As 2025 progresses, the real estate landscape continues to evolve—shaped by shifting market conditions, changing buyer priorities, economic trends, and technology-driven tools. For buyers, sellers, and investors in Santa Fe and across the country, the most common concerns are increasingly reflected in online search behavior. The most googled real estate questions 2025 highlight what’s top of mind for those engaging with the market today: from affordability and timing to financing and long-term investment value.
In Santa Fe, where historic architecture, cultural vibrancy, and natural beauty intersect, understanding how national trends and local nuances align is essential for making confident real estate decisions. Paige Cochran, a seasoned Santa Fe real estate professional, helps clients navigate this shifting landscape with clarity and purpose. Here’s a look at the most googled real estate questions 2025, and the answers that matter in today’s marketplace.
Is 2025 a Good Time to Buy a Home?
This question consistently ranks high on the list of most googled real estate questions 2025. In a year marked by stabilization in mortgage rates and gradual adjustments in housing inventory, the answer is both nuanced and location-dependent.
In Santa Fe, demand remains steady due to its enduring appeal to second-home buyers, retirees, and remote professionals. While home prices have remained resilient, the market has become more balanced than in the previous post-pandemic surge. Sellers are adjusting to more realistic price points, and buyers are encountering less competition in many segments—making 2025 a more strategic time to buy compared to the highly competitive years of 2021–2022.
Nationally, interest rates have settled in the mid-6% range as of mid-2025, and while not historically low, they are offering stability that many buyers were waiting for. For those with stable income, a long-term outlook, and the desire to lock in homeownership in a desirable location, 2025 presents opportunities—particularly if working with a knowledgeable local agent to uncover hidden value.
In Santa Fe, demand remains steady due to its enduring appeal to second-home buyers, retirees, and remote professionals. While home prices have remained resilient, the market has become more balanced than in the previous post-pandemic surge. Sellers are adjusting to more realistic price points, and buyers are encountering less competition in many segments—making 2025 a more strategic time to buy compared to the highly competitive years of 2021–2022.
Nationally, interest rates have settled in the mid-6% range as of mid-2025, and while not historically low, they are offering stability that many buyers were waiting for. For those with stable income, a long-term outlook, and the desire to lock in homeownership in a desirable location, 2025 presents opportunities—particularly if working with a knowledgeable local agent to uncover hidden value.
Will Home Prices Drop in 2025?
Another frequently searched concern, this question stems from years of price appreciation followed by uncertainty around inflation, interest rates, and inventory. As of 2025, most economists and housing analysts predict a “leveling off” rather than a dramatic drop in prices—especially in lifestyle markets like Santa Fe.
Santa Fe’s real estate values are bolstered by several unique factors: limited new construction due to land use regulations, consistent interest from out-of-state buyers, and the city’s appeal as an arts and culture destination. As such, while some national markets may experience modest price corrections, Santa Fe continues to trend toward steady value retention with limited volatility.
In other words, while buyers may not see steep discounts in 2025, they are less likely to face aggressive bidding wars. Sellers, meanwhile, need to position properties thoughtfully—ensuring pricing aligns with current market conditions, rather than past market peaks. The answer to whether prices will drop is situational, but in Santa Fe’s case, stability is the more accurate forecast.
Santa Fe’s real estate values are bolstered by several unique factors: limited new construction due to land use regulations, consistent interest from out-of-state buyers, and the city’s appeal as an arts and culture destination. As such, while some national markets may experience modest price corrections, Santa Fe continues to trend toward steady value retention with limited volatility.
In other words, while buyers may not see steep discounts in 2025, they are less likely to face aggressive bidding wars. Sellers, meanwhile, need to position properties thoughtfully—ensuring pricing aligns with current market conditions, rather than past market peaks. The answer to whether prices will drop is situational, but in Santa Fe’s case, stability is the more accurate forecast.
What Credit Score Do I Need to Buy a House in 2025?
Financial readiness is top of mind for many buyers, and this is another question that ranks among the most googled real estate questions 2025. While mortgage qualification requirements vary depending on loan type and lender, credit score continues to play a significant role.
In 2025, a credit score of 620 remains the minimum for most conventional loans, though FHA loans may allow for slightly lower scores with higher down payments. Buyers aiming for the best interest rates should strive for a score of 740 or higher. Lenders are also increasingly looking at other factors—such as debt-to-income ratios, savings, and employment history—so buyers with moderate credit but strong financial profiles can still qualify for competitive terms.
In Santa Fe’s competitive market, buyers who are pre-approved and financially organized gain a clear advantage. Real estate professionals like Paige Cochran often recommend starting the financing process early, so any necessary credit adjustments can be made before beginning a home search.
In 2025, a credit score of 620 remains the minimum for most conventional loans, though FHA loans may allow for slightly lower scores with higher down payments. Buyers aiming for the best interest rates should strive for a score of 740 or higher. Lenders are also increasingly looking at other factors—such as debt-to-income ratios, savings, and employment history—so buyers with moderate credit but strong financial profiles can still qualify for competitive terms.
