Posted on
October 3, 2025
by
Sherlock Homes Real Estate Team
Back to School, Back to Balance: Buyers and Sellers Sharpen Their Pencils
September brings the return of routine—and the Columbia Valley real estate market is settling into its own rhythm, too. With balanced sales activity, slight price adjustments, and steady buyer interest, the post-summer season is shaping up to be a smart time to move, whether you're buying your first home or making a strategic sale.
Here’s your September market recap to help you plan your next move wisely:
📊 September 2025 Market Snapshot (Year-over-Year)
| Metric | Sept 2024 | Sept 2025 | % Change |
|---|
| Sold Listings | 35 | 35 | ➡️ No change |
| New Listings | 73 | 63 | ⬇️ -13.7% |
| Average List Price | $722,693 | $741,597 | ⬆️ +2.62% |
| Average Sale Price | $678,180 | $708,258 | ⬆️ +4.43% |
| Sale-to-List Price Ratio | 93.84% | 95.51% | ⬆️ +1.78% |
| Average Days on Market (DOM) | 100.17 days | 82.69 days | ⬇️ -17.45% |
| End-of-Month Inventory | 308 | 275 | ⬇️ -10.71% |
| Months of Inventory (MOI) | 8.8 | 7.86 | ⬇️ -10.68% |
🍂 Key Market Takeaways – Sharpen Those Fall Strategies
📉 Inventory Tightens
New listings dropped nearly 14% while sales held steady, tightening the market and creating more balanced conditions. The current Months of Inventory sits at 7.86, slightly leaning toward a seller’s market.
📈 Prices Nudge Up
The average sale price rose 4.43% year-over-year, and sellers are achieving 95.5% of their list price on average. It’s a subtle signal of growing buyer confidence heading into fall.
⏱️ Homes Selling Faster
Days on market dropped by over 17%, showing that well-priced and well-marketed homes are moving quicker than they did this time last year.
🧠 What This Means for You
🎯 Buyers:
The fall market offers less competition than spring or summer.
With inventory slightly down, being pre-approved and offer-ready gives you an edge.
Many listings priced earlier in the season may now be open to negotiation.
🏡 Sellers:
September’s stats show a healthier list-to-sale price ratio and quicker turnaround—a good sign for motivated sellers.
With fewer new listings entering the market, your property has a better chance to stand out.
Back-to-school buyers are often serious buyers. Strike while motivation is high!
📚 Final Thoughts: Class is in Session
As we flip the calendar into fall, the Columbia Valley market is neither overheated nor cooling—it’s smart and steady. Whether you're upgrading, downsizing, or buying your first home, the current conditions offer clarity and opportunity.
Need help navigating your next real estate decision with confidence? Let’s chat.
📞 Geoff Sherlock
📧 geoff@remaxinvermere.com
🧭 Sherlock Homes Real Estate Team | RE/MAX Invermere
📞 Lindsey Sherlock
📧 lindsey@remaxinvermere.com
🧭 Sherlock Homes Real Estate Team | RE/MAX Invermere
