As summer winds down and school is back in session, the rental market in Wake County experiences its own seasonal transition. September may not be as hectic as the peak summer leasing months, but it still presents unique opportunities—and challenges—for both tenants and property owners.
With over 40 years of experience managing properties in Raleigh and Wake County, Barker Realty understands how seasonal shifts impact the rental cycle. Here’s what you can expect in the fall rental market:
Tenant Demand Cools, But Opportunities Rise: In September, demand typically slows compared to the busy summer months. Families with school-age children tend to settle before August, which means competition for rental properties eases. For renters, this can mean more availability and slightly less urgency when applying. For property owners, this shift requires a renewed focus on effective marketing and competitive pricing to attract high-quality tenants in a calmer market.
Relocation Season Is Still Active: Fall is a common time for professionals relocating to the Triangle for new job opportunities. Wake County’s growing tech and healthcare sectors continue to draw talent, and these professionals often look for mid- to long-term rental options. Owners who position their properties with updated amenities and flexible lease terms may capture this demand.
Seasonal Maintenance Matters: The fall rental cycle isn’t just about applications—it’s also about preparation. With cooler months ahead, tenants appreciate properties that are well-maintained and energy-efficient. Simple steps like HVAC servicing, gutter cleaning, and weatherproofing windows help properties stand out and prevent costly mid-season repairs.
Looking Ahead to Year-End: For both tenants and owners, September is a good time to think strategically about the end of the year. Tenants can take advantage of current availability before holiday slowdowns. Owners can prepare for tax season by ensuring records, repairs, and contracts are up to date.
The Bottom Line
Wake County’s rental market may feel quieter in September, but there’s opportunity for those who understand the seasonal dynamics. Tenants can find more choices with less competition, while property owners can position their properties to attract relocating professionals and long-term renters.
At Barker Realty, we’ve guided Wake County residents through every market cycle since 1984. Whether you’re a tenant looking for a place to call home or an owner wanting trusted property management, we’re here to help.
In a recent article for Forbes titled “How To Spot Real Estate Investment Opportunities” (April 2025), author James Nelson explores what separates savvy real estate investors from the rest of the market. His key message? Great investors don’t just react—they anticipate. They study trends, uncover unmet needs, and execute with discipline. At Barker Realty, we believe these principles apply powerfully to real estate investing right here in Wake County, North Carolina.
With over 40 years of experience in the Triangle, we’ve seen firsthand how early insights and local expertise lead to stronger returns—and stronger communities. Below, we apply Nelson’s insights to our region’s fast-growing and competitive market.
1. Watch Local Trends Before They Go Mainstream
Nelson emphasizes the importance of recognizing market trends early. In Wake County, this means tracking things like:
Major infrastructure investments (like BRT expansions or road improvements)
Zoning and land use changes in municipalities like Cary, Garner, or Holly Springs
Where local employers are expanding or relocating
Being early to these shifts means you’re more likely to acquire undervalued assets before demand spikes.
2. Curiosity Uncovers Unmet Needs
Nelson urges investors to stay curious—talk to tenants, visit properties, and study emerging sectors. In Wake County, this might mean noticing a lack of quality multi-family options near tech corridors, or recognizing how population growth is outpacing housing supply in smaller towns like Rolesville or Fuquay-Varina.
We help our clients go beyond MLS listings to explore where renters and owners are underserved—and where demand is building.
3. Get Your Timing Right: Both In and Out
According to Nelson, understanding when to enter a deal is just as important as knowing when to exit. We see this in Wake County’s submarkets: while Raleigh and Cary are highly competitive, surrounding areas often present better value with less bidding pressure. Meanwhile, identifying when to reposition or sell a property before the market plateaus can preserve ROI.
At Barker Realty, we guide our investor clients through those timing decisions using hyperlocal data and experience.
4. Look Beyond the Obvious
Nelson’s advice to explore “non-traditional” assets is especially relevant here. Converting small commercial buildings into mixed-use, investing in aging single-family homes near revitalizing districts, or considering land near future transit lines can all create upside.
The Triangle rewards creativity, especially when paired with sound local execution.
