February Market Gains Momentum As Winter Weather Tapers Off

March 11, 2026

February’s housing market showed early signs of spring activity, with inventory, sales, and pending contracts all trending upward. While seasonal patterns continue to influence days on market, growing buyer activity and steady price movement suggest the market is gradually gaining momentum as the typically busy spring housing market approaches.

"We’re starting to see the early stages of the spring market take shape," said Scott Steelman, president of the Des Moines Area Association of REALTORS®. "Inventory is beginning to expand and buyer activity is picking up, which creates opportunities on both sides of the transaction. As the market continues to build momentum, working with a REALTOR® helps buyers and sellers navigate pricing, timing, and competition effectively."

Active listings continued to inch upward in February to 3,855 properties listed, a 12% increase from the 3,439 active listings of one year ago. The metric remained stable month-over-month, increasing 0.8% from the 3,826 active listings of January; a sign that the winter market has begun to thaw as we head into spring. 

Closed sales mirrored active listings, showing slight increases across the board: the 763 closed sales of February came to a 5.8% increase compared to the 721 closed sales of one year ago. Month-over-month sales grew 11.5% from the 684 closed sales of January. 

Pendings sales continued to paint an optimistic view of the upcoming spring months. The 1,159 pending sales of February represent a 12.9% increase from the 1,026 pending sales of both January and February 2025. 

Median sales price jumped to $292,000 in February, a 4.3% increase from the $280,000 median sales price of February 2025. The metric dropped slightly from last month’s median sales price of $295,000. 

While initial year-to-date data shows a slower sales pace, the 75 days on market in February represent typical seasonal activity. Market speed historically accelerates in March, marking the transition into the high-activity spring season. For now, days on market inched upward to 75 days from the 73 days on market last year - a 2.7% increase. Month-over-month, days on market increased from 68 days, a 10.3% increase. 

Conventional financing accounted for 535 transactions, or 70% of all sales in February. Consumers paid cash for 121 transactions, or 15.9% of sales, while FHA loans were used in 57 transactions, or 7.5% of sales.