Is It a Buyer's or Seller's Market in DeForest, Wisconsin? (January 2026)

Question: Is it a buyer's or seller's market in DeForest, Wisconsin?

Answer: In January 2026, DeForest is a bifurcated market — an extreme seller's market overall with 1.84 months of supply, but the answer depends on price range. Entry-level homes under $400k face extreme competition with just 1 listing in the $300k–$399k range. Meanwhile, luxury homes over $1M sit in a buyer's market with 19.2 months supply. Data Source: South Central Wisconsin MLS (SCWMLS) market data, as published by Integrity Homes. Last updated: January 3, 2026

Understanding whether DeForest favors buyers or sellers depends on inventory levels, market speed, and — critically — your price range. January 2026 data shows a split market with very different conditions at different price points.

Data source: South Central Wisconsin MLS. Numbers reflect December closings as published on IntegrityHomesWI.com, snapshot dated Jan 2, 2026.

Why DeForest Is Still a Seller's Market (Overall)

• Only 56 homes actively for sale
• Homes selling in a median of just 14 days — 16 days faster than last year
• Months of supply at 1.84 — well below balanced levels
• The $300k–$399k range has virtually no inventory (0.18 months supply)
• Strong long-term demand for DeForest schools and location

Where Buyers Have Leverage

• Luxury opportunity: $1M+ homes have 19.2 months supply — a clear buyer's market
• $700k–$799k shifting: 5.33 months supply offers more negotiating room
• New listings surging: +91.7% YoY — inventory slowly rebuilding
• Slight negotiating room: homes selling at 99.39% of ask (0.61% under list)

This bifurcated market means your experience depends entirely on your price range — extreme competition under $400k, but real opportunity above $700k.

What This Means for Buyers

Entry-level buyers ($300k–$399k): Be prepared to move fast or expand your search. With just 1 listing in this range, competition is fierce. Consider adjacent price ranges or nearby communities.

Move-up/luxury buyers ($700k+): You have negotiating power. The $1M+ segment has 19+ months of inventory, giving you time and leverage to find the right home at the right price.

What This Means for Sellers

Entry-level sellers (under $500k): You have extreme leverage. With 14-day sales and virtually no competition in the $300k–$399k range, well-priced homes will fly.

Luxury sellers ($700k+): Price competitively and be prepared for negotiation. With 5–19+ months of supply in upper brackets, buyers have choices and time.

John Reuter
Wisconsin-based real estate advisor and U.S. Air Force veteran. John shares monthly housing market insights across Dane County to help buyers and sellers make informed decisions.
Call/Text: 608-669-4226  |  Email: john@integrityhomeswi.com