The Market Is Shifting in Fayetteville – And That’s a Good Thing

The Market Is Shifting in Fayetteville – And That’s a Good Thing.

Let’s be real—real estate has been wild the past few years. If you’ve been thinking about selling your home in Fayetteville or the surrounding areas like Hope Mills, Raeford, or Spring Lake, you might be wondering, “Is now still a good time?” The short answer? Yes—but with a new strategy.

We’re finally seeing the market settle into a more balanced and healthier place. And while that might sound scary if you’ve only known the chaos of bidding wars and waived inspections, trust me—it’s actually a good thing.

Here’s what’s really going on and how it affects you as a homeowner in the Fayetteville area.

1.  Inventory Is Rising – Buyers Are Gaining Options

The number of homes for sale is increasing, which means buyers have more to choose from. In real terms? Homes aren’t flying off the market in a weekend anymore—and that’s okay.

In Cumberland and Hoke County, we’re seeing that shift too. Inventory is creeping back to pre-pandemic levels. That means if your home is priced well and marketed correctly, it will still sell—and likely faster than you think.

But keep in mind: more inventory means buyers have more choices. So it’s more important than ever to make your home stand out with thoughtful staging, curb appeal, and strong marketing (yes, I can help with all of that!).

2.  Pricing Your Home Right = Maximum Profit

One of the biggest mistakes I see sellers make? Overpricing their homes because they’re anchored to the 2021 market.

Here’s the truth: buyers today are more cautious. If your home isn’t priced competitively for the Fayetteville market, they’ll scroll right past it. I always remind my clients—pricing isn’t about what you think the home is worth, it’s about what the market says it’s worth. The right price gets eyes on your listing, and eyes get offers.

In fact, about 1 in 5 sellers nationwide are reducing their asking price right now. You don’t want to be one of them. When we work together, I’ll provide a hyper-local market analysis and honest feedback so we can price it right the first time—and get you top dollar.

3.  Flexibility = Negotiating Power

Let’s normalize this: buyers are negotiating again. After years of giving everything away just to win an offer, they’re now asking for repairs, seller credits, and closing cost help—and they should. It’s a more balanced market.

In our area, about 44% of sellers are already negotiating. And that’s not a loss—it’s a strategy. A smart concession can be the key to getting your home sold quickly and smoothly.

And here’s the good news—if you’ve owned your home for a few years, you’ve likely seen a big increase in value. So you still walk away ahead, even if you toss in a repair or credit.

So, What’s the Move in Fayetteville?

The best sellers right now are the ones who are flexible, informed, and ready to adapt to a more normal market. That means:

✅ Understanding what local buyers are looking for
✅ Pricing with strategy, not emotion
✅ Using marketing tools (like professional photos, social media, and staging) to stand out
✅ Partnering with a local agent (hi, that’s me!) who knows this market inside and out

Whether you’re selling a cute garden home in Gray’s Creek, a fixer-upper in downtown Fayetteville, or a custom home in Roslin Farms—this market has opportunities. But it takes the right strategy.

Let’s Chat

If you’re thinking about selling—whether it’s this summer or next spring—now is the time to have a conversation. I’ll walk you through what buyers are looking for right here in Fayetteville, what your home could be worth in today’s market, and how we can position you for success.

Let’s create a custom plan that fits you and gets your home sold on your terms.

 DM me, call/text 910-987-2573, or email thereallaurensmithnc@gmail.com – I’d love to connect.