Housing Market Sinks In Washington, DC (February 2025 - Novanews)

February 26, 2025•4 min read

Roses are red, violets are blue — we hope you’ve been your own best Valentine this year! Now, it’s time for the latest scoop on real estate, markets, and money trends.

TODAY'S TOPICS

Tariff threats could make the U.S. “a scary place to invest”.
DC housing market sinks as federal layoffs surge.
These are the new art stars you can't miss.
China turns to tech in U.S. rivalry.2025 economic growth hinges on deregulation and tax cuts.

QUIZ

1. What is the Guinness World Record for the longest marriage ever recorded?

69 years
74 years
86 years

2. What is the highest-grossing romance movie?

Titanic
Pretty Woman
La La Land

REAL ESTATE

Current mortgage rates

30-year – 7.02%
15-year – 6.44%

Real estate news

New real estate rules fell short. Six months after new real estate rules were expected to shake up home buying, commissions have mostly stayed the same. What was supposed to lower fees for home buyers and sellers ended up just adding more paperwork. Learn more
DC housing market sinks as federal layoffs surge. Home prices in Washington, DC, have dropped 20% as thousands of federal workers face layoffs, flooding the market with listings. Uncertainty around job security has driven a surge in home sales. Learn more

U.S. ECONOMY

Inflation

Current US inflation rate: 3%

Unemployment

Current US unemployment rate: 4%

FED rate

Fed funds interest rate: 4.5%

U.S. economy news

Tariff threats could make the U.S. “a scary place to invest”. Nobel prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz warns that U.S. policy uncertainty and trade barriers are making the country a risky place for investment. Learn more
No rate cuts until inflation slows further. Fed Governor Michelle Bowman said more progress on inflation is needed before cutting rates. She expects inflation to slow but warns it may take longer, making rate cuts uncertain. Learn more

GLOBAL OUTLOOK

China turns to tech in U.S. rivalry. China’s President Xi Jinping met with top tech leaders, urging them to boost innovation and trust in China’s economy. This signals a shift from past crackdowns as China wants to stay competitive amid U.S. tech rivalry. Learn more
The EU's economic problems go beyond U.S. tariffs. Former ECB President Mario Draghi warned that internal trade barriers do more harm than the U.S. ever could. He urged the EU to cut regulations to stay competitive globally. Learn more

STOCK EXCHANGE

Stocks recommended by experts

3 top best-performing S&P 500 stocks in February 2025 based on one-year results:

Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR) – 390.55%
Vistra Corp (VST) – 268.94%
Texas Pacific Land Corporation (TPL) – 192.4%
Learn more

Stock market news

Goldman Sachs raises outlook on China stocks. Goldman Sachs raised its target for Chinese stocks, expecting AI advancements to drive earnings growth and attract $200 billion in investments. Learn more

COFFEE BREAK

Fun news

Forget Monet and Da Vinci — these are the real art stars. A New York zoo is auctioning off paintings by penguins, giraffes, sloths, and capybaras. The Dream Big Gala on March 15 will feature a silent auction, with online bidding available. Learn more

Question of the month

I want to buy a house this year but interest rates are so high. Is there anything I can do to get a low rate so that I'm not house poor? Sincerely, Mayra G.

Hi Mayra. Here are your options:

Raise your FICO credit score. You can do this by paying off your credit cards before the due date and reducing your credit card debt.
Buy points. Lenders give you the option of buying points to lower mortgage interest rates. Just ask your lender when you are ready to proceed.
Ask your lender what other options you have to reduce interest. By speaking to one directly, this professional can give you a more personalized advice according to your risk profile, which is determined by your FICO score, income, and type of income (W2 vs. 1099).

Investor of the month

Paul Tudor Jones II

Paul Tudor Jones II is a billionaire hedge fund manager known for his macro trading strategies, particularly in interest rates and currencies. Starting his career trading cotton futures, he founded Tudor Investment Corporation in 1980, which now manages around $13 billion in assets. Learn more

QUIZ ANSWERS

86 years
Titanic

CONTENT YOU CAN’T MISS

This month’s recommended book

Debt: The First 5,000 Years by David Graeber

This book traces the history of debt and how it has shaped money, trade, and government. David Graeber shows how debt has often been used as a tool of control.