-Messenger photo: Bill Shea
Two real estate signs have been installed along Williams Drive, and local real estate agents say the market is stable and active.
The National Association of Realtors reported that home prices hit an all-time high nationwide in June, but the housing market remains sluggish as fewer people nationwide bought homes in June and July.
But local real estate agents say the housing market in Fort Dodge and Webster counties remains relatively stable and active compared to national trends.
“Our community is very diverse, with a spread of inventory to fit a variety of price ranges,” said Keenan Schur, 2024 president of the Fort Dodge Association of Realtors and broker associate and co-owner with Coldwell Banker Associated Realtors.
“Fort Dodge has a lot to offer as a community,” he said. “We have great retail and manufacturing development, our education system is changing and growing, there are many quality of life initiatives underway and more to come. I'm very optimistic about the direction the city is heading.”
“Fort Dodge and Webster counties have remained relatively stable and active compared to national trends,” added Todd McCubbin, associate broker and co-owner of Kesterson Real Estate. “While national reports indicate a sluggish market, our region is benefiting from steady demand driven by local industry, ongoing development and the appeal of small-town living with modern amenities.”
Schur said the median sales price in the Fort Dodge area is $168,000, lower than the state average of $220,000 and the national average of $412,000.
Webster County homes don't sell quickly with multiple potential buyers or prices above asking price, but they do have more real estate agents involved in marketing and may take longer to sell.The average days on the market in Webster County is about 67 days, up from 59 days last year, Schur said.
“Our inventory is a little bit up from last year, and it feels like we're getting back to a normal market for a small town in Iowa,” added Jeremiah Condon, associate broker and co-owner of Kesterson Real Estate. “There's a limited pool of buyers, and just because a home has been on the market a little longer than the national average doesn't necessarily mean there's something wrong with the home. You might only have four buyers in that pool, but if three of them don't like it because the bathroom is too small and one wants the stove to be gas, you're going to have to make a new buyer.”
McCubbin said buyers are coming to the Fort Dodge and Webster County areas.
“Local businesses and initiatives play a role in maintaining the charm of our neighborhoods,” says McCubbin. “Projects like Corridor Plaza, Main Street Iowa and Vision 2050 not only improve our quality of life, but they also attract new residents and investors, further revitalizing our real estate market.”
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