Most Googled Questions about Real Estate in 2025

With 2025 drawing to a close, it's clear that the real estate world experienced another year of shifts, surprises, and steady interest from buyers and sellers alike. From fluctuating mortgage rates to rising rent pressures in urban markets like Manhattan, people turned to Google with an endless stream of questions. These search queries not only reflect common concerns, but also offer a snapshot of what defined the real estate conversation in 2025. Here’s a look back at the most Googled questions about real estate this year—and what they reveal about the current state of the market.

This question dominated searches for the first half of the year as many waited to see how high interest rates and lingering inflation would impact home values. In some regions, prices plateaued or dipped slightly, especially in overheated suburban markets. However, in urban areas like Manhattan, prices held steady or even increased modestly thanks to limited inventory and consistent demand. The answer to this question varied widely based on location, but the interest in it showed how closely buyers and sellers were watching for a potential market correction.

This perennial question surged again in 2025 as people weighed the pros and cons of entering a high-cost, high-rate environment. With mortgage rates hovering above historical norms, many buyers were hesitant—yet eager not to miss out if prices began to climb again. The real answer came down to personal circumstances. For those with job stability and long-term plans, 2025 proved to be a good year to buy, especially when negotiating power improved in certain markets.

Mortgage rates became a hot topic again as the Fed made cautious moves throughout the year. After peaking in late 2024, rates showed signs of cooling by mid-2025, sparking hope among buyers and a flurry of refinancing inquiries. The widespread curiosity about rates underscored just how much monthly affordability impacts buying power. Though rates didn’t return to pandemic-era lows, even small declines led to increased buyer activity by late summer.

Affordability was a key concern in 2025, particularly for first-time buyers and renters hoping to transition to ownership. With wage growth not fully keeping pace with housing costs, many turned to affordability calculators and lender advice to understand their limits. This question reflects a growing awareness that homeownership is about more than just the list price—it’s about total cost of ownership, including taxes, insurance, maintenance, and interest.

With rising home prices and higher borrowing costs, many Googled this question to decide whether to continue renting or make the leap into ownership. In markets like Manhattan, where rent remained high, this was a complicated decision. While renting offered flexibility, long-term financial benefits of ownership remained appealing. The rise in this search query pointed to a shifting mindset, where people were reevaluating the traditional path to wealth through real estate.

Credit questions spiked again this year as lenders remained cautious and underwriting standards stayed relatively tight. Buyers wanted to know where they stood before starting the mortgage process. In 2025, a score of 620 was generally the minimum for conventional loans, but many lenders preferred 700 or above for better rates. The popularity of this question showed how more buyers were getting financially literate before diving into the process.

In markets that slowed or became more balanced, this question reflected a seller's desire to maintain momentum. Homes no longer flew off the market in days like they did during the pandemic boom. Instead, sellers had to be more strategic—pricing correctly, staging thoughtfully, and working with experienced agents. This search trend emphasized how critical it became in 2025 to present a home well in order to compete.

As the year progressed, buyers and sellers alike started looking ahead. Uncertainty around global economics, interest rates, and inventory levels led to a spike in future-focused queries. People were curious whether conditions would improve in the coming year or if waiting might be a smarter move. It reflected a more informed, cautious audience eager to make moves based on data and projections.

Interest in investment surged again in 2025, particularly around short-term rentals, multi-family properties, and REITs. Many saw real estate as a hedge against inflation and wanted to know how to get started. This question often led to searches about down payments, property management, and tax implications. It’s clear that despite higher entry costs, real estate remained an attractive path to long-term wealth for many Americans.

With more DIY tools, listing platforms, and virtual tours, some wondered if a professional agent was still necessary. But this question often led to the realization that an agent's expertise is still invaluable—especially in complex, fast-moving markets like Manhattan. From pricing strategy to negotiations and legal documentation, the demand for experienced guidance never really diminished, even as digital tools grew.

Looking back at the most Googled real estate questions of 2025, one thing is clear: buyers and sellers are doing more research, asking smarter questions, and leaning into the complexities of real estate decisions more than ever. Whether it’s timing a purchase, calculating affordability, or understanding long-term investment strategies, people are seeking deeper understanding before making a move. The internet has become a powerful starting point, but local knowledge and expert guidance remain irreplaceable in the real estate journey.

If you’re navigating the Manhattan market or planning your next real estate move, Mirador Real Estate is here to offer clarity, insight, and experience. Their team stays ahead of trends and knows how to turn your questions into confident decisions. Whether you're buying, selling, or investing, trust Mirador to guide you through every step of the journey with expertise rooted in local market knowledge.