If you've been watching the housing market, you may have noticed a shift. Buyers have more homes to choose from, properties are taking longer to sell in some areas, and sellers are having to work a little harder to attract attention.
According to Realtor.com's September 2026 housing trends report, the number of homes actively listed for sale across the country increased 5.4% compared with September 2025. That's the fastest annual inventory growth in six months, bringing the national supply of homes closer to pre-pandemic levels than we've seen during the current recovery.
For buyers, more inventory can mean less pressure, more negotiating opportunities, and a better chance of finding a home that checks the right boxes.
For sellers, it means competition is increasing and simply putting a home on the market may not be enough.
So what does this shift mean for the Concord and greater Charlotte real estate markets? Let's take a closer look.
1. More Homes Are Giving Buyers Room to Breathe
One of the biggest challenges buyers faced during the pandemic housing boom was a lack of inventory. Homes were selling quickly, multiple offers were common, and buyers often felt pressured to make decisions before they had time to fully evaluate a property.
That environment has started to change.
Realtor.com reported approximately 1.2 million active listings nationwide in September 2026, representing a 5.4% increase from the same time last year. National inventory is now just 9.1% below pre-pandemic levels.
Of the 50 largest U.S. metro areas, 43 experienced an increase in active listings compared with September 2025.
The biggest inventory increases were seen in:
Minneapolis: 31.2%
Seattle: 28.5%
Buffalo: 28%
Louisville: 27.1%
Providence: 22.4%
Richmond: 21.3%
While these markets aren't necessarily representative of what is happening in North Carolina, the national trend points to a housing market with more available choices.
For buyers, that can mean having the opportunity to compare several homes, schedule additional showings, think through the decision, and avoid feeling like they have to make an offer immediately.
More choices don't necessarily mean every home is a bargain, but they can create a much more comfortable buying experience.
2. Buyers May Have More Room to Negotiate
More inventory doesn't just give buyers additional options. It can also change the negotiating process.
When sellers have more competing properties on the market, they may need to be more flexible to attract an offer.
Realtor.com's September report found that 20.8% of active listings had experienced a price reduction. That's the highest September reading since 2018.
Nationally, the median listing price was $419,250, down 1.4% compared with September 2025.
For buyers, this could create opportunities to negotiate:
Purchase price: Some sellers may be more willing to consider offers below their original asking price.
Closing costs: Buyers may be able to negotiate seller concessions toward eligible closing expenses.
Repairs: Depending on the property's condition, buyers may have more room to request repairs or negotiate a credit.
Mortgage rate buydowns: Seller concessions may help reduce a buyer's interest rate through an eligible temporary or permanent buydown.
More time for due diligence: Buyers may have a better opportunity to complete inspections and carefully evaluate a property before closing.
Of course, not every seller is willing to negotiate, and a well-maintained home in a desirable location can still attract strong interest.
The key is understanding which properties have room for negotiation and making an offer that reflects the home's condition, comparable sales, and current competition.
3. Higher Mortgage Rates Are Still Holding Some Buyers Back
Although rising inventory is creating more opportunities, affordability remains a major challenge.
Mortgage rates climbed above 7% in September, causing some buyers to reconsider their plans or temporarily step away from the market.
This is an important distinction: more homes available doesn't automatically mean more buyers can afford them.
Realtor.com's September report showed that the number of homes under contract declined 4.1% compared with the previous year. In other words, inventory increased while buyer activity slowed.
That combination is creating a market where buyers may have more leverage, but sellers are also competing for a smaller pool of active shoppers.
For buyers who are financially prepared, this could be an opportunity to explore homes that may have received less attention during more competitive market conditions.
However, it's still important to build your home search around a comfortable monthly payment rather than focusing only on the purchase price.
4. What Does This Mean for the Concord and Charlotte Housing Market?
National housing trends provide helpful context, but real estate is always local.
The greater Charlotte region includes a wide variety of markets, from established neighborhoods in Concord and Kannapolis to newer communities in Harrisburg, Huntersville, and surrounding areas.
Inventory, pricing, and buyer demand can vary significantly depending on the neighborhood, price range, property condition, and type of home.
For example, a move-in-ready home in a highly desirable neighborhood may still attract considerable interest, while a property that needs updates or is priced above comparable homes may take longer to sell.
For buyers searching in Concord, Kannapolis, Harrisburg, or the greater Charlotte area, more available inventory can make it easier to compare neighborhoods, property features, and price points.
Rather than feeling pressured to jump at the first home that checks a few boxes, buyers may have more flexibility to find the right fit.
For sellers, the increase in available homes means understanding your direct competition is more important than ever.
The national inventory trend doesn't tell us exactly what is happening in every local neighborhood. That's why reviewing current listings, recent sales, and homes that are going under contract is so important before making a decision.
5. Sellers: Preparation and Positioning Matter More Than Ever
If you're thinking about selling, rising inventory doesn't mean you can't get a great result. It does mean buyers have more choices, and your home needs to stand out.
Realtor.com spoke with real estate professionals who emphasized two important factors for sellers: presentation and pricing.
In a market with more available homes, buyers are often comparing properties side by side. They may be less willing to overlook deferred maintenance, outdated presentation, or a price that doesn't align with the home's condition.
Here are a few things sellers should prioritize.
Make a Strong First Impression
You don't necessarily need a full renovation before listing, but presentation matters.
Focus on decluttering, deep cleaning, improving lighting, addressing noticeable maintenance issues, and making sure the home feels welcoming.
Professional photography and thoughtful staging can also help buyers connect with the property online before they ever schedule a showing.
Understand Your Competition
Your home's value isn't determined by what your neighbor listed for or what a similar home sold for six months ago.
Buyers are comparing the homes available to them today.
Look at current competing listings, recent closed sales, pending properties, and any price reductions in your neighborhood.
This information helps establish a realistic strategy for entering the market.
Price With a Strategy
One of the biggest mistakes sellers can make is starting too high with the expectation that they can always reduce the price later.
The first few weeks on the market are especially important. If buyers consistently overlook a property, it may be a sign that the price, presentation, or overall positioning needs to be reconsidered.
The goal isn't simply to get your home listed. It's to position it in a way that attracts the right buyers and encourages a strong offer.
6. Is More Inventory Good or Bad for the Housing Market?
The answer depends on which side of the transaction you're on.
For buyers, more inventory generally means more options and less pressure. It can create opportunities to negotiate and make a more informed decision.
For sellers, additional competition means preparation, pricing, and marketing become increasingly important.
For the overall market, a healthier supply of homes can help create a more balanced environment. Buyers have more choices, and sellers have to compete based on the value and condition of their properties.
However, inventory growth alone doesn't guarantee that prices will fall or that every buyer will find an affordable home. Mortgage rates, employment, household finances, and local housing supply all continue to influence the market.
The most important thing is understanding what these changes mean for your specific situation.
The Bottom Line
The housing market is giving buyers something they haven't always had in recent years: more choices and a little breathing room.
With national inventory up 5.4% year over year in September 2026 and price reductions reaching their highest September level since 2018, buyers may find more opportunities to negotiate and take their time evaluating properties.
For sellers, the message is equally clear. A successful sale requires more than simply putting a sign in the yard. Strategic pricing, thoughtful preparation, and understanding the competition can make all the difference.
Whether you're buying your first home, moving into something different, or preparing to sell in Concord, Kannapolis, Harrisburg, or the greater Charlotte area, having a strategy based on current local market conditions is key.
Thinking about making a move? I'd be happy to help you understand what's happening in your neighborhood and determine the best next step for your goals.
