As we turn the page on another year in Western North Dakota, one thing is clear—this market continues to reward people who pay attention, stay disciplined, and think long term.The headlines don’t always tell the full story here, and that’s exactly why local insight matters.

Oil, Employment, and the Real Economy

Energy remains the backbone of our region. While oil prices moved around throughout the year and some companies adjusted staffing and spending, overall activity stayed resilient. What we continue to see is a market that has matured. Western North Dakota today is built on long-term production, infrastructure, and people who are here to work and build a life—not short-term speculation.

That stability continues to support housing demand, rental occupancy, and commercial activity across the region, especially in Williston and Watford City.

Housing Supply and Buyer Opportunity

Inventory loosened slightly compared to the peak years, and that created real opportunity. Buyers had more options, more negotiating power, and more time to make informed decisions. For many, 2025 quietly became one of the best buying windows we’ve seen in years.

Sellers who approached the market with the right pricing and preparation still performed well. The difference was that strategy mattered more than speed.

Investors Are Paying Attention Again

We saw renewed interest from investors who understand cash flow, fundamentals, and long-term value. Western North Dakota continues to stand out for its rent-to-price ratios and demand driven by real employment. From single-family rentals to multifamily and light industrial, capital is moving with intention and discipline.

Commercial and Industrial Momentum

Industrial shops, owner-user buildings, and income-producing commercial assets remained active throughout the year. The commercial market moved forward based on underwriting and fundamentals, not headlines. When deals made sense, they got done.

A National Spotlight on North Dakota

One professional highlight of the year was being featured in Parade.com, a national publication with hundreds of millions of readers. I was honored to represent the great state of North Dakota as a real estate professional, discussing why our region continues to rank among the most affordable places in the country to buy a home. Read the full article here!

That recognition matters—not for attention’s sake, but because it reinforces what many of us already know. North Dakota offers real opportunity, attainable homeownership, and long-term value in a housing market that remains grounded in fundamentals rather than hype. It was a privilege to share that story on a national stage.

Our Team and Our Results

In a market that required precision and experience, our Proven Realty team delivered. Year to date in 2025, we closed and pended 256 transactions totaling over $84,534,965 in sales volume. Those numbers represent families helped, businesses supported, and investors positioned for the future.

More importantly, we continued to grow a team of professionals who care deeply about doing things the right way and representing Western North Dakota with integrity.

To our clients, thank you for trusting us with some of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make.

To our agents, thank you for raising the bar every day.

To those considering a move, an investment, or a new direction—clarity and opportunity still exist here for those who approach the market strategically.

Western North Dakota continues to evolve, and the opportunities remain real for those who understand the landscape.

Here’s to another year of smart decisions, steady growth, and building something lastin



Sincerely,



Erik Peterson

Proven Realty, Owner/Broker

(701) 369-3949

Erik@ProvenRealtyND.com

ProvenRealtyND.com