If you are trying to figure out how aggressive to be when you find the right place, the recent pace gives you a steadier answer than the headlines do.
If you are wondering whether you need to rush into an offer, my answer is no, but you do need to stay ready. In North Hills, NC, the recent numbers point to a market where homes are moving, yet buyers still have room to be deliberate when a property does not line up with the asking price.
Here is why I say that. Last month, supply stood at 3.26 months, and a typical sale took 59 days. At the same time, newly pending homes moved faster, with a typical time of 35 days, and recent accepted contracts came in around a $632,500 typical asking price.
That tells me the best-positioned homes are still getting traction, while the rest of the market is giving buyers a chance to compare and choose carefully. In North Hills, NC, I would not confuse activity with urgency on every house. The leverage is different depending on how quickly a specific listing is attracting interest.
Get fully clear on your ceiling before you tour. Separate the homes that are fresh and competitive from the homes that have already had time to sit. When a property lines up with recent pending activity, move cleanly and decisively. When it does not, slow down and negotiate from the time it has already spent on the market. Sellers can still benefit from solid demand, but buyers do not need to treat every listing like a bidding war.
