The Deed Sheet
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Mortgage rates dip

Mortgage rates dip

Time to buy or sell?

Ronnie Njang
March 13, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

Market Snapshot: Charlotte Real Estate Trends

Median Home Price: $425,000
Median Sold Home Price: $418,000
Total Homes for Sale: 3,991 (as of March 2025)
Days on Market (DOM): 46 days, trending down—homes are selling faster now.
Market Demand: High—The market is steady, with a slight increase in inventory. Buyers have more options, but demand remains consistent due to Charlotte's growing population and economic opportunities
Average Rent (3-Bedroom): $2,234 per month
Top-Performing Zip Code: Matthews (28105) stood out with the highest home tour activity at 7.3 showings per listing

Market Forecast: The Charlotte real estate market is expected to remain competitive due to robust buyer demand fueled by job growth and limited inventory. While prices are rising moderately, the increased inventory may slightly ease pressure on buyers in the coming months. Rental demand will likely stay strong given low vacancy rates and insufficient new construction.

Local Spotlight: South End

Vibe: Trendy, vibrant, and urban. South End is a hub for young professionals and creatives, with a lively atmosphere and a mix of modern and historic charm.
Home Prices: Median home price is $595,000, with a 6% appreciation rate year-over-year.
Best For: First-time buyers, investors looking for rental opportunities, and anyone seeking a walkable, city-centric lifestyle.
Recent Sales Trend: Homes are selling quickly, averaging just 73 days on the market, often with competitive offers.
Local Perks:
- Transportation: Easy access to the LYNX Blue Line light rail for commuting.
- Dining & Nightlife: A plethora of trendy restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops like Sycamore Brewing and Suffolk Punch.
- Recreation: Rail Trail for walking, biking, and outdoor activities.

📌 South End home prices rose 6% YoY—still a hotspot for urban living and investment.

Best Deals of the Week (Price Drops)

$449,999 (↓ $33K)

4 Beds • 3.5 Baths • 1,949 sqft

This is the largest townhome offered in the community, and it has views of the lush wooded perimeter from the private covered terrace. It offers 4 bedrooms, including a first-floor guest suite, with 10' ceilings throughout the second floor, and 9' ceilings on the other two floors. Impressive kitchen has a large island, 42" grey cabinets, quartz counters, tile backsplash, large stainless steel undermount sink with accessories, LED under-cabinet lights, double trash pullout, matte black hardware, and GE stainless steel appliances with a gas range, microwave, and dishwasher. The living area has plenty of space for a dining table too. The third floor includes a laundry closet with space for a full-sized stackable washer/dryer. Premier Suite has a walk-in closet and bathroom with large tiled shower, quartz counters, and grey cabinets. Secondary baths also have quartz counters and tile floors. Low maintenance LVP flooring throughout the first and second floor, with oak treads on stairs. Ceiling fans included. Walkable to Toby Creek Greenway.

$575,000 (↓ $25K)

4 Beds • 2.5 Baths • 2,884 sqft

Welcome to this stunning two-story home in the highly desirable Riverbend community! This home boasts an open floorplan with an updated chefs kitchen , featuring top-of-the-line appliances and high-end finishes , perfect for entertaining. Step outside to your private oasis , complete with a screened back porch, luxury pool, hot tub, fire pit, and a secluded, fenced rear yard ideal for relaxing or hosting guests. Upstairs, you'll find a spacious primary suite with oversized dual walk-in closets and a spa-like bathroom featuring a large soaking tub . Three additional bedrooms share another full bathroom, and the sizable bonus room is perfect for a home theater or playroom. Riverbend offers fantastic amenities , including a clubhouse, pool, and playground . Conveniently located just 20 minutes from Uptown Charlotte and minutes to I-485 and CLT International Airport , this home truly has it all!

$544,000 (↓ $19K)

3 Beds • 3 Baths • 2,819 sqft

Seller may consider buyer concessions if made in an offer. Welcome to your dream home! The interior features a neutral color paint scheme that perfectly complements the cozy fireplace. The kitchen is a chef's dream with an accent backsplash, all stainless steel appliances, and a center island for additional prep space. The primary bathroom boasts double sinks, a separate tub, and a shower for a spa-like experience. The primary bedroom includes a generous walk-in closet. Outside, enjoy a deck perfect for entertaining. This property is a must-see!

Homeowners' Corner: Energy-Efficient Upgrades That Pay Off

Enhancing your home's energy efficiency not only reduces utility bills but also increases property value. Consider these upgrades:

Insulation Improvements: Proper insulation can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 20%.
Energy-Efficient Windows: Replacing single-pane windows can save between $126–$465 annually.
Smart Thermostats: These devices can cut heating and cooling bills by 10%.
LED Lighting: LEDs use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting.
Solar Panels: While the initial investment is significant, solar panels can lead to substantial savings over time and may qualify for tax incentives.

Implementing these upgrades can lead to significant savings and make your home more attractive to future buyers.

Investors' Corner: Charlotte's Rental Market Dynamics

Charlotte's rental market is experiencing dynamic changes, reflecting shifts in affordability and demand.

Key insights include:

Occupancy Rates: Remain high, indicating strong rental demand.
Rental Yields: Investors are seeing favorable returns, especially in emerging neighborhoods.
Neighborhood Spotlight: Areas like South End and NoDa are attracting young professionals, making them prime locations for investment.
Build-to-Rent Trend: Developers are increasingly creating entire neighborhoods of single-family homes for rent, addressing housing shortages and offering new investment opportunities.

Staying informed about these trends can help investors make strategic decisions in Charlotte's evolving market.

Renters' Corner: Navigating Charlotte's Rental Landscape

For those seeking rental properties in Charlotte, consider the following:

Affordability: While rental rates have risen, neighborhoods like Plaza Midwood and University City offer more budget-friendly options.
Amenities: New developments often come with modern amenities such as gyms, co-working spaces, and communal areas.
Transportation: Proximity to public transit can enhance convenience and reduce commuting costs.
Lease Agreements: With the rise of build-to-rent communities, some landlords may offer flexible lease terms to attract tenants.
Rental Assistance Programs: Explore local programs that offer financial assistance or resources for renters.

Being aware of these factors can help renters find the best fit for their needs in Charlotte's diverse rental market.

Home Buyers' Corner: Tips for First-Time Buyers in Charlotte

Entering the housing market can be daunting. Here are some tips for first-time buyers:

Understand Your Budget: Factor in not just the mortgage, but also property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs.
Get Pre-Approved: This shows sellers you're serious and can afford the property.
Research Neighborhoods: Consider factors like school districts, crime rates, and future development plans.
Hire a Local Real Estate Agent: They'll have insights specific to Charlotte's market dynamics.
Attend Open Houses: Even if you're not ready to buy, this can give you a feel for what's available in your price range.

Educating yourself and working with professionals can make the home-buying process smoother and more enjoyable.