If you’ve been watching housing in the Triangle lately, you may have noticed it’s not one uniform story — it’s more like two or three, depending on where you are. What’s true in Raleigh proper isn’t always true in eastern Wake, Johnston, or the more rural fringes. Still, looking at Wake County as a central barometer gives us a helpful snapshot.
Wake County Snapshot: The Latest Trends
- The median sold price recently landed at $484,026, up 2.3% year over year.
- Across Wake, the median listing price is hovering around $495,000, though that’s about 2.9% lower than a year ago.
- Inventory remains tight — about 6,319 total active listings as of August.
- Homes are moving, with the median days on market at 51 days.
- In April, Wake County saw 1,143 homes sold and a 7% rise in the median sales price since February.
- For context, the Triangle region as a whole saw nearly 30% growth in homes for sale year-over-year — a sign that inventory pressure is easing just a bit.
Why It Feels Like “Two Markets” Out Here
Raleigh & The Core: Still a Seller’s Pulse
In Raleigh, homes are commanding attention. Median sale prices are up, and buyers are still competing for well-priced, move-in ready homes. Days on market are rising somewhat — but that’s still brisk in a balanced market.
Because demand is concentrated in the core, small missteps in pricing or presentation can make a big difference. Even with rising mortgage rates, buyers are still active — especially first-time and move-up buyers who know the Triangle’s long-term fundamentals are strong.
Outward Suburbs & Edge Markets: A Bit More Room to Breathe
In towns further out — think Zebulon, Clayton, and parts of eastern Wake — inventory is less constricted. These areas tend to have more “months of supply,” meaning homes can linger a bit longer before selling. That gives sellers a bit more flexibility and buyers more time to choose and negotiate.
The trick is that you’ll see more variability in pricing trends, absorption rates, and buyer behavior out there. Some pockets may feel more competitive, while others behave more like a transition or buyer-leaning market.
What Buyers, Sellers & Investors Should Know (Especially Now)
- Price smart, not high. In a mixed market, homes that hit the price sweet spot — not too aggressive, not too timid — tend to outperform.
- If you’re competing against new construction, be sharp. Builders are offering incentives and reduced interest rates, so resale homes must be priced competitively to stand out.
- Presentation matters more than ever. Homes that show well and are move-in ready are more likely to catch a buyer’s eye.
- Timing helps. In core areas, homes priced right often sell quickly. In outer markets, expect a bit more breathing room.
- Long-term fundamentals remain strong. The Triangle continues to attract relocations from higher-cost areas. Inventory may be loosening, but demand isn’t going away.
- Keep your finger on micro-trends. What’s happening in your neighborhood or zip code can differ a lot from county-wide averages.