Just Sold in Palmer + May Mat-Su Market Insights from Dave & Travis

 

 

 

We just closed on our listing at 265 N Tatlow Dr in Palmer, and I’m really happy for our sellers on this one.

This one was a little extra special for me. I helped these sellers buy this home back in 2016, and now with the kids grown, it was time for their next chapter.

We got the home prepped, priced right, and under contract quick. This one actually went under contract twice, and both times the offers were accepted without a counter-offer, which is pretty rare in this market. Those are the kinds of offers you look at, smile, and sign.

All in, we had about 17 days on market and 52 days from contract to close. Like any sale, there were a few repair challenges along the way, but Travis did a great job getting multiple bids, coordinating contractors, and helping keep things moving.

This home served its purpose. It was a place where kids were raised, memories were made, and life happened. Now our sellers get to move on to the next chapter, and I’m grateful we were able to help them get the price they wanted.

Big thank you to Travis, Noelle, Sarah Palenske and everyone involved in getting this one across the finish line.

 

 

 

 

 

The May numbers are in for the Mat-Su Valley core residential market, and honestly, the story is pretty clear. We are not in the crazy market we saw back in 2021 and 2022, but we are also not in a slow or dead market. Good homes are still moving, buyers are still out there, and sellers still have opportunity  but the market is a lot more balanced than it used to be.

 

 

For May 2026, we had:
311 active listings


For buyers, this tells us you have more options than you did during the tightest years, but you still cannot sit around too long on a good property. If the home is priced right, in good condition, and checks the right boxes, someone else is probably looking at it too.

For sellers, this is still a strong sign. Demand is there. But buyers are more careful now. They are looking at price, condition, interest rates, monthly payment, and whether the home feels worth it. You cannot just throw a number out there and hope the market does the rest. The homes that are prepared well and priced right are the ones getting attention.

 

 

To put that in perspective, May sales were:
398 in 2025


So we are slightly under last year, above 2024, and well below the wild 2021–2022 run-up. That is not necessarily bad. It just means the market has settled down. We are seeing a more realistic pace. Buyers are still buying, but they are not rushing into every property the way they were a few years ago.

For buyers, that can be a good thing. You may have a little more room to think, compare homes, and make a smarter decision.

For sellers, it means your home still needs to stand out. Presentation matters. Photos matter. Pricing matters. The first impression matters more now than it did when everything was flying off the shelf.

That is up from:
$445,000 in May 2025


 

For sellers, this means values are still holding strong in the Mat-Su Valley. If you have owned your home for several years, there is a good chance you have built solid equity.

For buyers, this is the part we have to be honest about. Waiting does not always mean homes get cheaper. Prices have continued to move up over the years, and even small increases can make a difference in your monthly payment. The key is not to panic-buy, but also not to assume the market is suddenly going to hand you a big discount.

 

 

Here is where it gets interesting.
For May 2026:
Existing homes:


New construction:


New construction is still getting a lot of attention. There are actually more pending new construction homes than active ones, which tells us buyers are still interested in new builds. But new construction is also averaging a higher sales price and more days on market.

For buyers, new construction can be a great option if you want something fresh, efficient, and lower maintenance upfront. But you need to look closely at the full cost, location, timeline, builder terms, and what is actually included.

For sellers with existing homes, don’t let new construction scare you. Existing homes are still making up the majority of the sales, and many buyers still want established neighborhoods, bigger lots, mature landscaping, shops, sheds, privacy, or a home that feels lived-in and complete.

 

Bottom Line
The Mat-Su market is still moving. It is not 2021 anymore. It is not a market where sellers can ignore condition or overprice without consequences. But it is also not a market where buyers have all the control. Good homes are selling. Prices are holding. Inventory is better than it was, but demand is still there.

 

For buyers, this means get prepared, know your budget, and be ready to move when the right property shows up.

For sellers, this means preparation and pricing are everything. The right strategy can still get you strong results, just like we saw with our Palmer closing at 265 N Tatlow Dr.

If you are thinking about buying or selling in Palmer, Wasilla, or anywhere in the Mat-Su Valley, give us a call. Travis and I would be happy to talk through the numbers with you and help you figure out what makes the most sense.