5. Discipline Makes the Difference
Finally, Nelson stresses that spotting an opportunity means nothing without proper due diligence, team coordination, and financial clarity. We couldn’t agree more. Our investor clients rely on us not just for what to buy, but how to operate, maintain, and exit those investments wisely.
From acquisition through property management, Barker Realty offers the end-to-end experience that helps investors grow confidently in a changing market.
Final Thought: Anticipate, Don’t Chase
As Nelson puts it, the best investors aren’t chasing headlines—they’re reading the signals early and moving strategically. In a fast-moving market like Wake County, it’s not just about recognizing potential, it’s about partnering with the people who see what others miss.
If you’re ready to spot the next opportunity in Raleigh or across the Triangle, Barker Realty is here to help you navigate the “when,” “why,” and “how.”
Navigating the true cost of buying a home in North Carolina takes more than a quick estimate—Barker Realty’s experienced agents help you make informed decisions at every step.
How Much Does It Cost to Buy a House?
As any seasoned real estate professional knows, the cost of buying a house goes well beyond the listing price.
For starters, homebuyers should consider the down payment, closing costs, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and PMI. There’s also the regular cost of being a homeowner, like HOA fees or maintenance and repairs.
The factors for each of these costs vary greatly, but a trusted real estate agent at Barker Realty can help you better understand the cost of buying a house. Let’s take a look at two of the most important costs to think about as you begin to search for the perfect property.
Average Down Payment on House
The down payment is usually the largest cost of purchasing a home. Forbes reported in April 2024 that the national average down payment for a house is 14.4%, with an average median of $34,248.
However, local housing markets vary drastically. For example, data showed the lowest average down payment was 9.2% at $6,729 in Louisiana, while the highest down payments came from Washington, D.C. at 20.4% at $100,800.
In North Carolina, the average down payment is 13.9% at an average median of $27,667.
A down payment for a second home or investment property is generally higher, at about 27%, according to Realtor.com’s 2023 Down Payment Report.
Your age is another factor. The 2023 NAR Home Buyers and Sellers Generation Trends reported that the average down payment increased as buyers age, as older buyers tend to have more capital.
Monthly Mortgage Payments
Your monthly mortgage payment will impact your budget for years to come, so it’s crucial you give thought to what you truly can afford. Factor in your existing debts, credit scores, current mortgage rates, market trends, and any upcoming changes to your income.
To give you a general idea of a monthly mortgage payment, Zillow data from February 2025 stated that a typical home costs about $357,000. If financed at a 6.76% mortgage rate, a monthly principal and interest payment would be $1,854.
Remember, even a small difference in your mortgage and monthly rates can have a large impact over 15 or 30 years.
Barker Realty Can Help
Whether you’re buying for the first time or adding property to your portfolio, the experts at Barker Realty are here to maximize your real estate investments. Contact our team to get started.
In the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings for 2025–2026, Cary and Apex have earned impressive spots among the top 10 best places to live in the United States—Cary at No. 5 and Apex at No. 7.These accolades highlight the exceptional quality of life, robust job markets, and overall desirability that these towns offer.
Key Factors Behind the Rankings
The U.S. News rankings evaluate cities based on several critical factors: quality of life, job market strength, affordability, and overall desirability.Cary and Apex have excelled in these areas, boasting strong employment opportunities, excellent schools, and vibrant community life.
Implications for the Housing Market
Such national recognition often leads to increased interest from potential homebuyers and investors, potentially driving up demand and home prices.For current residents, this can mean a rise in property values, while prospective buyers may face a more competitive market.
Navigating the Market with Barker Realty
At Barker Realty, we understand the dynamics of the Cary and Apex real estate markets.Our team is equipped to help you navigate the opportunities and challenges that come with these evolving markets. Whether you’re considering buying, selling, or investing, we’re here to provide expert guidance tailored to your needs.
What This Means for Buyers and Sellers
Cary and Apex’s top rankings are a testament to their appeal as places to live and invest.As these towns continue to gain national attention, staying informed and working with experienced real estate professionals like Barker Realty can help you make the most of the opportunities in the Raleigh metro housing market.
Is 2025 a good time to buy a house? See what factors affect the housing market in 2025 and what that means for buyers and sellers alike.
