Weekly Market Brief · Kent County, MI
The Kent County
Market Report
Week of September 28, 2026 · Sam Avila, Avila Home Group
The market at a glance
Mortgage rates just crossed 7% for the first time since 2024, and local homes are taking a few more days to sell — but with roughly one month of supply, Kent County is still a seller's market that's starting to give buyers a little room.
01 / The numbers
A snapshot, with context.
Each figure includes its geography, source, and reporting period.
$305,000
Median sale price, City of Grand Rapids (Kent County median list price: $407,500, ▼1.1% YoY)
▲ 2.5% YoY
As of Jul 2026 · Redfin; Realtor.com
~37 days
Median days on market, Kent County
▲ 12% YoY (from 33)
As of Aug 2026 · Realtor.com via FRED
100.0%
Sale-to-list price ratio, Grand Rapids area
▼ from 102.2% a month earlier
Window ending Aug 30, 2026 · Greenridge
~1.0 mo
Months of supply, Grand Rapids metro — a balanced market runs 5–6 months
As of Aug 2026 · HousingWire Data
7.03%
30-year fixed, national avg. (Bankrate survey: 7.38% this week)
▲ from 6.69% (Aug 6) · 6.30% a year ago
Freddie Mac PMMS, Sep 24, 2026
+93%
New pending sales, Grand Rapids (weekly avg. 194 → 375 contracts)
▲ YoY — #1 among major U.S. metros
Aug 2025 vs. Jul 2026 · HousingWire Data
02 / For buyers
Plan your next move.
- Re-run your numbers at 7%. On a $350,000 loan, principal and interest runs about $2,336/month at 7.03%, versus $2,249 at late-August's 6.66% — roughly $87 more. Refresh your pre-approval before you write your next offer.
- You have a little more negotiating room. Homes are averaging 100% of list (down from 102%), and days on market are up about 12% year over year. Listings that have sat 30+ days are where requests for concessions or repairs land best.
- The shortage hasn't gone anywhere. At about one month of supply, the well-priced, move-in-ready home still draws competition. Being fully underwritten — not just pre-qualified — still wins ties.
03 / For sellers
Lead with preparation.
- The over-ask cushion is thinning. With sale-to-list slipping to 100%, a list price set "a little high to leave room" is more likely to sit than to get bid up. Price to the most recent comps.
- Rate-sensitive buyers are recalculating. Every jump in rates trims budgets. Pricing just under common search thresholds (e.g., $300K, $350K, $400K) keeps your listing in front of more buyers.
- Demand is still real. Pending contracts in the Grand Rapids area were up 93% year over year this summer, and prices are still rising modestly. Preparation and presentation are what separate a quick sale from a long one.
04 / Around West Michigan
Make a little room for local.
A few ways to get out, explore, and enjoy the season close to home.
THROUGH OCTOBER 3
ArtPrize 2026
Downtown Grand Rapids
Explore the art before this year’s event wraps up. Individual venue hours vary.
Explore ArtPrize →OCTOBER WEEKENDS
Autumn at Meijer Gardens
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Enjoy seasonal gardens, carved pumpkins, lawn games, and weekend live music. Check the organizer’s site for admission and activity schedules.
Plan your visit →OCT. 16–18, 23–25 & OCT. 30–NOV. 1
Zoo Goes Boo
John Ball Zoo · Grand Rapids
Seasonal Halloween fun at the zoo. General admission hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; visit the organizer’s site for tickets and costume guidelines.
See dates & tickets →Event details checked October 1, 2026. Follow the organizer links for current hours, admission, and updates.
Rate headlines can make the market feel louder than it is. If you'd like to see what today's 7% world means for your specific budget, home value, or timeline, I'm glad to walk through it with you — numbers first, no pressure.
Your next step
Let's put the numbers in your context.
Questions about what this week's data means for your street or your next move? I'm glad to walk through your options — numbers first, no pressure.
Book a call — virtual or in personPrefer a quick message? Contact me or call/text 616-229-5082.