Quick Take: The Kootenai County housing market in 2026 remains active. As we look at the latest July data, the median home price was $565,000, up 3.8% from a year ago, while year-to-date sales increased 6.9%. Inventory was down 9.6% year over year, and homes took an average of 81 days from listing to closing, 12% fewer days than in July 2025.
Is the Kootenai County housing market favoring buyers or sellers right now?
The latest data leans slightly in sellers’ favor, with inventory down 9.6% from last year, sales up 6.9% year to date, and homes moving from listing to closing faster. However, buyers have gained more options since June, so the advantage can vary significantly by location, price point, and property type.
If you’re buying or selling in North Idaho, national housing headlines only tell part of the story. The latest data from Coeur d’Alene Regional REALTORS® gives us a much clearer picture of what’s happening locally, and what it could mean for your next move.
As a North Idaho Realtor and real estate investor, Janna McRoy watches these shifts closely to help you make decisions based on local market conditions rather than national assumptions.
Kootenai County Housing Market 2026: July by the Numbers
According to the July 2026 Kootenai County Market Snapshot from Coeur d’Alene Regional REALTORS®, the latest numbers for site-built single-family homes on less than two acres show:
- Median home price: $565,000 — up 3.8% from July 2025
- Homes sold YTD: 1,499 — up 6.9%
- Active residential listings: 1,124 as of August 5
- Listing-to-closing time: 81 days — down 12% from July 2025
Together, those numbers point to continued buyer activity. More homes are selling, prices remain higher than a year ago, and properties are moving through the sales process faster.
Inventory Is Down From Last Year, but Up From June
Inventory is one of the most interesting parts of this month’s report.
There were 1,124 active residential listings as of August 5, compared with 1,243 a year earlier, a 9.6% decrease.
However, inventory increased 3.9% from June’s 1,082 listings.
For buyers, that means slightly more selection than earlier this summer, even though overall inventory remains below last year’s level.
For sellers, fewer listings year over year can mean less competition, but pricing still matters. Buyers can quickly compare your home with every other option in your price range.
This is why countywide statistics are only the starting point. What matters most is the competition around your specific property, location and price point.
More Kootenai County Homes Are Selling
Through July, 1,499 homes had sold year to date, 6.9% more than during the same period in 2025.
That’s important because it measures actual transactions, not asking prices or online activity.
Despite higher borrowing costs, buyers are still purchasing homes in the Kootenai County housing market in 2026.
Homes also took an average of 81 days from listing to closing, down 12% year over year. This number includes the period a property may be under contract, so it shouldn’t be interpreted as 81 days before receiving an offer. Still, the year-over-year decrease gives us another indication that the local market remains active.
Mortgage Rates Still Matter
Mortgage rates continue to influence both buyers and sellers.
According to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey, the national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.67% as of August 13, 2026.
For buyers, the rate affects purchasing power and monthly payments. For sellers, it affects the buyers considering your home.
That makes accurate pricing particularly important. Buyers aren’t evaluating your asking price in isolation, they’re looking at the total monthly cost and comparing your property with competing homes.
What This Market Means for Sellers
July’s data offers several positive signals for North Idaho sellers: prices are higher, year-to-date sales are up, inventory is lower than last year, and homes are moving from listing to closing faster.
But that doesn’t mean every property will perform the same way.
Your home’s value depends on recent comparable sales, current competition, location, condition, acreage, improvements and its specific price range.
A $565,000 countywide median doesn’t tell you what your home is worth. A property in Post Falls may face different competition than one in Coeur d’Alene, Hayden or Rathdrum.
That’s where local market analysis becomes far more valuable than a broad statistic.
What This Market Means for Buyers
Buyers have something working in their favor, too: inventory increased from June.
That may provide more choices, but with inventory still 9.6% below last year’s level and sales activity increasing, well-positioned homes can still attract attention.
Rather than trying to perfectly time the market, focus on whether a specific home makes sense for your budget, timeline and goals.
Some properties may provide opportunities to negotiate price or terms. Others may already be positioned competitively.
Working with a local real estate agent who understands the differences between North Idaho communities and price points can help you recognize those opportunities.
The Bottom Line on the Kootenai County Housing Market in 2026
The July numbers show a Kootenai County housing market in 2026 with continued activity: the median price is up 3.8%, year-to-date sales are up 6.9%, and inventory remains 9.6% below last year’s level despite increasing from June.
The bigger takeaway is that there isn’t one strategy that applies to every North Idaho property. Your results depend on where you’re buying or selling, your price range and the competition you’re facing.
If you’re thinking about selling in Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Hayden, Rathdrum or elsewhere in North Idaho, find out how your property fits into today’s market. Request your custom home value report and connect with Janna McRoy, North Idaho Realtor, for a strategy based on current local data and your specific goals.