 January’s numbers show the luxury market is holding steady and adjusting smoothly rather than shifting dramatically. Compared with the unusually strong opening month last year, activity this January tracked closely, with only slight changes: single-family luxury sales dipped 1.4% year over year, while luxury condos and townhomes slipped 6.2%. At the same time, available listings rose modestly, up 5.6% for detached homes and 2.0% for attached properties, even as newly listed inventory declined by 3.9% and 8.8% respectively, indicating that limited fresh supply is still influencing overall movement. Pricing also remained stable, with single-family medians easing just 0.8% and attached homes climbing 5.7%, reinforcing that the luxury sector is recalibrating in a balanced, sustainable way rather than losing momentum.                When you look at the big picture, 2026 is shaping up to be an important year for the luxury real estate market, not because things are swinging wildly, but because the market itself is becoming more thoughtful and refined. People aren’t making moves out of urgency as much as they’re making decisions based on lifestyle goals, family priorities, and smart long-term planning. For buyers, sellers, and professionals alike, doing well this year will really come down to understanding what’s driving these choices and responding with good timing, clear strategy, and a bit of patience instead of rushing the process.
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  Activity shifted a bit in the Triangle Region in the month of January, but the story isn’t all slowdown. New listings came in at 3,946, about 2.7% fewer than last year, which simply means slightly fewer homeowners decided to sell. Closed sales landed at 2,064, down 10.8% from the previous January, showing transactions moved at a calmer pace. The bright spot? Average sales price actually ticked up to $465,727, a 0.2% increase, proving that home values are still holding strong. In other words, while the number of deals and listings eased, pricing stayed resilient, a sign the market is balancing rather than slipping.  Chatham County witnessed a modest shift in market activity this January, signaling adjustment rather than instability. New listings totaled 104, an 11.1% decrease from last year, indicating fewer sellers entered the market. Closed sales reached 66, down only 4.3%, showing buyer demand remains present despite the lighter inventory flow. The most notable change appeared in pricing, with the average sales price settling at $702,080, a 13.6% decline year over year. Altogether, these numbers suggest the market is easing into a more balanced rhythm, with activity cooling slightly while still maintaining steady movement.  Durham County witnessed a steady but evolving start to the year, with market trends showing a mix of resilience and adjustment. New listings reached 389, a slight 2.5% dip from last January, suggesting just a few fewer homes entered the market. Meanwhile, closed sales actually climbed to 224, marking a 4.7% increase and pointing to solid buyer activity. On the pricing side, the average sales price came in at $451,979, a modest 0.7% decrease year over year. Altogether, these numbers indicate a market that’s staying active and competitive, with strong transaction momentum even as prices and listing volume level out.  Orange County witnessed a noticeable lift in activity to start the year, with new listings rising 8.2%, giving buyers more options than this time last year. Closed sales also moved up 4.8%, showing that demand is keeping pace with the increase in inventory. Meanwhile, the average sales price settled at $606,754, reflecting a 2.6% decrease year over year. Together, these trends point to a market that’s becoming more balanced, where growing inventory and steady buyer interest are helping stabilize pricing.  Person County saw a surge in market activity on the listing side, with new listings jumping 25%, bringing a noticeable increase in available homes. At the same time, closed sales declined 21.2%, suggesting buyers moved at a slower pace despite the added inventory. The average sales price came in at $302,738, reflecting a slight 1.9% decrease year over year. Altogether, these trends suggest the market is shifting toward more balance, with growing supply giving buyers more room to explore options.  Wake County witnessed a slight pullback in activity to start the year, with new listings dipping 1.8% and closed sales falling 14.4%, signaling a slower transaction pace compared to last year. Despite that, pricing showed strength, as the average sales price rose 1.5% to $562,490. Overall, the numbers suggest that while fewer homes are entering the market and sales have cooled, property values are still holding firm, pointing to continued buyer confidence.
Navigating a home purchase or sale can feel overwhelming, from stacks of paperwork to market changes and unexpected hurdles. That’s why having a seasoned REALTOR® like Carl Johnson on your side truly matters. Carl guides you through each stage, transforming what might seem complicated into a smooth, straightforward, and even enjoyable process. When you work with Carl Johnson Real Estate, you’re also supported by a reliable network of professionals, including lenders, mortgage experts, inspectors, and contractors , ensuring every detail is handled with care. This collaborative approach saves time, eases stress, and empowers you to make confident, well-informed decisions from start to finish. Ready to take the next step? Call 919-880-0904 and let Carl Johnson Real Estate help you discover the home that’s just right for you. CLICK HERE to read this month's latest Luxury Market Report.  Kindness has a gentle way of opening hearts and bringing people closer, often in moments we least expect. It can begin with something simple, a kind word, a warm smile, or a thoughtful act, yet its impact can reach far beyond that single moment. Whether shared with someone you love or offered to a stranger, kindness sets the tone for connection, compassion, and the good that can grow from even the smallest gesture.  There’s something truly special about walking into a space that instantly makes you exhale and smile. It’s more than walls and a roof, it’s where comfort lives, memories grow, and every corner holds a little piece of your story. When a home feels like love, you don’t just live there… you belong there.
