realestate

Gary Wisenbaker: How's the Real Estate Market? Two Housing Markets

Georgia’s October housing market: new listings up, sales steady, pending sales down—overall cautious balance.

A
gents are frequently asked how the market is doing, so here’s a concise snapshot. In October, Georgia’s housing scene showed a cautious equilibrium: new listings rose 5 % to 17,955, pending sales fell 3 % to 9,642, while closed sales stayed steady at 10,130. The median price slipped 1 % to $356,000, yet the average sales price edged up 2 % to $450,502. Days on market climbed 10 % to 57 days, and active inventory jumped 19 % to 48,209 homes, pushing the months‑supply to roughly 4.7 months. Inventory gains were strongest in low‑priced townhomes and condos, but many still view the market as tight.

    Valdosta and Lowndes County diverge sharply from this statewide picture. Redfin reports Lowndes’ October median sale price at about $248,700, down 4 % YoY, while Zillow lists the average home value at $220,223, up 1.8 %. In Valdosta, Zillow’s typical home value is $204,089, a 1.6 % rise. Homes move faster here: Lowndes’ median days on market were 34 in October, down from 45 a year earlier. New listings have surged, yet inventory remains modest, reflecting lingering demand and affordability.

    The core difference lies in value. Georgia’s median sale price of $356,000 sits well above Valdosta’s $200‑$215 k range, making the latter an attractive option for buyers priced out of metro markets. Favorable mortgage conditions further enhance its appeal. However, the area is not immune to statewide pressures—rising inventory, longer market times, and economic shifts such as interest rates or job growth could erode its advantage.

    In summary, while Georgia’s market experiences incremental supply gains and slight sales softness, Valdosta and Lowndes County offer a high‑velocity, affordable alternative that continues to draw first‑time buyers and those seeking value. If current trends—more listings, steady demand, modest price pressure—persist, Valdosta will remain a key value anchor in Georgia’s real‑estate landscape. For investors, agents, and buyers, this South Georgia corner warrants close attention.

    Bottom line: overlooking Valdosta/Lowndes means missing one of the best home‑buying bargains in the state.

Gary Wisenbaker discussing real estate market trends in two housing markets.