Happy New Year!  As we enter into 2026, let’s look back at last year’s predictions!  …..some hits and some misses, but to be honest this is one of my better years.  The great Carnac would be proud. Next week we will look ahead, but for this week……its life through the rear-view mirror.  So here we go…….

 
Prediction #1. Prices will at a minimum hold strong, but likely will continue to increase!
This one was a hit!  Prices have held strong for the most part and what we have seen are slight increases across nearly all price points. Overall appreciation was at 2.5% in 2025…..as compared to 2024.  My prediction was 4% appreciation….so pretty close.  

Prediction #2. Interest rates may vary wildly, but will average in the mid 6% range for the year.
With current interest rates at or slightly at 6.25% affordability was still center stage for home buyers in 2025.  Interest rates held between 6.25 and 6.75 for the majority of 2025!  Another hit! 

Prediction #3. 2025 will be what I call the year of “acceptance”.  
By the year of “acceptance” I meant that buyers and sellers alike will accept that 2%, 3% and even 4% interest rates are not coming back anytime soon.  What we learned is that acceptance and approval are two different things.  Buyers have accepted, but have not yet approved of it. Many buyers are still “out of the game” waiting for affordability to come back to earth.  Let’s call this one a “partial” hit.

Prediction # 4. Inventory levels will remain tight……but will continue to inch up little by little.

Overall, this was another “partial” hit.  While inventory was still tight, we are nearing inventory levels similar to 2019 (pre-Covid) levels.  We averaged 677 active properties per month in 2025……which was still lower than 2019 when we averaged 736!  I will say that correctly priced, marketed and prepared properties still move fast!

 
Prediction # 5. The number of sales will remain relatively flat.
For sure a “hit” on this one.  In 2024 there were 2586 total sales and in 2025 there were right at 2630 sales. This is almost identical to 2024, which qualifies as FLAT as a pancake!  This is Kansas like flat as 2024 and 2025 were virtually mirror images of each other.    

Prediction # 6. The Avalanche will reach the Stanley Cup Finals, Western Colorado will remain one of the best places to live on the planet and last but not least The City of Grand Junction will come to their senses and remove those heinous white poles and ridiculous parking along 3rd, 4th, and 5th streets.  

I was dead wrong on the Avalanche (Thanks Mikko), but at least bang on with those heinous white poles and the parking downtown.  I honestly expected the outcome to be the opposite, but I can live with the outcome on this one…..that’s how bad the downtown poles and parking were.    

I have fun with these predictions and, as always, appreciate you reading the column.  2025 proved to be one of my better prediction years, but rest assured there is always the chance I resume my typical prediction form in 2026…..that’s why I NEVER gamble.  We will find out next week.  Have a safe and happy New Year. 

Dave Kimbrough

The Kimbrough Team

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dave@thekimbroughteam.com