By Desiree Stock | NWALook | October 2025
As 2025 winds down, both Washington County and Benton County remain resilient, despite higher inventory levels and moderate buyer caution. Prices are holding firm, and even as days on market stretch, the fundamentals of Northwest Arkansas real estate remain solid, with sustained demand, limited long-term supply, and a local economy that continues to attract new residents.
📊 Washington County: Steady Growth and Subtle Shifts
| Metric | Oct 2024 | Oct 2025 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median List Price | $352,700 | $379,950 | ⬆ +7.7% |
| Median Sale Price | $353,800 | $374,500 | ⬆ +5.8% |
| Months of Inventory | 4 | 5 | ⬆ +1 month |
| # of New Listings | 453 | 470 | ⬆ +3.8% |
| Close Price vs Original List | 98.9% | 98.2% | ⬇ -0.7 pts |
| Average Price per Sq Ft | $215 | $228 | ⬆ +6.0% |
Insight:
Washington County continues its upward trajectory with solid year-over-year gains in both median list and sale prices, signaling ongoing demand and a healthy market. However, the increase from four to five months of inventory suggests a slow but steady return toward balance — a trend consistent with national shifts toward normalization after several years of rapid appreciation.
Homes are still selling close to list price, but buyers are regaining some negotiation power. Price-per-square-foot jumped from $215 to $228, indicating continued appreciation, especially in newer builds and updated homes in Fayetteville and Farmington.
Washington County remains stable, with moderate growth and slight cooling, a healthy sign for sustainability heading into 2026. The market’s resilience continues to be supported by local universities, healthcare expansion, and tech-sector employment.
🏘️ Benton County: Inventory Rises, Prices Still Push Higher
| Metric | Oct 2024 | Oct 2025 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median List Price | $373,000 | $425,000 | ⬆ +13.9% |
| Median Sale Price | $370,000 | $386,000 | ⬆ +4.3% |
| Months of Inventory | 4 | 6 | ⬆ +2 months |
| # of New Listings | 722 | 916 | ⬆ +26.9% |
| Close Price vs Original List | 100% | 98.3% | ⬇ -1.7 pts |
| Average Price per Sq Ft | $222 | $244 | ⬆ +9.9% |
Insight:
Benton County continues to lead Northwest Arkansas in price growth, with the median list price soaring nearly 14%compared to last October. 27% surge in new listings. Even with inventory climbing from 4 to 6 months, homes are still selling at nearly full price, and price per square foot continues to rise.
Benton County’s growth trajectory remains steep but more measured. Sellers must price strategically in this more competitive environment, while buyers have a rare opportunity to explore a larger range of inventory without losing out on appreciation potential.
🧭 Regional Overview: A More Balanced NWA
Northwest Arkansas as a whole is showing clear signs of market normalization, not weakness. Inventory levels are growing, yet prices continue to climb at sustainable rates. Builders are adjusting pace and pricing to meet demand, and existing homeowners are capitalizing on years of equity gains.
For buyers, this fall and winter represent one of the most balanced windows in recent years, with more inventory, fewer bidding wars, and negotiable terms. For sellers, pricing accurately and ensuring a strong presentation (updates, staging, and professional marketing) remains key as buyers become more discerning.
💡 NWALook Insight
“After years of record-breaking growth, Northwest Arkansas is shifting from an overheated market into a balanced one — a necessary correction that builds long-term health. While national headlines focus on volatility, our Northwest Arkansas' foundation remains strong: population growth, infrastructure investment, and steady in-migration from across the U.S. continue to fuel both demand and stability.”
