kelly’s places & spaces
Quarter One in Review & 
What to Know Before the Spring Market Takes Off 
 
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Hi Friends!
 
As we wrap up the first quarter of 2026, one thing is clear: this market is asking all of us—buyers and sellers alike—to be a little more thoughtful, a little more strategic, and a lot more patient.
 
Gone are the days of throwing a sign in the yard on Friday and having multiple offers by Sunday (well..most of the time 😉). What we’re seeing now is a return to balance, and it’s actually creating some really good opportunities, depending on how you play it.

Behind the Latest Numbers for 
New Hanover, Pender, & Brunswick Counties
 
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What the latest data tells us about our current local market: 
 
✅ Buyers: You Finally Have Breathing Room
Inventory has crept up, which means buyers have something they haven’t had in a while—options.
  • More time to make decisions
  • More negotiating power
  • More chances to find the right home vs. any home
That said, the best homes are still moving quickly. The difference now? You don’t have to panic—but you do need a plan.
👉 Strategy tip: Get clear on your non-negotiables and be ready to act when the right one hits.
 
✅ Sellers: It’s Not Slower—It’s Just Smarter
Homes are still selling… but not without intention.
Today’s buyers are:
  • Price-sensitive
  • Condition-focused
  • Less willing to overlook issues
That means pricing right from the start and presenting your home well is everything.
👉 What’s working right now:
  • Strategic pricing (not “let’s test the market”)
  • Clean, move-in-ready condition
  • Thoughtful marketing (this is where I come in 😉)
✅ New Construction Is Having a Moment
With resale homes requiring updates (and higher interest rates still lingering), many buyers are leaning toward new construction.
Why?
  • Builder incentives (rate buy-downs, closing costs)
  • Lower maintenance
  • Modern layouts that just work
👉 Having a front-row seat to the building process, I’m seeing firsthand how builders are adjusting to meet buyers where they are—and there are some great opportunities here if you know where to look.
 
✅ The Big Picture: Balance Is Back
This isn’t a crash. It’s not a frenzy. It’s a recalibration.  And honestly?  This is where smart decisions happen.
  • Buyers can be intentional
  • Sellers can still win (with the right approach)
  • And deals are getting done every day
👉 If a move is even on your radar—buying, selling, or new construction—reach out. We’ll figure out the best path together.
 
Everyone keeps saying ‘No one is giving up their 2.5% rate.’ 
But that’s actually not true…
Don’t get me wrong — a 2.5% rate is amazing. But it doesn’t give you more space if your family has grown… it doesn’t shorten your commute… and it doesn’t fix a house that just doesn’t fit your life anymore.
 
Facts: Your interest rate is not a life sentence and doesn’t have to be the boss of your life OR drive your quality of life.  And here’s the thing—if you have a 2021-era interest rate, chances are you’ve built mad equity, which can actually give you the power to move in a completely new direction. Most people also think they would jump straight to 7%… but I work with lenders who are still finding creative ways to finance in the fives.  
 
Five real-life examples from buyers with 2021 rates that I helped…
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Spring is here, the market is moving, and everything is covered in a fine layer of yellow pollen—so if your house looks a little dusty, we’re all just going to pretend it’s part of the season.  Here’s to longer days, salty air, and the sudden urge to be outside 2/7.  As always, I’m here—no pressure, no rush, just good conversations and smart planning.
from my heart to yours,
xo, kelly

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575 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 100
Wilmington, NC 28405, USA

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