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More Choices, Steady Prices and a Changing Pace
More homes to choose from. More time to consider a purchase. And more competition when it’s time to sell. September’s housing market update shows how the market is shifting, while also offering an encouraging reminder: homes are selling, and overall prices are holding steady.
Based on the latest market analysis from Wallace Real Estate Chief Operating Officer Claudia Stallings, here’s what September’s numbers mean for your next move.
Buyers have more choices
More homes came on the market this September than in September 2025, continuing a trend we’ve seen through much of this year. The total number of active listings, or homes available for sale, was also up about 8% compared with a year ago.
For buyers, that means more opportunities to compare homes, weigh priorities and find a property that fits their needs. With more options available, buyers have a little more room to be thoughtful about their decisions.
For sellers, the increased selection makes it especially important to stand out. A well-prepared home, strong photography and marketing, and a price that reflects current conditions can help attract attention in a more competitive market.
Homes are selling, even as buyers become more selective
September’s pending sales, which are homes under contract but not yet closed, were slightly below last September and down from August. Some of that slowdown reflects the usual seasonal shift as summer gives way to fall.
The broader picture is encouraging, though. Both pending sales and closed sales through the first nine months of 2026 are ahead of last year. September closings were also noticeably stronger than in September 2025.
Buyers are still making moves. They’re simply taking a closer look at their options, which means sellers need to give them a compelling reason to choose their home.
More inventory is bringing the market closer to balance
September ended with approximately six months of housing supply, a measure that compares the number of available homes with the pace of sales.
That’s a significant change from the limited inventory of a few years ago. It helps explain why buyers have more negotiating room and sellers face more competition.
Interestingly, months of supply was slightly lower than last September, even with more homes on the market. Increased sales activity is helping absorb that additional inventory, a sign that demand remains active.
Prices are holding steady
September’s median sales price was $380,000, essentially unchanged from a year earlier. The median is the midpoint of all sale prices, with half of homes selling above that amount and half below.
Despite the increase in available homes, the overall median price has remained steady. The data points toward stabilizing prices rather than the rapid appreciation seen during the market’s busiest years.
For sellers, that makes recent comparable sales especially useful when setting a price. For buyers, it’s a reminder that having more choices doesn’t necessarily mean prices are falling across the board.
Sellers should plan for a longer timeline
Homes that sold in September spent an average of 74 days on the market, longer than last year and substantially longer than during the hottest years of the market.
That average isn’t a prediction for every property, but it does suggest that sellers should build more time into their plans. If a home isn’t generating showings or offers, reviewing its price, presentation and marketing with an agent can help determine the next step.
What does this mean for your next move?
September’s numbers point to an increasingly balanced market: more selection for buyers, more competition for sellers, and continued sales activity with steady overall prices.
Your experience will depend on the home, its location and its price range. Whether you’re preparing to sell or beginning your search, a Wallace Real Estate agent can help you understand the conditions that matter most to you and create a plan for your next move.
