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- 📫A Deep Dive Into The Real Estate Market | What You Need To Make To Buy A Home | Could You Afford A Beach Home? 📍
📫A Deep Dive Into The Real Estate Market | What You Need To Make To Buy A Home | Could You Afford A Beach Home? 📍
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Hello, friends!
Every Thursday, we spotlight what’s happening in the local housing market—and today, we're taking a deeper look at what it really takes to buy a home across Wake County.
From Apex to Zebulon, we’ve broken down the average home prices, monthly mortgage estimates, and what kind of income you'd need to qualify. Whether you're actively house hunting or just curious, this is a great way to stay informed.
💬 Thinking about a move?
Chat with a local Realtor® to get personalized advice. The right guidance can make all the difference!
See the full breakdown below—and as always, thanks for reading!
See you out there in beautiful Wake,
Diane
📍Just a quick reminder. We need your referrals. It means the world to us!📍
Here is the referral button so you can refer all your friends!
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." – Winston Churchill
If you love fashion and style, join us at “Get Boujee.” If you love great deals and savings but love looking your best and want to dress in the latest trends with a lot of class thrown in, join us on Facebook at the “Get Boujee Boutique.” Need decorating ideas but don’t want to have to run all over to find those perfect items? Join us on FB at the “Get Boujee Boutique.” Join us at “Get Boujee” where fashion and Great Value Come Together!
📍 Today’s Chuckle 📍
What do you call chiropractors who work at the zoo?
Animal Crackers 🐪😄
📍 Today’s North Carolina Trivia📍
In 2000, the average home price in Raleigh, North Carolina, was approximately $130,000 to $140,000.
📍On This Day in History📍
2000- the median home price was about $119,600, in the US according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
2025- the median home price in the United States is approximately $403,700, according to data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) .
1843 – The first major wagon train, the Warren Party, set out on the Oregon Trail from Elm Grove, Missouri.
🍑 Fresh-Picked Peaches Are Here! 🍑 Bite into summer with the freshest, most flavorful peaches you’ve ever tasted — hand-picked at the peak of ripeness and bursting with natural sweetness! Use our link and you’ll get 10% off on your order!📌 |
Enjoy Our “Did You Know Section” About North Carolina. Need to get away? Visit Beautiful North Carolina!
Exploring North Carolina’s Housing Market: Where to Find the Best Deals and the Priciest Properties
North Carolina’s real estate market offers a diverse range of options for buyers, from affordable inland towns to luxurious beachfront communities. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly home or a high-end coastal retreat, here’s a snapshot of where you can find the cheapest and most expensive homes in the state as of 2025.
For buyers looking to stretch their dollar, Fayetteville consistently ranks as one of the most affordable cities in the state. The average home price here hovers around $230,000, making it an attractive option for first-time buyers and families seeking value without sacrificing community amenities.
On the other end of the spectrum, the city of Charlotte features some of the highest average home prices inland, with a median around $525,000. The thriving job market, vibrant cultural scene, and upscale neighborhoods contribute to Charlotte’s premium real estate values.
The Priciest Beachfront Communities in North Carolina
If coastal living is your dream, the Outer Banks region—particularly Duck—offers some of the priciest beachfront properties. Average home prices in Duck can reach upwards of $1.3 million, reflecting its exclusive appeal, stunning ocean views, and upscale amenities.
The Least Expensive Beach Towns in North Carolina
For those seeking the tranquility of the coast without the hefty price tag, Morehead City provides a more affordable beach lifestyle. The average home price here is around $370,000, offering access to beautiful beaches and a charming small-town atmosphere at a fraction of the cost of the Outer Banks hotspots.
North Carolina’s real estate market truly has something for everyone. Whether your budget leans towards affordable inland cities or you’re ready to invest in a luxury coastal home, understanding these price points can help guide your next move. As always, working with a local Realtor® can provide personalized insights tailored to your goals.
➡️ For more travel inspiration in NC, follow our spotlight on another hidden gem in North Carolina!
 Call Marie at 352-585-5259 Follow me on FaceBook Follow me on Instagram Click Here 📩🏡 If you want to chat about making a move, fill out this FORM and I can contact you with information! | I’m Marie! As a former teacher turned realtor, I help families relocate to Wake County with expert guidance on school zoning and the market. I’m all about making the process stress-free and enjoyable. When I’m not working, I’m probably fostering dogs, reading, or supporting local businesses! Follow me on social media for real estate tips, local updates, and cute pups! Check Out Our New Downloadable Home Buyer’s Guide! 👇 |
A Deep Dive Into Today’s Real Estate Market
Median Real Estate Prices by Town in Wake County – 2025
This chart provides a snapshot of the median home prices across each town in Wake County as of 2025. Whether you're a prospective homebuyer, investor, or simply tracking market trends, this breakdown offers a clear view of how property values vary throughout the region. Each figure reflects the median sale price for residential real estate, helping to highlight local affordability and market demand across Wake County’s diverse communities.
