Q1 Market Recap: Carteret County Real Estate – 2024 vs. 2025

As your trusted team of local real estate advisors, we're committed to keeping you informed with timely, accurate market insights. With the first quarter of 2025 behind us, it’s time to compare how the Carteret County single-family residential real estate market performed year over year.

Whether you're considering buying, selling, or simply staying informed, these trends offer valuable perspective on where our market stands and where it might be headed.

📊 Q1 2024 vs. Q1 2025 Market Snapshot (Single-Family Residential)

🔍 What These Numbers Mean

Inventory Growth (Active Listings: +14.3%)
The number of active listings grew significantly in Q1 2025 compared to the same time last year. This increase provides more options for buyers, indicating a slightly more balanced market after a period of low inventory. Sellers should be mindful that with more competition, pricing and presentation matter more than ever.

Steady Seller Activity (New Listings: +1.9%)
New listings were nearly flat year over year, showing that while more homes are available overall, sellers are not entering the market in dramatically higher numbers. This suggests that much of the increase in active inventory may be due to longer days on market or slower absorption rates.

Buyer Demand Strengthening (Under Contract: +8.9%)
Contracts written are up, which is a positive sign that buyers are active and ready to move—possibly encouraged by stabilized interest rates or improved buyer confidence. This is encouraging news for sellers and points toward a healthy spring market ahead.

Closings Up (Sold Homes: +6.1%)
A rise in closed sales confirms that buyer activity isn’t just wishful thinking—it’s translating into actual transactions. Compared to last year, we’re seeing slightly more momentum carry through to the closing table.

💬 Bottom Line

The Carteret County single-family market is showing modest but steady growth in both inventory and buyer activity. While we aren’t seeing the dramatic swings of recent years, the Q1 2025 data reflects a market that’s finding its footing and leaning toward balance.

For buyers, increased inventory offers more choices. For sellers, rising buyer activity means serious opportunities—especially with strategic pricing and strong marketing.

Want to know what this means for your neighborhood or specific property goals? Let’s chat. As your go-to resource for all things real estate in Carteret County, we’re here to guide you with experience, insight, and a commitment to your success.

📞 Contact the Holland Shepard Group today to schedule a personalized market consultation.