Welcome to our bi-weekly market update. The goal here is simple: cut through the national headlines and tell you what’s actually happening in the three counties we work in every day — New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender. No spin, just the numbers and what they mean if you’re thinking about making a move.
The headline this cycle: the market has rebalanced. Across the region, homes are taking meaningfully longer to sell than they were a year ago, which means buyers have regained real negotiating room. Prices have largely held their ground, sales are still happening, and the biggest change you’ll feel on the ground is in how long homes are taking to sell. Here’s where each county stands.
By the Numbers
| County | Median Sale Price | Year-over-Year | Days on Market | Homes Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Hanover | $480,000 | −3.0% | 59 days | 397 |
| Brunswick | $396,900 | +1.8% | 92 days | 637 |
| Pender | $476,627 | +6.2% | 61 days | 142 |
Source: Redfin, month ending May 2026.
New Hanover County
New Hanover — Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, and Carolina Beach — saw a median sale price of $480,000, down 3.0% from a year ago, with homes selling in a median of 59 days, about 35 days longer than a year ago. 397 homes sold in the latest month — down 3.2% year over year.
Brunswick County
Brunswick — Leland, Southport, Oak Island, and the Brunswick beaches — saw a median sale price of $396,900, up 1.8% from a year ago, with homes selling in a median of 92 days, about 39 days longer than a year ago. 637 homes sold in the latest month — up 14.4% year over year.
Pender County
Pender — Hampstead, the Topsail area, Burgaw, and Rocky Point — saw a median sale price of $476,627, up 6.2% from a year ago, with homes selling in a median of 61 days, about 34 days longer than a year ago. 142 homes sold in the latest month — up 6.8% year over year.
Where Rates Stand
Financing is still the biggest factor for most buyers. As of this week, Freddie Mac puts the average 30-year fixed mortgage at 6.52% and the 15-year fixed at 5.84%. Rates holding steady is its own kind of good news — it lets buyers plan, and combined with prices leveling off, it’s taken much of the urgency out of the market without bringing it to a halt.
What This Means for You
If you’re buying: This is the most negotiating room we’ve seen in years. With homes sitting longer, you can take your time, ask for repairs or concessions, and write an offer that protects you — rather than waiving everything to win a bidding war. Don’t let the rate environment scare you off; you can always refinance a rate, but you can’t go back and buy at today’s price once it moves.
If you’re selling: Homes are still selling, and prices are holding. But the days of naming any price and waiting for the phone to ring are over. The homes that move are priced right from day one and show well. Price to today’s market — not last year’s — and lean on a team that knows your specific neighborhood.
Have a question about your specific neighborhood or what your home would sell for in today’s market? That’s what we’re here for — reach out anytime.
Market data: Redfin (month ending May 2026). Mortgage rates: Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey. Figures are county-level medians and reflect general market conditions, not an appraisal or valuation of any specific property.
