What 2026 Is Telling Home Sellers (If You Know Where to Look)

As we step into 2026, many homeowners are asking the same question:
Is it still a good time to sell?

The honest answer is this: the market is changing—but it’s not breaking. And the sellers who will do best this year are the ones paying attention to the right signals.

Why Inventory Matters More Than Headlines

When I assess price momentum, I watch two things closely:
active listings and months of supply.

If inventory rises quickly and homes sit longer, pricing pressure often follows. If inventory tightens, sellers tend to regain leverage. It’s one of the most reliable early indicators we have.

Nationally, active listings increased again over the past year—but at a slower pace than before. That slowdown matters. It tells us the market is stabilizing into something more balanced, not sliding into a downturn.

What We’re Seeing Locally

Markets like Durham and Chapel Hill continue to behave differently than many large metros. We still have structural constraints—limited land, strong local demand, and neighborhood-specific buyer interest.

What has changed is buyer behavior.

Buyers are more thoughtful. They’re comparing options. They’re paying attention to condition, pricing, and presentation. Homes that are prepared and priced with intention are still moving—often quietly and successfully. Homes that miss the mark are taking longer and adjusting later.

What This Means for 2026 Sellers

This is no longer a market where optimism alone carries the day. It’s a market where preparation creates leverage.

For sellers, that means:

• Pricing accurately from the start
• Understanding your specific micro-market
• Preparing the home to meet today’s buyer expectations
• Leading with strategy, not urgency

In balanced markets, the best outcomes don’t come from rushing—they come from clarity.

A Thoughtful Way Forward

If selling is part of your 2026 plan—whether early, later, or simply something you’re considering—this is an ideal time to have a low-pressure strategy conversation.

From my experience working with families here over the years, the most successful sales aren’t reactive. They’re intentional.

And that’s exactly how I approach every home I represent.

— Masha