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DR. PAUL ISELY
Closing Keynote Speaker
Dr. Paul Isely is the Associate Dean and Professor of Economics at the Seidman College of Business, Grand Valley State University. He has been a faculty member since 1995, following the completion of his Ph.D. in Economics from Purdue University. Dr. Isely also holds an M.S. in Economics from Purdue University and a dual B.S. in Physics and Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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Paul’s extensive research focuses on the economy of West Michigan, providing valuable insights through numerous local articles and reports. His work covers diverse topics including economic growth forecasts, the state of entrepreneurship, healthcare costs, environmental clean-up values, the economic impacts of various activities, and the costs and benefits of wind power. His expertise has made him a go-to source for interviews on TV, radio, and in newspapers regarding the West Michigan economy and its relationship to national and state economies.
Real Estate Economic Update and Forecast
Friday, April 25, 3:00 PM
2025 is a make-or-break year for real estate investors. With interest rates in flux, inflation pressures shifting, and economic uncertainty mounting, the old playbook won’t work. The opportunities are there—but only for those who know where to look.
Dr. Paul Isely, a leading economist and expert in market analysis, returns to the Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference to deliver one of the most highly anticipated sessions of the year.
In a volatile economic landscape and a shifting political climate, investors can’t afford to guess. This session delivers the hard data and expert insights that will shape your next move—so you can act with confidence instead of reacting to uncertainty. He will cover where housing prices and rents are headed, whether financing will tighten or ease, which policies and regulations could change the game for investors, and what economic signals actually matter.
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This is always one of the most popular sessions at the conference, and in a year like this, it’s absolutely a can’t miss. Whether you're buying, selling, pivoting, or holding, the insights you gain here could be the difference between staying ahead of the market or getting left behind.