-Messenger photo by Bill Shea
There are two real estate signs along Williams Drive. Local real estate agents say the market is stable and active.
Home prices hit a national high in June, as the nation’s housing market continues to be sluggish, with fewer people buying homes nationwide in June and July, according to a report from the National Association of Realtors.
However, according to local real estate agents, the real estate market in Fort Dodge and Webster County is relatively stable and active compared to the national trend.
“We have a pretty diverse community and a wide range of offerings that fit into different price ranges,” said Keenan Schuur, 2024 president of the Fort Dodge Board of Realtors and broker partner and co-owner of Coldwell Banker Associated Realtors.
“Fort Dodge has a lot to offer as a community,” he said. “We have seen a strong increase in development in retail and manufacturing, changes and growth in our education systems, and we have launched many quality of life initiatives with more in the pipeline. I am very optimistic about the city’s development.”
“Fort Dodge and Webster County are relatively stable and active compared to the national trend,” added Todd McCubbin, associate broker and co-owner of Kesterson Realty. “Although the national report indicates a weaker market, our region benefits from consistent demand driven by local industry, ongoing developments and the appeal of small-town living with modern amenities.”
According to Schuur, the average sales price in the Fort Dodge area is $168,000, which is below the state average of $220,000. The national average is $412,000.
While homes in Webster County don’t sell immediately despite having multiple offers and prices above asking price, homes do sell with more marketing effort from the agent and some take longer to sell. According to Schuur, the average time to sell in Webster County is about 67 days, which is an increase from 59 days last year.
“Our inventory has increased slightly compared to previous years and it almost feels like we are returning to our normal small-town market in Iowa,” added Jeremiah Condon, associate broker and co-owner of Kesterson Realty. “We may only have a limited number of buyers in a particular area and just because a house has been on the market a little longer than the national average doesn’t necessarily mean there’s something wrong with the house. We may only have four buyers in that area and if three of them don’t like it because the bathroom is too small and the other needs a gas stove, then we have to find a new buyer.”
And according to McCubbin, buyers are coming to Fort Dodge and the Webster County area.
“Local companies and initiatives help to maintain the attractiveness of the area,” said McCubbin. “Projects like Corridor Plaza, Mainstreet Iowa and Vision 2050 not only improve the quality of life, but also attract new residents and investors and further stimulate the real estate market.”
