Real Estate Right Now:
The Market Is Shifting — And This Time, It's Shifting Toward YOU

More homes to choose from, longer market times, and sellers who may be more willing to negotiate can create meaningful opportunities for home buyers. In this episode of Real Estate Right Now, host Jay Izso talks with Paul Fitts, Senior Loan Officer with Advantage Lending, about the residential real estate headlines affecting buyers, renters, and homeowners.

Recorded in March 2026, their conversation covers mortgage-rate movement, growing inventory, seller concessions, the changing price relationship between resale and newly built homes, and the life changes encouraging some homeowners to move despite having a low mortgage rate. Buyers who want to understand current conditions in Raleigh and the surrounding Triangle can also review the team's latest Triangle real estate market statistics.

This Episode's Highlights

More inventory and longer market times can give buyers more choices and room to negotiate.

The mortgage rate matters, but buyers should also weigh payment, terms, concessions, and long-term goals.

Comparing resale and new construction means looking beyond price to location, incentives, features, and future value.

What a Buyer-Friendly Shift Can Look Like

A market does not have to deliver dramatic price cuts to become more favorable to buyers.

Jay and Paul discuss several signs that buyers may have greater leverage: homes taking longer to sell, more properties coming to market, lower due diligence and earnest money amounts, seller-paid closing costs, and repair or credit negotiations after an inspection.

Those opportunities vary by home and neighborhood. A well-priced property in a desirable Triangle location may still attract strong competition, while another home may give a buyer time to compare options and negotiate useful terms. Learning about the full home buying process can help you recognize where thoughtful preparation and negotiation may make a difference.

Look Beyond the Headline Mortgage Rate

Mortgage rates can move even when the Federal Reserve has not announced a change, because many economic and bond-market factors influence home-loan pricing.

Instead of trying to predict the perfect rate, buyers can focus on the complete financial picture: a comfortable monthly payment, cash needed at closing, available lender programs, seller concessions, debt, expected time in the home, and the potential to build equity.

A knowledgeable lender can explain what a rate change means for your personal home buying power. Buyers can also explore Linda Craft Team's mortgage resources to learn more about financing before beginning a home search.

Resale or New Construction?

The best value is not always the home with the lowest advertised price.

The episode explores a period when national resale prices had moved above new-construction prices. Jay and Paul explain why buyers still need to compare the specific choices available locally. New homes may offer builder incentives and modern features, but they are often located farther from established city centers. Resale homes may offer a more convenient location, mature neighborhood, or larger lot.

Consider the total cost and the way you want to live. Commute, schools, taxes, homeowners association costs, included upgrades, maintenance, and future development can all affect which option is the better fit. Linda Craft Team's guide to new-construction homes in the Triangle can help buyers explore communities and understand the builder-buying process.

Your Timing Is Personal

Market conditions matter, but life changes are often what determine when someone is ready to move.

The episode discusses how job changes, growing families, retirement, changing space needs, and other personal circumstances can outweigh a homeowner's reluctance to give up a low mortgage rate. As more owners decide it is time to move, buyers may see additional choices enter the market.

If you are renting, a concession or reduced housing expense can also create an opportunity to save, reduce debt, and prepare for a future purchase. The right next step depends on your finances, needs, and timeline—not on a single national headline. Linda Craft Team's buyer resources offer additional guidance for planning your move.

Make the Market Work for Your Move

More choices and greater negotiating flexibility can be valuable, but the strongest opportunity is the one that fits your budget and plans.

Linda Craft Team, REALTORS has helped Triangle-area buyers understand changing market conditions since 1985. Our team can help you compare homes, evaluate terms, and build a strategy around your goals.