In Santa Fe’s competitive market, buyers who are pre-approved and financially organized gain a clear advantage. Real estate professionals like Paige Cochran often recommend starting the financing process early, so any necessary credit adjustments can be made before beginning a home search.
How Do I Sell My Home in a Slower Market?
As the market cools slightly compared to the fast-paced years of the early 2020s, sellers are searching for strategies to stand out. This question, now common among the most googled real estate questions 2025, reflects a broader shift from a seller’s market to a more balanced environment.
The key to success in a slower market is preparation and positioning. Homes that are well-maintained, professionally staged, and priced correctly for current conditions are still selling efficiently. In Santa Fe, where unique architectural details and regional style are a major selling point, professional photography and narrative-driven marketing help showcase what makes a home special.
Sellers should also consider strategic updates—such as fresh paint, modern lighting, or landscaping improvements—that enhance buyer perception without overinvesting. Timing and pricing are more critical than ever, and working with an agent who understands local trends is essential for attracting qualified buyers and closing within an optimal timeframe.
The key to success in a slower market is preparation and positioning. Homes that are well-maintained, professionally staged, and priced correctly for current conditions are still selling efficiently. In Santa Fe, where unique architectural details and regional style are a major selling point, professional photography and narrative-driven marketing help showcase what makes a home special.
Sellers should also consider strategic updates—such as fresh paint, modern lighting, or landscaping improvements—that enhance buyer perception without overinvesting. Timing and pricing are more critical than ever, and working with an agent who understands local trends is essential for attracting qualified buyers and closing within an optimal timeframe.
Should I Rent or Buy in 2025?
This question remains one of the most debated and most searched topics in the housing world. For many, the decision to rent or buy in 2025 comes down to personal lifestyle goals, financial flexibility, and market conditions.
In Santa Fe, where rental prices continue to rise and inventory remains limited, the long-term financial benefits of buying are compelling for those planning to stay for three or more years. Buyers gain equity, stabilize monthly housing costs, and have more control over their living space. However, for those in transition or uncertain about long-term plans, renting may still offer flexibility.
It’s worth noting that in 2025, first-time buyer programs, down payment assistance, and low-down-payment loan options are more widely available than in previous years—making homeownership more accessible. Buyers should weigh the pros and cons of renting versus buying not just from a financial standpoint, but also in terms of lifestyle and community connection.
In Santa Fe, where rental prices continue to rise and inventory remains limited, the long-term financial benefits of buying are compelling for those planning to stay for three or more years. Buyers gain equity, stabilize monthly housing costs, and have more control over their living space. However, for those in transition or uncertain about long-term plans, renting may still offer flexibility.
It’s worth noting that in 2025, first-time buyer programs, down payment assistance, and low-down-payment loan options are more widely available than in previous years—making homeownership more accessible. Buyers should weigh the pros and cons of renting versus buying not just from a financial standpoint, but also in terms of lifestyle and community connection.
What Are the Best Cities to Invest in Real Estate in 2025?
With rising interest in second homes, investment properties, and lifestyle-driven real estate decisions, this question ranks high among the most googled real estate questions 2025. While larger metro areas often top national lists, Santa Fe continues to attract interest from investors seeking properties with long-term appreciation, short-term rental income, or retirement potential.
Santa Fe’s steady tourism, strong rental demand, and architectural uniqueness make it a consistent performer in the investment space. Buyers interested in short-term rental properties should be aware of local regulations, which may limit or govern vacation rentals in certain areas. However, properly zoned properties can deliver solid returns, particularly in high-traffic locations near the Plaza or Canyon Road.
For investors, working with a real estate professional who understands local ordinances, seasonal demand, and marketing strategies is essential to maximizing ROI.
Santa Fe’s steady tourism, strong rental demand, and architectural uniqueness make it a consistent performer in the investment space. Buyers interested in short-term rental properties should be aware of local regulations, which may limit or govern vacation rentals in certain areas. However, properly zoned properties can deliver solid returns, particularly in high-traffic locations near the Plaza or Canyon Road.
For investors, working with a real estate professional who understands local ordinances, seasonal demand, and marketing strategies is essential to maximizing ROI.
Most Googled Real Estate Questions 2025 Answered by Paige Cochran
Whether you're a first-time buyer, long-time homeowner, or seasoned investor, the most googled real estate questions 2025 reflect the topics that matter most in today’s housing market. In a city like Santa Fe—where lifestyle, value, and heritage come together—having the right information and guidance is key to making confident real estate decisions.
If you're planning to buy, sell, or invest in Santa Fe this year, contact Paige Cochran today for expert insight, local knowledge, and personalized support throughout every step of the process.
If you're planning to buy, sell, or invest in Santa Fe this year, contact Paige Cochran today for expert insight, local knowledge, and personalized support throughout every step of the process.
