The Mesa County housing market got off to a slower start in 2026, but February offered a few encouraging signs that activity is beginning to pick up.

A total of 166 homes sold in February, down 15 percent compared to the same time last year. While that year-over-year decline may seem notable, the month-over-month shift tells a more optimistic story. Sales increased 17 percent from January, signaling buyers are beginning to re-engage as we move closer to the spring market.

Through the first two months of the year, 313 homes have sold across Mesa County, a 12.3 percent decrease from this point in 2025. Total sales volume follows a similar pattern, coming in at $138.9 million compared to $160.9 million last year. While those numbers reflect a softer start, they are not entirely unexpected after several years of elevated activity. What stands out more is the recent upward trend, which suggests the market may be finding its footing.

One of the more encouraging aspects of February’s data is the continued stability in home prices. The median home price reached $406,750, a 2.5 percent increase over February of last year. Even with fewer transactions, sellers are not being forced into meaningful price reductions to attract buyers. For homeowners, that consistency reinforces the strength of the local market and the long-term value of real estate in the area.

At the same time, the pace of the market has shifted. Homes are taking longer to sell, with average days on market increasing to 91 days. That is up from 79 days a year ago and closely aligned with January’s numbers. Buyers are taking more time to evaluate options and make decisions, which is a clear departure from the urgency seen in recent years. In many ways, this reflects a market returning to more typical conditions.

Inventory continues to trend upward, giving buyers more choices than they have had in quite some time. There are currently 638 active residential listings, up 7.6 percent from January and 14 percent compared to last February. Even with that growth, Mesa County remains in relatively balanced territory with about 3.8 months of inventory. While still below the 5 to 6 month range that typically signals a buyer’s market, the increase in supply is gradually shifting the dynamic.

That said, not all price points are experiencing the same level of relief. The most competitive segments remain on the lower end of the market. Homes priced between $200,000 and $299,000 have just 1.9 months of inventory, while the $300,000 to $399,000 range sits at 2.4 months. Buyers in these categories should still expect competition, even as conditions improve overall.

One of the most notable developments in February came from the new construction side. Single-family building permits surged, with 76 permits issued during the month. That is a significant jump from both January and February of last year and brings the year-to-date total to 118 permits, an 18 percent increase over 2025.

This level of activity has not been seen since mid-2025 and, prior to that, early 2022. It is a strong indication that builders remain confident in the local market and are responding to ongoing demand, particularly in price ranges where inventory remains limited.

There was also a slight shift in where that growth is occurring. While the City of Grand Junction typically accounts for the majority of building activity, February saw a more distributed pattern, with increased permit activity in unincorporated Mesa County and in Fruita. This suggests growth is expanding beyond the city core and into surrounding areas.

For buyers, the combination of rising inventory and longer days on market offers more flexibility and time to make informed decisions. While competition has not disappeared, especially in more affordable price ranges, the pace is far more manageable than in recent years.

For sellers, pricing remains strong, but strategy matters more than ever. Homes are not moving as quickly, so thoughtful pricing and strong presentation are key to standing out in a market with more options.

Overall, February reflects a market in transition. While activity remains below last year’s levels, the momentum we saw month over month, combined with steady pricing and increased construction activity, points to a healthier and more balanced market as we move into the spring season.

Darah Galvin is a data analyst for Bray & Co. – All Things Real Estate.