North Carolina Real Estate Market Trends:
What Real Estate Professionals Need to Know in 2025
By Brian Pate
As we move deeper into 2025, the North Carolina real estate market is showing signs of stability after years of dramatic shifts. Whether you’re a new agent, a seasoned broker, or a real estate educator, understanding where the market stands today—and where it’s going—is essential for staying competitive and delivering value to your clients and students.
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.
A Shift Toward a More Balanced Market
The frenzied pace of the last few years has eased. After historic price increases and bidding wars in 2021 and 2022, we’re now seeing a more balanced market emerge. Inventory is slowly rising, price growth is cooling to a sustainable pace (around 3–5% year-over-year), and buyers have more room to negotiate.
For years, real estate experts have claimed that six months of inventory is a balanced market. In today’s world, the balanced market is between three and four months of inventory. Listing agent marketing reaches millions of consumers through portals like Homes.com, Zillow and Realtor.com less than 24 hours from entry in the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Because of the photos, maps and video available to the consumer through public portals, the first showing now happens on the internet. That means that every showing is now a second showing when the consumer comes to see the house in person.
This shift requires a return to the core skills of real estate: pricing correctly, understanding market data, and presenting properties with strategic marketing plans. These are the fundamentals we teach in our classrooms and coaching sessions—and now, they’re more important than ever.
Migration Trends Keep Demand Strong
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, North Carolina was the third-fastest-growing state in 2024. With job growth in technology, healthcare, and manufacturing, people are still relocating to areas like Raleigh, Charlotte, and Wilmington. Suburban and rural towns within commuting distance are also seeing increased demand.
For a specific example, according to the Wake Forest Business and Industry Partnership in Wake Forest, NC, 51 people are moving to Wake County (around Raleigh, North Carolina) per day.
For real estate professionals, this means two things:
- Follow the migration patterns. Growth isn’t limited to big cities.
- Stay educated about local zoning, infrastructure plans, and school districts. These factors influence buying decisions more than ever.
How Rates and Affordability Are Reshaping the Conversation
While mortgage rates are hovering around 6.5%, many buyers—especially first-timers—are feeling the squeeze. This makes education essential.
Real estate agents and educators must be prepared to explain:
- How mortgage interest rates affect monthly payments
- Creative financing options like buydowns or adjustable-rate mortgages
- Why long-term value still makes homeownership a smart investment
If you’re teaching or mentoring others, encourage ongoing conversations about affordability, negotiation techniques, and financial literacy.
To illustrate, resale homes are going to have a higher monthly mortgage payment than most new construction homes. Builders are padding their prices by $10,000 to $25,000 to cover a mortgage rate buydown. This additional money in the sale price is being used to lower the interest rate below 5% in order to make the payment more affordable to the consumer.
As entry level consumers adjust to “payment shopping” instead of “price shopping,” those buydowns will encourage more new home purchases than resale in most markets.
On tope of that, North Carolina municipalities are raising taxes by re-evaluating home values for tax purposes more often. That means that taxes are going up each year. We have also seen the impact of insurance rates rising, with awareness heightened after the Hurricane Helene destruction of Western North Carolina.
Technology, Transparency and Trust
Real estate is evolving—but the agent’s role is still vital.
Yes, AI tools, virtual showings, and automation are changing the game. But clients still need local expertise, personalized advice, and someone to advocate for them. The most successful agents in 2025 will combine technology-driven efficiency with human connection.
That’s why we focus heavily on relationship-building, communication skills, and tech training in our courses. It’s not either/or—it’s both.
Agents and educators who refuse to learn new artificial intelligence technologies to enhance their performance in the real estate ecosystem, will be left behind. Those comfortable with the new technology will become more adept, faster and continue to grow their business to massive returns on their time investment.
Key Takeaway for Agents and Educators
North Carolina’s market is stabilizing, not shrinking. This is a moment to refine your skills, lean into education, and prepare for the next phase of growth.
As agents and instructors, we help consumers develop the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in any market condition. Whether you’re a student, an instructor, or a broker-in-charge, now’s the time to double down on training and strategy.
From learning about generation gaps to explaining key terms a home buyer needs to know, agents are on the front lines with buyers and sellers. As instructors, we are here to support that mission of helping people every day.
Let’s Continue the Conversation
What trends are you seeing in your local market? Are your buyers more hesitant? Are your students asking new types of questions?
Drop your thoughts in the comments or contact us to learn more about real estate education programs, CE courses, and custom coaching for agents and teams.
📍 Brian Pate is a Realtor, real estate educator, and founder of Brian Pate Seminars. He teaches across North Carolina and offers coaching programs designed to help real estate professionals grow their business with confidence and clarity.