No matter how much experience you have in real estate, buying or selling a house is a decision that takes some forethought. If it’s something you’re considering, the experts at Barker Realty recommend this first step: take a look at the current housing market and determine whether now is a good time to buy or sell.
In a recent article, Business Insider said that some of the biggest forces currently influencing the housing market include mortgage rates, low housing supply, and home prices. How will these factors change in 2025? Read these housing market trends to help you make the best decision.
Mortgage Rate Predictions
In February 2025, the average mortgage rate was 6.51%, stated Business Insider. There is hope that mortgage rates will ease up as price growth stabilizes this year, but it may not be as drastic a change as buyers would like. Their prediction is that mortgage rates may end up in the low-to-mid 6% range by the end of 2025.
High mortgage rates impact both potential buyers and sellers, discouraging both groups. However, they can sometimes keep housing prices from rising as quickly. But because of the low housing inventory trends, home prices in the U.S. have continued to increase over the past few years.
Housing Supply Predictions
In June 2024, Zillow reported that the U.S. is 4.5 million homes short of a healthy housing supply. A low housing supply tends to increase homes and rent costs.
“For housing market conditions to improve, housing supply needs to increase,” reported Business Insider. “As mortgage rates decrease, more sellers should come onto the market and list their homes, increasing the number of for-sale homes available.”
The article also stated that Fannie Mae expects the new construction housing numbers to drop in 2025 and improve in 2026, but the Mortgage Banker Association (MBA) said the numbers will start to rise this year and continue into next.
Home Price Predictions
Currently, the average home value is just over $357,000, according to Zillow, which is 2.6% higher than last year. Home prices are expected to rise 3.5% year over year in 2025 but slow down to 1.7% in 2026, according to Fannie Mae. The MBA sees this year’s rate slowing to 1.3% and remaining there in 2026.
Barker Realty Can Help
Right now is not a particularly easy time for buying or selling a house. But that doesn’t mean you can’t accomplish your goals. Barker Realty can help you navigate housing market rates, timing, and any other areas where you have questions. Contact our team today to get started and make the most of your real estate investments.
What’s the best season to buy (or sell) a house? Barker Realty explains real estate seasonality and why you should consider spring real estate market trends.
You don’t always get to decide exactly when to buy or sell your house. But if your timeline has a little flexibility, it’s wise to consider real estate’s seasonality.
The National Association of Realtors published data on a seasonal approach to the housing market. They found that there are significant seasonal trends that impact both buying and selling real estate.
According to their data, the peak buying season is spring – more specifically, April through June, with June being the highest peak all year. Nationally, home sales exceed 18,000 homes per day in June.
Springtime sees both higher supply and demand in the housing market. The National Association of Realtors noted that the higher demand means that sellers can list higher prices. In fact, homes are 16% more expensive in June compared to December through February.
Spring Real Estate Stats (April-June):
Average of 16,530 existing homes sold per day
Average of 2,000 of new homes sold per day
Median number of 33 days on the market
As a real estate professional, buyer, or seller, what does this mean for the local housing market? Is spring the best time to buy or sell a house?
Pros and Cons to Selling or Buying a Home in the Spring
Buying:
More houses on the market means more options.
Expect to pay more for a house in the spring months compared to the rest of the year.
The market is more competitive, so there may be multiple offers and bidding wars on the best houses. Be prepared to make an attractive offer.
Houses are on the market fewer days, so you need to act quickly if you want to put an offer down.
Selling:
You can list your house at a higher price due to the higher demand.
A competitive market is a double-edged sword. Your property is being compared to more options, but you may reap the benefits of multiple offers or bidding wars.
Homes sell faster with fewer days on the market. The data shows that in June, the median days on the market is 31 days, about two weeks faster than in December through February.
Consider this: The National Association of Realtors found that these housing market trends are true in every region of the county, with only slight variations. They also apply to both existing-home sales and new home sales, but are more true for existing-home sales since many new homes are bought during construction.
Barker Realty Can Help
Barker Realty is available all year long to help you make the best real estate decisions, whether that’s finding your dream home or a smart rental investment property.
