We’re closing 2025, and welcoming 2026 with optimistic anticipation — the kind that feels a lot like watching the sunrise. There’s a quiet sense of new beginnings in the air, a reminder that every year brings fresh opportunities, new possibilities, and renewed energy. As we step forward, we’re also taking a moment to look back — learning from what shaped us — while keeping our eyes ahead on what’s yet to come.

Local Real Estate Trends That Mattered in 2025

Fort Wayne’s real estate market continued to show resilience, balance, and opportunity — even as conditions evolved throughout the year.

Across the country, economic uncertainty and fluctuating mortgage rates influenced how buyers and sellers approached the market. Locally, however, Fort Wayne carved out its own story: inventory gradually expanded, prices remained steady with modest growth, and buyers gained just a little more breathing room when making decisions. Opportunities didn’t disappear — they simply looked different.

More Options for Buyers

Early in the year, inventory grew year-over-year by roughly 29%, giving buyers more choices than they’d seen in recent cycles. Significant growth continued throughout the year, with an 19% year-over-year rise by the end of November 2025. This uptick helped ease some of the pressure buyers felt in previous years, signaling a more balanced market.

Sales Activity Softened Slightly

At various points in 2025, pending and closed sales dipped compared to the previous year. Higher interest rates and a wider selection of homes naturally slowed activity — but they also created space for thoughtful, well-prepared buyers.

Prices Held Steady With Mild Growth

Median home prices in our region rose modestly. In April, the median sales price was about $245,000, up around 4% year-over-year. This showed continued local demand even amid shifting market conditions.

Homes Stayed on Market a Little Longer

Homes took longer to sell compared to the fast-paced environment of recent years. Many buyers welcomed this, as it reduced bidding wars and allowed more time to evaluate options. Still, properties that were marketed, staged, and priced correctly continued to move — often with strong interest — right from the beginning. In fact recent data from the Upstate Alliance of REALTORS disclose that sellers still received 95.1% sale price as a percentage of the list price.

Diverse Pricing Dynamics

Median home values ranged from around $210,000 to the mid-$270,000 range in late 2025 — reflecting how different neighborhoods and property types are trending within the greater Fort Wayne area.

Fort Wayne Earned National Recognition

Amid all the shifts, Fort Wayne shone nationally — ranking #17 out of 200 metro areas in the Wall Street Journal/Realtor.com Housing Market Index for fall 2025. This ranking reflects a market with solid activity, stability, and a high quality of life at attainable price points.

What It Means for You

For Buyers

2025 taught us that preparation is power. With inventory more accessible than in recent years, buyers who came prepared — with lender pre-approvals and clear criteria — found that opportunities were out there. Yet the market still favors those who act with confidence and strategy.

For Sellers

While bidding wars weren’t as frequent, well-priced, well-presented homes still captured attention. Sellers who leaned on accurate pricing, thoughtful staging, and trusted local guidance saw strong results and connected with qualified buyers.

Even in times of transition, there’s always a silver lining.

Whether you’re buying your first home, upsizing, downsizing, investing, or simply curious about your home’s current value, now is a smart time to start building a strategy that fits your goals. Reach out to the Regan + Ferguson Group — we’re here to help you navigate every step with clarity and confidence.

As we welcome the new year, may it inspire us to grow, dream bigger, and move forward with optimism for what’s ahead.