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Kemper Employees: Is Now the Time to Sell Your Home, or Should You Wait?

Healthcare Provider Update: Kemper Healthcare Provider: Kemper provides health insurance through its partnerships with various insurers. Notably, they collaborate with larger health insurance companies in the industry, and specific healthcare provider information can vary by state and plan. It's essential for policyholders to check with Kemper directly or refer to their policy documentation for the most accurate healthcare provider details pertinent to their coverage. Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As we approach 2026, health insurance premiums across the ACA marketplace are forecasted to reach unprecedented levels, marked by increases that may exceed 60% in certain markets. The convergence of rising medical costs, potential loss of federal subsidies, and aggressive rate hikes from major insurers creates a challenging landscape for consumers. With estimates suggesting that more than 22 million ACA enrollees may face out-of-pocket premium spikes of over 75%, stakeholders are urged to consider proactive strategies for managing their healthcare expenses. Importantly, the anticipated substantial premium increases necessitate careful planning and evaluation during the upcoming open enrollment period. Click here to learn more

In view of the expected property price growth, Kemper employees should consider their real estate as an important part of their wealth and determine their readiness to sell, recommends Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group at Wealth Enhancement Group. 'Knowledge of the market trends and timings can make a huge difference to your financial returns.'

'Wesley Boudreaux of The Retirement Group at Wealth Enhancement Group recommends that Kemper employees determine how the anticipated rise in home values will affect their personal financial plans. It is possible that delaying the decisions on the housing market, especially in the current economic environment, may improve their long-term financial position.'

In this article, we will discuss:

1. 'Forecasted Trends in Housing Prices: An analysis of the predicted rise in house prices by Bank of America and the possible positive implications for homeowners, particularly those from the Kemper company in light of the pandemic and current mortgage rates.'

2. 'Economic Factors Influencing the Housing Market: Examining how changes caused by the pandemic, including increased remote working and preference for suburban areas, along with fluctuating mortgage rates, are influencing the present and future of real estate.'

3. 'Strategic Considerations for Home Selling: Examining the advantages and disadvantages of not selling a home until the prices rise and how population changes influence the housing market trends.'

Learn why it is beneficial to hold off on selling your real estate property in today’s market and how these tips can help you maximize your return on investment.

According to Michael Gapen, the Chief US Economist at Bank of America, the prices are still going to rise quickly. According to the bank, house prices will grow by 5% in 2025 and 4.5% in 2024. For the Kemper employees who plan on selling their homes, it may be worth considering the post-pandemic world and the present mortgage rates. It might be better to wait for a few more years.

The property market has been on the rise post-pandemic and the values of homes have increased by 6% on average every year. This has created a very good market for those who own the properties. Bank of America has pointed out that this trend is likely to persist.

In their most recent analysis of the housing market, Gapen and his team expect prices to keep rising by 4.5% this year and 5% in 2025. They predict that there will be no cooling down of the market until the year 2026, which means that current homeowners, including those from Kemper, might stand to benefit from waiting since higher sale prices may be possible in the near future.

The Virtue of Patience

There are several good reasons why it could be advantageous for homeowners to prevent selling. Gapen points out that the economic effects of the pandemic are still ongoing and may not reach their fullest in late 2025. This has also increased long-term housing trends such as working from home and preferring suburban areas which still keep the prices high. Another important factor for homeowners is the changing mortgage rates. Many got rates as low as 3% during the pandemic. With rates now sitting at 7%, it may actually be more advantageous to remain in one’s home. The Federal Reserve may cut rates later this year, but Bank of America believes it may take years for the difference between current and historical mortgage rates to disappear, which makes a strong case for staying in one’s home.

Possibility of Price Increases After 2026

Homeowners can expect price increases for the next two years at the minimum. If the impacts of the pandemic decrease to the point of almost being unnoticeable by the end of 2025, the market may level off and even experience a slight rise of 0.5% in 2026. The macroeconomic conditions are expected to improve, the housing supply is expected to increase, and the monetary policy is expected to loosen, which should bring down the prices. However, there is a possibility of prices rising even after 2026.

Historically, real personal discretionary income has been highly correlated with housing prices. As Bank of America notes, the current momentum in home prices may lead to sustainably higher prices than the fundamental values. This inertia provides homeowners, including those at Kemper, with more opportunities for appreciation. If the effects of the pandemic are worse than expected, and the housing market remains strong, prices can rise another 5% by 2026. Furthermore, the population dynamics in the subsequent years will continue to stimulate housing demand. Millennials have now become the largest home buying segment and are likely to influence the market in a big way.

Therefore, it is recommended that a homeowner only considers selling their property when they are certain that they can sell at a higher price due to market trends. A recent Harvard University study pointed out that the percentage of older individuals with mortgage debts has doubled over the last three decades, which is good news for many retirees to wait out potential increases in property value.

