Winter Market Shows Modest Momentum
 

U.S. home sales stabilized late in 2025, with existing-home closings rising to about a 4.13 million annual pace in November and December, the third straight monthly gain, though still just below 2024’s level. The national median price climbed modestly, reflecting tight supply and elevated borrowing costs even as mortgage rates hovered near recent lows.

Across the Southeast, year-end patterns held true as listings and time on market edged up compared with last year in many metros, offering a bit more choice for buyers than in recent peak periods. Home price growth in several Southern markets slowed relative to earlier 2025, though affordability remains a theme as borrowing costs and prices outpace wage gains.

In the Charlotte MSA, new listings were down 0.8% year-over-year in December at 2,705, pending sales were up 0.6% at 2,523, and closed sales totaled 3,458. The average sales price rose to $512,430, and homes sold in an average of 60 days. With roughly 2.8 months of supply, this signals slower pacing while demand remains steady.

For buyers, increased options this winter mean less competition than a year ago. For sellers, pricing your home to compete with the growing inventory and managing expectations around time on market will be key in early 2026.

Sources: National Association of Realtors (NAR), Freddie Mac PMMS, U.S. Census Bureau, Realtor.com Housing Trends, Redfin Data Center, and Canopy MLS

Market Snapshot
Data represents change since this time last year. Based on information from Canopy MLS for December 2024 through December 2025.