The President’s Perspective: December, 2025

By Chris Delfs, NWIA President
Broker, Keller Williams Siouxland & Keller Williams Okoboji

With Thanksgiving in the rearview mirror and Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the New Year on the horizon, this season naturally inspires reflection on what we’ve accomplished in 2025 and the goals we’re setting for 2026.

Looking ahead, I’m optimistic about our profession’s ability to demonstrate value for clients in the coming year. With anticipated interest rate decreases and stabilizing home prices, the outlook is bright.

I was pleased to see that Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of REALTORS®, is forecasting a 14% nationwide increase in home sales for 2026, following this year’s slower pace. New-home sales are also expected to rise by 5% next year.

2026 looks to bring renewed energy from both buyers and sellers who have been waiting for the right moment to make a move. This shift will create more opportunities for our clients, which is great. Even better, it will yield opportunities for us to demonstrate the value of our services as market experts, and continue to elevate the positive perception of the REALTOR® brand.

I’m also excited to help expand your knowledge and tools next year. We’ve identified a state-approved AI course and instructor, and we’re working to schedule an in-person class for the first quarter of 2026. It’s timely, relevant, and reflects where our industry is heading. Our clients are using AI—and we should be, too. It can do so much more than write your listing descriptions!

I anticipate a successful and exciting 2026, and I hope you do as well.

In this season of gratitude, I’m thankful for all of you and wish you a blessed holiday season and an exceptional year ahead.

If you have thoughts, comments, or suggestions, please reach out. I’d love to hear from you!