It’s Gonna Be a Cruel Summer (for Buyers)

Hey friends,

It’s Robbie Tickel here—stroller-pusher, dog-walker, and your local real estate whisperer. Coming off Memorial Day weekend, the weather’s heating up and so is the real estate market. Whether you’re kicking around the idea of listing, investing, or just curious what’s shifting this week, here’s a detailed update with everything you need to know—from local headlines to national trends, and what they mean for us here in the Carolinas.

Let’s Start With The Data: What the Market’s Telling Us

Charlotte, NC – Holding Strong

• Median Home Price: $420,000 (May 2025), up 4.1% YoY

• Days on Market: 30 (down from 42 in Jan)

• Inventory: Slight uptick in active listings, but still tight

• Rents: Averaging $1,923/mo, with 2-bed units seeing the strongest demand

What this means: Charlotte remains a seller’s market, though buyers are regaining some ground with more homes coming online. Smart pricing and presentation are everything right now—homes that are move-in ready and well-marketed are flying. Fixer-uppers? Sitting.

Fort Mill, SC – Steady as She Goes

• Median Home Value: $525,913 (up 2.6% YoY)

• Average Rent: $1,756/month

• New Construction: Slowing slightly due to rate pressures, but still active in Massey, Carolina Orchards, and Waterside at the Catawba

What this means: Fort Mill continues to attract Charlotte transplants, especially those looking for top schools, lower taxes, and newer homes. Rents are holding strong, making this an appealing market for rental property investors.

Real Estate in the News This Week

Big Listing: 63-Acre Ranch Hits the Market Near Monroe

Listed for $9.95M, this jaw-dropping estate features a main residence, saltwater pool, horse barn, indoor riding arena, and pond, just 30 minutes from south Charlotte. Whether you're dreaming of privacy, equestrian life, or a legacy estate, this one’s making headlines.
View the listing on Axios →

Affordable Housing Gets a Win in Charlotte

A former Sugar Creek motel site is being redeveloped into 39 affordable townhomes priced between $190K–$230K, for families earning 60–80% of area median income. A big move in the fight for housing accessibility, and a reminder that our region is watching affordability closely.
Full story here →

Investor Momentum Still Strong Despite Rates

Even with mortgage rates hovering around 7%, investors are staying active. Why? Because rents are up, home prices are stable, and people need housing. In fact, demand for single-family home rentals is rising faster than multifamily units in many Charlotte submarkets, especially south of 485.

Trends I’m Seeing on the Ground

Here’s what’s happening in real time, not just in the headlines:

1. “We’re Not Selling—We’re Renting It Out”

So many families are choosing to keep their current home (especially if they locked in a 2.5–3.5% mortgage), rent it out, and either:

• Buy something else to move into (usually smaller, more walkable, or in another school district)

• Rent a place themselves to test out a new area before buying

2. First-Time Buyers Are House-Hacking

Duplexes, homes with basement apartments, and mother-in-law suites are hot. Why? Because buyers want their mortgage payment offset. A lot of younger buyers are planning to Airbnb or rent out part of their home from day one.

3. Sellers Who Prep and Price Right Are Winning

Homes that are clean, staged, and listed at realistic prices are getting offers in under 10 days. I’ve personally seen two homes in Indian Land and one in Steele Creek go under contract within 72 hours in the last week alone. Meanwhile, over-priced homes with dated finishes are sitting.

Robbie’s Advice for This Week

✅ If You’re a Homeowner:

Now is a fantastic time to explore renting your current home if you’re thinking of moving. That 3% mortgage is an asset—don’t give it up too easily. I can help you run the numbers on short- or long-term rental income and even connect you with property managers if you want to be hands-off.

✅ If You’re a Buyer:

Be smart, not scared. Interest rates are high, yes—but they’re not forever. If you find the right house that fits your life and you can afford the payment, buy now and refinance later. Prices are still rising in our area, just more slowly.

✅ If You’re an Investor:

Charlotte and Fort Mill remain two of the most landlord-friendly, high-growth areas in the Southeast. Let’s talk about what neighborhoods are trending (spoiler alert: look west and south).

Let's Connect This Week

You don’t need a “big plan” to reach out. Whether you’re just starting to think about renting, selling, or buying—or want to talk about that ranch estate in Monroe—I’m happy to talk it out with you. Want to meet at the club or walk the trails with the dogs? I’m around.

Text me. DM me. Or send a carrier pigeon.