Southwest Missouri Real Estate Report

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in Southwest Missouri, the October numbers point to a market offering buyers more choices while rewarding sellers who price and prepare their homes carefully.

More homes, but fewer closings

Active listings increased from September by approximately 9% in both Greene and Christian counties. That gives buyers a broader selection and, in some situations, a little more room to negotiate.

At the same time, October closed sales slowed:

• Greene County recorded 307 sales, down 19.6% from October 2025.

• Christian County recorded 117 sales, down 3.3%.

• The October median sale price was $255,000 in Greene County and $340,175 in Christian County.

Those median prices were lower than a year ago, but that does not necessarily mean every home lost value. Monthly figures can move because of the types and price ranges of homes sold. Market activity also typically slows as we move deeper into fall.

Correctly priced homes are still moving

Despite fewer closings, average market time did not increase significantly. Greene County homes that closed in October averaged 32 days on the market—six days faster than a year earlier. Christian County averaged 40 days, close to last year’s pace.

For sellers, the message is straightforward: buyers remain active, but they are paying close attention to price, condition and value. A strong launch and realistic initial price can make a meaningful difference.

A little relief for homebuyers

Mortgage rates eased modestly for a third consecutive week. Freddie Mac reported an average 30-year fixed rate of 7.18% on November 5, down from 7.24% the previous week.

That is encouraging, although an individual buyer’s rate will depend on credit, loan type, lender and other factors. Buyers should focus on their actual monthly payment rather than one national rate. Seller-paid closing costs or a mortgage-rate buydown may also help make a purchase more comfortable.

What about Lawrence County?

Lawrence County is not included in the Greater Springfield Board of REALTORS’ combined public report, which covers Greene, Christian and Webster counties.

The latest available Lawrence County public snapshot showed 306 active listings, a median asking price of $267,000 and a median of 58 days on the market. Because newer comparable countywide figures are limited, buyers and sellers in Lawrence County should rely on a current MLS analysis for their specific community and price range.

What this means for you

For buyers, the fall market may provide more choices, less competition and better opportunities to negotiate.

For sellers, homes are still selling, but buyers are selective. Thoughtful pricing, good presentation and an effective marketing plan are especially important.

Every neighborhood and property is different. If you would like to know what these trends mean for your home—or the area where you hope to buy—I would be happy to prepare a local market analysis based on current listings and recent comparable sales.

Sources: Greater Springfield Board of REALTORS/SOMO MLS, Freddie Mac and Realtor.com county data distributed by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Market information is current as of November 9, 2026.