The latest Arvest Bank Skyline Report shows 5,241 homes sold across Benton, Washington and Madison counties, a 3.8% increase from the same period last year. That puts 2026 on track to surpass 10,000 home sales for the third consecutive year.
But the more interesting story may be what's happening to prices.
🏘️ On Your Front Porch
NWA home sales are picking up, with 5,241 homes sold across Benton, Washington and Madison counties - up 3.8% from last year.
Prices are stabilizing rather than surging. Benton County’s average sales price dipped 1.2%, while Washington County rose just 1.5%. More new construction is also giving buyers more options.
🌱 Why it matters: NWA isn't becoming a cheap housing market, but it is becoming a more balanced one. Buyers have more leverage, while sellers and builders have to compete a little harder for their attention.
Bentonville, Arkansas
🏠 Prices Aren't Running Away
In Benton County, the average sales price fell 1.2%, from $471,427 to $465,888.
Washington County moved in the opposite direction, but only slightly: the average rose 1.5%, from $417,489 to $423,750.
That's a pretty different environment from the rapid price increases NWA experienced earlier in the decade.
And zoom out a little, and prices are still substantially higher than they were in 2024. Benton County's average sales price is up 7.6% since then, while Washington County's is up 8.8%.
This is a housing market that's getting more balanced.
🔨 New Construction Is Still Doing the Heavy Lifting
One other number stands out: 1,810 of the homes sold were new construction, the third-highest total ever recorded by the Skyline Report.
That's important because new construction gives buyers something they didn't always have during the tightest years of the market: options.
We’ve been watching this growing inventory all summer. More inventory means sellers have to compete harder for buyers, and buyers have a little more ability to negotiate.
🏡 Front Porch Take
For years, the NWA housing story was pretty simple: people want to live here, and there aren't enough homes. The latest numbers suggest we're entering a more nuanced chapter. People are still buying. Builders are still building. Prices remain high.
But the market isn't moving in only one direction anymore.
That's good news for buyers, and a reminder for sellers that the days of putting a house on the market and assuming the market will do the rest may be fading.
While the NWA market isn’t cooling, it is stabilizing as a housing market. That means a more consistent and balanced real estate experience for buyers and sellers.
🏠 Who has the upper hand in NWA’s housing market right now?
A few final items
Front Porch is hiring: We’re looking for a number of agents to join the team. If you like making content, closing deals, and generous lead opportunities, shoot me an email HERE.
New construction in Fay: Our development partner, Hometown Collective, has 2 new builds on market in south Fayetteville. Check them out HERE.
Sources: Arvest Bank, FRED of St. Louis
