The holiday season typically brings a slowdown in real estate activity, but November 2025 data from the Triangle reveals a different story. While surface-level metrics might suggest a quiet market, a closer look shows significant movement beneath.

Inventory remains historically low, mortgage rates are gradually declining with further drops expected in Q1 and Q2, and buyer urgency is creating a clear divide across Wake County towns. Some markets are tightening even further, while others are finally offering buyers negotiating leverage they haven't seen in years.

For anyone planning to buy or sell in the next 90 days, understanding these local nuances could mean the difference between a smart move and a costly mistake.

Apex Real Estate Market Update

Apex continues to defy expectations with 124 sales in November, an impressive number for late fall. The median sale price hit $577,525, and the months of supply sit at just 2.5, the lowest in the entire Triangle.

This isn't the frenzy of 2021, but sellers who price strategically still command significant leverage. Buyers in Apex face a unique challenge: they're not necessarily overpaying anymore, but they need to out-plan and out-move the competition.

Hesitation costs opportunities here. The market rewards decisiveness, and those who wait for the perfect moment often find themselves watching from the sidelines as properties move quickly.

Holly Springs Real Estate Market Update

Holly Springs shattered the myth that nobody buys during the holidays. With a median sold price of $607,500, homes are spending just 17 days on the market. The 2.7 months of supply confirms what many agents already know: well-priced homes are still generating multiple offers, even in December.

The distinction between success and stagnation comes down to pricing strategy. Overpriced listings languish while sharp listings sell in a weekend.

For buyers, this represents one of the best windows in three years, but only if you're ready to act. The casual tire-kickers have left the market, which means less competition for serious buyers who know what they want.

Fuquay-Varina Real Estate Market Update

Fuquay-Varina stands out as the best-kept secret in Wake County right now. The median sold price of $430,990 is by far the lowest on this list, and the average days on market of 52 tells a completely different story than its northern neighbors.

Buyers are actually negotiating again on repairs, closing costs, and even rate buydowns. Move-in-ready homes still sell quickly, but anything requiring work gives buyers real bargaining power.

For those seeking space, good schools, and actual time to make decisions, Fuquay-Varina is serving opportunities that simply don't exist in Apex or Holly Springs. The flexibility sellers are showing here hasn't been available anywhere else in Wake County for years.

Morrisville Real Estate Market Update

Morrisville flies under the radar, and that's precisely why it deserves attention. With a median price of $460,000 and just 31 days on market, the numbers look reasonable until you see the inventory: 1.6 months of supply, tighter than Apex in some price bands.

Only nine new listings hit the market in November. Research Triangle Park isn't slowing down, tech money keeps flowing in, and this market could snap shut faster than any other in 2026.

Buyers need to abandon the search for perfection and write offers on good homes before out-of-state buyers with cash reserves do it first. The window here is smaller than it appears.

Cary Real Estate Market Update

Cary occupies the sweet spot in the Triangle market. The median price of $588,000 sits comfortably in the middle range, homes spend 21 days on market, and the 3.7 months of supply represents the closest thing to a balanced market in Wake County.

Sellers still receive strong offers, but buyers actually have choices and mild negotiating power. For anyone seeking low stress with high upside potential, Cary delivers.

It's not too hot, not too cold, but just right for both buyers and sellers who want a more predictable transaction without sacrificing value.

Raleigh Real Estate Market Update

Raleigh offers something for everyone. With 492 active homes, 1,724 new listings last month, and a median price of $475,000, the variety is unmatched.

Want a $350,000 townhome inside the beltline? It exists. Prefer a $1.5 million new build in North Raleigh? That exists too. Buyers can finally be selective again, which is a welcome change from recent years.

However, this buyer advantage places additional pressure on sellers. Staging, professional photography, and precise pricing have never mattered more. In a market with abundant options, standing out becomes essential.

Conclusion

The conventional wisdom says to wait until spring when the market wakes up. The data tells a different story. The market isn't sleeping. It's already moving, quietly rewarding those who understand what the numbers reveal and act accordingly.

Apex and Holly Springs sellers who list in January with sniper-level pricing will capture spring buyers before competition floods in. Fuquay-Varina and Raleigh buyers who lock in now at lower competition levels can refinance later when rates drop further. Cary offers flexibility for both sides, and Morrisville demands immediate action when the right property appears.

The fundamental insight from November 2025 is this: the Triangle market has split into distinct segments, each requiring a different strategy. Success in 2026 won't come from following general advice or waiting for seasonal shifts.

It will come from understanding your specific market, recognizing your leverage, and moving with purpose while others hesitate. The people drinking eggnog and waiting for spring will find a very different landscape when they finally dec