Whether you’re considering a career switch to real estate or are trying to grow your existing business, it’s critical that you understand the details of each neighborhood within your targeted area. Here’s what you need to know about the Raleigh real estate market – for all of you current or want-to-be brokers living in that area.
Key Takeaways
- Raleigh’s Booming Real Estate Market – The Raleigh-Durham area is one of the fastest-growing markets in the Southeast, driven by a strong job market, major universities, and steady housing demand. Home prices are rising, but sales remain strong, creating opportunities for real estate brokers.
- Choosing the Right Neighborhood – Selecting a target neighborhood is crucial for success. Areas like Wade, Five Points, Mordecai, and Glenwood offer diverse opportunities, from affordable investments and historic home sales to luxury properties and rental markets.
- Income Potential for Real Estate Brokers – The average real estate agent salary in Raleigh is $123,019, exceeding the state average. Brokers specializing in high-demand neighborhoods and strategic niches can maximize their earnings.
- Keys to Success in Raleigh’s Market – Building a strong local network, selecting the right brokerage, and enrolling in a reputable real estate school, like Superior School of Real Estate, are essential for launching and growing a successful career.
Overview of Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
If you’ve lived in Raleigh for long, you already know it’s a great place to call home. However, you may not understand the “state of the city,” or how it compares with others of similar size in the U.S.
The Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Triangle is one of the Southeast’s most dynamic and rapidly growing real estate markets. The area attracts a diverse range of buyers—from young professionals and tech workers to retirees and investors. Raleigh’s high quality of life, major universities, and strong job market bring a steady demand for housing, making it a prime location for real estate success. The demand for new construction and established properties creates opportunities in residential, commercial, and investment real estate.
Key Raleigh Stats:
- Unemployment Rate: 2.9% (FRED, December 2024)
- Average Household Income: $112,110 (World Population Review, 2024)
- Cost of Living: 2% lower than the national average (PayScale, 2025)
With a booming economy and an ever-growing population, the Triangle offers an ideal landscape for a real estate broker looking to build a thriving business in a market that shows no signs of slowing down.
Introduction to the Raleigh Durham Real Estate Market
The Raleigh Durham real estate market is strong. According to current Redfin statistics, as of February 2025, the median sale price of a home in Raleigh is $456,000 (up 14% YoY). Unlike other communities where higher prices lead to sluggish sales, the number of homes sold in December 2024 was up 22% YoY.
In addition, Raleigh has been named the sixth-best market for real estate investors seeking steady, predictable returns.
While this high-level overview of the Raleigh real estate market forecast is valuable for North Carolina real estate brokers, having a deep understanding of Raleigh neighborhoods will help you best serve your clients.
How to Choose the Right Target Neighborhood for Your Real Estate Business
Selecting the right neighborhood for your real estate business requires more than just looking at home prices. If every broker focused solely on high-price areas, places like Oakwood—where home values are $765,000 (Redfin, February 2025) —would be oversaturated with brokers.
Before diving into Raleigh’s neighborhoods, consider these key factors when choosing the best area to grow your real estate business:
1. Market demand & sales activity
- Focus on neighborhoods with strong buyer demand and high transaction volume.
- Review historical trends in home sales, price appreciation, and average days on the market.
2. Price point
- Decide if you want to specialize in luxury, mid-range, or entry-level markets.
- Higher-priced areas may mean larger commissions, but lower-priced homes often sell more frequently.
3. Growth & development trends
- Look for neighborhoods experiencing economic growth, new construction, and infrastructure improvements.
- Proximity to job centers, schools, and amenities can drive long-term property value.
4. Target client demographics
- Choose neighborhoods that align with your ideal clientele—first-time buyers, investors, luxury clients, etc.
- Consider demographic trends like income levels, household size, and lifestyle preferences.
5. Competition & market saturation
- Research the number of active agents and brokerages in the area.
- A competitive market can be challenging, while an underserved area may offer more opportunities.
