As we move into early February, the Stillwater real estate market is beginning to show early signs of renewed activity, even as overall pricing remains steady and thoughtful strategy continues to matter most.
After more than three decades working in the Stillwater and St. Croix Valley market, I’ve learned that small weekly shifts often signal larger changes ahead — especially in transitional seasons like this one.
What We Saw This Week
This past week brought:
- 5 new listings coming to market
- 7 homes going under contract, an increase from the prior week
- 1 sale went pending, which is typical during slower winter cycles
While closed sales often lag behind activity, the increase in pending contracts is an important signal: buyers are re-engaging.
Inventory Remains Tight
Overall inventory remains limited at 33 active listings, keeping the market in a slight seller’s advantage. However, prices have largely plateaued, and days on market remain elevated compared to peak years.
This combination — low inventory with slower price movement — creates a market where knowledge, timing, and experience matter more than urgency.
Weather Matters More Than People Think
The upcoming week is forecast to be significantly warmer — possibly feeling like a heat wave by Minnesota standards. Historically, warmer winter weather brings buyers back out in meaningful ways.
After 33 years in this market, I can say with confidence: weather-driven buyer activity is real, especially in Stillwater where lifestyle, walkability, and river proximity play such an important role.
More showings typically follow warmer weekends — and increased showings often lead to stronger negotiation positions for well-prepared buyers and sellers.
What This Means for Buyers
Buyers are gaining leverage through patience, not power through competition.
With prices holding steady and more listings entering the market, buyers who are prepared — and well-advised — have opportunities to negotiate thoughtfully without the pressure we saw in prior years.
This is not a market that rewards rushing.It rewards clarity, preparation, and local insight.
What This Means for Sellers
Sellers who price strategically and understand today’s buyer psychology are still seeing strong results.
However, overpricing — especially in the upper price ranges — leads to longer days on market and fewer offers. Experience matters most when positioning a home correctly from day one.
My Take as a Stillwater Market Specialist
The Stillwater market is not overheating — but it is waking up.
The increase in homes going under contract, combined with improving weather and tight inventory, suggests that momentum is quietly building. Whether that translates into higher prices will depend on buyer confidence and sustained demand over the coming weeks.
For buyers and sellers alike, this is a market where local experience and nuanced strategy make a measurable difference.
If you’d like a personalized analysis for your neighborhood, price range, or a specific property, I’m always happy to help.
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