying within your price range.

Know Your Numbers

Before you jump in, take a look at your finances. How much have you saved? What monthly payment feels comfortable? Getting clear on your budget early will help you know what’s possible.

The best way to do this is by partnering with trusted real estate professionals, like a local agent and a lender. They’ll help you:

Plan for your down payment and look into down payment assistance programs
Understand the equity you have in your current home and how you can use it to fuel your next move if you’re selling
Get pre-approved for a mortgage so you know what you can borrow

Lean on a Pro To Guide You

It can be hard to know where to start, but you don’t have to do it alone. A real estate agent knows what you need to do to get ready to buy or sell, how to navigate the process, and can answer your questions every step of the way. As Bankrate puts it:

“. . . now more than ever, it’s smart to lean on the guidance of an experienced local real estate agent. If you want to enter the housing market in 2025, whether as a buyer or a seller, let a pro lead the way for you.”

Remember, buying or selling is a big milestone and a great goal for this year. With the right expert on your team, you’ll feel confident and ready to take on the market.

Bottom Line

If buying or selling a home is part of your goals for 2025, now’s the time to get started. Focus on your why, know what you need, and connect with trusted pros to make it happen. Team up with an expert and make this the year you accomplish your real estate resolutions.

The National Observer: What's in store for CRE investment in 2025

The national commercial real estate market saw $40.1 billion in transactions in the third quarter, down from $43 billion in Q2 and $44.4 billion in Q3 2023, according to Altus Group research.

Welcome to The National Observer, a roundup of top business news and actionable insights from across The Business Journals’ network of publications. Today we’re looking at what Walmart’s CEO had to say about expansion plans, a $1.4 billion deal between two lenders and a multibillion-dollar federal loan to support a new manufacturing plant in Georgia. First, however, we’ll dig into the cautious optimism being felt in the commercial real estate sector.

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CRE investors express cautious optimism

As 2025 fast approaches, executives are zeroing in on possible targets for their respective businesses in the coming year. For commercial real estate investors, there’s an expectation new opportunities might come available despite a slowdown in transaction activity year-to-date this year.

Ashley Fahey, editor of The National Observer: Real Estate Edition, reports the national commercial real estate market saw $40.1 billion in transactions in the third quarter, down from $43 billion in Q2 and $44.4 billion in Q3 2023, according to Altus Group research. While transaction activity slowed, the rate of the slowdown has moderated, especially on a yearly basis. Additionally, 10 of the 15 property types tracked saw a quarterly uptick in Q3 in price per square foot, including mixed-use, manufacturing, automotive and office properties.

QUOTABLE: “Transaction activity effectively begets transaction activity,” said Cole Perry, associate director of research at Altus Group. “What I’m seeing is really more of the same: There is still slow transaction activity, it’s declining year over year, price discovery remains pretty challenged — but I think it’s picking up a bit.”

Perry said the market is in a new normal of transaction activity, with buyers and sellers learning how to deal with a lack of comparable sales. Industry players also are trying to anticipate what President-elect Donald Trump’s policies and a Republican-controlled Congress could mean for the economy. While most are optimistic the incoming White House administration will mean deregulation or tax cuts, there’s also concern policies around immigration and tariffs that were signature aspects of Trump’s campaign will result in more inflation and economic uncertainty.

FULL STORY: CRE investment stabilizing, but ‘a slow, long grind’ remains

Walmart CEO on expansion plans, new-look Black Friday

Black Friday will be a lot different for Walmart Inc. this year than in years past. The retail giant’s stores will be different, too.

Chandler France of the Houston Business Journal reports that Walmart made a significant financial investment to renovate 650 locations this year and build or convert an additional 150 stores over the next five years. That follows the company in October 2023 reopening 117 remodeled stores across 30 states — an investment of more than half-a-billion dollars.

But as Walmart U.S. President and CEO John Furner told France during a site visit Tuesday, customers who visit one of those remodeled stories on Black Friday won’t be the only ones seeing a new-look Walmart. The company also has worked to enhance its online-shopping service — with the growth of e-commerce having “bifurcated” the traditional Black Friday experience, Furner said.