6. Rental vs. homeownership trends
- If you specialize in investment properties or property management, areas with high rental demand may be ideal.
- Neighborhoods with higher homeownership rates may provide steadier opportunities for traditional home sales.
7. Personal interest & expertise
- Choosing a neighborhood where you have experience, knowledge, or personal ties can make marketing and client interactions more authentic.
By evaluating these factors, you can strategically select a Raleigh neighborhood that aligns with your expertise, business goals, and market potential—helping you build long-term success in real estate.
Top Neighborhoods for Real Estate Brokers in Raleigh
What is the best neighborhood in Raleigh for real estate brokers? That depends on your interest, target demographic, and niche. (For example, do you specialize in fix and flips? Rentals? First-time homebuyers?)
Regardless of your specialty, here are some trending neighborhoods sparking interest in the Raleigh real estate market.
1. Wade, NC
- Average home value: $257,713 – up 4.1% YoY (Zillow, February 2025)
- Average income of real estate brokers: $90,864
- Key opportunities: Wade offers affordable investment opportunities with growing buyer demand as home prices in Raleigh rise. Its spacious properties attract families and retirees, while its location between Raleigh and Fayetteville makes it ideal for commuters. With a mix of single-family homes and rentals, Wade is a promising market for sales and property management.
2. Five Points, NC
- Market overview: $783,136 – up 2.9% YoY (Zillow, February 2025)
- Average income of real estate brokers: $92,176
- Key opportunities: Five Points is a desirable, historic neighborhood. Its central location attracts professionals, families, and investors looking for high-demand properties with strong appreciation potential. With a mix of luxury homes, renovated historic properties, and new developments, Five Points offers opportunities for brokers specializing in high-end sales, fix-and-flips, and long-term investments.
3. Mordecai, NC
- Market overview: $686,347 – up 2.8% YoY (Zillow, February 2025)
- Key opportunities: Mordecai is one of Raleigh’s most historic and sought-after neighborhoods and is ideal for brokers specializing in historic home sales and renovations. With strong demand, rising property values, and a mix of single-family homes and rental opportunities, Mordecai offers a prime market for both residential sales and investment properties.
4. Glenwood, NC
- Market overview: $1,198,299 – up 4.6% YoY (Zillow, February 2025)
- Average income of real estate brokers: $97,624
- Key opportunities: With a prime location near downtown and Glenwood South’s nightlife, restaurants, and entertainment, Glenwood attracts young professionals, investors, and luxury buyers. The area offers opportunities for brokers specializing in high-end condos, townhomes, and rental investments.
Income Potential and Career Opportunities
Real estate brokers in North Carolina typically work on commission based on the property’s sale price.
How much do real estate agents make in Raleigh, NC? According to Indeed, the average salary of a real estate agent in Raleigh is $123,019 as of February 2025. This is compared with the average salary of real estate brokers in North Carolina, which is $108,110.
Learn More! Download the 2025 North Carolina Real Estate Salary Guide
Tips for Succeeding as a Real Estate Broker in Raleigh
If you’re looking to capitalize on Raleigh, NC, real estate market trends, now is the perfect time to take action. Here are key tips to help you launch your career as a real estate broker.
Tip 1: Build a strong local network
Successful agents develop extensive networks both inside and outside the industry. Connect with local businesses, community leaders, and other professionals to establish a strong presence in Raleigh’s competitive market.
Tip 2: Explore multiple brokerages after earning your license
In North Carolina, agents must work under a broker-in-charge. Before choosing a brokerage, explore different options to find one that aligns with your career goals. Weigh the benefits of large firms versus boutique agencies to determine the best fit for your success.
Tip 3: Select the right real estate school
Superior School of Real Estate offers the courses you need to obtain and maintain your North Carolina real estate license. With flexible learning options—including in-person, livestream, and self-paced study—our packages feature narrated audio courses, practice exams, and career coaching. Financing is available, so start your pre-licensing coursework today and take advantage of Raleigh’s growing real estate opportunities!
