Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for PENN Entertainment PENN Entertainment primarily offers health insurance plans through its partnership with UnitedHealthcare, among other options, to provide a range of healthcare benefits for its employees. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, healthcare costs for PENN Entertainment employees are poised to rise significantly, driven by anticipated record increases in Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums. Analysts expect average premium hikes to exceed 19% nationally, with some states reporting increases up to 66%. The looming expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies could exacerbate these increases, potentially raising out-of-pocket costs for employees by 75% or more. As companies navigate these challenges, it may be imperative for employees to evaluate their health coverage options carefully and consider proactive measures to mitigate the anticipated financial impact. Click here to learn more
In view of the expected property price growth, PENN Entertainment 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 PENN Entertainment 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 PENN Entertainment 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 PENN Entertainment 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 PENN Entertainment, 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 PENN Entertainment, 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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Sources:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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'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.
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'Household Spending Remains Strong.' Bloomberg, undated, bloomberg.com/article/household-spending-gapen/. Accessed February 4, 2025.
What types of retirement plans does PENN Entertainment offer to its employees?
PENN Entertainment offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.
How can employees at PENN Entertainment enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in the PENN Entertainment 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does PENN Entertainment match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, PENN Entertainment offers a matching contribution program for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, subject to specific terms and conditions.
What is the maximum contribution limit for the PENN Entertainment 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for the PENN Entertainment 401(k) plan is in accordance with IRS guidelines, which may change annually.
Can employees at PENN Entertainment take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, PENN Entertainment allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan's rules and limits.
What investment options are available in the PENN Entertainment 401(k) plan?
The PENN Entertainment 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
Is there a vesting schedule for employer contributions in the PENN Entertainment 401(k) plan?
Yes, there is a vesting schedule for employer contributions in the PENN Entertainment 401(k) plan, which determines when employees fully own those contributions.
How often can employees at PENN Entertainment change their 401(k) contribution amounts?
Employees at PENN Entertainment can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at designated times throughout the year, as specified in the plan guidelines.
What happens to my PENN Entertainment 401(k) if I leave the company?
If you leave PENN Entertainment, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the PENN Entertainment plan if permitted.
Are there any fees associated with the PENN Entertainment 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be fees associated with the PENN Entertainment 401(k) plan, which can include administrative fees and investment management fees.