QUOTABLE “Competition makes you better,” Furner said. “A phrase I think about a lot is, ‘Loyalty in retail is the absence of something better.’ If we’re not the brand that’s providing the best choice for our customer, then someone else will happily come serve them for you.”

FULL STORY: Walmart US CEO talks Black Friday, store investments

Midwest lenders reach $1.4B deal

Old National Bancorp is acquiring Bremer Financial Corp. in a deal worth $1.4 billion that one of the principal CEOs said has been envisioned for years. The deal was announced Monday.

Keith Schubert of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports that St. Paul, Minnesota-based Bremer’s $16.2 billion in assets are expected to help Evansville, Indiana-based Old National strengthen its presence in the Minneapolis-St. Paul market. Bremer’s 71 branches across Wisconsin, Minnesota and North Dakota will also allow the acquiring bank to expand its footprint into other Midwestern markets.

QUOTABLE: “This was a unique situation, the synergies that exist between us culturally and the way we approach our markets and our clients,” Old National CEO Jim Ryan told Schubert. “If there was ever a very logical partner, it was two of us together, and so that’s what ultimately drove our interest here.”

Ryan added he has long admired Bremer, and talks of an acquisition accelerated following the end of a years-long legal dispute over a previous sale attempt of the bank between the bank and its owner, Otto Bremer Trust. “We were watching the situation closely unfold and we knew if there was ever a resolution … we wanted to participate,” he said.

FULL STORY: Bremer Bank’s been acquired. What happens next?

Rivian gets $6.6B federal loan for Georgia plant

The U.S. Department of Energy has conditionally granted Rivian Automotive Inc. a $6.57 billion direct loan to support construction of a manufacturing facility in Georgia that the company now says is set to be operational in 2028.

Anila Yoganathan of the Atlanta Business Chronicle reports the announcement comes near the end of a tumultuous year for Rivian that started with the electric-vehicle company announcing layoffs and indefinitely pausing construction at its Georgia site. The pause not only caught state officials off guard, but it also raised questions about the company’s commitment to Georgia and its financial viability.

Until now, Rivian had not given a definite timeline for its plans in Georgia. The company expects the plant to employ about 7,500 people and create about 2,000 full-time construction jobs by the end of 2030. The financial support is coming through the Department of Energy’s Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing loan program, which also has financed direct loans to Ford Motor Co., Nissan North America and Tesla Inc.

FULL STORY: Rivian gets $6.6B federal loan for Georgia plant

By Joshua Mann – Editor, The National Observer, The Business Journals

Nov 27, 2024

2025 could bring some relief to one major housing challenge. Here's what to expect in the new year

More rate volatility, more affordability challenges — but slightly more inventory.

Those are some of the predictions among housing economists for the 2025 for-sale housing market. Beset by continued home-price appreciation, scarce inventory and a mortgage lock-in effect — not to mention sweeping industrywide changes — buying and owning a home continues to be out of reach for many.

Here’s what to expect in the U.S. housing market next year.

Inventory and home sales

The biggest potential for relief in 2025 could come from an uptick in inventory.

While many existing homeowners are carrying a mortgage rate of 4% or less, life events and a broader acceptance that rates likely won’t drop down to those levels again anytime soon have started to unlock supply.

Life events — more than mortgage rates — continue to be the primary reason people list their homes, said Kara Ng, senior economist at Zillow Group Inc. (Nasdaq: ZG). As an example, Ng said she and her husband had to sell their two-bedroom condo after having a baby because it no longer accommodated their needs.

“As time marches on, life events will push [homeowners] to sell,” Ng said, which will then lead to more listings.

New construction is also helping with supply. New single-family home inventory in October was up 8.8% compared to a year earlier, representing 9.5 months’ supply at the current building pace, according to the National Association of Home Builders. That’s well above the five to six months’ supply that’s viewed as the benchmark for a balanced market.

