Next Edge

AUGUST STATS

Snapshot:

• Prices: Up slightly year-over-year (YoY), but down month-over-month (MoM) for 2 straight months

• August: Prices declined -1.6% MoM

• Inventory: Higher YoY, weighing on the market

• Rates: Dropped to lowest level in almost a year at 6.29%

• Outlook: If rates drop below 6%, buyers could flood back in, sparking strong Q4 activity. Homeowners locked in at a 3.5% loan, may finally feel comfortable moving. Check out current rates.

If you’re a buyer:

• Be more aggressive with offers

• Ask for closing costs

• Keep due diligence amounts lower

• Request rate buy downs or seller concessions (including buyer agent commission)

• Be ready to move quickly if rates dip under 6%

• Note: Some sellers are pulling listings off the market, so inventory may shrink further (beyond normal seasonality).

If you’re a seller:

• Price realistically from Day 1

• Invest in prep work: repairs, staging, landscaping, fresh paint, etc.

• Line up your agent, make repairs and be ready to list when rates dip under 6%

Please note: The answer to all real estate questions are “it depends”. Homes, locations, zip codes, subdivisions and most importantly, your goals all play a part in real estate advice. Above is guide to what we are seeing in the overall market.

EDUCATION
Why should I get a home inspection?

Why a Home Inspection Matters During the Due Diligence Period in North Carolina

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make—and in North Carolina, the due diligence period is your opportunity to make sure the home you’re buying is truly the right fit.

It’s important to know that in North Carolina, homes are sold “as is.” That doesn’t mean you have to accept the property without question, though. During your due diligence period, you have the right to hire a licensed home inspector to evaluate the property. A thorough inspection can uncover issues you might not see during a showing—things like roof wear, electrical or plumbing concerns, or hidden water damage.

If problems are found, you have options. While sellers aren’t required to make repairs, many will negotiate in good faith—either by addressing the items before closing or by offering a credit toward your closing costs. This can save you time, money, and stress after you move in.

Keep in mind that if you decide to walk away from the contract during due diligence, you’ll forfeit your due diligence deposit. That’s why using this period wisely—by completing inspections and weighing your options—is so important.

A home inspection gives you peace of mind, negotiating power, and the confidence that your next home is a sound investment.

COMMUNITY
Carolina Next Realty Group Launches New Website to Elevate the Client Experience

When I launched Carolina Next Realty Group, my vision was clear: create a brokerage that delivers exceptional service through expertise, integrity, and a client-first approach. In a region as dynamic as the Triangle—one of the fastest-growing real estate markets in the nation—clients deserve more than a “numbers game” approach. They deserve thoughtful, personalized guidance at every step.

That philosophy shaped our firm from day one. With a boutique model focused on fewer, highly trained professionals, we’ve built a team that prioritizes precision, care, and results over sheer volume. Having spent over a decade leading real estate teams across multiple states—including more than 130 agents in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia—I’ve seen how the right systems and people can make all the difference. At Carolina Next, our mission is to set a new standard for real estate in North Carolina and beyond.

Now, I’m excited to share the next step in that journey: the launch of our brand-new website, www.carolinanextrealty.com. More than just a home search tool, this site was built with our clients’ needs at the center.

Here’s what you’ll find:

• Smarter Property Searches – The site uses AI to learn your preferences and send tailored listing alerts, ensuring you never miss the right opportunity. You can set up your own search—or I can do it for you.

• Personalized Market Reports – Curious about your home’s current value or neighborhood trends? Our site can generate detailed reports that help you track market shifts and understand where your property stands.

• Streamlined Client Experience – By blending technology with our high-touch service model, the site is designed to keep you informed, empowered, and confident throughout your real estate journey.

Real estate has always been about relationships and trust. Technology doesn’t replace that—it enhances it. With this new site, we’re making sure every client has access to real-time insights while still benefiting from the personal expertise and care our brokerage is known for.

Whether you’re exploring a move in the Triangle, monitoring your home’s value, or simply curious about the market, I invite you to visit our new site and see what’s possible. And if you’d prefer a hands-on approach, let me know—I’ll be happy to set up your search or report personally.

This is just the beginning. At Carolina Next Realty Group, we’re not only raising the standard for service—we’re building the future of real estate in North Carolina.

TRIVIA
Weekly fun fact!

How many licensed real estate agents are there in North Carolina as of August?

REAL ESTATE
We’re Growing Our Team at Carolina Next Realty Group

At Carolina Next Realty Group, our mission has always been to raise the standard of real estate service in North Carolina. That commitment doesn’t just extend to our clients—it also extends to the agents who represent our brand.

We’re excited to share that our brokerage is growing, and we’re currently looking for motivated real estate agents to join our team. Unlike traditional brokerages that focus on adding as many names to the roster as possible, we take a different approach. We invest in fewer agents and provide them with the tools, coaching, and support they need to deliver an exceptional client experience.

That means our agents get access to high-quality leads, cutting-edge technology, one-on-one training, and the kind of leadership that comes from years of experience guiding some of the most successful teams in the Southeast. It also means fewer distractions, no junk fees, and more time to focus on what matters most—helping clients achieve their real estate goals.

You might not be in the market for a new career yourself, but maybe you know someone who is a great fit for our team. If you do, we’d love an introduction. You can also point them to our “Join Our Team” page to learn more about what we offer, who we’re looking for, and how to apply.

At Carolina Next, it’s simple: fewer agents, bigger results—for our clients and our team.

ANSWER

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