A Different Market

     Over the past decade, the real estate landscape in St. Tammany Parish has shifted in ways many didn’t fully anticipate. What used to be a fast-moving market now feels more measured and deliberate. Homes are lingering longer on the market, offers are more cautious, and buyers are paying closer attention to value—and not just curb appeal. Before we go further, a fair warning: this blog is for perspective and insight—not financial or real estate advice. Always consult a licensed realtor or financial professional before making property decisions.

     So, why are houses sitting longer in 2025 than they used to? One major reason is rising interest rates and affordability constraints: with mortgage rates hovering higher, many buyers are more price-sensitive and selective than in the frenzy years. A second factor is more inventory and increased competition among sellers: recent data shows over 1,500 active listings in St. Tammany Parish as of mid-2025 (Realtor.com count) ([FRED][1]). Third, pandemic-driven demand has cooled—the rush of buyers moving out of cities toward the Northshore has tapered off, leaving a more balanced market ([JPARGulfSouth][2]). Fourth, price resistance and negotiation have become more common: buyers are pushing back where homes look overpriced or under-conditioned. Finally, rising costs of insurance, materials, and maintenance make some sellers delay or underinvest in repairs, which can slow offers.

     Looking at the numbers underscores the trend. In September 2025, the median days on market in St. Tammany Parish stood around 72 days (Realtor.com / FRED data) ([FRED][3]). That’s quite different from the earlier, faster-paced years when homes might move in a few weeks. Meanwhile, the median sale price is showing slight downward pressure: for example, the median was about $285,000, down about 5.0% year-over-year in August 2025 ([Redfin][4]). At the same time, the number of homes sold has increased modestly (343 homes versus 315 a year ago) ([Redfin][4]), indicating that demand is still present, but buyers are choosier—especially on value, condition, and financing.

     For realtors, sellers, or anyone watching this region, understanding these shifts matters. In today’s “different market,” staging, professional media (photos, video, drone), competitive pricing, and responsive negotiations matter more than ever. Homes that look fresh, marketed well, and priced right stand the best chance. If you’re preparing a property to sell, or want to make sure your listing gets noticed longer, I’d love to help capture its best side visually. And again—while I offer photography insight and marketing support, I’m not a financial or real estate advisor, so be sure to lean on trusted professionals for transactional guidance.

Sources:

[1]: https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/ACTLISCOU22103 "Housing Inventory: Active Listing Count in St. Tammany Parish, LA"

[2]: https://www.jpargulfsouth.com/blog/11118/From%2BBoom%2BTo%2BBalance%3A%2BWhat%E2%80%99s%2BReally%2BHappening%2BIn%2BLouisiana%E2%80%99s%2BHousing%2BMarket%2BIn%2B2025 "What's Really Happening in Louisiana's Housing Market in 2025"

[3]: https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/MEDDAYONMAR22103?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Housing Inventory: Median Days on Market in St. Tammany Parish, LA"

[4]: https://www.redfin.com/county/1281/LA/St-Tammany-Parish/housing-market "St. Tammany Parish, LA Housing Market - Redfin"