City | Median Sale Price | Median Price/Sq Ft | Median Days on Market | Year-over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Apex | $609,795 | $257 | 21 days | +6.5% |
Cary | $550,000 | $267 | 33 days | +2.8% |
Fuquay-Varina | $556,000 | $221 | 58 days | +15.8% |
Garner | $362,750 | $205 | 49 days | +1.8% |
Holly Springs | $573,750 | $227 | 24 days | -12.6% |
Knightdale | $507,000 | $186 | 24 days | +23.7% |
Morrisville | $508,500 | $243 | 26 days | -2.2% |
Raleigh | $429,833 | $243 | 37 days | -0.3% |
Rolesville | $436,495 | $186 | 67 days | -16.8% |
Wake Forest | $451,250 | $202 | 65 days | +4.9% |
Zebulon | $272,500 | $161 | 71 days | -16.5% |
Key Observations:
Knightdale has experienced the most significant price increase, with a 23.7% year-over-year rise, indicating a highly competitive market.
Fuquay-Varina also shows strong growth, with a 15.8% increase in median sale price.
Holly Springs, Rolesville, and Zebulon have seen notable declines in median sale prices, suggesting potential opportunities for buyers.
Apex and Cary remain among the higher-priced markets, reflecting their continued desirability.
Zebulon offers the most affordable housing options, with the lowest median sale price and price per square foot.
Raleigh, the county's largest city, has a median sale price of $429,833, with homes typically going under contract in about 37 days.
Please note that these figures are based on available data up to early 2025 and may vary with market fluctuations.
As of May 2025, Wake County, North Carolina, presents a diverse housing market across its cities. With the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate hovering around 6.96% , prospective homeowners are keenly interested in understanding the potential monthly PITI (Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance) payments associated with purchasing a home in this region.
Estimated Monthly PITI Payments by City
Assuming a 20% down payment and a 30-year fixed mortgage at a 6.96% interest rate, here's a breakdown of estimated monthly PITI payments for various cities in Wake County:
City | Median Sale Price | Loan Amount (80%) | Estimated Monthly PITI |
|---|---|---|---|
Apex | $609,795 | $487,836 | $3,936 |
Cary | $550,000 | $440,000 | $3,548 |
Fuquay-Varina | $556,000 | $444,800 | $3,587 |
Garner | $362,750 | $290,200 | $2,338 |
Holly Springs | $573,750 | $459,000 | $3,696 |
Knightdale | $507,000 | $405,600 | $3,274 |
Morrisville | $508,500 | $406,800 | $3,284 |
Raleigh | $429,833 | $343,866 | $2,774 |
Rolesville | $436,495 | $349,196 | $2,819 |
Wake Forest | $451,250 | $361,000 | $2,917 |
Zebulon | $272,500 | $218,000 | $1,758 |
Breakdown of Estimated Monthly PITI Components
Principal & Interest: Calculated using the loan amount over a 30-year term at a 6.96% interest rate.
Property Taxes: Based on Wake County's average effective property tax rate of 0.75% .
Homeowners Insurance: Estimated at an average annual cost of $2,050, translating to approximately $171 per month .
Key Observations
Affordability: Cities like Zebulon and Garner offer more affordable housing options, with estimated monthly PITI payments below $2,500.
Higher-End Markets: Apex and Holly Springs represent higher-end markets, with monthly PITI payments approaching or exceeding $3,900.
Mid-Range Options: Cities such as Cary, Fuquay-Varina, and Wake Forest provide mid-range options, balancing cost and amenities.
Considerations for Prospective Buyers
Interest Rate Fluctuations: Mortgage rates are subject to change based on economic conditions. It's advisable to monitor rates and consult with mortgage professionals for the most current information.
Additional Costs: Beyond PITI, consider other expenses such as maintenance, utilities, and potential homeowners association (HOA) fees.
Personal Financial Situation: Ensure that monthly housing costs align with your overall financial plan and budget.
Now you are asking, “What do I need to make to qualify?”