Kindness can be shown in many ways. CLICK HERE to read the impact of a personal note. You never know who needs your kind words!  January heated up on the Crystal Coast to start the year, with Beaufort leading the market in both new and active listings. Beaufort closed the month with 26 new listings and 104 active listings, signaling strong inventory growth. Morehead City recorded the highest number of sold listings with 19 closings, while Atlantic Beach posted the highest average sales price at $1,108,333, reflecting continued demand in the luxury coastal segment.  In January, Atlantic Beach recorded 64 active listings, 12 new listings, and 3 closed sales. The area also posted an average sales price of $1,108,333, the highest average sales price across the Crystal Coast, reflecting continued strength in the luxury coastal market.
In January, Beaufort led the Crystal Coast in active listings with 104 homes on the market. The area saw 12 new listings and 3 closed sales during the month, showing a steady pace as the year got underway. The average sales price came in at $515,458, offering a solid mix of value and opportunity. With inventory levels higher, buyers had more choices, while sellers benefited from continued interest in the Beaufort market. In January, Cape Carteret saw 8 active listings, with 6 new listings and 2 homes sold. The average sales price reached $359,000, showing steady demand in this more affordable segment of the Crystal Coast. With limited inventory and new listings coming online, the market remained active as buyers looked for value and location. In January, Emerald Isle had a total of 102 active listings, with 25 new listings and 16 homes sold. The average sales price came in at $1,027,719, reflecting strong demand in this highly desirable coastal area. With plenty of inventory and a healthy number of new listings, buyers had options, while sellers continued to see solid interest in their properties. In January, Indian Beach had 25 active listings and 4 new listings coming onto the market. While there were no closed sales during the month and no average sales price to report, the area still offered buyers options, and inventory remained steady as the year began. In January, Morehead City had 64 active listings and 23 new listings, leading the Crystal Coast with 19 homes sold. The average sales price came in at $622,684, reflecting strong demand in this central coastal market. With healthy activity across listings and sales, Morehead City started the year with momentum for both buyers and sellers. In January, Pine Knoll Shores had 25 active listings, with 9 new listings and 1 closed sale. The average sales price was $385,000, reflecting steady activity in this smaller coastal community. Buyers had a handful of options to choose from, while sellers saw continued interest despite limited sales volume. In January, Swansboro had 55 active listings, with 17 new listings and 7 homes sold. The average sales price came in at $531,929, showing solid activity in this growing coastal community. With a healthy mix of inventory and sales, Swansboro started the year with strong momentum for both buyers and sellers. Overall, the Crystal Coast market started the year with strong activity and a range of opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Across the region, prices remain competitive, inventory is varied, and interest from buyers is strong, setting the stage for a dynamic and exciting year ahead on the Crystal Coast. Buying or selling a home can feel overwhelming, paperwork, inspections, and market changes can make the process stressful. With Carl Johnson by your side, it becomes clear, manageable, and even exciting. Carl’s extensive network of trusted professionals, from lenders to inspectors, ensures every step is covered so you can make confident, informed decisions. Ready to find your perfect spot on the beautiful Crystal Coast? Call 919-880-0904 and let Carl Johnson Real Estate guide you every step of the way! CLICK HERE to read this month's latest Greater Triangle Market Report.  Cast Your Vote for Carl Johnson!
Voting is officially open for Durham Magazine’s Best of Durham! We’d truly appreciate your support by voting Carl Johnson for Best Real Estate Agent. It means more than you know! See below on how to vote for Carl, then vote for all your other Durham favorites from food to vets as well! Deadline to VOTE is ? 2026. CLICK HERE to VOTE for Carl in the 2026 Best of Durham poll - detailed instructions below! Here is how to cast your vote: Go to... Vote for Your Favorites in Best of Durham 2026 (durhammag.com) Click on Home & Garden → Best Real Estate Agent Type in: Carl Johnson After that, you’re done! Whether you’re a past client or have simply seen the care and dedication Carl brings to every transaction, your vote is a wonderful way to show support. Voting is quick and easy, and every vote truly matters. Thank you for helping us continue serving Durham with excellence in real estate! CLICK HERE to read some amazing testimonials from our wonderful clients and see why Carl truly deserves this honor. |
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