As fall colors change across the St. Croix Valley, the real estate market remains as lively as the weather — hot.
This week, Stillwater saw 9 new listings, including three luxury builder model or spec homes priced above $1 million. Fresh inventory is always a good sign this time of year, especially as we move into the later fall market.
Meanwhile, 12 homes went under contract, many set to close by month’s end — nearly double the pace of several prior weeks. The Market Action Index continues to hold steady at 46, confirming that Stillwater remains in a strong seller’s market with 48 active listings, a median list price of $700,000, and a median of 42 days on market.
Prices have leveled off, but buyer demand remains robust, particularly for well-priced homes in move-in-ready condition.
🏙 Twin Cities Regional Snapshot (Sept 26 – Oct 10, 2025)
Across the seven-county metro, data from Home Free TC gives us a deeper look:
🔍 Inspections waived: 25% ↗
💵 Financing: 72% conventional ↗ | 18% cash ↘ | 7% FHA | 1% VA ↘
💯 Median purchase-to-list ratio: 100%
💸 Seller-paid closing costs: 44% ↗
🛡️ Home warranties: 11% ↗
🏡 Contingent on sale: 8% ↘
⬆️ Escalation clauses: 1% ↘
📏 Appraisal gap coverage: 4% of financed deals ↘
🚫 Cancellations: 7% ↘
Overall, buyers continue to compete — though slightly less aggressively than midsummer — while sellers still maintain leverage in most price brackets.
💭 What This Means for You
We still have plenty of fall market left, and opportunities remain strong. Whether you’re looking to find your dream home or considering selling before year-end, now is a great time to strategize.
If you’ve been thinking about a move, let me know what you’re looking for — I’ll find it for you.
About Richard
Richard McDonough is a top-producing real estate broker in Stillwater & Wasington County Minnesota reaching into Western Wisconsin, specializing in luxury homes, waterfront properties, and distinctive estates throughout the St. Croix Valley With more than 33 years of experience, Richard has built a reputation for integrity, innovation, and results, making him one of the most trusted and recognized Realtors in the region.
As a fourth-generation Stillwater resident, Richard combines deep local roots with global reach through his affiliation with Lakes Sotheby’s International Realty. His expertise spans the area’s most sought-after communities — from Stillwater and Lake Elmo to Woodbury, Afton, Marine on St. Croix, Mahtomedi, Grant, and Dellwood — along with select Wisconsin river towns such as Hudson and Prescott.
Richard is known for delivering a “Luxury Plus” marketing approach that goes beyond traditional real estate services. Every listing receives a personalized strategy with professional staging, high-end photography, drone video tours, and targeted digital campaigns across Google, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. His ability to tell each home’s unique story consistently attracts qualified buyers and maximizes value for sellers.
In addition to his track record of selling some of the St. Croix Valley’s most prestigious properties, Richard is deeply engaged in his community. He serves on local nonprofit boards, volunteers for events like Home Town for the Holidays, and is dedicated to supporting the Stillwater area’s vibrancy.
Clients describe Richard as experienced, resourceful, and innovative — a true advocate who handles every detail of the buying and selling process with professionalism and care. Whether helping first-time buyers, seasoned investors, or high-net-worth individuals, Richard’s mission is to make every real estate experience seamless, rewarding, and successful.
