March Market Report- Transylvania County

The Transylvania County real estate market woke up in March. After months of cautious, steady activity, spring arrived with a genuine surge — more listings, stronger prices, and significantly more buyers out looking at homes. If you’ve been watching the market and waiting for a signal, this month gave us several.

The two numbers that define March are 100 new listings and a median sales price of $608,000. Those don’t usually move together — more supply typically softens prices — but what we’re seeing reflects a market where well-priced homes are moving confidently while buyers finally have real selection.

The surge in new listings (up 28.2% from March 2025) pushed total inventory to 242 active homes and months supply to 5.7 — the closest we’ve been to a truly balanced market in years. The $608,000 median for March represents a single-month spike driven by the mix of homes that happened to close this month, with a higher concentration of upper-end sales. The year-to-date median tells a more grounded story: through the end of March, the median sits at $504,000 — down 4.0% from the same period last year, which reflects a market adjusting to more normal conditions after the peak years of 2022–2023.

Comparing March to February, the spring acceleration is clear:

•       Closed Sales: Up from 34 in February to 39 in March — a 15% month-over-month gain.

•       Median Sales Price: Rose from $444,175 in February to $608,000 in March, reflecting a stronger mix of higher-end closings.

•       New Listings: Nearly tripled from February’s 36 to 100 — the spring market is officially open.

•       Inventory: Grew from 194 to 242 homes — a 24.7% increase — giving buyers meaningfully more to choose from.

One of the most reassuring aspects of March’s data is how stable the day-to-day pace remains. Days on Market held nearly flat at 80 days — essentially the same as the 79 days we saw in March 2025. And List-to-Close time actually improved, dropping from 124 days last year to 120 days this year.

That consistency matters. It tells us this isn’t a frenzy. Buyers are active and engaged, but they’re making thoughtful decisions. Sellers who price accurately are getting showings and offers at a steady clip. The 93.8% list-price-received rate confirms that well-priced homes are closing within about 6% of asking — a healthy, rational dynamic for both sides.

Cumulative Days on Market rose to 102 days, up 21.4%. This figure includes homes that were taken off the market and relisted, and it’s a reminder that overpriced listings don’t quietly fix themselves. They accumulate time, reduce perceived value, and ultimately sell for less.

Transylvania County recorded 617 total showings in March — a strong 27% increase over February. The $463,000-and-above segment is the clear center of gravity, accounting for 63% of all county showings and seeing a 30.9% increase in showings per listing month-over-month. Buyers shopping in this range are active and serious.

The lower price tiers show fewer showings month-over-month, but context matters: the overall 27% county-wide increase reflects a healthy, broad-based uptick in buyer activity. The $219,000–$318,999 range continues to generate strong interest relative to its number of listings — averaging more showings per home than any other segment — making it a competitive tier for buyers who qualify.

Through the end of March, 2026 is shaping up as a year of quiet resilience on the activity side. Closed sales are up 12.1% over the same period last year (91 to 102 closings). Pending sales — the leading indicator of where closings are headed next month — are up 2.8% (106 to 109). On price, the picture is more nuanced: the year-to-date average sales price is running about 17% below the same period in 2025. That’s a meaningful shift, and it reflects two things — fewer ultra-high-end transactions skewing averages upward compared to last year, and a broader market that has reset from its pandemic-era peak. The year-to-date median of $504,000 is down 4.0% from last year, telling a similar story. For buyers, that represents real purchasing power. For sellers, it underscores why accurate pricing from the start matters more than ever.

New listings for the quarter are nearly even with last year (179 vs. 174), which means the March surge in fresh inventory is a spring seasonal pattern rather than a flood of distressed supply. That’s an important distinction — these are motivated sellers entering a healthy market, not a wave of forced sales.

March confirmed what the early spring data was hinting at: this market has real energy. More homes, more showings, stronger prices, and a pace that’s brisk without being irrational. That’s a healthy market — and a good one to be active in, whether you’re buying or selling.

For sellers: The jump in new listings means your competition just grew. With 242 homes on the market and 5.7 months of supply, buyers have choices. The homes that are winning are priced honestly and presented well from day one. Overpriced listings are sitting — and accumulating days on market that are hard to recover from.

For buyers: You now have the most selection we’ve seen in years, and sellers are still negotiating. The $463k+ segment is getting competitive, so if that’s your range, come prepared. In the lower and mid-range tiers, there is real opportunity to take your time and make a thoughtful decision.

Whatever your situation, the spring market rewards those who are prepared. If you’d like a conversation about what these numbers mean for your specific neighborhood — or your specific home — we’re always a call or email away.