Cape Fear's market is finding a more balanced rhythm — prices are still ticking up (about 5% year-over-year), but homes are sitting a bit longer, which means more breathing room for buyers and sharper pricing strategy for sellers. Well-priced, well-presented homes are still moving fast.

On my end, June started busy right out of the gate with multiple closings, then rolled into prepping listings, touring buyers, and some great out-of-town referrals. We also took a break to fly home to Texas for a family visit — celebrated GiGi's 93rd, walked the Fort Worth stockyards, and cooled off at the Waco Wave pool. We stayed busy, and here it is July already!

Let's take a look at what's happening in the New Hanover County real estate market.

New Hanover County: Current Market Snapshot

Single-Family Homes

• 816 active listings
• 172 homes sold
• 13 average days on market
• $285 price per sq ft
• Median Sale Price: $512,500

Condos

• 663 active listings
• 96 homes sold
• 22 average days on market
• $290 price per sq ft
• Median Sale Price: $397,000

Land

• 266 active listings
• 23 sold
• 27 average days on market
• $310 price per sq ft
• Median Sale Price: $478,935

What this means:

• Single-family homes are moving fast — 13 days on market is tight, and prices are up
• Condos and land are seeing more breathing room, giving buyers a bit more negotiating power
• Well-priced, well-presented homes across every category are still the ones getting offers
• This is shaping up to be a more balanced market than we've seen in recent years

Buyer & Seller Hub: New FAQ Posts Are Live

Whether you're dreaming about your next home or getting ready to list your current one, you're in the right place.

Our Buyer & Seller FAQ is designed to give you clear guidance, smart strategies, and the tools you need to move forward with confidence — from market insights and pricing tips to step-by-step timelines and expert advice. No guesswork. No overwhelm. Just real answers and real strategies.

👉 Browse the Buyer & Seller Resource Hub

Featured Listings

2084 Manor Parc Drive — Coming Soon

805 Adelaide Drive — No HOA, Large Private Lot

1017 Ringlet Court — One Story Brick Home, Move-In Ready
3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,416 Sq. Ft. | $324,900

Lot 43 Country Club Drive — Prime Homesite, Across from Ironclad Golf Course

1166 Shellbank Lane — Under Contract

Let's Talk Real Estate: Touring a Home With Confidence

Start with the bones: structural integrity

Walking into a home for the first time can feel exciting and overwhelming all at once. Try not to focus on pretty finishes while missing the things that really matter — a fresh coat of paint or a staged living room can hide problems that cost thousands down the road.

Foundation
Look for cracks in the walls, especially around door frames and windows.

Roof
Ask how old the roof is. Most roofs last 20 to 30 years depending on the material.

Walls and Ceilings
Run your eyes along every wall. Bulging, bowing, or fresh patches of paint in odd spots can hide damage.

Test the Plumbing and Water Pressure
Plumbing problems are sneaky and pricey. A quick test during the tour can reveal a lot.

Check the Electrical System
Test light switches in every room. Flickering lights or switches that do nothing may hint at wiring issues. Count the outlets, too — older homes often lack enough, which becomes frustrating fast.

Look for Natural Lighting and Ventilation
Notice how much natural light fills each room. North-facing rooms tend to be darker, while south-facing rooms stay bright.

Step Outside: Neighborhood and Surroundings
A quiet street at noon may be noisy at rush hour. Look at nearby amenities like schools, parks, grocery stores, and transit.

Around Town: Summer Fun Spotlight — Outdoor Movies

There's something special about watching a movie outdoors on a warm summer evening. Turn an ordinary evening into a fun experience for all ages — unplug from busy schedules, spread out a blanket, bring your favorite snacks, and enjoy quality time together.

Carolina Beach Lake Park
Located about 15 miles south of Murrayville, this is the area's largest free outdoor series. They screen family-friendly films every Sunday at dusk (around 8:45 PM) from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend.

Battleship NORTH CAROLINA
Coming Fall 2026: The Movies on the Fantail series at the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA (1 Battleship Rd, Wilmington) lets you watch classic and family-friendly films outdoors on the historic ship's deck.

Hurricane Prep: Time for a Checklist

June 1 marked the official start of hurricane season in New Hanover County. Early preparation keeps our community safe and gives you peace of mind — take time this week to review your emergency plan.

Make a Plan

• Establish out-of-town emergency contacts
• Plan and map your evacuation route
• Plan for your pets' shelter and needs

Build a Kit

• 1 gallon of water per person daily
• 3-day supply of nonperishable food
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• First-aid kit and 7-day medication supply
• Copies of important documents in a waterproof bag

Prepare Your Home

• Secure loose outdoor items and furniture
• Trim weak or dead tree branches
• Inspect roof and clear your gutters

Stay Informed

• Sign up for New Hanover County emergency alerts
• Keep a battery-powered weather radio handy
• Monitor local news for storm updates

Thinking About Relocating to Wilmington?

Discover North Carolina's best-kept secret — location, costs, and culture, all in one free guide.

Download the Wilmington Relocation Guide →

Final Thoughts

Whether you're interested in purchasing your first home, moving up, downsizing, or investing, the FreshNEST team is here to be a resource to you.

Give me a call and let's have coffee or a cocktail — let's get it on the books! I'm always here to help.

🏡 Jennifer Young | FreshNEST @ Nest
📲 910-742-0990
📩 [email protected]
📷 Connect with me on Instagram: @freshnest_homes