As we wrap up the year, I want to give you a clear, honest, boots-on-the-ground look at what’s happening in the local real estate market. Williston is at a unique moment right now—both in housing and in the energy sector—and understanding these trends will help you make confident decisions heading into 2026.

The Residential Market: Cooling, Tightening, and Full of Opportunity

The latest local housing data shows a market that has cooled from last year but remains fundamentally solid.

Inventory dipped again this month, with active listings tightening across Williston. Anytime we see inventory pull back heading into the winter season, it creates a window of opportunity for buyers who are ready to act.

Median list prices remain steady. Inside 58801, the median list price sits around $455,000, with new listings coming on slightly higher near $470,000. Year-over-year, median sale prices are still up, even with fewer transactions closing. This tells us that although momentum has slowed, values remain resilient.

The absorption rate—essentially the pace of the market—is just under three months of inventory. That keeps us in a light seller’s market overall, but the pace is more balanced than we saw during the peak summer months.

Days on Market: A Market Split in Two

We’re seeing a clear split:

• Inside the city, homes are taking longer—averaging around 89 days on market.

• But homes that actually closed last month moved much faster, averaging roughly three weeks.

This gap tells a clear story:

Well-presented, well-priced, move-in-ready homes are still selling quickly.

The listings sitting longer are typically those priced too high or needing updates.

The Oil Market: A Winter of Pressure

Everyone in Western North Dakota can feel the shift.

The energy sector is heading into winter with:

• Softening oil prices

• Selective layoffs

• Reduced overtime

• More conservative hiring

• Some slowdown in drilling and service activity

This isn’t a crisis, but it is a period of adjustment. And historically, every time we’ve seen oil companies tighten temporarily during winter, the housing market experiences a brief window where buyers can get better deals before activity picks up again.

If You’re a Buyer: This Is the Window

Right now, motivated buyers have:

✔ Better negotiation power

✔ Less competition

✔ More flexibility on terms

✔ Motivated sellers

✔ The ability to lock in a home before spring demand returns

Every cycle we’ve been through in Williston shows the same thing: the quiet winter months are when the smartest buyers step in.

If You’re a Seller: Strategy Wins

Homes are still selling—at strong prices—but this is no longer a “throw it on the market and hope for the best” environment.

Success requires:

• Correct pricing from day one

• Strong marketing and media

• Aggressive follow-up and negotiation

• A strategic plan tailored to your property

We saw fewer home sales this October than last, which means sellers need a stronger, more thoughtful approach to stand out.

Proven Realty: Leading From the Front

Despite the shifting market, interest rate volatility, and increased economic uncertainty, our team continues to outperform.

This year, Proven Realty has closed and pended 238 transactions, totaling over $75 million in sales volume.

That’s an incredible accomplishment considering the market fundamentals and the pressure the energy sector has been under. It speaks to the consistency, professionalism, and relentless work ethic of our team—and the trust this community continues to place in us.

We’re honored to help guide so many families, companies, and investors through their real estate decisions.

Final Thoughts

Williston is resilient.

We’ve been through cycles before, and we always emerge stronger.

Whether you’re considering buying, selling, investing, or just staying educated, we're here to help you make the best decision for your situation. Reach out anytime if you want to run numbers or talk strategy.



Sincerely,

Erik Peterson | Proven Realty, Owner/Broker