If you’ve been watching the Charlotte real estate market lately, you’ve probably heard the whispers: “Things are cooling off.” Homes are sitting a little longer. Buyers have more options. Bidding wars aren’t quite as fierce as they were a year ago. But here’s the truth: people are still buying and selling homes in Charlotte—every single day. And if you’re thinking about selling, a slower market doesn’t have to be a scary one. In fact, it can work in your favor—if you know what to focus on.

Here are five things that still make a huge difference when selling your home, even when the market isn’t moving at warp speed.

1. Price It Right from Day One

We get it—everyone wants top dollar. But in a cooler market, buyers are more price-sensitive, and homes that are overpriced tend to linger (and lose leverage). In Charlotte, we’re still seeing strong activity in well-priced neighborhoods like Plaza Midwood, Ballantyne, and NoDa—but homes that overshoot the mark are sitting. Make sure to look at recent sales, not just listings. What a neighbor wants doesn’t matter nearly as much as what someone paid.

2. Stage It Like a Pro (Even if You’re Still Living In It)

With more inventory on the market, buyers can afford to be pickier. That means presentation matters more than ever and you don’t need to spend thousands on staging. Start with decluttering and removing personal items, brightening rooms with natural light or lamps, and use neutral colors for accents and painting. In Charlotte, homes that “feel move-in ready” tend to stand out—especially in competitive family-focused neighborhoods.

Now for anyone that knows me or has sold a home with me knows I’m not the biggest fan of staging with a ton of furniture brought in from a professional staging company. In my experiences this has been a waste of money for my clients and has caused more problems than it’s helped. But, staging with your own furniture is considerably more lucrative and extremely important if you’re still living in the home. This is something we always help with and it goes a long way in photos and showings!

 

3. Don’t Skimp on Photos (Or Video!)

First impressions happen online. And if your photos are dark, cluttered, or taken with a phone? You’re probably getting swiped past faster than a dating profile with no bio. Professional real estate photographers know how to highlight your home’s best features—and in neighborhoods like Dilworth or Myers Park, where character matters, that can make a huge difference.

 

4. Fix the Small Stuff

In a hot market, buyers might overlook that loose cabinet or scuffed baseboard. Not so much now. Before you list, take a weekend to tackle easy fixes:

• Touch up paint
• Tighten doorknobs
• Replace burnt-out bulbs
• Clean or update fixtures

Small details matter. A few hundred bucks in TLC can help avoid thousands in price drops later.

5. Work With an Agent Who Knows the Local Vibe

Every market slowdown is local. What’s true in one zip code might not apply in the next.

A local real estate pro knows:

• What buyers are looking for in your neighborhood
• The right timing to list (yes, even in a slower season)
• How to market beyond the MLS—like social media, and community networks

Charlotte’s market is nuanced. From uptown condos to suburban gems in Huntersville, local expertise matters more than ever.

 

Final Thoughts

Selling in a slower market isn’t about panicking—it’s about being strategic. And in a city like Charlotte, where people keep moving in, starting families, and looking for their “forever home,” opportunity is still out there. The key is to focus on what you can control—and make your home the easiest “yes” on the block.

Thinking of selling soon? Let’s chat. I’d love to help you make a smart, stress-free move—whether it’s tomorrow or a few months down the road. Call Matt Lawson at 980-250-2795 or shoot me an email at Matt@briggsamerican.com to chat anytime!