&
house home JAN 2026
A REAL ESTATE NEWSLETTER
RING IN THE NEW YEAR
decorating after the holidays
New Home Goals
Charlotte
Celebration 2026
Market Update
Stories of Home
Realtor Kathy Smith Broker-in-Charge
(803) 727-3346 kathy@smith.net
SNEAK PEEK HAPPY NEW YEARS! New Home Goals
HOME DESIGN
Decorating After the Holidays
A message from
your Realtor
The last week of 2025 and the first week of 2026 were unusually busy, and over the years I’ve developed a bit of a superstition about that. When the Christmas to New Year’s stretch stays active, it’s often a signal that the year ahead will be a strong one. Early momentum usually means Buyers and Sellers are already mentally in motion, and that energy tends to carry forward into the new year. Looking ahead, I’m excited about Celebration 2026 where it will be held in a fully catered suite at an upcoming Charlotte Knights game! RSVPs will open in February, with full details included in the newsletter, so be sure to keep an eye out!
LOVING LOCAL
A Night to Celebrate Your Stories of Home
COMMUNITY EVENTS MARKET UPDATE
NEW year T
New Home Goals he new year is a time for new beginnings, and what better way to start fresh than by setting some new home goals? Whether you're a firsttime homebuyer or you're looking to move up,
Once you’re pre-approved, you’ll be able to start looking at homes with confidence.
there are a few things you can do to make your dream of homeownership a reality.
to a Broker you 1 Save for a down payment 3 Talk can trust. (*Ahem* ME) This is the single most important thing you can do to qualify for a mortgage. Aim to save at least 20% of the purchase price of your home. If you can't save that much, don't worry. There are still options available to you that require a smaller down payment, such as government-backed loans.
A good real estate Broker can help you find the right home for your needs and budget. They can also negotiate on your behalf and help you through the entire home buying process. (Call me and let’s set up a time to discuss your home goals).
pre-approved for a 2 Get mortgage loan. This will give you an idea of how much you can afford to borrow and will make the home buying process go more smoothly. Once you're pre-approved, you'll be able to start looking at homes with confidence knowing that you're financially qualified to buy.
4 Do your research.
5 Be patient. The home buying process can be long and frustrating, but it's important to be patient and persistent. There are a lot of factors that can affect the home buying process, so it's important to be prepared for anything.
Learn as much as you can about the real estate market in your area. This will help you make informed decisions about your purchase. There are a lot of resources available to help you, such as online tools and books....and me! I have the scoop on our local market.
DECORATING after the holidays The holidays are over, and it's time to start thinking about how to decorate your home for the new year. Here are a few tips to help you get started: Take down your holiday decorations. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's important to take down your holiday decorations before you start decorating for the new year. Otherwise, you'll end up with a cluttered and confusing space. Purge your holiday decor. As you're taking down your holiday decorations, take some time to purge anything that you no longer love or use. This will help you declutter your space and make it easier to decorate for the new year. Clean your space. Once you've taken down your holiday decorations and purged any unnecessary items, take some time to clean your space. This will help you start fresh and create a clean slate for your new year's decor. Choose a color scheme. Once your space is clean, it's time to start thinking about a color scheme for your new year's decor. Choose colors that you love and that will create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. Add seasonal touches. Once you've chosen a color scheme, you can start adding seasonal touches to your decor. This could include things like fresh flowers, candles, or greenery. Accessorize with personal touches. Don't forget to add personal touches to your decor. This could include things like photos, artwork, or souvenirs from your travels.
Save the Date! I’m thrilled to share that Celebration 2026 will take place on April 11, 2026 at the Charlotte Knights baseball game. We’ll be gathering in a private, fully catered suite to celebrate the stories of home we’ve shared together. RSVPs will be collected in February. More details coming soon!
Featured Community Events Ongoing
Puzzling Adventures Scavenger Hunt
Until 4/19
Above & Beyond Discovery Place
1/13
Charlotte Checkers vs. Springfield Thunderbirds
1/18
Silent Book Club Brunch Camp North End
1/23 - 2/2
Queen’s Feast (Charlotte Restaurant Week)
Love Local, Support Local, Shop Local!
LOKI’s barklight Sleepy Poet Antique Mall If you’re looking for something a little different to do with your pup, check out Sleepy Poet Antique Mall on South Boulevard. This locally owned Charlotte favorite isn’t just a treasure hunt for vintage finds and antiques...it’s also dog friendly. Well behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to wander the aisles with you while you browse everything from furniture and art to books and collectibles.
MARKET UPDATE
Market Statistics 2,705
NEW LISTINGS
AVERAGE LISTING PRICE $475,427 UNDER CONTRACT
2,523
HOMES SOLD
3,458
AVERAGE SALES PRICE
$512,430
DAYS ON MARKET
69 DAYS
Current Market: SELLER
CHARLOTTE METRO MARKET January 2026
Market Insights
Market Analytics
December always slows due to the holidays, but prices held firm and even rose year over year, which is a healthy sign for the market. Homes did take longer to sell, as expected this time of year, reinforcing that Charlotte remains strong but increasingly driven by smart pricing and strategy.
Average Sales Price 2024
$493,374
2025
$509,538 Total Homes Sold
2024
42,134
2025
43,361
Average Days on Market 2024
43
2025
57
Featured Listings
4607 Tulle Drive, Indian Trail
407 Queens Road, Gastonia
2206 Lincolnshire Lane, Waxhaw
List Price: $570,273
List Price: $269,000
List Price: $617,800