Author: Chirag Santwani

  • Charlotte Is a Buyer-Friendly Market

    Charlotte’s real estate landscape continues to impress as we look ahead to 2027. The median home sale price hovers around $422K, which opens the door for both first-time and seasoned buyers to step into the market with confidence. What jumps out from the data? More than half of homes here are selling below their asking price—which signals real, actionable negotiation opportunities in our city.

    As someone who thrives on analytics and believes in the power of informed decisions, I find Charlotte’s scale and diversity especially compelling. Not only is it North Carolina’s largest city, but its standing as a major banking hub—and home to an impressive roster of national corporations and motorsports leaders—adds a level of economic depth that few markets can match.

    It’s this combination of buyer leverage, value, and economic strength that consistently places Charlotte among the top cities for those seeking both opportunity and stability. For anyone considering a move in the coming years, the data paints a promising picture.

  • Best cities to buy new construction homes in 2026, ranked by value

    Best cities to buy new construction homes in 2026, ranked by value

    As someone who thrives at the intersection of data and real estate, I’m always on the lookout for trends that can make the home-buying journey smarter and more accessible. Recent insights point to Southern U.S. cities leading the way in affordable new construction homes for 2026. Charleston, SC stands out for its combination of lower prices and a moderate climate risk profile, while Greenville, SC and Boise, ID also offer strong inventory and competitive pricing. Of course, both climate risk and market demand differ from city to city—details that matter when you’re aiming to make an informed move. For those who value a data-driven approach to finding a great new home, these rankings highlight why looking beyond the obvious can reveal some truly promising opportunities.

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  • Charlotte Market Update

    Here's a quick update on Charlotte's real estate market. Homes are selling at a similar pace as before. The number of properties available and sold has not changed much.

  • Mortgage Rates Aren’t Backing Down Yet

    As someone who thrives on making sense of the numbers behind Charlotte’s real estate market, I’ve been closely tracking mortgage rates—and it looks like they’re set to hover near 7% through the end of the year. For anyone looking to buy, invest, or refinance, that means affordability remains a real challenge, especially with inflation not letting up and the Fed signaling a possible rate hike. The pressure isn’t just from policy; wider mortgage-backed securities (MBS) spreads are also playing a role in keeping borrowing costs elevated. A significant drop in rates would require steady progress on inflation, more reassuring signals from the Fed, and some stability in long-term yields and MBS spreads. For now, it’s wise to plan around today’s rates, and consider any future rate relief as a bonus. My data-driven approach is all about helping you navigate this complex landscape with clarity and confidence.

  • Honoring the Significance of Indigenous Day

    Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates, recognizes, and honors the beautiful traditions and cultures of the Indigenous People
    We take a stand for and support the indigenous people on this day.
    We should also offer our support to those who invest and uplift the indigenous communities.

  • Carolinas Dominate Top Markets for New Construction

    Carolinas Dominate Top Markets for New Construction

    As someone deeply rooted in Charlotte’s real estate landscape—and driven by a passion for analytics—I’m fascinated by the numbers behind the latest trends. Realtor.com’s 2026 forecast highlights the Carolinas as a powerhouse for new construction, with six of the top 10 metros and eight Southern spots leading the pack. For buyers, this surge means new homes may be more affordable than existing options, intensifying competition for those selling resales. It’s a dynamic shift I love analyzing, and it’s another reason why making sense of the data is key to navigating today’s market with confidence.

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  • Charlotte Seller Concessions Rise

    As someone who thrives at the intersection of data and real estate here in Charlotte, I find it fascinating to see how numbers tell the story of our evolving market. In the past month, about 68% of buyers in Charlotte secured seller concessions—a clear indicator that our metro is among the most flexible across the country right now. Even more telling, concessions here have jumped nearly 9 points compared to last year, highlighting just how much sellers are adapting to keep transactions moving smoothly.

    This local shift mirrors a broader trend: with pent-up demand starting to re-emerge and the so-called lock-in effect easing a bit under ongoing economic pressures, both buyers and sellers are meeting each other with more realistic expectations. Economists are noting that this new pricing realism is fueling some of the strongest spring and summer activity Charlotte has seen in years, instead of another drawn-out standoff.

    For those navigating Charlotte’s dynamic real estate landscape, these rising concessions create more room for negotiation—without losing the momentum that keeps our market vibrant. I always enjoy translating these analytics into real-world insights that help home buyers turn their aspirations into reality.

  • New Home Construction Boom: Carolina Cities Dominate US National Rankings as Buyers Seek Affordability

    New Home Construction Boom: Carolina Cities Dominate US National Rankings as Buyers Seek Affordability

    As someone who’s passionate about blending data-driven insights with real estate expertise, I find it fascinating—and telling—that North and South Carolina now claim six of the top ten spots for new home construction in the US. Here in Charlotte and beyond, accessible land, smart zoning, and sensible building codes have aligned to keep new home prices appealing—often even undercutting resale properties. This surge isn’t just about numbers; it’s about making energy-efficient, affordable homes a real option for more people. I love seeing how smart planning and analytics can turn the dream of homeownership into reality in our region.

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  • Post-Purchase Costs Buyers Should Expect

    Many buyers focus on down payments and closing costs, but as someone who combines data-driven insight with a love for real estate, I’ve seen that first-year homeownership often brings an extra layer of expenses. Whether you’re eyeing a new build or an existing home here in Charlotte, it’s wise to budget for more than the basics. On average, owners of newly built homes spend $26.9K in their first year—compared to $18.7K for existing homes. Those numbers reflect more than just the cost of moving: appliances and household equipment run about $4.3K for new construction and $3.7K for existing homes, while filling a fresh space with furnishings can mean an average of $8.3K (new) or $3.9K (existing). What really stands out are repairs and alterations, which can top $14.3K in new homes and $11.1K in existing ones during year one. As someone who uses analytics to guide clients through every step, I always encourage careful planning for these additional costs—so your financial picture stays as comfortable as your new home.