If one takes a quick glance at Fort Collins real estate statistics for October, it could be easily discerned that buyers decided to take the month off. Whether it was interest rates peaking at nearly 7.5% in October, hesitation due to mid-term elections, or just extreme buyer fatigue from months of less than stellar buying conditions, buyers were certainly lacking in every segment of the market. While buyers retain plenty of leverage, they also need the right opportunity to exercise it.
THE CRAFT BROKER
NORTHERN COLORADO HOMES
Buyers Take the Month Off
Jared Reimer - The Craft Broker
Fort Collins Single Family Homes - October 2026
In the single-family market, new listings were down 10.9% in October as compared to October 2025; however, the decrease in new listings did not pull down active inventory. It was up 1.6% over the same period. This is where the problem lies, too many listings continue to linger on the market and too few buyers are interested. Inventory should have peaked in August or September, but here we are in October with increasing inventory. Sold listings were down 32.6%, and pending sales were down 30.5% - an indicator that any kind of upward momentum in the detached market would be a Christmas miracle. Affordability plummeted nearly 12% based on the pop in interest rates and a counterinitiative increase in median value, up to $624,950.
Fort Collins Attached Homes - October 2026
It was a similar story with the attached market. A 39% drop in new listings did help to bring total inventory down about 6.8%. Sales were down 30.6% as compared to October 2025, and pending sales were down 38.1% over the same period. Like the detached market, this does not paint a rosy picture for the remainder of 2026. Median value retreated to $403,500, a 5.1% decrease. Higher HOA fees, higher insurance prices and lack of perceived value are either pushing buyers to different locations, or the low end of the detached market.
Looking Ahead
At this point, it’s going to take an above average November and December to make up ground lost in October to beat out figures from 2025. Not that 2025 is the benchmark, but improvement, rather than regression, is the goal. We will need a resurgence of buyer confidence aligned with more attractive interest rates to make this market move.
(This article is provided as part of my position as Fort Collins Area Spokesperson for the Colorado Association of Realtors. Consider working with a Realtor who makes and reports the news, rather than just responds to it.)
I provide the expert guidance, resources and confidence to easily make a move in Northern Colorado. Every real estate transaction is unique and I work closely with you to develop a plan, strategy and approach to get the most out of your next sale or purchase. If you, a friend or a neighbor have a real estate need, please get in touch with me | Jared@TheCraftBroker.com or 970.222.1049
About the Author: Jared Reimer is a native Coloradoan and Partner at Elevations Real Estate in Old Town Fort Collins. He’s a community advocate, business champion, blogger, leader, tireless volunteer, innovator, thinker and expert on all things real estate in Fort Collins and surrounding Northern Colorado. You’re likely to find Jared spending quality time outside with his wife, Kacie, and kids, Hudson and Isla, or visiting with friends and clients throughout Fort Collins and Northern Colorado. Call or text Jared at 970.222.1049 or email him at Jared@TheCraftBroker.com