Next Edge

MARCH STATS

• Market Stats: Prices up slightly YoY but sales down almost 7%. 50% more inventory than last year, Days on market are up an interest rates up YoY as well. March sales come from contracts written in Jan and Feb so if rates hold and inventory continues to rise we could see prices soften. 28% of homes sold in March were New Construction and builders tend not to reduce pricing. Instead they offer more incentives which could skew these numbers some.

• If you are a buyer: Be more aggressive with your offer, ask for closing costs, keep your Due Diligence lower, ask for rate buy downs or concession to pay for your buyers agent.

• If you are a seller: Be realistic with your pricing from Day 1. Spend money improving the condition of your property before listing (make repairs, staging the home, landscape/paint etc.).

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
Due Diligence is your Friend?

In North Carolina, the Due Diligence section of the Offer to Purchase and Contract can make or break a deal. It gives buyers a window to fully investigate the home — inspections, appraisals, loan approval — and the right to back out for any reason before the deadline.

To secure this right, buyers pay a Due Diligence Fee directly to the seller. This fee is usually non-refundable, but it can be a powerful tool when used strategically.

Pros of Due Diligence

1. Flexibility for Buyers: Buyers can terminate for any reason during the period, minimizing risk.

2. Leverage for Negotiations: Inspection issues? Buyers can negotiate repairs or credits, with the option to walk if needed.

3. Clear Seller Expectations: Sellers know upfront what they are receiving if the buyer cancels.

Cons of Due Diligence

1. Upfront Risk: The Due Diligence Fee is non-refundable, even if major problems surface.

2. Sellers Are Locked In: Sellers can’t backout but can entertain backup offers during this period, while buyers retain an easy exit.

3. Strict Deadlines: If buyers miss the Due Diligence Deadline, they lose their automatic right to cancel without major penalties.

How to Use Due Diligence to Win Offers

1. Offer a Strong Fee: A higher Due Diligence Fee shows sellers you’re serious. In competitive situations, it can beat out higher-priced offers with weaker terms.

2. Shorten the Period: A shorter Due Diligence Period gives sellers confidence that you’ll move quickly and close smoothly.

3. Be Strategic: Be cautious in skipping Due Diligence completely, but use pre-inspections, strong lender pre-approval, and solid comps research to back up an aggressive offer.

Final Thoughts The Due Diligence section isn’t just legal jargon — it’s a strategic weapon. Use it wisely, and you can stand out from the crowd while still protecting your interests.

Thinking about buying or selling? Let’s build a strategy that gets you results!

COMMUNITY
Carolina Next Launches!

Carolina Next Realty Group Elevates the Real Estate Experience in North Carolina

Setting a New Standard for Excellence, Expertise, and Client-Focused Service

Raleigh, NC – As one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities and hottest real estate markets, the triangle region of North Carolina welcomes Carolina Next Realty Group, a firm dedicated to providing exceptional, high-touch service for buyers and sellers in the area. With a focus on expertise, integrity, and client experience, this new brokerage is reframing what it means to buy and sell homes quickly, confidently, and with optimal success.

A New Approach to Real Estate

Carolina Next Realty Group’s mission is simple: deliver a top-tier real estate experience by combining market expertise, personalized service, and highly trained agents. Unlike traditional brokerages that prioritize agent count, this firm is built on the philosophy that fewer, well-trained professionals provide a more meaningful and seamless experience for clients.

“I've spent over a decade in real estate, leading some of the most successful teams across multiple states,” says Eddie O'Dea, founder of Carolina Next Realty Group. “I’ve seen firsthand how real estate is often treated as a numbers game—where quantity of agents outweighs quality of service. I believe it’s time for a shift. Our goal is to create a boutique-style brokerage that puts people first, ensuring every transaction is handled with precision, care, and a deep understanding of the ever-changing market conditions.”

The Vision: Expertise Over Volume

With a background that includes running a small brokerage in Florida and serving as a leader at Redfin—where founder Eddie O’Dea managed a team of 130+ agents across North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia—the foundation for Carolina Next Realty Group is built on deep industry knowledge and leadership experience.

Rather than focusing on agent count, this brokerage is intentionally selecting, training, and mentoring a small team of elite professionals who share a passion for excellence. The goal is to set a new standard for service, expertise, and results—first in the Triangle region of North Carolina and eventually expanding throughout the state and beyond.

“Real estate is about people first, and the relationships and trust that enable them to thrive. We’re building a brokerage where expertise, integrity, and personalized service come first. Our agents aren’t just selling homes; they’re guiding clients through one of the biggest decisions of their lives with skill, care, and confidence. That’s the difference we’re bringing to North Carolina’s real estate market.”

Eddie O'Dea, Founder

TRIVIA
Weekly fun fact!

Over half (54%) of homes for sale in one city are priced above $1 million. Can you name the city?

REAL ESTATE
Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo! Disney Magic is Coming to Pittsboro, NC!

Get ready to dream! Exciting news is on the horizon for Pittsboro, North Carolina, as a new Storyliving by Disney community, Asteria, is set to grace the landscape. Nestled just outside the bustling Raleigh area within the thoughtfully designed Chatham Park, Asteria promises a unique blend of big-city conveniences and the charm of a close-knit town. This enchanting project is a collaboration between the magic makers at Storyliving by Disney and the award-winning developer DMB Development, signaling a thoughtfully planned and high-quality community.  

But Asteria will be more than just a neighborhood; it's envisioned as a vibrant community infused with the storytelling and exceptional service that Disney is renowned for. Imagineers, the creative force behind Disney's theme parks, are lending their expertise to the placemaking, drawing inspiration from the natural beauty and rich heritage of North Carolina. This ensures a community that not only feels magical but also deeply connected to its surroundings, with the very name "Asteria" paying homage to the native Carolina Aster flower.  

Life in Asteria is designed with everyone in mind. Plans include approximately 4,000 residences, offering a variety of single-family and multi-family homes to suit different lifestyles. Notably, some home sites will be specifically designated for residents aged 55 and over, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. Residents can look forward to a plethora of amenities designed to encourage community and well-being, including a clubhouse, wellness center, community garden, and an extensive network of trails perfect for exploring the natural beauty of the area. Sport courts, swimming pools, a restaurant, and outdoor spaces for gatherings and events will further enhance the living experience. Adding a touch of Disney magic, enrichment programming is in the works, with possibilities like Disney-themed games, storytelling dinners, and even classes with Disney artists being considered.  

While the magic is still in the making, the anticipation is building as home sales are expected to begin by 2027. This exciting development marks a significant expansion of the Disney brand into residential living, leveraging their expertise in creating immersive experiences and fostering strong community bonds. The strategic location near the Research Triangle Park further enhances Asteria's appeal, offering residents a unique opportunity to enjoy a Disney-inspired lifestyle within easy reach of major employment and cultural hubs.  

Stay tuned for more updates on this enchanting community. Perhaps your next chapter, filled with a touch of Disney wonder, awaits in Pittsboro's Asteria.

ANSWER

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