If you’re thinking about launching a real estate career in North Carolina, you’re entering the market at an interesting moment. New data for mid-2025 points to a transitional, but opportunity-rich, real estate environment. Inventory is expanding, prices are still rising, and the market is approaching balance. For prospective buyers, sellers, and especially new agents (called brokers in NC), this means a market with more movement, more listings, and more opportunity to gain experience.
Let’s break down what the latest numbers reveal—and what they mean for you.
Key Takeaways
- Inventory is Up—Creating More Opportunities for Agents and Buyers: North Carolina’s active listings have increased 25.7% year-over-year, and housing supply has grown to 5.7 months, signaling a shift toward a more balanced market with more options and negotiating room.
- Home Prices Continue to Rise—But at a Slower Pace: The median sales price climbed to $374,994, a 2.1% increase from the previous year. This moderate growth supports buyer affordability while maintaining solid value for sellers.
- Fewer Sales, but a Healthier, More Negotiable Market: While home sales are down 8.5%, this reflects a calmer environment where both buyers and sellers can make more informed, strategic decisions, which is an ideal setting for agents to build lasting client relationships.
- It’s a Good Time to Start a Real Estate Career in North Carolina: With increased listing activity, stabilizing mortgage rates, and growing interest in emerging markets like Greensboro and Fayetteville, 2025 presents excellent conditions for new agents to gain experience and build a niche.
Key Market Stats for North Carolina (2025 Mid-Year Snapshot)
- Listings: 67,506 statewide (up 25.7% year-over-year)
- Sales: 13,296 homes sold (down 8.5% year-over-year)
- Median Sales Price: $374,994 (up 2.1% year-over-year)
- Inventory Supply: 5.7 months (up 27.5% year-over-year) (approaching a balanced 6-month market)
Source: NC REALTORS®, July 2025
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What These Trends Mean for North Carolina’s Market
Are you considering entering NC’s real estate market? Here are some insights into the NC July 2025 housing data.
1. More listings mean more choices
The 25.7% increase in active listings reflects growing seller confidence and a boost in new construction and resale inventory. This benefits buyers who faced limited options in recent years, and creates more work for agents handling showings, listings, and offers.
Agent Tip: Help buyers navigate the expanded inventory by narrowing down their must-haves and creating customized home tours. For sellers, highlight how your marketing strategy can help their listing stand out in a more competitive pool.
2. Prices are rising—but more gradually
The 2.1% year-over-year increase in median sales price shows that while prices are still going up, the pace has cooled from the double-digit surges of 2021–2022. That’s good news for buyers who were previously priced out and gives sellers a reason to enter the market while values are still climbing.
Agent Tip: Now’s a good time to discuss long-term value and the potential for equity growth with buyers. For sellers, provide a current market analysis to help them set a competitive price that reflects today’s conditions.
3. Sales volume is down—but that’s not bad news
An 8.5% drop in home sales year-over-year may sound concerning at first, but it reflects a market shift toward balance. Buyers are no longer rushing to beat rising rates, and sellers are adjusting expectations. For agents, this is an ideal time to work with serious, motivated clients on both sides of the transaction.
Agent Tip: Focus on quality over quantity. With fewer transactions happening, every client relationship counts. Offer strategic insights and timely communication to guide your clients with confidence.
4. Market is moving toward balance
With 5.7 months of inventory, North Carolina is nearing a balanced market (typically defined as 6 months of supply). This shift gives both buyers and sellers room to negotiate, unlike in previous years when sellers dominated due to extreme scarcity.
Agent Tip: Be prepared to coach buyers on making competitive yet reasonable offers. For sellers, help set expectations about longer listing times and the possibility of negotiating on price or contingencies.
What Does This Housing Data Mean for New Agents?
For those considering becoming a real estate broker in North Carolina, mid-2025 is a favorable time to enter the industry. Here’s why:
- More Listings = More Transactions: New agents can gain experience more quickly in a higher-volume environment.
- A Balanced Market Rewards Skill: As the market becomes more balanced, buyers and sellers increasingly rely on knowledgeable agents to guide their decisions.
- Opportunity in Emerging Markets: Areas beyond Charlotte and Raleigh are gaining attention for their affordability and livability, giving new agents space to build a niche.
This is an ideal time to build a career rooted in value and service, rather than just speed.
How to Support Buyers and Sellers in Today’s Market
As a new or experienced agent, knowing how to adapt your strategy to this evolving market is key. Here are a few smart ways to support your clients in 2025:
For Buyers
- Be Proactive: With more listings available, help buyers explore a wider range of options, but be ready to act fast on high-quality properties.
- Educate Them on Rates: Mortgage rates are more stable, but still a factor. Recommend connecting early with a lender.
- Reassure About Timing: Although it’s not yet a “buyer’s market,” balanced conditions mean buyers have more negotiating power than they’ve had in years.
For Sellers
- Price for Today’s Market: Guide clients in avoiding outdated pricing strategies from the 2021–2022 boom.
- Market Aggressively: With more homes on the market, presentation and exposure matter more than ever. Use professional photos, virtual tours, and social media.
- Set Realistic Timelines: Encourage patience; homes may take longer to sell than they did during the pandemic housing frenzy.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 North Carolina Real Estate Market
What are the current real estate market trends in North Carolina?
As of mid-2025, North Carolina is experiencing a more balanced housing market. Active listings are up 25.7% year-over-year, while inventory has reached 5.7 months of supply, approaching the 6-month benchmark that signals market balance. Median sales prices have risen moderately to $374,994, showing a 2.1% annual increase. Although overall sales are down 8.5%, this shift reflects a calmer, more negotiable market compared to the frenzy of previous years.
Is it a good time to buy a house in North Carolina in 2025?
Yes—mid-year 2025 offers favorable conditions for buyers who were previously sidelined by bidding wars and low inventory. The increase in listings gives buyers more options, and mortgage rates are expected to stabilize in the mid-5% range, improving affordability. Additionally, with prices growing at a slower pace, buyers now have more negotiating room and time to make informed decisions.
Which cities in North Carolina have the fastest-growing real estate markets?
While Charlotte and Raleigh remain strong, other cities are seeing rapid growth due to affordability, lifestyle, and job access. Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Wilmington, and Fayetteville are becoming increasingly popular for both homebuyers and investors. These markets are benefiting from inbound migration, new development, and improved infrastructure.
How are mortgage rates affecting the North Carolina housing market in 2025?
After years of rate volatility, mortgage rates are stabilizing, with projections pointing to a consistent mid-5% range by year-end. This predictability is boosting buyer confidence and encouraging homeowners to re-enter the market. Stabilized rates also contribute to more balanced negotiations between buyers and sellers, helping moderate price growth and support sustained market activity.
North Carolina’s 2025 real estate market is characterized by increased inventory, steady price gains, and a growing balance. While sales are slightly down, the shift reflects a healthier, more negotiable market. For aspiring agents, this climate offers real opportunities to learn, grow, and serve clients who need guidance more than ever.
Ready to Start Your Career in Real Estate?
Stay abreast of all things real estate by enrolling in the Superior School of Real Estate. We serve NC real estate professionals throughout their career journeys, as we offer the required courses you need to earn your real estate license, as well as continuing education and professional development.
Disclaimer: This report is informed by a blend of trusted perspectives, including insights from seasoned real estate instructors who serve as local experts and professionals deeply embedded in the North Carolina housing market. Complementing their expertise are data and trends drawn from leading real estate publications, comprehensive market analyses, and reputable industry reports. Together, these sources provide a well-rounded depiction of the North Carolina real estate landscape, ensuring that buyers, investors, and professionals alike have access to actionable and reliable information.
