Sanford Real Estate Update: Welcome to a Buyer's Market! 🏡

Sanford, this is breaking news for anyone interested in the real estate market! Whether you're thinking about buying or selling, there's a major shift happening. For the first time in almost five years, Sanford is officially a buyer’s market.

Sellers Had Their Time – Now It’s the Buyer’s Turn ⏳Since the COVID-19 pandemic kicked off, we've been in an aggressive seller’s market. Home prices skyrocketed, and sellers enjoyed multiple offers within hours of listing. While the market softened in recent months, it still remained seller-friendly—until now.

Now, for the first time since that boom, the tide has turned. It’s officially more advantageous for buyers than sellers. Let’s dive into the numbers and discuss what this means for you, whether you’re looking to buy or sell.

Key Market Statistics 📊Median Sale Price: 🏠 $326,439 (up 5.2% from last year)

Average Home Price: 💰 $278,835 (up 2.9% year-over-year, according to Zillow)

Average Days on Market: 📆 37 days

To put that into perspective, homes in 2020-2021 were going under contract in just 37 hours. Now, 37 days feels like a lifetime for sellers who are used to hearing success stories of lightning-fast sales.

How Long Are Homes Taking to Sell? ⏱Under 30 Days: ✅ 20 homes sold

30 to 90 Days: ⚖️ 25 homes sold

Over 90 Days: ⌛ 11 homes sold

Sellers, if you want to be in that under-30-days category, it’s all about preparation, pricing, and promotion. Picking the right agent (hint, hint!) and having a strong strategy matters more than ever.

What Buyers Need to Know 🏡More Negotiation Power: 💪 You no longer have to feel pressured to submit an offer on Day 1.

Target Homes Sitting Longer: 🎯 Look for listings that have been on the market 30+ days—sellers may be more willing to negotiate.

Pay Attention to Asking vs. Sold Prices: 💵

6 homes sold over asking price 📈

18 sold at asking price ⚖️

32 sold below asking price 📉

The majority of homes are selling at or under asking price, making this a prime time for buyers to get deals. However, some homes are still commanding top dollar, proving that home type, location, and condition matter more than ever.

What Sellers Need to Know 🏠Sellers, you can still win in this market—but it takes effort. If you want a fast sale and top dollar, you need to:

Price your home correctly 📊

Promote it effectively 📣

Choose the right real estate agent 👨‍💼 (that’s where we come in!)

Sticking a sign in the yard and hoping for the best isn’t going to cut it anymore.

Final Thoughts 🔍North Carolina remains a hot spot for relocation, with more people moving in than moving out. Home prices are still projected to increase by 3-6% this year, meaning buyers shouldn’t wait too long before this market flips back into seller territory.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or building—having the right strategy and expert negotiation on your side is key. Sanford Surrounded is here to guide you through this shifting market and ensure you make the best move for your future.

Who you work with matters. 🏡 Let’s make your real estate goals happen!