Triangle Homebuyers Gain Momentum as Rates Ease

View from behind a young couple in their mid 30s sitting at a dining table in a modern apartment, browsing single-family homes on Zillow on a MacBook. In the foreground, a baby is in a pack-n-play, a brown Labrador sits nearby, and a football game plays on a flat screen TV mounted on the wall.

If you have been wondering whether buyers are still out there, here is your answer: yes, and their activity is climbing fast.

Even before last week’s mortgage rate news, online searches for homes in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Chapel Hill were already heating up. By July, Google search activity for “homes for sale” hit the highest level in two years.

Then came the latest rate drops. On August 7, mortgage rates fell to 6.55%. Just days later, on August 13, they hit a new low for 2025 at 6.53%, according to Mortgage News Daily. Buyers noticed immediately, and mortgage applications jumped.

Translation: buyer motivation is alive and gaining speed.

Google Search Trends Show Serious Interest

Google Trends tracks search activity, and two key phrases, “homes for sale” and “houses for sale,” spiked to a two-year high in July. That is a clear sign that demand is building.

Most buyers start online before ever stepping into a showing or calling an agent. They quietly browse listings, save properties, and get a feel for the market. When search traffic rises, it almost always points to stronger activity ahead.

Mortgage Applications Are Rising in 2025

Fast forward to August. Rates dipped, and buyers responded instantly. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey, purchase applications were up 1% from the prior week and 17% higher than the same week in 2024.

That increase came right after the rate drop, showing us that even a slight improvement in affordability sparks action. Buyers are watching closely, and they are ready to move when financing becomes more favorable.

What This Means for Triangle Home Sellers

More buyers in the market means more eyes on your property. That often translates into:

  • More showings: A larger pool of motivated buyers increases the odds your home gets noticed.

  • Better competition: Even two or three highly motivated buyers can create strong offers.

While the real estate market in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill is not moving at the pace we saw during the pandemic, sellers do not need a dozen offers to succeed. You only need the right one, and that buyer may already be searching today.

How to Take Advantage of This Momentum

If you are considering selling your home in the Triangle, now is the time to position yourself well. Here are three steps I recommend:

  • Get a professional market analysis: Understand what your home could sell for in today’s market.

  • Make small updates: Simple, affordable fixes can help your home stand out without heavy renovation costs.

  • Plan a strong marketing strategy: Professional photos, staging, and digital marketing are critical when buyers are actively searching online.

Bottom Line

Buyer motivation in 2025 is not just alive, it is strengthening. Search trends and mortgage application data prove that people are actively preparing to buy, especially as interest rates ease.

If you want to make sure your home gets in front of these buyers, now is the time to start the conversation. With the right pricing, marketing, and preparation, your home can capture attention and sell with confidence in this shifting market.

If you're considering starting your search as a buyer or better understanding your value and position as a seller, let's connect. I will educate you on your options and build a personally tailored plan to put you in a position to succeed.

Thanks for reading!

Brandon Yopp