Assumptions:
Down Payment: 20%
Loan Term: 30-year fixed
Interest Rate: 6.96%
Monthly PITI: Estimated as shown in prior analysis
Lender Guidelines: Max 43% debt-to-income (DTI) ratio
Target Housing Ratio: 28% of gross monthly income goes to housing costs (PITI)
🏡 Home Affordability by Town – Wake County, NC (2025)
City | Median Home Price | Est. Monthly PITI | Est. Monthly Income Needed | Est. Annual Income Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Apex | $609,795 | $3,936 | $14,057 | $168,684 |
Cary | $550,000 | $3,548 | $12,671 | $152,052 |
Fuquay-Varina | $556,000 | $3,587 | $12,810 | $153,720 |
Garner | $362,750 | $2,338 | $8,350 | $100,200 |
Holly Springs | $573,750 | $3,696 | $13,200 | $158,400 |
Knightdale | $507,000 | $3,274 | $11,693 | $140,316 |
Morrisville | $508,500 | $3,284 | $11,729 | $140,748 |
Raleigh | $429,833 | $2,774 | $9,907 | $118,884 |
Rolesville | $436,495 | $2,819 | $10,067 | $120,804 |
Wake Forest | $451,250 | $2,917 | $10,418 | $125,016 |
The data provided in this chart is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available sources, current market estimates, and general mortgage assumptions as of May 2025. Actual home prices, property taxes, insurance premiums, and interest rates may vary depending on market conditions, personal creditworthiness, loan products, and other financial factors.
Estimated monthly payments and income requirements are illustrative and not a guarantee of mortgage approval.
🏡 Talk to a Real Estate Professional
Before making any home-buying decisions, we strongly recommend speaking with a licensed Realtor® and a qualified mortgage lender. These professionals can provide personalized guidance, up-to-date market information, and help you understand your financing options based on your specific financial situation and homeownership goals.
If you are ready to start shopping, Call Marie at 352-585-5259 👈
Because we can all use some good news!
Texas Roadhouse Honors Dog’s Final Meal Wish
In a heartfelt act of kindness, the Texas Roadhouse in Ephrata, PA, fulfilled a special request from Hunter Metzger, whose Great Dane, Iris, was nearing the end of her life. He ordered her favorite: an 8 oz. New York strip, mashed potatoes, fries, and rolls, with a note asking it be "prepared with love" as her last meal.
Moved by the message, staff member Kate Weston made sure the meal was crafted with care, even writing "Made with love" on the box. When Metzger arrived, the restaurant gave him the meal free of charge and offered their condolences.
Iris passed away soon after, but not before enjoying a final moment of joy—thanks to a simple act of compassion that touched hearts far beyond the restaurant doors.
For a complete list of events in Wake County, visit our “Events Page” below.
📅Thursday, May 22nd
🎭 Afternoon Events
Event Name | Time | Address |
|---|---|---|
Creative Writing Workshop | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Southeast Regional Library, Raleigh, NC |
Battle of the Badges Tournament | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM | Holly Springs Town Center, Holly Springs, NC |
🎶 Evening Events
Event Name | Time | Address |
|---|---|---|
Live Music: Jared Benjamin | 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM | Downtown Cary Park, Cary, NC |
Trivia Night at The Bark Bar | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Downtown Cary Park, Cary, NC |
Wine Tasting with Emma from Johnson Brothers | 6:00 PM | 3608 Rogers Branch Rd, Wake Forest, NC |
Unwined With Arrow Tree: Summer Fashion Showcase | 6:00 PM | 153 S. White Street, Wake Forest, NC |
Live Music with Story Charlemagne | 6:00 PM | Blackbird Brewery, Wake Forest, NC |
CommUniversity: Crafting Messages That Matter | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Apex Senior Center, Apex, NC |
One Night with Rishi | 8:00 PM | Blackbird Brewery, Wake Forest, NC |
Precinct Officer Onboarding – Technology Level 2 | 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Wake County Democratic Party Office, Raleigh, NC |
🌟 Memorial Day Ceremonies in Wake County🌟
Monday, May 26, 2025
Honor and remember our heroes by attending one of these local Memorial Day events:
Time | Event Name | Town | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
9:30 AM | Memorial Day Observance | Garner | Garner Veterans Memorial, Lake Benson Park, 921 Buffaloe Road |
9:30 AM | Memorial Day Ceremony | Apex | Downtown Service Memorial, 220 N. Salem Street |
11:00 AM | Memorial Day Ceremony | Knightdale | Knightdale Veterans Memorial, Knightdale Station Park, 810 N. First Avenue |
11:00 AM | Memorial Mile | Rolesville | Rolesville Town Hall, 502 Southtown Circle |
2:30 PM | Memorial Day Remembrance | Cary | Veterans Freedom Park, 1517 N. Harrison Ave |
Be sure to click below to review our “Events Calendar” with over 100 events featured.
Sometimes, email servers can cut off parts of the newsletter, making it tricky to enjoy the full experience. For the best reading experience and to catch all the details, click here to view the entire newsletter!
