Michigan Real Estate Market Update: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know Heading Into Winter 2026

By The Brabb Team | Epique Realty

As we approach the end of 2026, the real estate market across St. Clair and Sanilac counties continues to evolve. Home prices have generally remained resilient, but buyers are becoming more selective, inventory is increasing, and mortgage rates remain an important consideration.

Whether you're thinking about selling your home in Port Huron, purchasing a waterfront property along Lake Huron, or investing in Southeast Michigan real estate, understanding today's market can help you make better financial decisions.

What Do the Latest Local Housing Numbers Tell Us?

According to Realcomp's September 2026 housing statistics, both St. Clair and Sanilac counties experienced modest year-over-year increases in median home sale prices.

St. Clair County:

• Median sale price: $265,000

• Year-over-year price increase: 1.9%

• Closed sales: 198, down 10.4%

• Available inventory: 463 homes, up 8.2%

Sanilac County:

• Median sale price: $217,500

• Year-over-year price increase: 3.6%

• Closed sales: 36, down 20%

• Available inventory: 163 homes, up 6.5%

These figures highlight an important trend: While sale prices have remained relatively stable or increased modestly, fewer transactions are occurring, and more homes are available compared with a year earlier.

This doesn't necessarily mean home values are declining. Instead, it suggests that pricing, property condition, location, and marketing are becoming increasingly important.

Mortgage Rates: What Buyers Should Consider

Mortgage rates continue to influence affordability.

According to Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 7.18% as of November 5, 2026, down from 7.24% the previous week.

For buyers, even relatively small interest-rate changes can affect monthly payments and purchasing power.

Rather than focusing exclusively on finding the lowest possible interest rate, buyers should consider the overall cost of homeownership, including property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and any future improvements.

Getting preapproved before beginning a home search can also help buyers understand their price range and respond quickly when the right property becomes available.

Is the Market Becoming More Favorable for Buyers?

Buyers may be finding additional opportunities compared with periods when available inventory was extremely limited.

Some properties are remaining on the market longer, particularly when their asking prices are not supported by recent comparable sales.

This can create opportunities to negotiate on price, inspection-related repairs, closing costs, or other purchase terms.

However, desirable homes in strong locations can still attract significant interest.

The key is recognizing the difference between a competitively priced property and one that may have room for negotiation.

What About Lake Huron and St. Clair County Waterfront Homes?

Waterfront real estate is a specialized market.

Properties along Lake Huron, the St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair, and Anchor Bay offer features that traditional residential market statistics don't always capture.

Two waterfront homes with similar square footage can have substantially different market values based on:

• Actual usable waterfront frontage

• Sandy beach versus rocky shoreline

• Bluff elevation and access to the water

• Shoreline protection and erosion conditions

• Water depth and boating accessibility

• Private beach ownership versus deeded access

• Property condition and recent improvements

• Short-term rental potential, where permitted

Because waterfront properties are unique, countywide median sale prices are not reliable indicators of individual waterfront home values.

A proper waterfront market analysis should compare properties with similar shoreline characteristics, water access, locations, and amenities.

At The Brabb Team, waterfront real estate is one of our primary specialties. We live, work, and play on Lake Huron, and we understand how important these details are when evaluating waterfront properties.

Should Sellers Wait Until Spring 2027?

Many homeowners assume spring is always the best time to sell.

While spring typically brings increased buyer activity, it also brings additional competing listings.

Selling during late fall or winter can have advantages, including less competition from other sellers and potential interest from buyers who have specific reasons to move.

However, pricing becomes especially important during the slower months.

Homes that enter the market significantly overpriced can accumulate days on market and may eventually require price reductions.

We recommend evaluating recent comparable sales, currently competing listings, property condition, and the seller's timeframe before determining an asking price.

Professional photography, strong online exposure, floor plans, and effective property presentation remain important regardless of the season.

What Should Buyers and Sellers Expect in 2027?

Several factors will influence the market heading into the new year.

Mortgage rates will remain an important factor in affordability. Changes in housing inventory, employment conditions, consumer confidence, and local demand will also affect market activity.

For sellers, realistic pricing and effective marketing will be essential.

For buyers, preparation and patience may create opportunities, particularly with properties that need updates or have been listed for an extended period.

For waterfront buyers, the winter months can also provide an opportunity to research properties and plan for the spring market. However, snow and ice can make shoreline inspections more difficult, so appropriate due diligence remains important.

Our Perspective: Real Estate Is Local

National real estate headlines don't always reflect what is happening in Port Huron, Fort Gratiot, Burtchville, Lexington, Marine City, or the surrounding communities.

Even within the same county, market conditions can vary significantly by neighborhood, property type, and price range.

A waterfront home on Lake Huron requires a different pricing and marketing strategy from a subdivision home in Fort Gratiot or an investment property in Port Huron.

That's why local experience and property-specific research matter.

Thinking About Buying or Selling?

Whether you're considering selling your primary residence, downsizing, purchasing an investment property, or searching for your dream waterfront home, The Brabb Team can help you evaluate your options.

Bob & Pemra Brabb

The Brabb Team | Epique Realty

Waterfront Specialists

We live, work & play on Lake Huron.

Visit www.brabbteamproperties.com to explore available properties or request a personalized home valuation.

Your referrals are our highest compliment—thank you.

Market information: Realcomp September 2026 housing statistics and Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey, November 5, 2026. Statistics cover broader residential markets and do not represent waterfront properties exclusively. Mortgage rates and market conditions are subject to change.