by Tammy Murphy | Jun 2, 2026 | BLOG, Buyers, Market Updates, Neighbor Chat, Real Estate News, Real Homes to Love, Sellers
Montgomery County real estate market trends for May 2026 reveal a market that may appear to be adjusting on the surface—but remains highly competitive underneath. While some pricing metrics softened slightly, buyer demand and inventory levels continue to tell a much stronger story.
What Happened in the Market This Month
May brought a mix of subtle pricing shifts and strong demand indicators:
• Median Sales Price: $233,000 (-0.9%)
• Average Sales Price: $261,880 (+0.3%)
• Price per Square Foot: $153 (slight decrease)
• Homes for Sale: 968 (-2.8%)
• Closed Sales: 640 (no change)
• Days on Market: 27 (-12.9%)
• Pending Sales: 763 (+17%)
• Months Supply: 1.7 (-5.6%)
At first glance, it may look like the market is leveling out. But when you look deeper, the data shows that demand is still very much present—and active.
What Montgomery County Real Estate Market Trends Mean Right Now
This market is not slowing—it’s tightening.
The surge in pending sales tells us that buyers are still entering the market and making decisions. At the same time, inventory continues to decline and homes are selling faster.
That combination keeps pressure on buyers, even when pricing shows small adjustments.
However, there is an important real-time shift that is not fully reflected in the monthly data.
A Real-Time Look at What’s Happening Right Now
The last two weeks of May were noticeably quiet in several areas.
Showing activity slowed. Movement paused. In some neighborhoods, it felt like things came to a standstill.
That kind of shift can easily give the impression that the market is slowing down.
But in reality, this appears to be more of a temporary pause than a true change in direction.
Seasonal timing plays a role—graduations, end-of-school schedules, and transitions into summer often create a brief slowdown in activity.
And when buyers step back—even briefly—it can feel like the entire market has shifted.
Where the Market is Headed Next
This is where things get important.
When a pause like this happens in a market that already has:
• Low inventory
• Strong buyer demand
• Fast-moving homes
…it often doesn’t last long.
As we move into summer, we typically see buyers re-enter the market quickly. And when they do, activity doesn’t gradually build—it accelerates.
That’s why this current window may be one of the most important moments for buyers.
Those who act now may experience less competition.
Those who wait may find themselves entering a much more aggressive and fast-moving environment.
In other words:
The market didn’t slow—it paused. And that pause may not last.
Why Experience in Today’s Market Matters
There’s a lot of noise right now about the market—some comparing it to “COVID-like conditions” and others brushing it off as sales pressure.
But here’s the reality from someone who is actively working in it every single day:
This market is moving fast. Faster than many buyers expect.
You may not have the luxury of taking a day—or even a night—to think about whether a home is right for you. By the time you decide, there’s a strong chance multiple offers are already on the table.
That’s not a sales tactic. That’s what is actually happening.
As a REALTOR® and Broker/Owner with over 25 years in this business, I bring experience—but just as importantly, I bring current, real-time insight.
I’m not removed from the market. I’m in it.
Showing homes. Writing offers. Negotiating deals. Watching how buyers and sellers are reacting right now—not months ago.
That matters.
Because success in this market isn’t just about understanding real estate—it’s about understanding timing, competition, and how decisions are being made in the moment.
And that only comes from being actively involved, not just observing from the sidelines.
In this market, hesitation doesn’t just slow you down—it can take the opportunity off the table entirely.
by Tammy Murphy | May 2, 2026 | BLOG, Buyers, Current Events, Market Updates, Neighbor Chat, Networking, Real Estate News, Real Homes to Love, Sellers
What Happened in the Market This Month
April brought strong movement across key indicators:
• Median Sales Price: $243,750 (+18.2%)
• Homes for Sale: Down 8.2%
• Days on Market: 28 days (-33.3%)
• Pending Sales: Up 21.1%
• Percent of List Price: 100%
These numbers confirm one thing: demand is not just steady—it is increasing.
What This Means for Buyers and Sellers
For buyers, the strategy of waiting is becoming more costly.
Homes are moving quickly, and strong offers are becoming the norm. The buyers who are succeeding right now are prepared, decisive, and ready to act immediately.
For sellers, this is a window of opportunity.
Low inventory combined with strong buyer demand creates favorable conditions for pricing, negotiation strength, and shorter timelines.
Where the Market is Headed Next
The most important signal in this market is not just price—it’s behavior.
• Buyer activity is rising
• Inventory is tightening
• Speed is increasing
Unless inventory levels increase significantly, we can expect continued upward pressure on pricing and continued competition among buyers.
Why Experience in Today’s Market Matters
There’s a lot of noise right now about the market—some comparing it to “COVID-like conditions” and others brushing it off as sales pressure.
But here’s the reality from someone who is actively working in it every single day:
This market is moving fast. Faster than many buyers expect.
You may not have the luxury of taking a day—or even a night—to think about whether a home is right for you. By the time you decide, there’s a strong chance multiple offers are already on the table.
