Making the Right Move in a Divided Market: What the Latest Home-Buyer Data Means for the Triad

Making the Right Move in a Divided Market: What the Latest Home-Buyer Data Means for the Triad
By Landon Stone, Beyond Home Advisors

Did you know that only 21 % of U.S. home-buyers in the past year were first-time buyers—the lowest share ever recorded? (Homes.com) And the median age of those first-time buyers jumped to 40 years old. (NAR)
If you’re thinking about buying or selling here in the Piedmont Triad, you should understand exactly what’s going on—and how to use it to your advantage.

On the national stage, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) 2025 Profile shows a housing market increasingly split into two camps: buyers with built up equity (many paying cash or large down payments) and hopeful first-timers who find themselves shut out. (NAR)
Why? A short supply of affordable homes, rising down payments (median for first-timers is now ~10 %) and years of low turnover that keep properties from refreshing the market for newcomers. (Homes.com)
Here in the Triad—Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, Kernersville—the story is similar, but with local flavor:

• Inventory is still tight in many starter-home neighborhoods (think Irving Park, Sedgefield, Clemmons) and in up-and-coming subdivisions just outside the city limits.
  
  
• Because many sellers aren’t moving (or are leveraging strong equity), fewer entry-level homes hit the market.
  
  
• If you’re an investor or repeat buyer here with Beyond Home Advisors, you’re seeing higher leverage in your favor; if you’re a first-time buyer you’re working harder than ever.
  
  

What this means for buyers, sellers & investors

• For Sellers: Great news—if you’re sitting on equity (like so many Triad homeowners are), you’re in a strong position. Fewer first-time buyers means less competition to move up sellers. You’re likely to get attention from repeat buyers or investors who can act quickly. At Beyond Home Advisors we help our clients think like investors, even when they’re selling their personal home.
  
  
• For First-Time Buyers: This market isn’t working the same way it did five years ago. You’re competing not just against other buyers—but against cash offers and strong down-payments from repeat buyers. But you do have advantage in the Triad: prices here are still more moderate compared to many coastal metros, and job-growth in the region is solid. Making the right move means getting your finances in line, being ready to act, and working with a local expert who knows how to navigate the odds.
  
  
• For Investors / Repeat Buyers: You’re somewhat positioned as the ‘haves’ in this divided market. Your strong equity, ability to pay down or go cash, and your experience give you leverage. Here in the Triad, that means you can be selective: pick neighborhoods that are poised for growth (think older homes within walking distance of downtown Greensboro or Winston-Salem’s cultural hub) and you’ll be able to lock in favorable terms.
  
  
• For the Market: Because first-time buyers are fewer, fewer moves means fewer homes for sale—and that keeps the cycle tight. For our local agents at Beyond Home Advisors, we’re guiding clients on timing, positioning and strategy—not just price.
  
  

2–3 takeaways you can apply right now

1. Get pre-approved and map out your budget now – If you’re buying in the Triad, being “offer ready” is critical. You should know your maximum purchase price, what you’ll put down, and what your monthly payment looks like.
   
   
2. Explore non-traditional entry strategies – First-time buyers should consider options like renovating a smaller home in Kernersville or walking-distance in downtown High Point, or even partnering with investors. At Beyond Home Advisors we help you think creatively.
   
   
3. For sellers, prepare now to act when demand hits – Inventory may rise when sellers who are locked in at low mortgage rates move. Get your home evaluated now so you can move swiftly and maximize your window.
   
   (Bonus) Stay connected – For all our clients: subscribe to our monthly Triad Real-Estate Update. I send insights, local stats and strategy so you can be ahead of the curve.
   
   

Feel Free to Reach for Advice that fits your situation

Here in the Triad, real-estate isn’t just about bricks and mortar—it’s about making the right move in a shifting landscape. At Beyond Home Advisors, we help our clients think like investors, whether you’re buying your first home in Kernersville, selling a Greensboro property, or looking at a portfolio in High Point.

If you’d like a personalized strategy session—tailored to your goals, market timing and next move—reach out. Let’s connect, talk about your situation, and make sure you’re positioned to win in this divided market.

Subscribe now to our monthly Triad Real-Estate Update and let’s begin building your strategy.



Written by:

Landon Stone, Beyond Home Advisors
336.891.9667
landon@beyondhomeadvisors.com