Key Takeaways
- Home values rising: Median home prices in Onondaga County are up about 6–8% year-over-year, averaging near $270,000.
- Fast-moving market: Homes often go pending in less than a week and many sell above asking price.
- Rates are easing: 30-year mortgage rates have dipped to around 6.2%, helping improve affordability for buyers.
- Low inventory persists: Limited listings continue to create competition among buyers.
- Opportunity for agents: A more active market means new opportunities for trained, licensed real estate professionals.
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Onondaga County NY Housing Market Update 2025: Lower Mortgage Rates, Steady Demand
October 2025 • Syracuse & Onondaga County, New York
After several years of elevated borrowing costs and limited inventory, the Onondaga County NY housing market 2025 is showing renewed energy. Mortgage rates have eased from earlier highs, buyers are returning, and competitively priced listings still move quickly. Below is a concise look at current conditions and why this is a timely moment to consider a New York real estate career.
Prices and Pace
According to Zillow, the typical Onondaga County home value is about $269,457 (Oct 2025), up roughly 6% year over year. Redfin shows a median sale price near $274,000, about 7.5% higher than last year, with homes often going pending in roughly a week.
Realtor.com reported a median list price around $289,900 (Aug 2025), up about 3.6% year over year, and average sale-to-list near 104%. Local momentum is also reflected in Rocket Homes data, which found a majority of homes selling over asking with low days on market during mid-2025.
Rates Are Lower—Affordability Is Improving
Average 30-year fixed mortgage rates have moved down from their 2024 peaks. As of October 23, 2025, the U.S. average sits near 6.19% per the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED). For New York, Bankrate recently showed ~6.2% on 30-year fixed and ~5.3% on 15-year fixed (Oct 24, 2025).
Even a reduction of about one percentage point can translate into significant monthly payment savings, which is helping some buyers re-enter the market.
Inventory Remains Tight
Low supply continues to be the defining constraint. Well-priced homes often receive multiple offers and go under contract quickly. The County’s long-term Housing & Neighborhoods Plan underscores the need for a wider range of housing types and more attainable options in “middle-market” neighborhoods around Syracuse.
Why This Is a Smart Time to Start Your Real Estate Career
Real estate is cyclical. Professionals who get licensed and trained while conditions are improving are best positioned when activity accelerates. As rates ease and demand stabilizes, Central New York needs knowledgeable, ethical agents to guide clients through pricing, financing, and negotiations.
At the Professional Career Center, we offer New York Department of State–approved in-person, live-stream, and online courses. If you’ve been considering a career change, this is an excellent moment to begin.
Sources & Attribution
- Zillow – Onondaga County Home Values: zillow.com
- Redfin – Onondaga County Housing Market: redfin.com
- Realtor.com – Market Overview: realtor.com
- Rocket Homes – Market Reports: rocket.com
- FRED – 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate (MORTGAGE30US): fred.stlouisfed.org
- Bankrate – New York Mortgage Rates: bankrate.com
- Onondaga County – Housing & Neighborhoods Plan: plan.ongov.net
Robert Smith — NYS Licensed Real Estate Broker; NYS Licensed Real Estate Instructor (CDEI); 40 years’ experience in real estate; former Chair of the Town of Cicero Planning Board.
Robert and Cindy Smith own and operate the Professional Career Center, a NYS Licensed Real Estate School in Syracuse, New York.
Questions? bob@pccsyr.com