Wilmington Real Estate Market Update: Why August 2025 Feels Like Everyone’s “Stuck”

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in the Wilmington area right now, you’ve probably noticed something feels… different. Maybe you’re a seller who’s not getting the offers you expected, or a buyer frustrated that even with more homes available, nothing feels quite right. You’re not imagining it – there’s actually a name for what we’re experiencing.

Economists are calling this a “stuck market,” and it’s happening nationwide. But what does that mean for us here in New Hanover County? Let’s dive into the August 2025 data to see exactly what’s happening in our local market.

New Hanover County by the Numbers: August 2025 vs. 2024

Here’s what the data tells us about our local market compared to last August:

Inventory Changes:

• Active listings jumped to 1,246 homes (up from 1,082 last year)
• We now have 3.5 months of inventory, up from 3 months

Sales Activity:

• Closed sales dipped slightly: 359 homes versus 367 last August
• Total sales volume decreased to about $220 million (down from $225 million)

Pricing Reality:

• Median sale price: $465,000 (down from $479,000 last year)
• Sellers are accepting 95% of asking price versus nearly 97% a year ago
• Days on market stretched to 65 days compared to 49 last year

What’s Really Happening: The “Stuck Market” Explained

So why does everyone feel stuck? It comes down to this: sellers aren’t getting the offers they hoped for, and buyers are finding that even with more inventory, prices still feel high while mortgage rates remain uncertain.

This gridlock creates a cycle. Sellers hold back from listing because they don’t want to accept lower offers. Buyers wait, hoping for better prices or rates. The result? Less activity overall, even though we technically have more homes available.

National Trends Hitting Wilmington

The Federal Reserve is expected to cut rates in September, but here’s the reality: that doesn’t guarantee mortgage rates will drop quickly or significantly. This uncertainty is keeping both buyers and sellers on the sidelines, waiting to see what happens.

However, there are some encouraging signs. Redfin’s Homebuyer Demand Index ticked up about 3% in August, showing more people are touring homes and seriously exploring their options.

What This Means for You

If You’re Selling: Strategic pricing is more critical than ever. The days of pricing high and expecting multiple offers are behind us for now. Your home needs to shine – professional staging, photography, and marketing aren’t optional in this environment.

If You’re Buying: More inventory means more choices, and patience could pay off. You’ll have time to really evaluate options without the pressure of bidding wars that defined recent years.

The Bottom Line

This “stuck” feeling won’t last forever. Markets are cyclical, and we’re already seeing early signs of buyer activity increasing. Whether you’re planning to buy or sell, understanding these trends helps you make informed decisions about timing and strategy.

The key is working with someone who understands both the national economic picture and our specific coastal market dynamics. Every situation is different, and there are opportunities even in challenging markets – you just need the right strategy.

Ready to discuss how these market conditions affect your specific plans? Let’s connect and create a strategy that works for your timeline and goals.

---