May 2026 Hi-Desert Real Estate Market Update
Greetings Real Estate Fans,
Usually, we look for May flowers this month. Unfortunately, not much is blooming in our Hi-Desert real estate market. We are not alone! Nationwide sales are flat. High interest rates and high fuel costs appear to be keeping most buyers on the sidelines. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) appears to be focusing on the fall market this year with the hope of lower interest rates and lower fuel costs becoming a reality by late summer.
For us, right now, we are living with very low sales numbers. In the first trimester of the year, we find ourselves 40 closed escrows behind last year which was one of the lowest I have recorded. If the trend continues, we will close escrow on just around 850 homes. Remember in 2021 we closed on over 2,100 homes.
It appears some clear thinkers have entered our state legislating branch. At last count, three bills were working their way through the process that could give relief to the changing Joshua Tree reclassification. I am tracking these bills and will update you in the future if any appear close to passing. I don’t believe this will be much help now, but these could be important changes for our future.
Some highlights in this May Update include-
- As I mentioned above, we are 40 closed escrows behind last year through April.
- The average price of a home, by square foot, in Twentynine Palms last month is $186.38. This is two months in a row that the average price is below $200. It has been since August of 2025 since the price per square foot has been this low.
- Yucca Valley rebounded, representing 41% of sales.
- Over the last two months, 7 houses have closed over $750,000. Usually, we sell one to three a month, with zero not uncommon.
- Days on market continue to be well above national averages. 99 in Yucca Valley, 166 in Joshua Tree, and 97 in Twentynine Palms.
As we head into the summer months, we can expect sales to remain flat. Until our economy ramps up, it appears this is our normal for now.
Thank you for your continued support and the referrals to your friends and family.
Sincerely,
Bob Armstrong
(760) 221-2999
DRE #01275801
GREEN Real Estate Group
Bob Armstrong
