 Early 2026 shows a luxury real estate market that remains resilient, though growth has slowed compared to prior years. Luxury single-family home prices are up about 1.1% year over year (roughly 3% over two years), while attached properties have dipped 2.8% year over year but are still up 4.5% over two years. Sales activity has held steady, with single-family transactions rising 3.9% year over year, and both segments seeing strong month-over-month gains to start the year (up 18.9% for single-family and up 21.2% for attached homes). After a sharp inventory surge in 2025 (over 25% in some months and up to 40% annually in certain markets), supply has begun to stabilize in 2026, with February showing a modest increase of 3.1% in single-family inventory and a decline of 2.35% in attached homes.                The luxury market is clearly settling into a healthier, more sustainable rhythm, and that’s a good thing. Buyers now have more breathing room, more options, and a bit more confidence when making decisions, while sellers are still benefiting from steady demand and long-term price growth. The strong start to the year in sales activity signals that momentum is building, not fading. As we head into the spring market, all eyes will be on whether this balance holds or tips back toward increased competition. Either way, the stage is set for an active and opportunity-filled season, and next month’s data should give us an even clearer picture of where things are headed.
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  In February, the Triangle region saw a notable 3.6% increase in new listings, a 1.8% dip in closed sales, and a 1.4% increase in average sales price, now sitting at $466,584 year-to-date. This shift suggests we’re continuing to move toward a more balanced market, inventory is gradually building, giving buyers a bit more breathing room, while home values are still holding steady with modest growth. While the slight dip in closings may reflect some hesitation tied to interest rates or seasonal timing, the increase in listings is a strong indicator that sellers are gaining confidence as we head into the spring market.  Chatham County saw a slight 0.7% decrease in new listings in February, while closed sales increased by 3.2%, signaling continued buyer demand despite limited new inventory. The average sales price rose 4.2%, now sitting at $752,314 year-to-date, reflecting strong value growth and ongoing interest in the area as we move closer to the spring market.  February brought some interesting activity to Durham’s real estate market. New listings jumped 19.8%, giving buyers plenty of options, while closed sales edged up 2%. The average sales price dipped slightly by 9.8%, now sitting at $437,908 year to date. Whether you’re buying or selling, February shows there’s movement in the market and opportunities to make your next move.  In February, Orange County saw impressive activity. New listings surged by a whopping 38.4%, giving buyers a significant boost in options. Closed sales also edged up 1.4%, while the average sales price increased 8.4%, now sitting at $573,018 year to date. These February trends reflect a dynamic market with growing inventory and rising home values, creating opportunities for both buyers and sellers alike.  In February, Person County showed some notable trends. Closed sales remained steady with no change, while new listings saw a significant 9.8% increase, giving buyers more options to consider. Meanwhile, the average sales price experienced a remarkable 21.1% jump, reaching $341,983 year to date, highlighting a strong upward trend in property values throughout the county. These February trends indicate a market with growing inventory and rising prices, offering opportunities for both buyers and sellers.  In February, Wake County’s real estate market showed some interesting shifts. New listings increased by 4.1%, giving buyers more options to choose from, while closed sales dipped slightly by 3.3%. Meanwhile, the average sales price saw a modest 0.5% decrease, now sitting at $555,717 year to date. These trends highlight a market with growing inventory but subtle cooling in completed sales and prices, offering opportunities for both buyers and sellers.
Home values across the region continue to show resilience, with most counties experiencing price growth or holding steady year-to-date. At the same time, the increase in new listings in several areas is giving buyers more opportunities and helping ease some of the tight inventory conditions we’ve seen over the past couple of years. All signs point to a more normalized, competitive market, one where sellers can still benefit from strong pricing, but buyers may finally gain a bit more leverage and choice. As we move deeper into the spring market, continued inventory growth and steady demand will be key factors to watch across the Triangle. Buying or selling a home can feel overwhelming, endless paperwork, shifting markets, and unexpected challenges can make the process stressful. That’s where Carl Johnson, a seasoned REALTOR®, comes in. With Carl by your side, every step becomes clear, manageable, and even enjoyable. At Carl Johnson Real Estate, you’re not just working with one agent, you gain access to a trusted network of lenders, mortgage specialists, inspectors, and contractors, all working together to handle every detail with care. This team approach saves you time, reduces stress, and empowers you to make confident, informed decisions from start to finish. Ready to make your next move? Call 919-880-0904 and let Carl Johnson Real Estate help you find the home that’s perfect for you. CLICK HERE to read this month's latest Crystal Coast Market Report.  SPECIAL ALERT
As Per GOOGLE: AI Overview - As of March 4, 2026, 30-year fixed mortgage rates are hovering around 5.875% to 6.12%, reflecting a period of relative stability, while 15-year fixed rates are lower, typically around 5.3% to 5.4%. Mortgage demand recently hit a 4-year low in rates, boosting refinancing. Today's Average Mortgage Rates (March 4, 2026)
Key Market Factors
