Tri Pointe Homes Raleigh’s Martha Bader talks inventory, affordability, buyer priorities, and why waiting until the holidays could narrow your options.
Spring may get most of the attention when it comes to buying a home, but for Triangle homebuyers, the calendar doesn’t necessarily dictate when it’s time to make a move.
As summer winds down and families settle into a new school year, another window begins to open. Buyers who want to be in a new home before Thanksgiving, the holidays, or the start of 2027 suddenly have a deadline—and that can bring renewed market activity.
At the same time, buyers today have something many didn’t have during the Triangle’s frenzied real estate years: more options and, in some cases, more time to decide.
That doesn’t mean affordability concerns have disappeared. Mortgage rates and monthly payments continue to influence what buyers can comfortably spend, while location remains a major priority. But increased inventory means some buyers can compare homes, consider communities slightly outside their original search area, and take a closer look at builder incentives and financing options.
So what does the Triangle market look like as summer gives way to fall?
We asked Martha Bader of Tri Pointe Homes Raleigh what the company is seeing from buyers right now—and what those hoping to make a move before the end of the year should know.
Martha Bader is director of marketing for Tri Pointe Homes Raleigh, the Triangle division of national homebuilder Tri Pointe Homes. Working in the Raleigh market gives Bader a front-row view of changing buyer behavior, from what shoppers prioritize to how affordability, inventory, and year-end deadlines influence their decisions.
We caught up with Bader to talk about the late-summer housing market and what Triangle buyers should consider as fall approaches.
Spring traditionally gets most of the attention in real estate. What are you seeing in the Triangle right now that makes late summer and early fall an important buying period?
Historically, the Triangle real estate market experiences a “mini fall resurgence” between the start of the school year and Thanksgiving, when there is typically renewed demand from buyers who want to be settled in their new home by the holidays or the new year.
Late summer and early fall can also be a great time to purchase an inventory home, as buyers can take advantage of available options before the market typically slows during the winter months.
Raleigh buyers appear to have more inventory and a little more negotiating room than they did a year ago. Are you seeing buyers behave differently because they have more choices?
Yes. With more inventory available, buyers are taking more time to compare homes and are being more selective about finding the right combination of price, location, and features.
Who is buying right now? Are you seeing first-time buyers, move-up buyers, relocations, empty nesters, or another group driving activity?
We are primarily seeing needs-based buyers—those relocating to the area, experiencing changes in family dynamics, or moving due to employment changes—rather than buyers making a move simply because they want a different home.
What are Triangle buyers prioritizing most today when choosing a home—price, monthly payment, location, square footage, amenities, energy efficiency, or something else?
Location remains the number one priority for buyers. Price point and monthly payment are a close second.
We are seeing more buyers willing to consider homes within about 15 minutes of their ideal location if it allows them to find a better price point.
How much are mortgage rates and affordability shaping decisions? Are incentives such as closing-cost assistance or rate buydowns becoming more important?
Mortgage rates and affordability are playing a significant role in buyers’ decisions, and incentives can make a meaningful difference depending on the buyer’s situation.
Lower interest-rate incentives and closing-cost assistance can help buyers reach a monthly payment that works for their budget.
Tri Pointe Homes and Tri Pointe Connect also have opportunities for more creative financing than buyers may find in a traditional resale market, such as below-market FHA financing options. For example, select homes may qualify for a 4.99% FHA rate.
If you want to be in a new home before the holidays or the end of 2026, what should you be doing now—and what mistake do you see buyers making when they wait too long?
The first step is to get prequalified so you have a clear understanding of what you can afford. From there, start looking now and make sure you understand the timeline if you want to personalize or customize your home.
One mistake we see is buyers waiting too long or assuming current promotions will last indefinitely. Builder incentive programs often expire at the end of the year, while limited-time incentives can end at any time. Special financing offers may also apply only to homes that can close by year-end.
As the end of the year approaches, inventory can become more limited, particularly as more buyers are looking to achieve the same holiday or year-end move-in timeline. Starting the process now gives buyers more choices and a better chance of finding a home that meets their needs.
