Oct. 6, 2025

This piece is sponsored by Amy Stockberger Real Estate.

By Amy Stockberger

The federal government officially shut down at midnight on Oct. 1. While these shutdowns are not new, there have been 20 since 1976, each one brings its own ripple effects across the economy. For Sioux Falls homeowners, buyers, and sellers, it’s worth understanding what this could mean for real estate activity and the systems we’ve put in place to adapt.

What a shutdown really means for real estate

A government shutdown leads to temporary interruptions in various federal services. For real estate, that can mean delays in FHA and VA loan processing, IRS income verifications, and USDA rural housing loan approvals, all of which play important roles in getting transactions across the finish line.

One immediate concern is the suspension of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the NFIP supports about 500,000 home sales annually. With no new policies being issued, roughly 1,400 daily home closings across the U.S. could be at risk, a reminder of how closely federal programs are tied to housing stability.

A promising shift: Mortgage rates just dropped

Even amid the uncertainty, there’s encouraging news. Mortgage rates dipped on Friday, with some local lenders quoting a 30-year fixed rate as low as 5.875 percent. That’s sparked a noticeable uptick in buyer activity and signals renewed movement in the market.

Here in Sioux Falls, the latest market stats paint a steady picture:

• Median list price for active listings (August 2025): $412,450, up 0.3 percent month-over-month
• Median list price for new listings: $379,900, up 2.7 percent month-over-month
• Median list price for pending listings: $365,000, down 3.7 percent month-over-month
  

These shifts show continued demand, with some price adjustments in the pipeline. While pending prices dipped slightly, list prices for new inventory are rising, indicating seller confidence and buyer readiness returning with rate improvements.

Our systems are built for market movement

We’ve navigated volatility before. That’s part of how we’ve remained South Dakota’s #1 real estate team since 2017 and earned the #33 national ranking. But more importantly, it’s why we built a real estate system that gives sellers complete flexibility without sacrificing results.

Whether the market moves fast or slows down, our Lifetime Home Support™ Selling System meets sellers where they are — with structure, service, and multiple tailored paths to choose from.

The Lifetime Home Support™ selling system: Your personalized selling experience

At Amy Stockberger Real Estate, we’ve engineered a system that adapts to every seller’s unique needs while stacking in perks, protections, and performance. Our Lifetime Home Support Selling System is the only one in Sioux Falls that offers tailored paths backed by guaranteed outcomes.

Core guarantees and perks every seller gets:

• Cancellation Guarantee: If you’re not happy, fire us anytime. No penalties.
• Lifetime Home Support Perks: Always included:
  • Free moving trucks, boxes and supplies
  • VIP Club with free party and tool rentals
  • Over $5,300 in annual savings through our Discount Center
  • Vetted Home Support Team Partners with preferred pricing
  • Equity check-ins and wealth-building guidance for life

Choose your custom selling path:

1. Instant Offer Program – Cash in Your Hands, Fast

• Receive a cash offer in as little as 24 hours
• No showings, open houses, or strangers walking through
• No repairs, updates, or cleaning required
• Choose your closing date between 14 to 90 days
• Option to stay in your home up to 3 days post-close
  

2. Guaranteed Sale Program – 89 Days or We Buy It

• If your home doesn’t sell in 89 days, we buy it
• Includes expert pricing, a tailored marketing plan, and full support
• Ideal for relocations, sellers facing timelines, or anyone who values peace of mind

3. Trade-Up Program – Move Up Without the Stress

• Buy one of our listings and we guarantee the sale of your current home
• Avoid double moves, contingency issues, or paying for temporary housing
• A powerful advantage in competitive offer situations

4. Seller Operation Support (SOS) – Home Prep, Handled for You

• We manage the entire pre-listing process: repairs, updates, staging, and more
• Access to trusted Home Support Team contractors, painters, cleaners, organizers and every home service professional you would need.
• Project management from our team to keep things on time and on budget
• Many services can be deferred until closing

5. Golden Age Guided Move – Compassionate Senior Transitions

• Support for seniors and families relocating to assisted or independent living
• Includes estate sale support, downsizing help, vetted senior living advisors, and full coordination from start to finishNo matter your situation, we have a proven path to get your home sold fast, stress-free, and backed by Lifetime Home Support for life.

Perspective, not panic

While it’s true that shutdowns create temporary slowdowns, they’re also part of a cycle we’ve learned to anticipate and manage. Sioux Falls remains a fundamentally strong market, with consistent demand and motivated buyers, especially as rates trend downward.

Whether you’re considering selling now or preparing for the next step, our systems are built to flex with the market and still deliver results.

Have questions or want a custom strategy?

Let’s have a conversation about your goals and how to navigate today’s market with confidence.

Request your FREE market analysis here. 

Or call or text Amy directly at 605-376-6780 to explore your options.

In real estate, strategy beats timing, and we’ve got a strategy for every season.

Check out my guide to selling a home this fall.

Looking to buy or sell a home? Visit Amy Stockberger Real Estate here.

Click here to view our listings.

Considering a career in real estate or thinking about making a move? See how Amy Stockberger Real Estate guarantees to build big, juicy legacies for everyone in our ecosystem.

Click here to see if your company is a fit for our Home Support Team.

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