👇👇👇
Discover Village Deli & Grill
Wake Forest’s Cozy Culinary Gem 🍽️
If you’re looking for a local spot that feels like a home away from home, Village Deli & Grill in Wake Forest is the place to be. Since 1996, this charming eatery has been serving up a delicious mix of classic comfort foods and fresh, flavorful dishes — all in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
What makes Village Deli so special? It’s their commitment to quality, community, and great taste. From hearty sandwiches like the famous Turkey & Bacon Club to lighter options like their crisp Mediterranean Salad, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Don’t miss their fan-favorite Avocado Turkey Brie Panini — a perfect blend of creamy brie, ripe avocado, and tender turkey, pressed to perfection.
Village Deli & Grill also takes pride in using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, supporting area farmers and sustainable practices. This means your meal isn’t just tasty — it’s a nod to our community and environment.
Open from 11 AM to 9 PM on weekdays and Saturdays (with shorter hours on Sunday), it’s easy to stop by for lunch, dinner, or a relaxed weekend bite. Whether you dine in, carry out, or order online, Village Deli offers a welcoming spot for Wake Forest residents and visitors alike.
Next time you’re craving good food and great vibes, make your way to Village Deli & Grill — where every meal feels like a neighborhood gathering.
Comment by Julie M.
“My husband and I eat there once a week and love it!”
……………………….👇👇👇………………..……
If you have a restaurant you would like us to review and possibly feature, send us a suggestion. We would love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected] If we choose to review the restaurant, they will be featured for a week FREE of charge in our newsletter.
 |  |
 | Wake Happy Hours🍸Time to kick back, let loose, and have some fun without torching your wallet. How about crashing a "Happy Hour" to wine down the wild way? Think tasty little bites, killer cocktails, and your crew cracking up around you. Get ready to dig our epic lineup of local hotspots that’ll make you the hero of chill! 🍸🍋 |
 | Kids Eat Free👶The fridge is a barren wasteland, and the kids are roaring like little hunger monsters! Oh, and surprise, your stomach’s growling too! After a bonkers day, you’re craving a spot to chow down with the crew, but your wallet’s giving you the side-eye. No stress—we’ve got your back! 👋👶 Flip to page 3 for "Kids Eat Free Deals" |
 | Early Bird Savings For Seniors📍You’re free to do whatever, whenever! But tonight? Cooking’s a hard pass. Now that you’re rocking that wise-and-mature vibe, you’re all about early dinners (gotta catch those Z’s like a champ). So why not snag some epic "Senior Deals" and keep your wallet happy too?💓🫂 Swing over to page 4! |
 It’s your day off or the weekend—time to get out, have fun, and enjoy life! But wait… what’s even happening around town? You could surf the internet for hours (ugh) or… you could make one quick stop right here at Wake News & Events! | Wake Events Calendar📅We’ve got the latest local happenings all in one place—fast, easy, and super convenient. No more scrolling endlessly or missing out on cool stuff. From family fun and food deals to live events and hidden gems, we’ve got your weekend plans covered. Wake News & Events—your go-to guide for good times in Wake County and beyond! 💃🕺 We just added the FREE MOVIE NIGHT calendar! Check it out! |
Treasure Hunters Take Note!🥇Our Estate & Yard Sale section has found a new home! Starting this week, all the best local sales will be posted at our brand-new link—just a click away. Whether you're on the hunt for hidden gems, vintage finds, or the perfect weekend adventure, this is your key to treasure hunting in Wake County. |
 | 🎬 Free Outdoor Family Movie Nights in Wake County! 🍿🌟 Get ready to grab your blankets, pack some popcorn, and enjoy some unforgettable movie nights under the stars! 🌙✨ Wake County is rolling out a fantastic lineup of FREE outdoor family movie nights that are perfect for kids and adults alike. |
 | Ready, Set, Play! 🎯Unleash your inner competitor with a world of online games — from clever crosswords and twisty anagram word searches to click-and-snap digital jigsaw puzzles and more. Whether you're a word wizard or puzzle pro, it's time to find your inner champion and have an absolute blast! 🎱 |
If your business event, or restaurant, is not on the list and you would like to be added, contact us at [email protected]
Weekly Ads
We love helping you save time and money! Check out today’s local "Store Ads" section from your phone to find the best deals before you head out to the store!
We've worked diligently to curate this list of exceptional savings for you. Please note that offers may vary by location and are subject to change. We recommend contacting your local store to confirm the specific deals available.
If you find a GREAT Senior discount that is not listed, please let us know!
Thurs. Seniors Save 10%! Up to $1.00 off per gal. on fuel. | Save 5¢ per gallon for every $100 spent in-store. | |
💲Publix Coupons 5% off for Seniors on Wed. | ||
No Senior Discounts | 15% off on Wed. for Seniors | No Senior Discounts |
10% off w/Rewards Card” | Seniors & Millitary 10% off on Tues | Seniors 20% off 1st Tues. of month |
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