“What Happened to Our Fall Colors?” – Stillwater Market Marches On

What happened to our fall colors?! I don’t know if it’s just me or if you’ve noticed it too — but we didn’t seem to get the brilliant peak colors we’re used to seeing here in Stillwater and the St. Croix Valley this year. The leaves seemed to fade a bit too quickly, skipping that magical week of gold and crimson reflections along the river. Oh well — the weather has stayed mild, and the Stillwater real estate market keeps marching on.

📊 Market Snapshot – Stillwater 55082

According to this week’s Altos Research Market Report, the Stillwater market continues to show strong activity:

This keeps Stillwater solidly in a strong seller’s market. Inventory levels remain tight, and buyer demand continues to outpace new listings. We saw 8 new listings come on last week — but an impressive 14 homes went under contract, tightening supply even further.

If the MAI continues to rise, we could see upward pressure on prices as we head toward winter.

🏡 Not All Markets Are Created Equal

While Stillwater remains competitive, other regions around the country are seeing the opposite — strong buyers’ markets, longer days on market, and even homes sitting unsold. It’s another reminder that real estate is hyper-local. What’s happening here in the St. Croix Valley can be very different from what’s happening just a few counties away.

That’s why it’s essential to have a local expert — someone who understands the nuances of the neighborhood, current trends, and how to position your home for success. Computer algorithms don’t walk the streets, talk with local buyers, or understand what makes a Stillwater home special.

A true valuation requires local expertise and experience.

🧭 Twin Cities Insights

Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening across the broader Twin Cities metro (based on data from Home Free TC, October 1–24, 2025, covering 93 accepted offers):

Even with minor fluctuations, homes continue to sell close to list price — showing how resilient our Twin Cities market has remained through 2025.

Bottom Line:

Even if the fall colors didn’t deliver their usual show, the Stillwater market sure has. With demand strong and inventory tight, it’s an excellent time for sellers to review their home’s value and strategy heading into the holidays.

If you’d like a personalized market update for your property — not a computer estimate — reach out anytime. I’d love to help you make sense of the numbers and position your home for success.

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.