The latest housing numbers show a noticeable difference between North Carolina as a whole and our local Raleigh area.

According to the August 2026 NC REALTORS® Housing Report, 11,554 homes sold statewide, down 13.1% from August 2025. North Carolina also reached 5.81 months of inventory, putting the state close to what the report considers a balanced market.

Here in the Raleigh area, the market has held up better. Wake County recorded 1,484 sales in August, down just 2.0% from a year ago. Cary was particularly strong, with August sales up 15.5% year over year.
(see more on Redfin here)

Buyers also have more choices locally. Raleigh-Cary active inventory increased 6.2% from last year, while the median list price was $450,000.
(see more on Realtor.com here)

The market is changing, but the numbers are a good reminder that real estate is local. What’s happening across North Carolina doesn’t always reflect what’s happening here in Raleigh, Cary and the surrounding communities.

Thinking about buying or selling? Linda Trevor & Co. can help you understand what today’s market means for your home, neighborhood and plans.