Key Takeaways from Manfred Chemek’s Economic Forecast

—What You Missed and Why You Should Join Us Next Year

If you couldn’t attend Manfred Chemek’s Economic Forecast for 2025 and Beyond, trust me—you missed an incredible opportunity to gain deep insights into the future of our economy, real estate market, and investment landscape. This event wasn’t just another economic outlook; it was a roadmap for navigating the next several years with clarity and confidence.

Since I know how valuable this information is, I wanted to take the time to share some of the most critical takeaways from the lecture with you. And, of course, I highly encourage you to mark your calendar for next year’s event—you won’t want to miss it!

A Changing Global Economy and the U.S.’s Position in It

One of the most prominent themes of the lecture was the slowdown in global economic growth and how the U.S. economy is holding its ground despite these shifts. While the post-pandemic boom gave us several years of strong GDP growth, things are stabilizing. In 2025, the U.S. economy is projected to grow at around 2.3%—lower than in recent years but still strong compared to global averages.

Despite concerns over inflation and rising costs, the U.S. remains one of the most resilient economies in the world, thanks to its diversified financial infrastructure, strong technological sector, and investment-driven markets. The Federal Reserve’s approach to inflation will continue to play a crucial role in how the economy performs, with one or two interest rate hikes expected later in the year.

The Labor Market—Still Strong, But Shifting

The job market has been robust, with unemployment at just 3.7%—the 48th consecutive month under 4%. But things are changing. Job growth is slowing, as seen in the 146,000 new jobs added in January 2025, which was lower than expected. While wages rise at 4% annually, inflation is still an ever-present factor, meaning purchasing power varies across different sectors.

A key trend shaping the workforce is remote work and generational shifts. Millennials and Gen Z demand flexibility, and the data shows that 42% of American workers—and 39% of Coloradans—are now working remotely. This shift is reshaping not just employment patterns but also real estate demand, as workers seek homes further from urban centers, driving up suburban real estate prices.

The Colorado Real Estate Market—What’s Next?

If you’re involved in real estate in any way—whether as an investor, homeowner, or professional—you’ll want to pay attention to Colorado’s evolving housing market. Colorado’s population is still growing at 5.97 million, with another 1 million people expected to move in over the next 5-8 years. However, affordability remains a significant issue.

Home prices surged over the past few years, climbing 14-18% in 2023, followed by a 6-8% increase in 2024. In 2025, prices are projected to rise another 6-8%, bringing the average home price to around $750,000-$770,000. The rental market follows suit, with rents expected to increase 3-5% next year.

Meanwhile, multi-family properties are taking over the market, making up 55-60% of Colorado’s real estate growth. Construction remains steady, with 19,200 new apartments built in 2023-2024, and a new grant will help fund 4,755 additional units per year moving forward. However, construction costs are rising, with material prices expected to increase another 4-8% in 2025.

For investors, these trends point toward substantial long-term opportunities in rental housing and multi-family development.

Interest Rates, Inflation, and Financial Markets

Interest rates will be a deciding factor in real estate and investment strategies for 2025. Currently, mortgage rates are hovering between 5-7.5%, with variations based on borrower strength. Inflation has been slowly declining for the past 31 consecutive months. Still, in 2025, it’s projected to rise slightly to 3.2%, driven by tariffs, rising wages, and increasing costs of goods such as furniture, vehicles, and food.

The financial markets, however, are experiencing a significant resurgence. The Dow Jones has jumped from 38,700 in 2024 to 44,400 in early 2025, signaling strong investor confidence. And yet, only 5% of Americans are aware of self-directed IRA/401K opportunities, leaving a massive untapped market for alternative investment education.

Technology and Investment Opportunities—What’s on the Horizon?

Two of the most exciting investment trends covered in the lecture were cryptocurrency and self-driving vehicles.

After a historic collapse, the cryptocurrency market has rebounded from $760 billion in 2023 to $4.1 trillion in 2025. Major players like Tesla (which invested $1.5 billion in Bitcoin) and increased institutional adoption fuel this resurgence. And, with Trump signaling support for cryptocurrency, potential regulatory changes could provide further tailwinds for this industry.

Meanwhile, self-driving vehicles are continuing to advance. While widespread adoption is still a few years away, companies like Tesla are positioning autonomous cars as potential income-generating assets, allowing owners to lease their vehicles to ride-sharing services. This is a space worth watching for future passive income opportunities.

A Massive Wealth Transfer is Underway

One of the most underrated financial trends of the next decade is the $70 billion in inheritance wealth being transferred as Baby Boomers retire. Right now, 162,000 Boomers retire every month, and they are looking for investment opportunities, personal finance guidance, and new financial products.

For those in real estate, financial planning, or investment advising, this represents an enormous opportunity to tap into a rapidly growing market of retirees looking to reposition their wealth.

Final Thoughts—Why You Should Be at Next Year’s Lecture

The insights Manfred Chemek shared were more than just economic trends—they were practical strategies for preparing for the future. Whether in business, real estate, finance, or simply planning your next investment move, this lecture was packed with valuable, data-driven predictions that could shape your financial decisions in 2025 and beyond.

If you couldn’t attend this year, I strongly encourage you to join us next year. The world is changing quickly, and having access to expert insights can help you stay ahead of the curve.

If you have any questions about the content or want to discuss how these trends might impact your investments or business, I’d love to chat! Let’s set up a time to connect.

Looking forward to catching up soon!

Erin Rose - (720) 588-0579

About the Speaker: Manfred H. Chemek

Manfred H. Chemek is a Senior Investment Adviser and Global Economic Analyst, known for his extensive expertise in real estate, financial markets, and economic forecasting. He has served as a professor at the FIABCI International Real Estate Federation, earning the rare distinction of being the only instructor to receive both the FIABCI University and NAR CIPS Instructor of the Year Awards. With over 30 years of experience, Chemek has advised leading real estate organizations, including Cendant (now Realogy), Coldwell Banker, Century 21, and ERA. He has also consulted for Brookfield Real Estate Services and Royal LePage Canada. A notable milestone in his career was purchasing the Master Franchise Rights for RE/MAX Germany in 1995, where he served as Owner and Regional Director. He has played a pivotal role in investment education, teaching real estate seminars across 78 countries and serving on the Board of Directors for Our Family Orphan Communities, Inc. His insights are regularly featured in major publications such as The Economist, Globe Street News, and the Denver Business Journal. A recognized thought leader in economic forecasting, Chemek continues to educate professionals on market trends, investment strategies, and technological disruptions shaping the future of real estate and business.