Blog
Real Estate Agents & the Home Buying Process
Real estate agents continue to play a pivotal role in guiding buyers through an increasingly complex and competitive housing market. In 2024, 88% of home purchases were made through agents or brokers. Even among buyers of newly constructed homes—where builder agents are often available—63% still opted for a real estate professional, while 92% of those buying previously-owned homes relied on one. These findings from the NAR 2024 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, demonstrate the enduring value of real estate agents in the home buying process.
Buyers primarily seek agents’ assistance to find the right home (49%) and negotiate favorable terms (14%). These services are complemented by an agent’s ability to simplify the often-complex buying process. More than half of buyers (53%) said their agent helped them understand the process. This proved especially critical for first-time buyers, with 80% citing this service as invaluable.
READ MORE
Home Sales See First Annual Gain Since 2021, Prices Remain Strong
Local Market Update – November 2024
Good news for the housing market! U.S. home sales rose 3.4% in October compared to the previous month and were up 2.9% from last year, marking the first annual increase since mid-2021 and exceeding economists’ expectations for the month, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. Lower mortgage rates in late summer and early fall gave buyers a boost, with sales improving in every region.
More homes are hitting the market too—1.37 million were available in November, up 19.1% from last year. However, prices remain high, with the median home price reaching $407,200, a 4% jump from 2022. More options, but affordability challenges persist!
In our local market, New Listings in the doorify™ MLS service region increased 24.3 percent to 3,127. Under Contract Sales increased 25.1 percent to 2,799. Inventory increased 9.5 percent to 8,487. Median Sales Price remained flat at $399,983. Days on Market decreased 33.3 percent to 24.
Click on the links below for more detailed information about the Real Estate Markets in Durham, Orange & Chatham counties:
Durham County
Orange County & Chapel Hill
Chatham County
Want more in-depth market statistics? Check out the interactive market activity dashboard for the doorify™ MLS service region.
For information about how the local market affects your real estate needs, contact any of the real estate experts at Peak Swirles & Cavallito Properties.
*All data from Doorify Multiple Listing Service, Inc. ©2024
5 Tips for Sellers: Downsizing and Preparing Your Home for a Quick Sale
Preparing to sell your home while downsizing can feel overwhelming, but a few targeted actions can make a big difference. By focusing on decluttering, showcasing storage, and completing simple updates, you can make your property more appealing to buyers and maximize its value. These five practical tips are easy to implement and designed to help you create a polished, market-ready home that attracts the right buyer—setting you up for a successful sale and a smoother transition to your next space.
Declutter Strategically: Begin sorting belongings into keep, sell, donate, and discard categories. Start with lesser-used spaces like attics or basements.
Highlight Storage Potential: Optimize and showcase closets, cabinets, and garage storage to appeal to buyers looking for organized spaces.
Neutralize and Depersonalize: Remove personal photos and bold décor. Aim for a clean, neutral aesthetic to help buyers envision their own life in the home.
Complete Repairs: Address small maintenance tasks like fixing leaks, replacing broken fixtures, or touching up paint for a polished look.
Stage Key Areas: Focus on staging main living areas and bedrooms with minimal, inviting furniture arrangements to create a spacious feel.
If you’re looking to sell your home, reach out to the real estate experts at Peak, Swirles & Cavallito Properties. We can connect you with trusted professionals to help prepare your home for the market and guide you through the selling process.
This content was generated using AI tools.
-
Playhouse for Sale!
PSCP playhouse to be auctioned off to support Habitat for Humanity Peak, Swirles & Cavallito Properties proudly partnered with Habitat for Humanity to design and…
-
Local Market Update – October 2018
Market Balance Emerging If the last few months are an indication of the temperature of housing markets across the country, a period of relative calm…
-
Local Market Update – September 2018
Market Overview Some economy observers are pointing to 2018 as the final period in a long string of sentences touting several happy years of buyer…
-
Local Market Update – August 2018
Market Overview Rising home prices, higher interest rates and increased building material costs have pressured housing affordability to a ten-year low, according to the National…
-
Local Market Update – July 2018
Market Overview Housing price bubble chatter has increased this summer, as market observers attempt to predict the next residential real estate shift. It is too…
-
Local Market Update – June 2018
Market Overview Housing markets across the nation are most assuredly active this summer, and buyer competition is manifesting itself into several quick sales above asking…
-
Market Indicators – May 2018
Market Overview Just like last year at this time, prospective home buyers should expect a competitive housing market for the next several months. With payrolls…
-
Market Indicators – April 2018
Market Overview Many sellers and builders are in a good position for financial gains, as the economy continues to favor putting existing homes on the…
-
PSCP Supports PORCH-Durham
Peak Swirles & Cavallito Properties is proud to continue its support of PORCH-Durham as a corporate sponsor in the effort to address childhood hunger. Through donations…
-
Serving Up Hot Kitchens
The kitchen is the heart of the home. From gourmet to French Country – we’re serving up some HOT kitchens with lots of HEART. Read…
-
April 2017 Market Indicators
April 2017 data released by Triangle MLS shows signs of a strong housing market – especially for sellers. Employment opportunities and wages have improved, thus…
-
January 2017 Market Indicators
According to the January 2017 data released by Triangle MLS, this year’s real estate market opens with similar trends that we saw throughout most of…
