If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to buy, this may be the most strategic window you’ll see for a while. Not because of guesswork — but because of what the Triangle’s real data is revealing right now. Rates have eased off their highs. Inventory is up. Competition is down. Sellers are more flexible. It’s the kind of temporary balance the Triangle rarely experiences. Once mortgage rates take their next meaningful step down — which most analysts still expect — buyer demand will accelerate quickly. History in our market shows what happens when that shift begins:

• more offers
• faster decisions
• fewer concessions
• rising prices

Right now, buyers still have leverage. That leverage won’t last forever.  

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What the Market Is Really Doing Right Now

Mortgage rates have eased from their peak, and that easing — combined with a surge in available homes — has created a rare moment of breathing room for buyers. Today’s conditions differ sharply from a hotter market:

• Homes are sitting long enough for negotiation
• Price reductions are widespread
• Inventory is higher than we’ve seen in years
• The Triangle remains one of the strongest job and population markets in the country

As soon as rates step down again, even modestly, sidelined buyers will return — shrinking your leverage almost overnight. Buy the home now. Refinance the rate later. That’s the wealth-building play.  

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What Price Drops Really Mean (And Why They Matter Now)

Triangle Market Intelligence continues to show clear patterns:

• Inventory: Up 41% year-over-year
• Nearly 50% of active listings: Have taken a price reduction
• Homes priced correctly: Sell in ~16 days and at ~99% of asking
• Homes with price drops: Sit ~89 days and sell around ~92% of asking

These aren’t red flags — they’re signals. When you see a price reduction, you’re often seeing hidden opportunity. For more data, explore our Triangle Market Intelligence reports.  

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North Carolina Continues to Outperform Nationally

According to multiple economic analyses, North Carolina remains one of the nation’s most resilient and expanding economies heading into early 2026. The Triangle benefits from:

• steady job growth
• ongoing population inflow
• stable long-term housing demand

You’re not shopping in a declining region — you’re shopping in one of the most economically stable markets in the U.S. To understand long-term Raleigh fundamentals, visit the Raleigh real estate guide.  

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Who Should Be Acting Now

1. First-Time Buyers

Rates feel more manageable, inventory is broader, and bidding wars are limited. This window won't last indefinitely.

2. Move-Up or Move-Down Buyers

If you need more space — or less — current conditions offer more choice and less pressure.

3. Investors

Inventory + seller motivation = opportunity. CapEx remains predictable, and rents are stable across most segments.  

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Why Work With Marti Hampton Real Estate

Plenty of agents write offers. Our focus is strategy.

• We help you lock the right price before competition returns.
• We show you how to buy now and refinance later — the wealth-building path.
• Every recommendation is guided by verified local data.

With TMI with Marti, you never guess the market — you understand it.  

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What to Do Next

If you’re financially ready, preparation beats waiting for “perfect conditions.” We’ll help you:

• identify undervalued homes
• model your monthly payment accurately
• map your lifestyle needs to real inventory
• negotiate wisely while leverage still exists

Ready for a strategy call? Contact Marti Hampton Real Estate to make your next move confidently. 919-601-7710 [email protected]

 

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Authority Note

With 30+ years of resale experience, more than 10,000 closings, and deep local relationships across the Triangle, Marti Hampton Real Estate offers one of the region’s most trusted systems for guiding buyers and sellers. Our structured, data-driven approach helps clients make clear, confident decisions in every market cycle.