If you’re planning to put your North Carolina property on the market, you’ll want to position yourself for success — whether that means maximizing your sale price or locking in a swift closing. While partnering with the right local agent and preparing your home for the market are key steps, the timing of your listing can also play a significant role in your outcome. To help you identify the ideal moment to sell in North Carolina, we consulted with Ashley Lay, a seasoned agent and single-family homes expert with over 20 years of experience. Lay also shares expert advice and strategies to draw in serious buyers more quickly. According to Lay, the North Carolina housing market remains strong, fueled by steady in-migration that continues to drive demand, even as inventory improves. “Our housing market continues to be strong in North Carolina, with the combination of demand from people moving into our state. We’re the #3 state when you look at migration patterns of people moving into North Carolina last year, and that is continuing to fuel,” Lay says. North Carolina homes typically remain on the market for about 59 days before selling. This timeframe is referred to within the industry as days on market (DOM), indicating the period from listing to signing a purchase contract. For context, the national average DOM currently stands at about 58 days. The median sales price for homes in North Carolina is approximately $375,000, reflecting a 2.3% increase compared to the same time last year. “In the Triad, for example, our median sales price at the end of May was $300,000, and at the end of June, it jumped to $315,300. Except for the typical drop that we see in January — which we did — it has risen, held steady, or risen every month since January,” Lay says. What does this data imply for sellers? With strong in-migration fueling steady demand and prices continuing to rise across much of the state, North Carolina remains a favorable market for those looking to sell. However, as buyers continue to have more options to choose from, accurate pricing and strong presentation remain essential to capturing attention in a competitive market. Although rising interest rates and available inventory are currently shaping the market, North Carolina historically experiences seasonal patterns, with sales activity rising during spring and early summer. This period, spanning from April through June, tends to offer the most lucrative opportunities to sell. If your primary goal is a quick sale, then listing your home starting in April is advisable. Since it generally takes 59 days to secure a buyer and approximately 41 days for loan closing, it’s wise to consider listing your home two to three months prior to the peak selling season. “If you are a seller and want to get the absolute highest amount for your home in the shortest amount of time, that would be going on the market by April and going under contract sometime that month to close in May or June. Typically, May to June, you get the highest amount of the year,” Lay remarks. Let’s examine housing transaction data from some of the largest markets in North Carolina to identify the optimal period for selling your house — whether your focus is maximizing profit or selling quickly. “I do think that the weather makes a huge impact, because our spring here starts at the end of February or early March. We always laugh as real estate agents and say, as soon as the yellow bells are blooming, real estate sales will take off — and it’s true. It breeds more activity in the market. We get those 70-plus degree days, and people are out and about, ready to participate in the real estate market at a higher rate than you see over the winter,” Lay says. For insights into home-selling trends in other cities, visit our Best Time to Sell Calculator. Using these insights as your foundation, you’ll be ready to consult with a top-performing real estate professional in North Carolina, who can provide tailored advice on the best month to sell your property, considering your neighborhood, unique circumstances, and local market dynamics.North Carolina housing trends
When is the best time to sell a house in North Carolina?
Best times to sell a house in Charlotte
Selling objective List month Close month Benefit Best time for higher price March June You could sell your house for 5.42% more than the yearly average. Best time to sell fast April July You could sell your house 6 days sooner than if listed in other months. Best times to sell a house in Raleigh
Selling objective List month Close month Benefit Best time for higher price August November You could sell your house for 4.41% more than the yearly average. Best time to sell fast April July You could sell your house 8 days sooner than if listed in other months. Best times to sell a house in Greensboro
Selling objective List month Close month Benefit Best time for higher price March June You could sell your house for 5.93% more than the yearly average. Best time to sell fast April July You could sell your house 5 days sooner than if listed in other months. Best times to sell a house in Durham
Selling objective List month Close month Benefit Best time for higher price August November You could sell your house for 4.23% more than the yearly average. Best time to sell fast February May You could sell your house 9 days sooner than if listed in other months. Best times to sell a house in Fayetteville
Selling objective List month Close month Benefit Best time for higher price March June You could sell your house for 5.44% more than the yearly average. Best time to sell fast June September You could sell your house 8 days sooner than if listed in other months. Best times to sell a house in Wilmington
Selling objective List month Close month Benefit Best time for higher price February May You could sell your house for 4.07% more than the yearly average. Best time to sell fast June September You could sell your house 6 days sooner than if listed in other months. Best times to sell a house in Winston-Salem
Selling objective List month Close month Benefit Best time for higher price April July You could sell your house for 9.00% more than the yearly average. Best time to sell fast May August You could sell your house 8 days sooner than if listed in other months.