That’s not a sales tactic. That’s what is actually happening.
As a REALTOR® and Broker/Owner with over 25 years in this business, I bring experience—but just as importantly, I bring current, real-time insight.
I’m not removed from the market. I’m in it.
Showing homes. Writing offers. Negotiating deals. Watching how buyers and sellers are reacting right now—not months ago.
That matters.
Because success in this market isn’t just about understanding real estate—it’s about understanding timing, competition, and how decisions are being made in the moment.
And that only comes from being actively involved, not just observing from the sidelines.
by Tammy Murphy | Apr 14, 2026 | Buyers, Market Updates, Neighbor Chat, Networking, Real Estate News, Real Homes to Love, Sellers
March 2026 Market Recap: Dayton Defies National Trends
Last month, we shared early signs of a steady start to 2026. March has now confirmed that trend—showing stronger listing activity, increased buyer movement, and continued price growth. What we’re seeing isn’t a slowdown—it’s a more balanced, sustainable market taking shape as we head into spring…
While much of the country saw a slowdown in housing activity, the Dayton Ohio real estate market in March 2026 moved in the opposite direction.
Instead of cooling, our local market gained momentum—just in time for the spring season.
Across nearly every key metric, activity increased:
- New Listings: 1,614 homes (+9%)
- Homes Sold: 1,163 transactions (+8%)
- Total Sales Volume: $340.5M (+12%)
- Median Sale Price: $260,000 (+8.3%)
- Average Sale Price: $292,813 (+3.6%)
At the same time, inventory remained active:
- Active Inventory: 1,856 homes
- Pending Sales: 1,898 properties
Although homes are still selling quickly, the sale-to-list price ratio dipped slightly to 99.4%, signaling a subtle shift toward more balanced conditions.
Q1 2026 Year-to-Date: A Strong Start to the Year
Looking beyond March, the first quarter confirms that Dayton’s housing market remains stable and growing.
From January through March 2026:
- New Listings: 3,857 (+4.7%)
- Homes Sold: 2,900 (+4%)
- Total Sales Volume: $828.9M (+7.8%)
- Median Sale Price: $254,650 (+8.3%)
- Average Sale Price: $285,861 (+3.6%)
Even with slight shifts in negotiation dynamics, the market continues to show consistent appreciation and healthy transaction volume.
A More Balanced—but Still Competitive—Market
One of the most important trends to watch:
- Sale-to-list ratio: 98.7% (slightly down)
This indicates that while homes are still selling close to asking price, buyers are beginning to regain a bit of leverage.
NOW – While the data shows a more balanced market overall, the best homes are still creating urgency, competition, and quick decision-making for buyers.
Here’s the reality on the ground:
➡️ Well-priced, well-presented homes are still moving FAST
➡️ Serious buyers must act immediately
➡️ Preparation—not just interest—is what wins deals
This is not a contradiction—it’s a layered market.
Just this week, I caught a listing the moment it hit the system, contacted my client immediately, and we were touring before the sign even hit the yard—and we secured the deal!
by Tammy Murphy | Mar 21, 2026 | Buyers, Investor Relations, Market Updates, Neighbor Chat, Networking, Real Estate News, Real Homes to Love
The Dayton housing market saw a slight seasonal slowdown in February, largely influenced by extended cold temperatures and winter weather — but the overall story remains one of stability and continued price growth.
Even with fewer homes coming to market and a small dip in sales activity, home values continued to rise, reinforcing the strength of our local market.
📊 Key Market Highlights
- New Listings: 1,076 (down 3.8%)
- Closed Sales: 906 (down 2.3%)
- Total Sales Volume: $259.9M (up 2.3%)
- Median Sale Price: $252,750 (up 5.4%)
- Average Sale Price: $286,835 (up 4.7%)
- Inventory: 1,926 homes
- Months of Supply: ~2 months
💰 Prices Continue to Lead the Story
While activity slowed slightly, pricing continued to climb.
The median and average sale prices both posted solid year-over-year gains, showing that buyer demand remains strong enough to support appreciation, even during a slower winter month.
🏠 Inventory Remains Tight
At just 2 months of supply, Dayton continues to operate in a seller’s market.
Even though inventory is slightly improved compared to recent years, it remains below the level considered balanced — meaning well-prepared homes are still moving quickly.
❤️ What This Means
This is not a declining market — it’s a seasonally adjusted, stabilizing one.
- Sellers continue to benefit from strong pricing
- Buyers are seeing slightly less competition than peak seasons
- Strategic timing and preparation matter more than ever
📞 Planning Your Next Move?
As we head into the spring market, now is the time to prepare — whether you’re buying, selling, or simply exploring your options.
👉 Let’s connect and create a plan that fits your goals.
by Tammy Murphy | Mar 20, 2026 | BLOG, Buyers, Market Updates, Neighbor Chat, Networking, Sellers
Dayton Area Real Estate Market Update: When the Weather Moves… So Do Buyers
If you’ve lived in Ohio for more than five minutes, you already know the rule:
“Don’t like the weather? Wait five minutes.”
