Real estate in the greater Big Rapids area is experiencing a tight, but healthy market so far in 2026.

According to data from Property Makler, 2026 housing trends are more balanced overall in terms of pricing and inventory since COVID-19. One thing that has risen is the median listing price, which averages out to about the $160-$180 range per square foot. This is similar to the numbers over the past two years and almost doubled the prices during the pandemic. 

After reaching out to local real estate agents and brokers, all respondents described the market as more favorable since 2020.

“I would describe our market in west-central Michigan as healthy,” said Chip Issette, managing broker at Century 21 White House Realty. “There are still relatively low levels of inventory which ultimately will keep selling prices at a premium.”

“Buyers have a little more breathing room than they did a few years ago, but good homes are still moving,” said Brittany Felde, broker and owner of Felde Realty. “Big Rapids market data shows homes are taking longer to sell than last year in some segments.”

“Overall housing inventory is up almost 25% year-over-year, giving buyers more choices and leading to more frequent ‘value’ buys,” said Joe McNally, owner and broker of RE/MAX Together. “Average values are actually still up slightly from last year at 5% despite the market swinging ever closer to a buyer's market, a market that favors buyers at the negotiating table. I think we will continue to see this trend grow, with even more inventory. As housing prices flatten to allow wages to catch up, I think in the long term this will be helpful to the overall market health, especially first-time homebuyers.”

Common points between respondents include a clear “cooling” from the post-COVID market, which showed a rapid selling rate due to low inventory and elevated rates. There also was an emphasis on home values and inventory staying consistent, or even increasing, in the immediate future. This could benefit first-time homebuyers in a large way.

Century 21 White House Realty, which reported record sales over the past two years, says new developments should keep the market moving.

“The push for affordable housing continues and so there is an influx of ready, willing and able buyers to keep our market rolling,” Issette said. “Some future development locally will certainly help to fill that void.”

Felde Realty mentioned how specific property locations and their listing prices have had an impact on the amount of days listed.

“Zillow shows Big Rapids average home values up about 6.2% year-over-year, while Redfin shows some short-term price softening, which tells me the market is very property-specific,” Felde said. “Over the next few months, I expect the market to stay steady, with well-priced homes still selling and overpriced homes sitting longer.” 

RE/MAX Together says this housing market is one of the best they’ve seen since 2018 in terms of options, both for brand-new homes, development lots, and remodeled houses.

“Overall, if you bought a home prior to 2020, you are still up well over 50%, and in some cases nearly 100% in value,” McNally said. “Used homes are still well in the lead with sales, and right now as fall and a new school season approaches, we are seeing a lot of price drops, giving buyers more options, again.”

While the market is seen differently by all three groups, they all describe a similar picture: the market is becoming more buyer friendly, initial list price has a large influence on time until sale, and the future outlook is optimistic for growth.