The Kent County, Michigan housing market remains fast-moving and competitive, making it essential for both buyers and sellers to understand the latest trends. With inventory levels tightening, homes selling quickly, and prices holding steady, the market continues to favor sellers while presenting challenges for buyers. Knowing how these factors play out in real time can help you make smarter decisions, whether you’re preparing to list your home or searching for the right property. Let’s take a closer look at what today’s numbers mean for you.
A Strong Seller’s Market
The months of inventory currently sits at 1.42, signaling a strong seller’s market. This number represents how long it would take for all current homes on the market to sell if no new listings were added. A balanced market is typically around 5–6 months of inventory, so Kent County’s figure shows that demand significantly outweighs supply.
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For Sellers: This creates a window of opportunity. With more buyers than homes, your property is likely to attract attention quickly, often leading to multiple offers. Homes that are well-priced and move-in ready can generate bidding wars, driving the final sale price higher than expected.
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For Buyers: Low inventory means competition is fierce. Be ready to tour homes as soon as they hit the market, and work closely with your agent to make strong, compelling offers. Flexibility—such as being open on closing timelines or reducing contingencies—can give you an advantage over other buyers.
Inventory Trends: Stable Short-Term, Down Long-Term
Month-over-month, inventory has been relatively stable. However, looking at the broader 12-month trend shows a 4% decline in available homes. This sustained dip highlights the continued scarcity in Kent County’s housing supply.
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For Sellers: Fewer homes on the market means less competition. If your property is in good condition and priced appropriately, it’s well-positioned to stand out. This may also be a good time to consider improvements or updates before listing—small upgrades can go a long way when buyers have fewer options to choose from.
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For Buyers: With inventory trending down, your search could take longer than expected. It’s wise to identify your non-negotiables versus “nice-to-haves” so you don’t miss opportunities. Expanding your search area or being flexible on property features (like square footage or lot size) may also increase your chances of success.
Homes Selling at or Near Asking Price
On average, homes in Kent County are selling for about 100% of their asking price. This reflects strong demand and accurate pricing strategies among sellers.
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For Sellers: This is proof that pricing your home competitively works. Overpricing can still hurt your chances, as buyers are savvy and often compare listings. Setting your price at or slightly below market value can attract more buyers and spark competitive offers, driving the final sale price higher.
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For Buyers: Expect to pay full price—or more—for homes in desirable areas. Lowball offers are less likely to be accepted in this market, so be prepared to come in strong, especially for well-maintained or move-in ready homes. Having your pre-approval letter ready and working with an agent who knows how to structure competitive offers can make all the difference.
Fast Sales with Just 7 Median Days on Market
The median days on market is only 7, which means half of all homes are selling in a week or less. This pace indicates just how quickly buyers need to act in Kent County’s current market.
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For Sellers: Your home needs to make a strong first impression. Professional photography, staging, and thorough preparation before listing are essential. With homes moving so quickly, the first week is the most important window to capture buyer attention.
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For Buyers: Speed is key. Having your financing lined up and being available for same-day or next-day showings can give you a competitive edge. Waiting even a couple of days to decide on a property could mean losing out to another buyer who acted faster.
Benchmarking with the Median Sold Price
The median sold price in Kent County is $358,587. This provides a useful benchmark for both buyers and sellers.
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For Sellers: Knowing this number helps you price your home competitively. If your property is above the median in size, condition, or location, you may be able to justify a higher asking price. If it’s below, pricing closer to or under the median can help generate more interest and offers.
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For Buyers: Use this figure to guide your budget and expectations. If your budget is significantly below the median, you may need to consider smaller homes, older properties, or different neighborhoods. Understanding where your price range fits within the county helps you target realistic options without wasting time on homes outside of reach.
Partner with Experts Who Know the Market
With limited inventory, quick sales, and competitive offers defining the Kent County housing market, having an experienced real estate team on your side is essential. We provide the insights, strategies, and local expertise you need to succeed. Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading, or selling, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