Realtor.com is predicting the supply of homes for sale will rise 11.7% next year. New construction will grow even more, increasing 13.8% from 2024 to 1.1 million new starts next year.

“Inventory will be the brightest spot for consumers,” said Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com. She added while homes could take a little longer to sell in 2025, that’s helpful for especially first-time homebuyers to take their time in making a decision.

The supply of homes on the market has grown to levels not seen since December 2019, according to Realtor.com, and roughly 20% of listings now are seeing price reductions.

Still, a substantial share of homeowners — 84% as of last month, by Realtor.com’s estimation — have a mortgage rate of less than 6%. While that’s down from 89% in the second quarter of this year, it’s still a vast majority of current homeowners. By the end of 2025, that share may decline to 75%, Hale said.

Redfin Corp. (Nasdaq: RDFN) is anticipating home sales to tick up next year by between 2% and 9%, ending 2025 at an annualized rate of between 4.1 million and 4.4 million.

The firm in a report said there’s an “unusually wide” range for its sales forecast next year because while high housing costs may price out some would-be buyers, there’s also a fair amount of pent-up demand in the market.

Sales of previously owned homes are projected by Realtor.com to increase to 4.07 million. That’s a 1.5% gain from this year but still below the 2013-19 average of 5.28 million homes. Zillow is expecting 4.3 million existing-home sales in 2025, up slightly from 4.1 million in 2023 and a projected 4 million in 2024.

Mortgage rates

One wild card for the 2025 housing market is the direction in which mortgage rates will move.

Most economists aren’t expecting a substantial drop in rates, if any, which means buyers will continue to face elevated rates when compared to pre-pandemic lows, paired with continued growth in home prices.

Ng said it’s hard to predict mortgage rates, but Zillow is broadly forecasting continued volatility next year: It’s likely rates will fall, then rise, then fall again before the end of 2025.

That’s a trajectory similar to what’s occurred this year. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage peaked at 6.44% in April before steadily declining to this year’s low of 5.15% in September, according to Freddie Mac data. Rates have since been on the rise again, reaching 6.1% in late November.

Realtor.com is predicting mortgage rates will average 6.3% across 2025 and end the year at 6.2%. That’s less than the 6.7% average expected at the end of 2024 but still well above the 4% average seen between 2013 and 2019.

Redfin is forecasting rates will remain in the high 6% range throughout 2025. But, as other housing economists have noted, much will hinge on President-elect Donald Trump’s economic plans, including any actions on tax cuts and tariffs. Those decisions could influence inflation, the national deficit and whether the Federal Reserve issues any additional interest-rate cuts — all of which could then impact mortgage rates.

“Mortgage rates in [Trump’s] first term [at 4%] were the good old days,” said Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors, during an NAR conference in Boston last month. “Are we going to go back to 4%? Per my forecast, unfortunately, we will not. It’s more likely that we’ll go back to 6%. That will be the new normal, bouncing around 5.5% and 6.5%.”

Redfin economists wrote in a report that any year in which the presidential administration changes is unpredictable, “and this one may be especially unpredictable.”

Home prices

Beyond mortgage rates, which directly influence how much a prospective homebuyer can afford, home prices are expected to keep rising next year.

Zillow is forecasting 2.6% growth in home values in 2025, while Realtor.com is expecting home prices to grow an additional 3.7% through next year — a slight decrease from the 4% rise expected by the end of this year but up from 1.1% growth in 2023.

Redfin also is predicting the median home price nationally to end 2025 at 4% higher than this year. Yun at the NAR conference last month said he predicted the median home price nationally will be 2% higher in 2025.

“For first-time buyers, it will continue to be challenging,” Hale said. “When we look nationwide, we see more households being added to the U.S. economy but a growing number of them will be renter households. The homeownership rate will actually decline.”

By Ashley Fahey – Editor, The National Observer: Real Estate Edition, The Business Journals

Dec 4, 2024