By Delia Knight, REALTOR® | Howard Hanna Allen Tate

TL;DR:

In the Piedmont Triad, NC, 2025 is leaning toward a balanced-to-buyer’s market. More listings, longer days on market, and motivated sellers are giving buyers new negotiating power—especially in areas like Stokesdale (27357), Oak Ridge (27310), and Madison (27025).

What does it mean to be in a buyer’s market, and how can you tell if now is the right time to buy or sell a home?

A buyer’s market means the advantage shifts to buyers — often bringing more room to negotiate, lower prices, and greater inventory. But how do you know if your local market is leaning that way? And what does that mean for your plans? Let’s take a look at what’s happening now across the Piedmont Triad and what it means for your next move.

What Is a Buyer’s Market, Exactly?

In real estate, the term “buyer’s market” refers to a market where buyers hold more negotiating power than sellers. This usually happens when the number of homes for sale outpaces the number of active buyers. As a result, sellers may have to reduce prices or offer incentives to attract interest.

This environment can create major opportunities — especially if you're looking to buy with more control over price, contingencies, or closing timelines.

Real estate market update across the Piedmont Triad, NC — including Greensboro, High Point, and Winston-Salem — showing 2025 housing trends and buyer activity.
By Delia Knight | Piedmont Triad, NC REALTOR® | Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate.

The Key Indicator: Months of Inventory (MOI)

The simplest way to understand whether we’re in a buyer’s market is by looking at a key metric called Months of Inventory (MOI). This measures how long it would take to sell all the homes currently on the market if no new listings were added.

• Less than 5 months = Seller’s market

• 5 to 7 months = Balanced market

• More than 7 months = Buyer’s market

Right now, many communities in the Piedmont Triad region are hovering around 4 months of inventory — which still leans seller-friendly but shows signs of shifting. Compare that to just two years ago, when MOI was closer to 2 months, and it’s clear: buyers are regaining some leverage.

Luxury price points in particular are seeing double-digit months of inventory in parts of the Carolinas and beyond — signaling stronger opportunities for affluent buyers.

What’s Driving the Change in Market Conditions?

Here’s what’s impacting real estate activity right now:

• Interest rates have dipped, drawing more buyers back into the market

• Inventory has increased, especially in mid-range and upper-tier listings

• Demand remains steady, but the competition isn’t as cutthroat as in recent years

This creates a more balanced market overall — still competitive in certain price points, but with more options and breathing room for buyers.

What If You’re Selling?

You can still win in this market — but the strategy matters more than ever. Homes that are well-priced, staged thoughtfully, and marketed strategically are continuing to move. But it’s smart to adjust your expectations and talk with your REALTOR® about what’s happening in your neighborhood, not just the broader region.

If you're thinking about selling, make sure your pricing reflects local data — not just headlines.

Want to Know If Your Neighborhood Is in a Buyer’s Market?

Local data is key. National headlines don’t always reflect what’s happening on your street.

I encourage you to check out my latest market updates and resources on my blog:

👉 Visit DeliaKnight.com/blog

I break down real estate trends for communities across the Piedmont Triad — so you can make confident, data-driven decisions whether you're buying, selling, or just watching the mark

FAQs About the Piedmont Triad Housing Market

Q: How do you know if your local Piedmont Triad neighborhood is in a buyer's market?

A: Check the months of inventory (MOI) for your specific area rather than relying on regional averages. If homes are sitting longer than 60 days, you're seeing more price reductions, and sellers are offering concessions like closing cost assistance, your neighborhood is likely favoring buyers. Local data matters more than national headlines when making your decision.

Q: What negotiating power do you have as a buyer in today's Triad market?

A: In a balanced-to-buyer's market, you can often negotiate on price, request seller-paid closing costs, ask for repairs after inspection, or even request home warranties as part of the deal. Sellers who need to move quickly may be especially motivated to work with your terms. If you're ready to explore options, browse homes in Stokesdale to see what's available in your price range.

Q: Should you wait for prices to drop further before buying your home?

A: Timing the market perfectly is nearly impossible, and waiting can cost you if interest rates rise or competition increases. The current environment offers more inventory, less bidding war pressure, and reasonable negotiating room, which together often matter more than small price fluctuations. Focusing on finding the right home at a fair price typically serves buyers better than trying to predict market bottoms.

Q: How should you price your home if you're selling in a buyer's market?

A: Pricing strategy becomes critical when buyers have more options. Your home needs to be competitively priced from day one based on recent comparable sales in your immediate area, not what you hope to get or what neighbors sold for two years ago. Overpriced homes sit longer and often sell for less than if they had been priced correctly at launch. Curious about your local competition? See current Oak Ridge listings to understand where your home fits.

Q: What mistakes should you avoid when buying in a shifting market?

A: Avoid skipping pre-approval, which weakens your negotiating position and slows your ability to act on good opportunities. Don't assume every seller is desperate or that lowball offers will be entertained, as well-priced homes still attract multiple interested buyers. Work with an agent who understands hyperlocal conditions so you can move confidently when the right property appears.

By Delia Knight, REALTOR® | Howard Hanna Allen Tate

Delia Knight | Piedmont Triad, NC REALTOR® | Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate
2215 Oak Ridge Rd., Oak Ridge, NC 27310
336-643-2573 | homes@deliaknight.com | DeliaKnight.com