November 2025 Market Update: How This Year Stacks Up—and What to Expect for December 2025 & January 2026

The Longleaf Pine region—covering Cumberland, Hoke, Harnett, and Sampson counties—has seen meaningful shifts over the past year. November’s numbers paint a clear picture: inventory is up, days on market have lengthened, and prices continue to climb, though more moderately than in the past several years.

Using the November market stats alongside 2024 year-end data, here’s what you need to know as we move into the winter season.

Pricing Trends: Still Rising, but Cooling from Previous Surges

The median sales price increased 6.4% year-over-year, rising from $267,000 in 2023 to $284,000 in 2024. That’s a healthy but more moderate climb compared to the double-digit jumps we saw in 2020–2022.

What this means: Buyers are gaining a bit more breathing room. Prices are still appreciating, which is great for long-term equity, but the pace is stabilizing. Sellers can still expect strong valuations—especially in areas that saw sharper increases like Wagram (+6.9%), Fairmont (+6.1%), and Parkton (+5%).

Inventory: The Biggest Story of the Year

Inventory grew by a significant 32.4% year-over-year, climbing from 1,473 active listings to 1,950 homes on the market.

That’s the highest level of available homes since 2020, and it’s directly impacting other metrics like days on market and months of inventory.

Some areas saw dramatic changes:

• Wagram: +500% homes for sale

• Orrum & Saint Pauls: +100% homes for sale

• Clinton: +50% homes for sale

What this means:More options for buyers—and more competition for sellers. In many neighborhoods, buyers finally have choices they didn’t have in the tight markets of 2021–2023.

Days on Market: Homes Are Sitting Longer

Across the region, days on market rose to 44, a 29.4% increase over the previous year.

Some areas saw extreme jumps:

• Maxton: +425%

• Orrum: +185.7%

• Parkton: +103.6%

But others improved:

• Clinton: -31.8%

• Rowland: -31.8%

• Lumber Bridge: -13.5%

What this means: We're moving toward a more balanced market. Sellers need stronger pricing strategies and better presentation, while buyers gain negotiation leverage—especially when a home has been sitting for 45+ days.

Months of Inventory: Heading Toward Balance

Months of supply rose from 2.2 to 3.0 months, a 36.4% increase.

This is still shy of the 5–6 months that define a fully balanced market, but the direction is clear.

Some areas saw dramatic increases:

• Wagram: +875%

• Rowland: +229.6%

• Saint Pauls: +162.5%

What this means: 2026 is likely to bring an increasingly stable market—one that favors neither buyers nor sellers outright, but rewards those who prepare properly.

Buyer Activity: Slow but Stabilizing

Closed sales were down 1.6% year-over-year, while pending sales rose 1.0%, signaling renewed buyer energy toward the end of 2024.

Mortgage rates easing into the 6% range played a huge role—something economists expect to continue through 2025.

Looking Ahead: December 2025 & January 2026 Predictions

Based on current trends, here’s what to expect as we head into winter:

1. Prices will hold steady or see slight seasonal softening.

Winter typically brings smaller price movements, but the steady demand from PCS cycles and local job growth suggests values will remain firm.

2. Inventory will remain elevated.

Some sellers who waited out the fall will list in December and January, especially relocating military families and investors repositioning for Q1.

3. Days on market will continue to lengthen.

Expect January to average 45–50 days on market as buyer activity slows for the holidays, then picks back up mid-January.

4. Buyers with strong financing will win.

Fast approvals matter—especially in competitive pockets like Fuquay Varina, West End, and Parkton. My preferred lender can close in as little as 15 days, giving buyers a major edge.

5. Sellers need strategic pricing more than ever.

With inventory up 32.4% and months of supply growing, the homes that sell fastest are:

• priced right the first time

• well-prepared (clean, repaired, staged)

• marketed aggressively

Final Thoughts

The November numbers confirm what we’ve been feeling on the ground: we’re transitioning from a high-pressure seller’s market to a more balanced, opportunity-rich market for both sides. Buyers finally have options. Sellers can still secure strong prices—if they prepare and price strategically.

Whether you're planning to buy, sell, or invest this winter, smart preparation and strong guidance will put you ahead of the curve.

Ready to make your move? I’ll help you craft a smart, competitive offer that aligns with your goals. Call or text me at 910-916-9315, or visit closewithcassienc.com to start your home search today. Close with Cassie – where service meets strategy.