Is 2026 Even a Good Time to Sell a Home in Raleigh or Cary?

If you’ve found yourself asking, “Should I sell now… or just wait?”, you’re not alone.

Many homeowners across Raleigh and Cary are sitting in a strong equity position, but hesitation is real. Rates are different than they were a few years ago. Headlines are mixed. And no one wants to make a move they’ll regret six months later.

So let’s slow this down and talk through what actually matters, locally.

First: There Is No “Perfect” Market

One of the biggest myths I hear is that there’s a perfect time to sell, a moment when rates are low, buyers are everywhere, and homes sell instantly for top dollar.

That moment rarely exists.

What does exist are good markets for different types of sellers. The key is understanding your situation and how today’s Wake County market actually behaves.

What the Raleigh/Cary Market Looks Like Heading Into 2026

We are no longer in the 2021-style frenzy and that’s not a bad thing.

Here’s what’s happening instead:

• Homes that are priced correctly and well-positioned are still selling

• Buyers are more thoughtful, but they haven’t disappeared

• Days on market are more normal — not instant, but not stagnant

• Sellers with realistic expectations are having smooth transactions

This is a skill-based market, not a luck-based one.

Homes don’t sell just because they’re listed anymore, they sell because the pricing, presentation, and timing make sense.

How Long Are Homes Taking to Sell?

This varies by price point, location, and condition but here’s a helpful way to think about it:

• Well-priced homes in desirable areas: often sell within weeks

• Homes that “test the market”: tend to sit longer and require adjustments

• Overpriced homes: lose momentum early, even if they eventually sell

Longer days on market today don’t automatically mean something is wrong. It often just means the market is behaving more normally, giving buyers time to evaluate instead of rush.

Should You Sell Before You Buy?

This is one of the most common, and important questions.

There’s no universal answer, but here are simple rules of thumb that help clarify the decision:

You may want to sell first if:

• Most of your equity is tied up in your current home

• You want to avoid carrying two mortgages

• Certainty matters more than speed

You may consider buying first if:

• You’re financially comfortable carrying both temporarily

• You’ve found a very specific replacement home

• Your current home would be highly competitive when listed

The right answer depends on cash position, risk tolerance, and flexibility, not just market conditions.

When Waiting Actually Makes Sense and When It Doesn’t

Waiting can make sense if:

• You’re unsure about a job or life change

• You’re planning a major renovation first

• You don’t yet know where you’d move

Waiting doesn’t usually help if:

• You’re hoping for a “better” market without a clear reason

• You’re outgrowing the home and feeling stuck

• You’re sitting on significant equity but not using it

Life timing matters more than market timing.

The Bottom Line

2026 doesn’t require perfect conditions it requires clear expectations and a smart plan.

The homeowners who do best aren’t the ones who guess the market right, they’re the ones who understand:

• Their equity position

• Their personal timeline

• How buyers are behaving right now

In Part 2, I’ll break down what sellers are most worried about heading into spring and how to remove uncertainty before you ever list.

If you’re quietly thinking about selling this year, getting clarity early is the advantage most sellers miss.