Fewer Sales, Higher Prices: What the Latest Numbers Really Say
If you have been hearing that the housing market is slowing down, that is partly true—but it does not mean home prices are falling across Southwest Missouri.
The newest figures from the Greater Springfield Board of REALTORS® cover August sales in Greene, Christian, and Webster counties. The three-county area recorded 563 residential sales, down 5.1% from 593 sales in August 2025. At the same time, the median sale price increased 4.7% to $288,000, and the average sale price climbed 7.4% to $337,718.
In plain English: fewer homes changed hands, but buyers still paid more for the homes that did sell.
Homes Are Taking a Little Longer to Sell
The average time on market for the three-county area increased from 36 days last August to 38 days this August. Cumulative days on market rose from 50 to 58 days.
That gives buyers a little more breathing room than they had during the frantic market of a few years ago. It also means sellers need to pay closer attention to condition, presentation, and price. A well-maintained home that is priced correctly can still attract attention quickly. An overpriced property may sit while buyers compare it with better values.
The County-by-County Picture
The market is not moving exactly the same way everywhere:
• Greene County: 372 homes sold, down 7.0%. The median price was $265,000, up 1.3%. Average days on market improved slightly, falling from 34 to 32 days.
• Christian County: 140 homes sold, down 7.3%. The median price rose 9.0% to $333,564. Average days on market increased sharply from 38 to 51 days.
• Webster County: 51 homes sold, up 21.4%. The median price increased 12.6% to $308,000. Because Webster County has fewer monthly sales, its percentages can swing more dramatically.
Springfield city data also shows continued activity. Zillow reported 1,036 homes for sale at the end of August, a typical home value of $245,882, and homes going pending in about 15 days. Half of July sales closed below the original list price, which suggests buyers may have negotiating room on at least some properties.
Mortgage Rates Moved Higher
The national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose to 6.95% on September 17, up from 6.76% the week before, according to Freddie Mac. The 15-year average rose to 6.26%.
That increase matters because a buyer’s monthly payment can change even when the home’s price does not. Buyers should get a fresh lender quote before making an offer and compare more than one loan option. Sellers should remember that affordability—not just interest in the home—may limit what a qualified buyer can offer.
What This Means for Buyers and Sellers
For buyers: More time on market and a large share of homes selling below list price may create opportunities to negotiate on price, repairs, closing costs, or a temporary interest-rate buydown. The strongest properties can still move quickly, so being fully preapproved remains important.
For sellers: Prices are still holding up, but the market is less forgiving of unrealistic pricing. Preparing the home properly and pricing it from recent neighborhood sales—not last year’s headlines—will matter.
For small investors: Higher borrowing costs make the numbers tighter. Base any offer on realistic rent, repairs, taxes, insurance, vacancy, and today’s financing rather than hoping appreciation will rescue a weak deal.
Brad’s Bottom Line
Southwest Missouri is not in a housing crash. We have a more selective market: fewer closings, somewhat longer selling times, higher financing costs, and prices that are still generally above last year’s levels. Buyers have regained some leverage, but sellers with a desirable, accurately priced property are still in a solid position.
Every home and neighborhood is different. If you are thinking about buying, selling, or investing in Springfield or the surrounding Southwest Missouri area, I can help you look at the numbers that apply to your situation.
Brad Keck, REALTOR®
Murney Associates, Realtors
Mobile Phone: (417) 209-4976
Murney Associates, Realtors
1625 E. Primrose
Springfield, MO 65804
Office Phone: (417) 823-2300
Sources:
Greater Springfield Board of REALTORS® — August 2026 Market Statistics
https://gsbor.com/market-statistics/
Freddie Mac — Mortgage Rates as of September 17, 2026
https://www.freddiemac.com/pmms
Zillow — Springfield, Missouri Housing Market
https://www.zillow.com/home-values/7222/springfield-mo/
Market information is believed reliable but is not guaranteed. Mortgage rates and loan terms vary by borrower and lender. This post is general information, not lending, legal, or financial advice.
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