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s the Springfield market awakens from its winter slumber, a fresh wave of homes is hitting the scene. But what does this mean for buyers who've been waiting patiently? According to Tammie Tucker, a 35-year veteran broker with AR Wilson Realtors, many clients have been holding back, hoping interest rates would dip after the 2024 election. However, a recent report from Missouri Realtors reveals that rates remained stubbornly high, averaging 6.8% for a 30-year fixed mortgage in January.

    The Ozarks are experiencing a surge in new listings, with a whopping 37% increase in January compared to last year. Tucker believes this shift gives buyers more room to maneuver in negotiations. "When the market was tight and homes were scarce, buyers often got outbid," she explains. "Now, they have a chance to explore and purchase without always losing in the negotiation."

    The local market is driven by supply and demand, with buyers and sellers playing a delicate dance. As long as there are willing buyers and sellers, the market will continue to ebb and flow. Tucker notes that new listings are popping up across all price points, but the sweet spot remains between $350,000 and $400,000 – a range now considered "affordable" in the Springfield area. Anything within this range is moving quickly, as buyers snap up opportunities before they disappear.