Why Now Might Be the Right Time to Buy a Home in Grand Forks, ND

A doormat with the phrase “Home Sweet Home” in bold black letters sits in front of a wooden front door on a red brick porch.

Homebuyers in Grand Forks Are Finally Getting a Break

Let’s be real: the past few years have been tough for anyone trying to buy a home in Grand Forks. Low inventory, rising home prices, and bidding wars left many buyers frustrated—or completely priced out.

But 2025 is different.

The Grand Forks real estate market is shifting. Inventory is rising, sellers are more flexible, and new construction homes are coming with serious incentives. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to buy in Grand Forks, ND, this could be it.

Here are five key signs that the market is tilting in your favor.


1. Grand Forks Sellers Are Offering More Concessions

In early 2025, 44% of U.S. home sellers offered concessions like closing cost coverage or rate buydowns, according to Redfin. And we’re seeing the same trend locally in homes for sale in Grand Forks.

Sellers know buyers have more options and are negotiating more often. That means you can ask for help with repairs, closing costs, or even rate adjustments—and have a good chance of getting it.


A man and woman peer closely at something, the man holding a magnifying glass and the woman a spoon, both with exaggeratedly amazed expressions.

2. Down Payments Are Shrinking—Even in Grand Forks

Redfin reports a national dip in average down payments, and that trend is reflected in the Grand Forks housing market too.

With more buyers using FHA and VA loans, plus the availability of smaller, more affordable homes in the Grand Forks area, buyers are finding ways to enter the market with less upfront cash.

That’s especially important for first-time buyers and local residents trying to stay in the community they love.


3. Builders in Grand Forks Are Cutting Prices and Offering Incentives

If you’re eyeing new construction homes in Grand Forks, pay attention: 37% of builders nationally cut prices in June 2025, and 62% offered incentives like rate buydowns or free upgrades.

Local builders are following suit, with discounts and flexible terms designed to attract serious buyers. With several new developments in and around Grand Forks, it’s a great time to shop for a home that’s move-in ready and still negotiable.


4. Grand Forks Housing Inventory Is Finally Rising

For years, homes for sale in Grand Forks were few and far between. But now, inventory is on the rise—both nationally and locally.

According to Realtor.com, active listings nationwide rose over 30% year over year. In Grand Forks, buyers are starting to see more choices and fewer bidding wars, especially in the mid-price range.

If you’ve been waiting for a moment when competition slows down, this is it.


5. Investors Are Selling, Opening More Homes for Local Buyers

In 2024, 10.8% of all U.S. home sales were investor-owned properties being sold back into the market. In Grand Forks, this means more inventory is hitting the MLS—often in neighborhoods popular with first-time buyers and local families.

Less investor activity = more chances for local buyers to purchase a home without getting outbid by cash offers.


Final Thoughts: 2025 Might Be the Year to Buy in Grand Forks

No, it’s not a buyer’s market yet—but it’s getting closer. With more homes for sale, flexible sellers, and better lending options, the Grand Forks real estate market is giving buyers a real shot.

If you paused your home search in Grand Forks, it might be time to pick it back up. The right home—and the right deal—could be available right now.

Want to know what’s happening in your neighborhood or price range? Let’s connect. I’ll help you make the most of this new market.

Sources: Redfin (Down Payments), National Association of Home Builders, Realtor.com, BAM, Redfin (Concessions)

Join The Discussion

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.