My mastermind group, and my colleagues at NC REALTORS® have all said that they are experiencing a higher volume of buyers and sellers that are ready to move forward. The Market is thawing out, and folks are understanding that this is the norm and that COVID rates were a one-time gift that will not happen again. How does this effect the market? We will see how supply and demand will effect pricing as this plays out. There is a model that shows pricing increasing due to a penned up need for housing. With more sellers making a move, they will also flood the market. If you are looking at buying or selling, call me 919-880-0904 and lets have a conversation about your goals, wants & needs and how this market shift effects your bottom line. Lets make this simple and about you. This entire message was not powered by AI. Carl wrote this content starting with the heading.What does this mean to you? Copyright 4RE Marketing - All Rights Reserved 2026 4REmarketing, owned by Carl Johnson Note: Rates are based on daily national averages and can vary significantly based on your credit score, down payment, and lender. Ready to buy or simply interested in mortgage tips? CLICK HERE to read on how you can get ready for mortgage.  Our mind is a very powerful and complex place. It holds our thoughts, memories, emotions, and the beliefs that shape how we see the world. Because of that, what we allow to live in our minds can influence our attitude, our decisions, and the direction of our lives. That is why it’s so important to practice renewing our minds daily, taking time to reflect, reset, and focus on thoughts that bring clarity, purpose, and peace so we can better navigate through life.  It is important to renew the mind so we can build a strong foundation for how we think, live, and respond to the world around us. When we take time to reset our thoughts and focus on what is positive, purposeful, and true, we begin to shape a mindset that helps us grow, make better decisions, and move forward with clarity. A renewed mind helps us stay grounded, overcome challenges, and build a life that reflects the direction and values we want to live by
CLICK HERE to discover how to clear the chaos not just from your mind, but from your life too!  If you’ve been watching the coast, you can feel it, the Crystal Coast is heating up in a big way this new year, and the energy is real. For the second month in a row, Beaufort is leading the charge with 115 active listings, giving buyers plenty to explore. Meanwhile, Emerald Isle is bringing the fresh inventory, topping the charts with 34 new listings and creating exciting new opportunities along the shoreline. Not to be outdone, Morehead City is once again proving buyer demand is strong, claiming the highest number of sold homes for the second consecutive month with 17 closings. And let’s talk luxury for a moment, Pine Knoll Shores stole the spotlight with a jaw-dropping average sales price of $1,757,500. Coastal living is not just a lifestyle here, it’s a thriving market full of momentum, opportunity, and serious value.  Adding to the coastal momentum, Atlantic Beach is making moves of its own with 69 active listings, 16 new properties hitting the market, and 7 homes sold. The average sales price came in at $480,000, a strong price point that keeps this beach town attractive for both full-time residents and second-home buyers looking to invest in coastal living.
Beaufort is clearly setting the pace, leading the way with 115 active listings and 31 new homes hitting the market. Even with that strong inventory flow, buyer demand remains steady with 13 homes sold. The average sales price came in at $662,108, a solid number that reflects both the charm and continued value of this historic coastal favorite. Cape Carteret may be smaller in size, but it’s showing steady activity with 10 active listings, 5 new listings, and 5 homes sold, a strong balance between inventory and buyer demand. The average sales price came in at $614,300, highlighting continued value and interest in this desirable coastal community. Emerald Isle was right behind Beaufort in active listings with an impressive 110 homes on the market, giving buyers plenty of coastal options to choose from. It also claimed the top spot for new listings with 34 properties hitting the market, while 9 homes successfully closed. The average sales price reached $976,944, a strong reflection of Emerald Isle’s continued appeal and the premium buyers are willing to pay for prime beachfront and sound side living. Indian Beach saw 29 active listings on the market, with 7 new homes added and 2 properties sold. The average sales price came in at $505,400, positioning this coastal gem as an attractive option for buyers looking to enjoy beachside living at a more approachable price point along the Crystal Coast. Morehead City is holding steady with 65 active listings and an impressive 28 new homes hitting the market. It also led the way in closed activity, recording the highest number of sold listings at 17, a clear sign that buyers are actively moving. The average sales price came in at $820,529, reflecting strong demand and continued confidence in this vibrant waterfront community. Pine Knoll Shores had 32 active listings, 12 new homes hit the market, and 2 properties sold, but here’s the headline: it led the entire area in average sales price with a remarkable $1,757,500. That number speaks volumes about the luxury appeal, exclusivity, and premium waterfront lifestyle that continues to define this standout coastal community. Swansboro showed steady activity, with 41 active listings, 13 new homes hitting the market, and 11 properties sold recently. The average sales price reached $431,409, reflecting consistent home values in the area. These numbers suggest that well-priced, move-in-ready homes are attracting buyers, making it a solid time for both sellers looking to list and buyers searching for their next home in this vibrant coastal community. The Crystal Coast real estate market continues to demonstrate resilience and dynamism, characterized by sustained buyer interest, competitive sales activity, and robust home values, indicating a favorable environment for sellers to capitalize on demand while offering discerning buyers a diverse array of desirable properties. Navigating the process of buying or selling a home can feel overwhelming, paperwork, inspections, and shifting market conditions often add stress. With Carl Johnson by your side, the journey becomes clear, manageable, and even enjoyable. Leveraging his extensive network of trusted professionals, from lenders to inspectors, Carl ensures every detail is handled so you can make confident, informed decisions. Looking for your ideal home on the stunning Crystal Coast? Call 919-880-0904 and let Carl Johnson Real Estate guide you seamlessly every step of the way! CLICK HERE to read this month's latest Greater Triangle Market Report. |
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