Author: Emily Denney

As we move into September, the national housing market is showing some shifts worth noting: August brought a 0.2% dip in pending sales and a 3.7% drop in contract signings. Median list prices have edged down 1% for the tenth consecutive month, and while inventory climbed 3.6%, it’s still not back to pre-pandemic levels—reflecting ongoing affordability hurdles for many buyers.

Here in the Big Horn Basin, I always keep an eye on these broader trends to help my clients make sense of what’s happening locally. My commitment is to transparent education and honest guidance, so if you’re thinking about a move, investment, or sale in Park or Big Horn counties, understanding these numbers is key to making decisions that truly fit your needs and lifestyle. As always, I’m here as your resource for navigating what these shifts might mean for our Wyoming communities.

Builder confidence took a modest step forward in August, with the index for new single-family homes rising to 35. But behind that small uptick, challenges remain: economic uncertainty, higher mortgage rates, and rising construction costs continue to weigh on the industry. To keep deals moving, about 35% of builders have reduced prices by an average of 6%, and 63% are offering buyer incentives. Interestingly, the Midwest saw increased sales activity, while builder confidence in the South dipped.

In the Big Horn Basin and beyond, these national trends often echo through our local markets. As someone who’s walked alongside buyers and sellers through so many cycles here in Northwest Wyoming, I’ve seen firsthand how proactive strategies and transparent conversations can make all the difference—especially when market winds shift. My goal is always to help you feel empowered and informed, whether you’re navigating new construction or weighing investment options in Powell, Cody, Lovell, or Basin.

As someone who’s watched the ebb and flow of our local real estate landscape for years, I find the subtle shifts in new single-family home sizes always tell a story. After nearly a decade of shrinking footprints, we’ve seen a reversal since 2024—with the median size of new builds now around 2,185 sq ft, and the average up to about 2,426 sq ft. This trend is largely fueled by higher-end buyers, even as affordability remains a real challenge for many families. In places like Powell, Cody, Lovell, and Basin, understanding these details helps my clients navigate decisions—whether you’re relocating, investing, or simply curious about how our communities are changing. My commitment is always to provide transparent guidance grounded in what’s actually happening here in Northwest Wyoming.