BuyersSellersUncategorized February 22, 2026

Sundays are for good coffee and updates on RE markets

 

The Northern Westchester and Putnam County real estate markets remain highly competitive as of February 2026, characterized by limited inventory and steady price appreciation. While New York State has seen a slow start to the year in terms of sales volume, home values in these specific suburbs continue their upward trajectory.

 

Town-Specific Values: High-demand areas continue to see varied pricing. For example:

  • Yorktown (Jefferson Valley) $720,000 – Very Competitive
  • Putnam Valley $668,000 – Sellers Market
  • Cortlandt Manor $646,322 (ZHV) Zillow Home Value – Stable Growth
  • Somers $601,750 – Highly Competitive

What should you know:  For Northern Westchester and Putnam County inventory is still limited. Consider an Appraisal Gap Coverage.  In multiple-offer situations, including a clause that you will purchase the property regardless of the appraised value. Lenders lend based on the lower of the purchase price or appraisal; you must be prepared to cover any difference in cash.

What about Lower Westchester and why still the “Market Anomaly” of 2026?

Despite national trends toward a more balanced market, Lower Westchester County continues to operate in its own “microclimate”. As we enter early 2026, the county remains a strong seller’s market with inventory levels that are historically tight—often sitting at less than one month of supply in highly desirable towns like Pelham, Bronxville, and Scarsdale.

  • Pricing Power: Unlike many parts of the U.S., homes in Lower Westchester are frequently selling for over their original list price, with an average sale-to-list ratio of approximately 101.2% as of January 2026.

  • The Velocity of Sales: Luxury homes that used to sit for two months are now often receiving offers within their first few showings, with average days on market dropping to roughly six weeks.

  • The “NYC-to-Suburbs” Migration: Demand is consistently fueled by families and hybrid workers from Manhattan and Brooklyn who prioritize Westchester’s walkable village centers and short commutes to Grand Central.

  • Rising Values: The median sale price for single-family homes in Lower Westchester has continued to climb, reaching approximately $935,000 to $1,000,000 at the start of 2026.

What you should know:  In Lower Westchester, the list price is the starting line, not the finish line. Buyers need full financial pre-approval and the decisiveness to act the moment a home hits the market.

Last, Dutchess County continues to be a competitive real estate market as of February 2026, characterized by high demand and rising home values.

Town-Specific Values: High-demand areas continue to see varied pricing. For example:

  • Beacon: $642,000
  • Cold Spring: $710,000
  • Fishkill: $487,000
  • Poughkeepsie: $404,440

I hope you found this information helpful as you navigate the current market! Whether you are looking to buy or sell in Westchester, Putnam, or Dutchess County corridor, having a clear strategy is the key to a successful closing in early 2026.

If you’d like a more detailed look at the specific trends in your neighborhood or a tailored analysis of your home’s value, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Respectfully,

Anna