How Is the Fort Wayne Real Estate Market Right Now?

By David Brough

Hey there, I'm Dave Brough, and I'm proud to be the owner of Anthony REALTORS. As a seasoned Fort Wayne Realtor, I've learned that putting clients first, staying accessible, and being a great listener and communicator are the keys to success.

If you’re thinking about buying, selling, refinancing, or even staying put this year, what’s happening in the Fort Wayne housing market affects you. From rising home values to mortgage rates and shifting inventory, these changes directly impact your financial options.

Just last week, I spoke with a Fort Wayne couple who’ve owned their home for several years. They’ve built solid equity, their family is growing, and they’re trying to decide: Should we upgrade? Refinance? Or stay put? Like many homeowners, they felt overwhelmed.

One headline said prices were falling. Another said rates were climbing. The mixed messages left them unsure of their next move.

So before you make any major real estate decisions in 2026, here are the four things you really need to know, based on what’s happening right here in Fort Wayne and what I’m helping clients navigate every day.

1. Interest rates are easing. Mortgage rates in 2026 are trending downward. The shift is gradual, but it’s noticeable. Rates are averaging around 6.3%, and some buyers are even finding options closer to 6%, which is a meaningful improvement from last year.

With the Fed cutting rates at the end of 2025, we’re seeing real changes locally:

• Buyers are returning to the Fort Wayne market
• Homeowners who bought during the peak COVID-19 years are finally seeing refinancing opportunities
• There’s more flexibility than we’ve had in several years

We’re not heading back to the record-low rates of 2021, but there’s clearly more room to work with in 2026.

2. Inventory is growing, but location matters. Realtor.com expects housing inventory to rise about 9% nationwide in 2026, and that trend is playing out across Allen County. Areas like New Haven, Huntertown, and Leo-Cedarville are seeing increased supply, driven largely by new construction.

At the same time, parts of Southwest Fort Wayne continue to experience tight inventory and strong demand, making it harder to find the right home quickly.

The takeaway is simple: ZIP code-level data matters more than national headlines. What’s happening on the north side may look very different from what’s happening on the southeast side. In 2026, smart decisions start with your neighborhood, not the national average.

3. Move-in-ready homes are the most competitive. Many Fort Wayne homeowners are choosing to stay put and remodel rather than sell. As a result, move-in-ready homes are in short supply, and competition for them is strong.

Well-maintained homes in areas like Perry Township are selling quickly, while homes that need major repairs are sitting on the market longer. Sellers who focus on smart upgrades, such as fresh paint, updated flooring, or kitchen improvements, are seeing stronger offers.

In 2026, condition matters more than ever.

4. AI is changing real estate. AI is now part of the real estate process. More than one-third of Realtors are using AI tools to analyze trends, price homes more accurately, and connect buyers with better matches faster.

Buyers get smarter search results. Sellers get more strategic pricing. Homeowners gain better planning tools.

But here’s the truth: AI doesn’t replace local expertise. The best outcomes in 2026 come from pairing cutting-edge technology with real-world insight, especially in a market like Fort Wayne, which is growing quickly but remains highly local.

After years of uncertainty, the 2026 Fort Wayne housing market is more stable and transparent than we’ve seen in a long time. Still, every part of the city behaves a little differently.

If you want a clear, personalized look at what’s happening in your neighborhood, whether you’re buying, selling, refinancing, or just exploring your options, I’m here to help. Reach out to 260-308-4335 or david@anthonyrealtors.com. to schedule a no-pressure, one-on-one strategy session to help you make confident decisions about what comes next.