What we’re seeing right now in the Dayton-area real estate market is that this saying doesn’t just apply to the forecast…
👉 It’s directly impacting buyer behavior.
🌷 The “False Spring” Effect Is Real
Every year, we get teased with those early warm days—sunshine, 60 degrees, maybe even a hint of spring in the air.
And what happens?
✔ Showings spike
✔ Open houses are packed
✔ Buyers feel urgency again
✔ Listings suddenly get attention
For a few days, it feels like the market has officially “woken up.”
But then…
❄️ Reality Hits (Sometimes Overnight)
A 30–40 degree drop.
Wind. Rain. Maybe even snow (because… Ohio).
And just like that:
➡️ Showings slow down
➡️ Buyers pause
➡️ Open house traffic drops
➡️ Momentum feels like it disappears
It’s not that buyers lose interest—it’s that weather creates hesitation.
🧠 What Buyers Are Really Thinking Right Now
Today’s buyers are navigating more than just price and interest rates—they’re reacting to how they feel in the moment.
When the sun is out:
-
“Let’s go look at houses.”
-
“This feels like the right time to move.”
-
“We don’t want to miss out.”
When it’s cold, gray, or stormy:
That emotional shift is happening week to week… sometimes day to day.
📊 What This Means for Sellers
This “weather-dependent market” creates opportunity—if you know how to work with it.
Timing matters more than ever.
✔ List or push marketing when the weather breaks
✔ Schedule open houses on warm, sunny weekends
✔ Be ready for quick bursts of activity
✔ Understand slower days don’t mean lack of interest
The buyers are there. They’re just waiting for the right moment to move.
🔑 What This Means for Buyers
If you’re actively searching:
👉 The best opportunities often show up when the weather isn’t perfect.
Less competition.
More time to evaluate.
Better negotiating position.
While others pause… you can move strategically.
💡 The New “Normal” in Our Market
In past years, we’d talk about:
-
Spring market
-
Summer slowdown
-
Fall transitions
Now?
We’re seeing micro-markets driven by weather patterns.
A few warm days = mini buying surge
A cold snap = temporary pause
And it repeats.
❤️ Final Thought
Real estate in Ohio has always required flexibility—but right now, it requires awareness and timing.
The market isn’t stopping.
It’s just… reacting.
📣 Let’s Talk Strategy
Whether you’re thinking about buying or selling, the key right now is knowing when to act—and how to position yourself when the market shifts.
If you’re curious what this means for your specific situation, I’m always happy to have a quick, no-pressure conversation.
👉 Let’s create a plan that works with the market—not against it.
by Tammy Murphy | Feb 12, 2026 | BLOG, Buyers, Current Events, Investor Relations, Market Updates, Neighbor Chat, Networking, Real Estate News, Real Homes to Love, Sellers
While National Sales Slowed in January… Dayton Started 2026 Strong
January 2026 housing data is a tale of two markets.
Nationally, the numbers came in softer than expected. Existing-home sales declined 8.4% in January to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.91 million. Month-over-month and year-over-year sales fell across all regions.
Economists pointed to unusually cold temperatures and above-normal precipitation as likely contributors, making it difficult to determine whether January’s dip reflects broader economic forces or simply weather-related delays.
However, there is an important national takeaway: affordability has been improving for several consecutive months, and homeowners continue to build long-term equity and wealth.
So while transaction counts were lower nationally, the fundamentals are stabilizing.
And then there’s Ohio.
Ohio Outperformed — And So Did Dayton
After attending our State Winter Conference and hearing the national economic review firsthand, one statement stood out:
“Ohio outperformed the national average by 6.9% in 2025.”
That strength carried right into January.
According to Dayton-area MLS data, our local market told a very different story:
And it gets even stronger.
Sales Volume
Pricing Strength
-
Average sale price: $276,169 (up 2.5%)
-
Median sale price: $237,500 (up 3%)
Inventory Growth
And remember — this happened during one of the coldest January stretches in recent years.
What This Means for Buyers & Sellers in Dayton
While national headlines highlight slowing sales, Dayton demonstrated:
✔ Stable demand
✔ Healthy appreciation
✔ Increasing listing activity
✔ Balanced inventory growth
This is not a stagnant market.
This is a steady, functioning, resilient one.
Affordability is gradually improving due to wage growth and slightly lower mortgage rates. Combine that with Ohio’s relative price point, and our region continues to be positioned as a value-driven market with long-term upside.
The Bigger Picture
National media often focuses on slowdown, price corrections, or interest rates.
But real estate is hyper-local.
And locally?
Dayton began 2026 with:
That tells a very different story than the national narrative.
If you’re watching the market — whether as a homeowner, buyer, investor, or simply someone who cares about local economic strength — January shows that our region remains notably strong.
And that’s something worth paying attention to. Want an even more micro-view on your neighborhood activity? Tammy is happy to pull the specific data for you 🙂
