The housing market is starting to feel more active again, and buyer demand is picking up in ways that are hard to ignore. Mortgage rates have dropped by nearly a full percentage point this year, and that shift is beginning to re-energize buyers across the Triangle area market.
Home loan applications are rising. Buyer activity is increasing. And sellers who act early may benefit before more competition enters the market.
Here is what is happening behind the scenes and how it could work in your favor.
When Rates Come Down, Buyer Activity Goes Up
In today’s housing market, buyer demand is closely tied to mortgage rates. When rates decline, mortgage applications typically rise. Rick Sharga, Founder and CEO of the CJ Patrick Company, explains it this way:
We’re in an incredibly rate-sensitive environment today, and every time we’ve seen mortgage rates drop into the low-to-mid 6% range, we’ve seen an influx of buyers hit the market.”
That trend is showing up clearly in the data. Raleigh buyers who had paused their plans are beginning to apply for mortgages again as borrowing costs ease. While activity will always fluctuate alongside rates, the overall direction has improved since rates started coming down.
In fact, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reports the Mortgage Purchase Index is now hovering at its highest level so far this year (see graph below).
MBA data also shows mortgage applications recently reached their highest point in nearly three years, another strong signal that buyer demand is building as we move toward 2026 (see graph below).
And this increase is not just the result of delayed applications from the temporary government shutdown. Looking back at the data shows a steady increase in activity throughout the year.
The key takeaway is this. As rates have eased, buyers are gradually returning to the market, and that is translating into real contracts on Triangle area homes like yours.
Home Sales Are Rebounding
Additional data support this upward trend. The most recent report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows pending home sales are also increasing. The Pending Home Sales Index is now at its highest level of the year (see graph below).
This suggests the market is finishing the year with renewed energy and heading into 2026 on a stronger footing. While the shift may feel subtle, it is meaningful.
Pending home sales are a leading indicator of future closings. When more homes go under contract, it often means more completed sales in the following months. This is one reason experts project home sales will rise modestly in 2026 compared to 2025 and 2024.
There may be some short-term fluctuations as mortgage rates move, but forecasts suggest rates are expected to remain relatively stable throughout 2026. That stability helps support continued buyer engagement.
What This Means for You
This shift creates a clear opportunity for sellers.
Selling now may mean increased buyer demand as affordability improves, which can lead to more showings and stronger interest when a home is priced and prepared correctly. Many buyers who are returning to the market feel they have waited long enough and are motivated to move forward.
Listing your Raleigh home sooner rather than later can also put you ahead of other sellers who have not yet realized the market is changing. Acting early may help you stand out before inventory rises.
If you postponed selling because buyer activity felt slow, or if you previously took your Triangle area home off the market due to limited interest, this may be the right time to reconsider.
Bottom Line
Buyer demand is showing signs of improvement, and the momentum is building as we head into the new year.
If you want to understand what buyer activity looks like in your local market and how it could impact your plans to sell, contact Linda Craft Team Realtors. Getting your home ready and listed in early 2026 could help you take advantage of the direction the market is moving.