September Market Update

September’s market in Marion and Polk Counties shows signs of leveling out. Fewer homes closed and fewer new listings hit the market, which means buyers have slightly less to choose from. Homes are taking a bit longer to sell, but prices remain steady and even ticked upward—showing that well-presented, correctly priced homes are still moving.

For sellers, this means strategy is everything. The days of “list it and it’s gone” are behind us for now. Pricing realistically, investing in presentation, and staying flexible with negotiations are what’s getting results.

For buyers, a little patience can go a long way. With homes staying on the market longer, there’s room to negotiate and opportunities to find homes that may have been overlooked by others.

Let’s break down what the numbers are telling us:

283 homes closed in September, which is down about 8% from the previous month. That tells us fewer homes are selling, partly due to the natural seasonal slowdown and partly because buyers are taking a little more time to make decisions.

The median sale price landed at $461,995, up nearly 3%. Prices inching upward even with fewer sales suggests that demand remains solid, especially for homes that are priced right and move-in ready. Sellers who position their homes well are still seeing strong results.

Homes spent an average of 64 days on the market. That means buyers are being more selective, and it’s taking a bit longer for the right match to happen—but homes are still selling.

Active inventory dropped to 975 homes, down about 3%. With fewer homes available, buyers may find themselves competing a bit more for the listings that stand out.

378 new listings hit the market, which is also down around 5%. This lower number of new homes coming up for sale reflects the typical fall slowdown, as many sellers wait for spring to re-list or make their next move.

What to Expect Heading Into Winter

As we move into the winter months, we can expect inventory to tighten even more. Fewer homeowners tend to list during the holidays, but those who do often attract serious, motivated buyers.

For buyers, winter can actually be an advantage. There’s less competition, and sellers who are on the market this time of year are usually ready to negotiate.

For sellers, the key is standing out. With fewer new listings, you have less competition—but presentation and pricing still matter. Homes that show well and are priced appropriately continue to move, even in the slower season.

If interest rates hold steady or drop slightly, that could spark more buyer activity through the winter and set up a busy spring market ahead.

Bottom Line

September’s numbers show a market that’s balancing out—not overly hot, not cold, but steady and strategic. Sellers need to be intentional, and buyers need to be ready. With the right timing and approach, both can find success even as the weather cools down.

Thinking about buying or selling this winter? Let’s chat about what these trends mean for your next move.