Every six months, Helen Adams Realty agents and staff gather at each of our four office locations—Lake Norman, Central Charlotte, Ballantyne, and Fort Mill—for a State of the Company event. This tradition, led by CEO Jeff Adams and Co-Presidents Rebecca Adams Starrs and Frank Adams is a time for reflection, forecasting, and connection.

This year’s spring event was especially meaningful as we celebrate 50 years as a woman-founded, family-owned, and locally operated business serving the Carolinas. The Charlotte Metro, and Helen Adams Realty specifically, are poised for another year of growth and the residential real estate market should remain strong. We are optimistic about what 2025 has in store for our agents, staff, and local buyers and sellers. 
 

A Look Back: The Market in Motion

Before looking forward, it is important to take a look back. Despite economic shifts, the Charlotte real estate market continues to show incredible resilience:

• 5.1% annual home price appreciation over the past 33 years
• A 207.7% increase in home values since 2004
• Charlotte consistently outpaces national growth trends, both in population and housing activity
• On average, 297 new residents move to our area every day

As noted by Moody’s Analytics, Charlotte has added over 1 million residents since 2000 and remains one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country. That momentum isn’t slowing—thanks to a robust labor market and continued migration to the Southeast. The total population for the area is projected to break the 3 million mark by 2027, just two years from now.
 

Opportunity Ahead: Strong Indicators for 2025

Frank Adams referenced recent U.C. Census Bureau data, sharing, “Even with above-average population growth, Charlotte ranks 5th nationally in single-family home permits per capita. Builders are betting on our city, and inventory is starting to match the pace of growth.”
 

Zillow data shows Charlotte homes going under contract faster than nearly any other metro—ranking 3rd nationally in “days to pending.” That efficiency reflects strong buyer demand and a market in motion. While days-on-market is up year over year, the Charlotte market is hot and there is a lot of demand from buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines. 

From a company perspective, Rebecca Adams Starrs shared that, “Helen Adams Realty agents continue to lead the pack with a 98.7% sale-to-list ratio and an average of just 25 days on market—well ahead of our local competitors.” Pricing a home correctly the first time is paramount to a successful transaction and having agents who understand the market is key. The longer a property sits on the market, the more leverage the seller gives away, and pricing is a major factor in bringing a buyer to the table.
 

Navigating Rates, Demand & Inventory
 

Mortgage rates have stabilized, and while they remain above historic lows, Jeff Adams reminded us, "With our area’s consistent price appreciation, the cost of waiting to buy increases every day. Charlotte remains one of the best places in the country to invest in real estate.”

Many wonder if they should buy a house now or wait for home prices and/or mortgage rates to drop. In a healthy market like Charlotte, where we have only seen negative price appreciation in four of the last 33 years, home prices aren't coming down. If rates decrease from current levels, buyer demand will likely go up and, on top of that, the same home will cost more next year. Any potential mortgage savings will be outweighed by the home's appreciation, and therefore, its future purchase price.

• For example, if you purchase a $840,000 home and estimate 3% annual home price appreciation, well below the 33-year average, that equals $25,200.
• An annual payment on a loan of $672,000 (20% of the home price) at a 7% mortgage rate is $53,649.60.
• The same loan amount at a reduced 5.75% mortgage rate is $47,059.30. So, that's a savings of $6,590.20 a year if the mortgage rate falls from 7% to 5.75%.
• However, the home will have appreciated by 3% in that same year. Meaning, by waiting, you will lose out on $18,609.80 in Year One (price appreciation of $25,200 minus mortgage rate savings of $6,590.20). 

As 2025 unfolds, inventory is expected to rise significantly. Frank Adams noted, “The ‘lock-in effect’ is easing. Baby boomers are downsizing, construction is increasing, and more homeowners are entering the market after years on pause.” The benefits of homeownership are easy to see, with the median net worth between owners and renters shown above. Purchasing a home may not be as liquid of an investment as, say stocks or bonds, but Charlotte's historic appreciation makes it a safe bet. Owning a home creates wealth in an unparalleled way and often means prolonged wealth for generations to come.
 

Our Competitive Advantage

With the right guidance, this market presents tremendous opportunity. At Helen Adams Realty, we’ve proven time and again that professionalism and preparation matter.

Rebecca Adams Starrs put it best, "Our agents have outpaced the market in every major category—listings, closed sales, average sales price, and days on market. They’ve been true advisors in a year of change.”

In addition, customer rankings are as high as ever. Our firm has surveyed every client after closing since 2006 through an independent survey provider. Every year, 75% or more of our transactions are done with repeat or referral clients, a true testament to our agents' service and care. 

We recently shared that buyers want move-in-ready homes, in fact, studies show they'll pay 10-15% more for homes that are staged correctly. With high interest rates limiting extra funds for renovations, buyers want turnkey properties and the average buyer is very discerning. Our exclusive Market Ready program continues to help sellers stand out and, when paired with great marketing and correct pricing, there's no wonder Helen Adams Realty agents' properties have the lowest days-on-market in the area.
 

Looking Forward: 2025 & Beyond

The market will look different in 2025 than last year because of stabilized mortgage rates, a steady release in inventory, a backlog of buyers entering the market, and a gradual appreciation in home prices. Proficient agents and strong firms will flourish and we expect to take more market share again this year. We expect:

• 3% home price appreciation
• 10% increase in units sold
• 13% growth in total closed volume

A primary factor for our positive outlook is the city of Charlotte and its surrounding areas, which continue attracting businesses, jobs, and talented individuals. We benefit from a strong economic climate, great seasonal weather, and a population that seeks advancement while also understanding the importance of traditional Southern kindness. Notable recent rankings include:

• #1 state with most growth in 2024 (South Carolina)
• #2 metro with the most growth in 2024 (Charlotte)
• #2 largest banking center in the US
• #2 state for best business climate (North Carolina)
• #3 state with most growth in 2024 (North Carolina)
• #5 best place to live in the US
• #7 hottest real estate market in the US,

Additionally, with CLT ranked the 6th busiest airport in the world, our region’s accessibility and growth are only accelerating. 58.8M+ passengers passed through CLT in 2024 and CLT offers 42 NON-STOP international flights per day. On top of that, we're just a 2-hour plane ride to 60% of the US population, making us a central hub for businesses and individuals who seek to travel or visit loved ones in other parts of the country. The airport's $4+ billion capital investment plan is currently underway. Concourse A opened in September, Concourse D, which hosts most international flights, will be completed in early 2026, Concourse E will be completed in 2027, and The North End Taxiway is slated to open in 2027. 
 

50 Years Strong—and Just Getting Started

As we celebrate five decades in business, our commitment to service, family values, and local expertise remains stronger than ever. In 2025, Helen Adams Realty will proudly celebrate its 50th anniversary. This remarkable milestone not only highlights half a century of real estate excellence but also underscores our deep roots in the local community.

To our agents and staff: your hard work, passion, and dedication have been the heartbeat of this company for five decades. To our clients: your trust and loyalty have allowed us to grow, thrive, and serve this community we call home. We simply could not have achieved this milestone without your support.