Housing market overview for
Is it a buyer’s or seller’s market in North Carolina?
It is considered a seller’s market right now. Housing inventory is up since last year, which means supply is less constrained. Mortgage rates are 7.2%, making the average house payment $2,609, which is $329 higher than a year before.
Total months of housing supply available for sale is 2.3 months, up 21.1% from 1.9 month(s) in May 2023.
Months of Supply
The Months of Supply housing metric is an estimate of how long it would take to sell all the homes for sale relative to the number of homes sold each month. Historically, 5 to 6 months is the average. You may also hear this metric referred to as the "absorption rate."
Lower months of housing supply typically signal a seller’s market whereas when months of supply is greater than 6 months typically signal a buyer’s market.
Sales to Listing Ratio
Sales to Listing Ratios are an indicator of supply and demand. It is all the completed sales in the past month divided by the total number of active listings.
In a balanced real estate market, the total number of home sales to active listings ratio is between 0.12 and 0.2 while markets with a ratio higher than 0.2 favors seller’s, as homes are selling fast and there is limited inventory, while markets below 0.12 favor home buyers because there is a larger supply of homes to purchase.
Selling a house in North Carolina
Home values have increased by 3.3% since last year, and the number of days it takes to sell a home has remain unchanged from 33 days in May 2023 to the same in May 2024.
The best time to sell your home in North Carolina is in June, when homes sell fastest and for the most money.
Sellers typically pay the commission of both the listing and buyer’s agents, which typically total 5-6% of the home sale price. That’s $23,070 paid in commission to the real estate agents. You’d also need to factor in closing costs, plus other fees and your mortgage payoff amount, to calculate the net proceeds from your home sale.
Buying a house in North Carolina
Homes in North Carolina have a median price of $384,500, which means you’ll need $38,450 for a 10% down payment. Housing costs have increased 3.3% in the past year. When you’re several months out and have your down payment saved, make sure to get pre-approved for a mortgage and find a real estate agent.
Home values are only one part of the home affordability equation. When buying a house in North Carolina, don’t forget to also account for closing costs, which are typically 3-4% of the home cost. In addition to the down payment of $38,450 you should have $15,380 as well as budget for cash reserves, moving expenses and ongoing homeownership costs for home maintenance and repairs or HOA fees.
North Carolina home values are 0% the same as North Carolina and 10.4% cheaper than the state median home value.
How does the North Carolina real estate market compare to other markets?
The North Carolina real estate market has a median sale price of $384,500, which is 10.4% lower than the national median sale price of $424,350. Compare other markets or nearby cities, as they can vary significantly.
South Carolina | North Carolina | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median home sale | Median home sale | Median home sale |
| $388,100 | $384,500 | $424,350 |
| Days on market | Days on market | Days on market |
| 62 | 33 | 38.5127800750826 |
| Monthly house payment | Monthly house payment | Monthly house payment |
| $2,670 | $2,688 | $2,592 |
| Cost to buy a house | Cost to buy a house | Cost to buy a house |
| $54,334 | $53,830 | $59,409 |
| Cost to sell a house | Cost to sell a house | Cost to sell a house |
| $27,167 | $26,915 | $29,704 |
Take the next step in North Carolina: Find an agent
Navigating the North Carolina housing market can be tricky, but you don’t have to go it alone. When you're ready to learn more, reach out to a local North Carolina real estate agent to get the process started. We recommend interviewing multiple candidates and coming prepared with a list of all your questions.
North Carolina housing market FAQs
Home prices in North Carolina are rising overall. Median home prices are up 3.3% since May 2023 and up 26% in the past 3 years.
The North Carolina housing market is a seller’s market. Homes in North Carolina stayed on the market for 33 days in May 2024.
The North Carolina housing market is is not a buyer’s market, it’s considered a seller’s market. Homes in North Carolina stayed on the market for 33 days in May 2024, slower than 32 days a year prior.
The best time to buy a house in North Carolina is in January when homes sell for 97.8% of the list price.
The best time to sell a house in North Carolina is in June when homes sell for 99.7% of the list price and go pending in 32 days.