This information is not intended as a recommendation. The opinions are subject to change at any time and no forecasts can be guaranteed. Investment decisions should always be made based on an investor's specific circumstances. Investing has its risks, including the possibility of losing principal.

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Articles you may find interesting:

Sources:

Santarelli, Marco. 'Housing Market: Sell Now or Wait? What Does Bank of America Say?' Norada Real Estate Investing July 8, 2024, www.noradarealestate.com/blog/housing-market-sell-now-or-wait/ . Accessed February 4, 2025.
Dahl, Roxanne. 'According to Bank of America Economist, Housing Market is 'Stuck' Until at Least 2026.' Weekly Real Estate News, July 7, 2024, wrenews.com/bank-of-america-economist-housing-market-stuck-2026. Accessed February 4, 2025.
Amelia. 'Bank of America: Housing Market Challenges Expected to Persist Until 2026.' Realty Biz Blog, 2024, realtybizblog.com/us-housing-market-stuck-until-2026. Accessed February 4, 2025.
'BoA Michael Gapen - Macro Economic Trends and Risks.' Motley Fool Community, September 11, 2022, discussion.fool.com/boa-michael-gapen-74773. Accessed February 4, 2025.
'Household Spending Remains Strong.' Bloomberg, undated, bloomberg.com/article/household-spending-gapen/. Accessed February 4, 2025.

What is the purpose of Kemper's 401(k) plan?

The purpose of Kemper's 401(k) plan is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or Roth after-tax basis.

How can employees enroll in Kemper's 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in Kemper's 401(k) plan by accessing the company's benefits portal during the enrollment period or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does Kemper offer a company match for 401(k) contributions?

Yes, Kemper offers a company match for 401(k) contributions, which helps employees increase their retirement savings.

What types of investment options are available in Kemper's 401(k) plan?

Kemper's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

Can employees change their contribution rate to Kemper's 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees can change their contribution rate to Kemper's 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan’s guidelines.

What is the vesting schedule for Kemper's 401(k) company match?

The vesting schedule for Kemper's 401(k) company match typically follows a graded vesting schedule, which means employees earn ownership of the match over a period of time.

Are there any fees associated with Kemper's 401(k) plan?

Yes, like many retirement plans, Kemper's 401(k) plan may have administrative fees and investment-related expenses, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

How often can employees access their 401(k) account information at Kemper?

Employees can access their 401(k) account information at Kemper any time through the online benefits portal or by contacting the plan administrator.

What happens to my Kemper 401(k) if I leave the company?

If you leave Kemper, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over to an IRA, transferring it to a new employer's plan, or cashing it out, subject to taxes and penalties.

Can employees take loans against their Kemper 401(k) plan?

Yes, Kemper allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) plan, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan documents.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Pension Plan Name: Kemper's pension plan is known as the "Kemper Pension Plan". Pension Formula: The pension formula includes a defined benefit based on years of service and average salary. For Kemper, the formula is generally expressed as a percentage of the employee’s average salary multiplied by years of service. Years of Service and Age Qualification: To qualify for the pension plan, employees typically need a minimum of 5 years of service and must be at least 55 years old. Specific qualifications may vary. 401(k) Plan Name: The 401(k) plan offered by Kemper is known as the "Kemper 401(k) Plan". Eligibility: Employees are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing 30 days of employment. Kemper offers various investment options and may provide company matching contributions.

Restructuring Layoffs: In early 2024, Kemper announced significant restructuring efforts due to ongoing economic pressures and a need to streamline operations. The company plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 10% as part of this restructuring. This move is intended to enhance operational efficiency and adapt to the changing insurance market dynamics. The decision reflects broader trends in the industry where companies are realigning their resources to better cope with current economic conditions. Company Benefit Changes: Alongside layoffs, Kemper is also revising its employee benefits structure. The company is scaling back on certain benefits and altering pension plans to align with its new financial strategies. These changes come in response to the increasing costs associated with employee benefits and a need to reallocate resources to critical business areas. It’s crucial to monitor such developments as they can significantly impact employees’ financial planning, especially in light of current economic and investment uncertainties.

Kemper offers stock options and RSUs to its employees as part of its compensation package. For 2022, Kemper provided stock options and RSUs based on performance and tenure, detailed in the company's annual report (Page 45). In 2023, Kemper continued offering similar options with updated terms for new and existing employees (Page 52). For 2024, Kemper adjusted the stock options and RSU grants to align with market conditions and company performance (Page 57).

Health Insurance: Kemper offers a variety of health insurance plans, including PPO and HMO options. Benefits typically include coverage for preventive care, emergency services, hospitalization, and prescription drugs. Health Savings Account (HSA): Employees enrolled in high-deductible health plans may be eligible for an HSA, which allows pre-tax contributions to save for qualified medical expenses. Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Kemper provides an FSA option for employees to use pre-tax dollars for eligible healthcare expenses. Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Offers confidential support for personal and work-related issues, including mental health services.