By: Desiree Stock, Executive Broker, Collier & Associates
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11920 Churchill Downs, Springdale, AR 72762
Listing Price: $1,275,000
🛏 4 Bedrooms|4 Full Bathrooms|1 Half Bathrooms| 📐 4100 Sq Ft | Built 2021 | 2.82 Acres
Must see gorgeous new listing tucked away at the end of a private cul-de-sac in one of Elm Springs’ most desirable gated communities, this beautiful 4-bedroom, 5-bath home offers the perfect blend of luxury, privacy, and everyday comfort. Set on 2.82 peaceful acres, the property feels like your own private retreat — complete with an in-ground pool, mature trees, and an expansive backyard ideal for entertaining or relaxing outdoors. Inside, you’ll find spacious open living areas, a modern kitchen with premium finishes, and large windows that flood the home with natural light. The layout features a primary suite oasis, a dedicated gym or flex space, and a bonus room perfect for movie nights, guests, or a home office. Every detail has been thoughtfully designed for function and flow and multiple living spaces. Enjoy the quiet of a gated, established neighborhood while still being just minutes from the conveniences of west Fayetteville, Springdale, and I-49. This home is a must see!
Listed By:
Collier & Associates
Listing Agent
Sarah Deaton
Cell: 479-856-4770
Office:479-274-0662
Luxury Sales of the Week
Benton & Washington County
📍 21 Pinnacle Drive, Rogers, AR 72758
💰 Sales Price: $3,200,000
🤝 Represented by:
Seller’s Agents: Meza Harris & Aricka Finger, Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette – Rogers
📞 (479) 366-2626 | (479) 640-3935 | Office: (479) 696-0600
Buyer’s Agent: Lauren Boozman Northey, Portfolio Sotheby’s International Realty
📞 (479) 899-8204 | Office: (479) 273-6697
📍 109 Woodcliff Circle, Springdale, AR 72764
💰 Sales Price: $1,288,000
🤝 Represented by:
Seller’s Agents: Meza Harris & Aricka Finger, Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette – Rogers
📞 (479) 366-2626 | Office: (479) 696-0600
Buyer’s Agent: Blake Hughes, Elite Realty
📞 (479) 733-7325 | Office: (479) 387-7554
Desiree Stock
Leadership in Action: Strategy Over Speed
In leadership, speed gets attention, but strategy builds empires.
Anyone can move fast. Few move with purpose.
A strategic leader doesn’t just chase momentum; they pause long enough to ask, “Does this move the mission forward, or just make noise?” Every decision, every pivot, every conversation should connect back to the bigger picture.
This week’s challenge:
Don’t rush to check boxes, refine your moves. Replace “What’s next?” with “What matters most?” That shift turns motion into measurable progress.
New Business
Porter Art Warehouse has opened in downtown Fayetteville, transforming the historic 1906 Porter Produce building at 212 N. West Ave. into a public art gallery. Following major restoration by the City of Fayetteville and interior renovations by the Walton Arts Center, the new Alexander Gallery now offers more than 2,500 square feet of flexible exhibition space with movable walls, restrooms, and full ADA accessibility. Designed by Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects and built by Sargent Contracting, the updated space preserves the building’s historic charm while creating a vibrant new venue for local and regional art exhibitions.
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Featured Weekend Events
Dia de los Muertos
SLS Community Hosting 2025 SLS Dash 5K & Fun Run for Neurodiversity
Ashton McCombs IV
Celiac Disease Foundation 5k
Fayetteville Veterans Day Parade
NWA Holiday Market Benefiting the Children's Safety Center
Upcoming Events
Pack Shack's Feed the Funnel Party - November 13, 2025
Murray Hill Christmas Market - November 14-15, 2025
Arkansas Blues & String Band Festival - November 14-16, 2025
Bentonville Holiday Market - November 15, 2025
Winter Little Craft Show 2025 — The Little Craft Show - November 15, 2025
Lights of the Ozark, Light Night - November 21, 2025
Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run - November 22, 2025
Merry & Bright Market - November 22, 2025
Bentonville Holiday Market - November 22, 2025
City of Bentonville's Lighting of the Square - November 22, 2025
Turkey Trot-N-Trek - November 24, 2025
Downtown Springdale Turkey Trot - November 24, 2025
Bentonville Gobbler 5k - November 24, 2025
Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Missouri - November 29, 2025
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