What’s Happening in the Market

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The Market · October 2026

What’s
Happening

in the market

A note from the field, this fall.

By Lisa Hannah-Leff

median price $315K existing homes, up 4.7% from a year ago¹

days to sell 35 days on the market, on average¹

of asking 96.7% of original asking price received, on average¹

of supply 2.5 months of homes for sale¹

Kansas City metro · September 2026

So far this year +2.3% more homes sold than at this point last year¹

Prices up, sales slower

The Kansas City market is shifting as we head into fall. Prices are still climbing, with the metro median for existing homes at $315,000 in September, up 4.7% from a year ago.¹ But fewer homes are changing hands. Closed sales were down 6.2%, and pending sales were down almost 16%,¹ as buyers weigh mortgage rates that have climbed back above 7%.² Even so, more homes have sold so far this year than at this point last year.¹

Still selling, and selling well

Homes are still selling, and selling well. The average home sold in about 35 days in September, and sellers received 96.7% of their original asking price.¹ That number is an average, and the homes that come closest to full price are the ones priced right from day one.

Buyers aren’t overpaying the way they were a few years ago. They’re informed, they compare carefully, and they’re happy to pay well for a home that’s priced right and shows beautifully. That’s good news on both sides of the table. In this market, it’s all about pricing and presentation.

Inventory is still tight at about 2.5 months of supply, which keeps the right homes in demand.¹

“

Buyers can afford to be pickier in this market, so pricing and presentation matter more than ever.

a year ago 6.27%

this week 7.40% average 30-year fixed mortgage rate²

Looking ahead to next year

Mortgage rates have climbed this fall. Freddie Mac’s weekly average for a 30-year fixed loan was 7.40% on October 15, up from 6.27% a year earlier.² Fannie Mae’s economists now expect rates to stay around 7.5% through 2027, with home prices nationally rising just 0.6% next year.³

Forecasts change often, and Kansas City doesn’t always move with the national numbers.

For sellers

Pricing and presentation matter more than ever. Fresh paint, decluttered spaces and beautiful photography are what separate a home that sells in weeks from one that lingers.

For buyers

Fall is a real opportunity. There are fewer people competing for the same homes, and that means room to be selective and to negotiate with confidence. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to start looking, this season is worth a real look.

Lisa

¹ Heartland MLS data via the Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS®, Monthly Indicators, September 2026 (existing homes).

² Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey, October 15, 2026.

³ Fannie Mae Economic and Strategic Research Group, October 2026 housing forecast.

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