Homes sold faster than last year, signaling that the region remains competitive despite elevated mortgage rates
FORT WAYNE, Ind.— September 11, 2026 — Northeast Indiana’s housing market maintained its momentum in August, with pending and closed sales edging above last year’s levels while the median sales price increased 7%, according to the Upstate Alliance of REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service.
The median sales price reached $272,000, up from August 2025. Homes also moved more quickly, spending an average of 14 days on the market—a 22% decrease from one year ago.
The takeaway: Northeast Indiana sustained its sales activity while homes sold faster and at higher prices—a sign that buyer demand remains resilient even as borrowing costs continue to challenge affordability.
August 2026 Market Snapshot
Compared with August 2025:
- New listings: 903 — unchanged
- Pending sales: 808 — up 1%
- Closed sales: 743 — up 1%
- Median sales price: $272,000 — up 7%
- Average days on market: 14 — down 22%
“August’s numbers reflect a market that continues to move,” said Sue Teasdale, president of the Upstate Alliance of REALTORS® MLS. “Sales activity held steady, but homes sold faster and at higher prices than they did a year ago. Buyers should be prepared to act when the right home becomes available, while sellers still need an informed pricing and marketing strategy to attract the strongest offers.”
A Positive Sign: Sales Are Keeping Pace
One encouraging feature of the August report is the balance among new listings, pending sales and completed transactions. New listings remained level with last year, while both pending and closed sales increased 1%.
That indicates the market absorbed available homes without losing transaction momentum. The increase in pending sales also provides a positive signal for closings expected in the weeks ahead.
At the same time, the shorter marketing period shows that well-priced homes continue to attract buyers quickly. Conditions can vary considerably by location, property type and price range, making local market guidance especially important.
Mortgage Rates and the Regional Economy
Mortgage rates remained elevated during August. The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage was 6.66% on August 27, compared with 6.56% one year earlier, according to Freddie Mac. Higher borrowing costs continue to affect purchasing power and make it important for buyers to compare lenders, understand their full monthly payment and establish a realistic budget before beginning their search.
Northeast Indiana’s employment environment provides a measure of support for housing demand. The Fort Wayne metropolitan area recorded a 3.3% unemployment rate in July, according to federal labor data. Indiana’s statewide unemployment rate was also 3.3%, below the national rate of 4.1%.
Stable employment and continued buyer activity are helping the region’s housing market remain resilient. However, the combination of rising prices and elevated mortgage rates means affordability remains a key consideration for many households.
Consumers considering a move should consult a REALTOR® who understands conditions within their specific community and price range.
Additional market statistics are available at upstarindiana.com/market-insights.
ABOUT UPSTAR MLS
The September 2026 Monthly Market is published by the Upstate Alliance of REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service Inc. (UPSTAR MLS), a subsidiary of the Upstate Alliance of REALTORS®. The report is based on Residential Detached Single-Family homes, townhomes, and condominiums as reported to the Indiana Regional Multiple Listing Service (IRMLS) and collected by the IAR Housing Hub. The report may not reflect all real estate activity in the marketplace.
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