As we reach the halfway point of 2026, it’s a great time to step back and look beyond the monthly headlines. During this week’s radio segment on WHAI & Bear Country, we reviewed the latest housing numbers and discussed what they tell us about our local real estate market.
Rather than focusing on just one month’s activity, the first six months of the year provide a much clearer picture of where the market has been—and where it may be headed. While every town and neighborhood has its own unique trends, the overall numbers for Franklin and Hampshire Counties continue to show a market that remains active despite higher mortgage rates and continued inventory challenges.
The First Half of 2026 at a Glance
The first six months of the year tell an encouraging story. While inventory remains below historical norms, we’re beginning to see more homeowners putting their properties on the market. Buyer demand continues to be steady, and home values have remained resilient despite today’s mortgage interest rates. It’s a market that continues to reward preparation, realistic expectations, and local expertise.
Franklin County
The Franklin County market has remained competitive through the first half of the year, although sales activity has slowed compared to 2025.
❖ Median Sales Price: $374,250 (up 1.8% year over year)
❖ Closed Sales: 188 homes (down 15.7%)
❖ Pending Sales: 229 homes under agreement, showing buyers continue to make offers.
❖ New Listings: 300 homes came on the market during the first half of the year.
While fewer homes have closed compared to last year, demand remains healthy. Buyers continue to compete for well-priced homes, and limited inventory is helping support home values.
Hampshire County
Hampshire County continues to demonstrate impressive strength, with home values showing significant appreciation during the first half of 2026.
❖ Median Sales Price: $498,000 (up 10.7%)
❖ Closed Sales: 414 homes (down 3.3%)
❖ Pending Sales: Up 8.4%, indicating continued buyer activity.
❖ New Listings: 675 homes, an increase of 10.8% over last year.
The combination of rising prices and increased listings suggests a healthy market where buyers have more choices while sellers continue to benefit from strong demand.
What This Means for Buyers
The good news is that buyers are beginning to see more homes come on the market than they did earlier this year. While inventory is still below what’s considered a balanced market, the increase in listings provides more opportunities than we’ve seen in quite some time.
The best strategy remains the same: get pre-approved, know your budget, and be ready to act when the right home becomes available. Well-priced homes continue to attract strong interest.
What This Means for Sellers
If you’ve been wondering whether it’s still a good time to sell, the answer is yes.
Although more homes are coming onto the market, inventory remains relatively tight throughout Franklin and Hampshire Counties. Buyers are still actively looking, especially for homes that are well-maintained, properly priced, and professionally marketed.
Today’s buyers are also more selective than they were a few years ago, making preparation and presentation more important than ever.
Looking Ahead
As we move into the second half of 2026, I’ll be watching three key trends:
❖ Whether more homeowners decide it’s the right time to sell.
❖ How mortgage interest rates affect buyer activity.
❖ Whether home values continue to hold strong across Franklin and Hampshire Counties.
Overall, our local housing market remains healthy. While conditions have become a little more balanced than they were during the height of the seller’s market, demand continues to outpace supply in many communities, creating opportunities for both buyers and sellers.
The Bottom Line
The first half of 2026 reminds us that real estate is local. National headlines don’t always reflect what’s happening here in Franklin and Hampshire Counties. Whether you’re buying your first home, moving up, downsizing, or simply curious about your home’s current value, understanding your local market is the best way to make informed decisions.
If you’d like to discuss what these trends mean for your neighborhood or your real estate goals, I’d be happy to help.
Market statistics provided by the REALTOR® Association of Pioneer Valley and MLS PIN, comparing January through June 2026 with the same period in 2025.
Corinne Fitzgerald
FITZGERALD Real Estate
Serving Franklin County and Beyond
Call or Text: 413-320-9509