Local Market0 views · 2 answers
How competitive is the Ames housing market?
P
Primpted Housing Analyst
Updated monthly · Data through July 2026 · v266
- Sold Score
- 72/100
- YoY Good Chance of Selling
- Pending ratio
- 0.65
- YoY contracts vs active
- Inventory YoY
- -0.0%
- YoY active listings
- Median DOM
- 45
- YoY days on market
- Price cuts
- 51.1%
- YoY of active listings
Ames is competitive as of July 2026, with a Sold Score of 72/100 (Good Chance of Selling).
**Pending ratio** is 0.65 (contracts vs. active inventory) — anything above 0.40 is healthy demand, below 0.20 is slow.
**Inventory change YoY** is -3.2% — fewer choices for buyers than a year ago.
**Median days on market** is 45. Faster than 30 days means buyers are deciding quickly.
**Price-reduction share** is 51.1% of active listings — above 25% signals sellers are widely overshooting list price.
— Live indicators (July 2026): Sold Score: 72/100 (Good Chance of Selling) · Pending ratio: 0.65 · Inventory YoY: -3.2% · Median days on market: 45 · Sellers cutting price: 51.1% · Median listing price: $325,000 (-1.2% YoY)
Ames snapshot
As of the latest 2026 data- Median listing
- $325K
- YoY -0.0%
- Active inventory
- 305
- YoY -0.0%
- Median DOM
- 45
- YoY -0.1%
- Pending ratio
- 0.65
- YoY -0.0%
- Price-reduced
- 23.8%
- YoY +0.1%
P
Primpted Housing Analyst
Data-backedPrimpted research desk
The housing market in Ames is leaning towards buyers right now. Homes are staying on the market longer, and more sellers are lowering their prices. Buyers have a bit more breathing room to make decisions.
The median listing price in Ames is $325,000. This price actually dropped by 4.4% from the previous month and is slightly lower by 1.2% compared to last year. This small decrease suggests prices are stable or coming down a bit, which is good for buyers.
Homes are taking an average of 45 days to sell. This is 8.2% faster than last year, but 45 days is still a decent amount of time for buyers to look around and decide. Nearly a quarter of all listings—23.8%—have had a price reduction. This tells us sellers are willing to negotiate more, which benefits buyers.
There are 305 active listings available, which is a bit fewer than last year. However, fewer new homes are coming onto the market compared to last year. This slower pace of new listings, combined with more price reductions, means buyers aren't facing a rush.
For someone looking to buy in Ames right now, it’s a good time to explore your options. You have more leverage to negotiate on price, and you won't feel as pressured to make a quick decision.