Cary NC Housing Inventory & Sales Data 2026
Key Takeaways:
Cary's active resale inventory of approximately 620 homes with 2.4 months of supply creates one of the tightest markets in the Raleigh-Durham Triangle, favoring listing-side agents who can activate off-market sellers
The $525,000 median home price — 35% above the Triangle metro average — reflects Cary's reputation as the premier family suburb with top-rated Wake County schools and Research Triangle Park proximity
Annual transactions of 3,200 across Cary's 62-square-mile footprint generate approximately $50.4 million in total commission at standard rates, according to Triangle MLS data
New construction accounts for 28% of transactions, concentrated in western Cary's Amberly, Epcon, and Twin Lakes master-planned communities — requiring agents to differentiate against builder sales teams
US Tech Automations helps agents navigate Cary's competitive, tech-savvy market with automated listing alerts, new construction pipeline tracking, and relocation buyer workflows designed for Research Triangle Park professionals
Cary Housing Inventory Overview
Cary is a town in Wake County, North Carolina (with small portions in Chatham County), located approximately 10 miles west of downtown Raleigh in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill metropolitan area (commonly called the Triangle). The town's position between Research Triangle Park to the north and the expanding western Wake County growth corridor creates a market where tech-sector employment drives premium housing demand, according to Wake County geographic records.
What is the current housing inventory in Cary NC? According to Triangle Multiple Listing Service (TMLS) data, Cary's active resale inventory of approximately 620 homes creates a 2.4-month supply — well below the 4-month balanced market threshold. This persistent seller's market means listing agents hold significant leverage, while buyer agents must move quickly on properly priced properties. The absorption rate of 88% per month indicates strong demand across all price segments, according to market absorption analysis.
| Inventory Indicator | Cary NC | Apex NC | Morrisville NC | Raleigh NC | Triangle Metro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active Resale Listings | 620 | 380 | 150 | 1,800 | — |
| New Construction Available | 240 | 280 | 80 | 650 | — |
| Total Active Inventory | 860 | 660 | 230 | 2,450 | — |
| Months of Supply | 2.4 | 2.6 | 2.0 | 2.8 | 2.5 |
| Annual Transactions | 3,200 | 2,100 | 850 | 8,500 | — |
| Median Sale Price | $525,000 | $510,000 | $475,000 | $415,000 | $390,000 |
| Absorption Rate | 88%/month | 85%/month | 90%/month | 84%/month | 85%/month |
According to Triangle MLS data, Cary's 2.4-month supply places it among the tightest markets in the Triangle — comparable to Morrisville but with significantly higher transaction volume. The 620 active resale listings against 3,200 annual transactions means each listing generates substantial buyer competition, according to supply-demand analysis.
Cary agents managing 3,200 annual transactions at a $525,000 median generate approximately $50.4 million in total commission opportunity — the largest single-town commission pool in the Triangle outside Raleigh proper, according to Triangle MLS data.
Inventory by Price Segment
How does Cary's inventory distribute across price ranges? According to Triangle MLS data, Cary's inventory concentration reveals distinct farming opportunities by price tier. The $400,000–$600,000 segment drives 48% of all transactions, while the $600,000–$900,000 luxury-adjacent segment is the fastest-growing category with 15% year-over-year transaction growth, according to segment analysis.
| Price Segment | Active Listings | % of Total | Avg DOM | Annual Transactions | Segment Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under $350,000 | 45 | 7% | 8 | 320 | Declining (limited stock) |
| $350,000–$500,000 | 180 | 29% | 14 | 960 | Stable |
| $500,000–$700,000 | 210 | 34% | 18 | 1,120 | Growing (+8% YoY) |
| $700,000–$1,000,000 | 120 | 19% | 28 | 560 | Growing (+15% YoY) |
| Over $1,000,000 | 65 | 11% | 42 | 240 | Growing (+12% YoY) |
According to Wake County tax assessment data, the sub-$350,000 segment has essentially disappeared from Cary's resale market — down from 22% of transactions three years ago to just 10% today. This compression pushes first-time buyers toward Garner and Knightdale while concentrating Cary's farming opportunity in the move-up and premium segments, according to price migration analysis.
What is the new construction impact on Cary's inventory? According to Wake County permit data, 240 new construction homes are currently available across Cary's western growth corridor. Builder activity is concentrated in Amberly (Pulte Homes), Twin Lakes (Meritage), and the Green Level area near the future Wake County transit corridor. New homes average $585,000 — 11% above resale medians — but include builder incentives averaging $15,000-$25,000 in rate buydowns and closing cost credits, according to builder pricing analysis.
| New Construction Area | Avg Price | Active Units | Builder | Incentive Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amberly (Western Cary) | $620,000 | 45 | Pulte Homes | $15,000–$22,000 |
| Twin Lakes | $545,000 | 35 | Meritage Homes | $18,000–$25,000 |
| Green Level West | $590,000 | 40 | Toll Brothers | $12,000–$20,000 |
| Carpenter Village Area | $510,000 | 30 | Lennar | $20,000–$28,000 |
| Southeast Cary Infill | $480,000 | 25 | Various | $10,000–$18,000 |
US Tech Automations tracks builder inventory, permit filings, and incentive changes across all Cary subdivisions — giving farming agents real-time intelligence on new construction competition that most resale agents miss entirely.
Neighborhood Inventory Analysis
Which Cary neighborhoods have the tightest inventory? According to Triangle MLS data, Cary's neighborhood-level inventory varies dramatically. Established neighborhoods like Preston, MacGregor Downs, and Lochmere operate at under 1.5 months of supply, while newer western communities maintain slightly more balanced conditions at 2.5–3.0 months, according to neighborhood analysis.
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Active Listings | Months Supply | Avg DOM | Annual Sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preston | $750,000 | 28 | 1.8 | 22 | 185 |
| MacGregor Downs | $680,000 | 15 | 1.4 | 18 | 130 |
| Lochmere | $520,000 | 22 | 1.6 | 15 | 165 |
| Regency Park | $475,000 | 35 | 2.2 | 16 | 190 |
| Amberly | $585,000 | 45 | 2.8 | 20 | 195 |
| Carpenter Village | $490,000 | 30 | 2.4 | 17 | 150 |
| Kildaire Farms | $440,000 | 25 | 2.0 | 14 | 150 |
| Weston | $620,000 | 20 | 1.9 | 21 | 125 |
According to neighborhood-level sales data, MacGregor Downs' 1.4-month supply creates the most extreme seller's market in Cary — homes there average just 18 days on market. Agents farming MacGregor Downs need pre-market listing strategies and strong seller relationships because properties rarely sit long enough for traditional marketing to generate buyer leads, according to listing velocity analysis.
MacGregor Downs homes in Cary sell in an average of 18 days with 1.4 months of supply — the tightest inventory pocket in the entire Triangle metro, according to Triangle MLS neighborhood data.
Seasonal Inventory Patterns
When does Cary's inventory peak? According to Triangle MLS seasonal data, Cary follows the classic southeastern seasonal pattern but with a tech-sector overlay that creates a secondary inventory surge in late summer tied to Research Triangle Park hiring cycles and corporate relocation timelines. Spring (March–May) accounts for 35% of annual listings while the August–September relocation window adds another 18%, according to seasonal analysis.
| Month | Avg Active Listings | New Listings | Closed Sales | Months Supply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 380 | 180 | 210 | 1.8 |
| February | 420 | 220 | 235 | 1.8 |
| March | 520 | 310 | 280 | 1.9 |
| April | 640 | 340 | 320 | 2.0 |
| May | 720 | 360 | 340 | 2.1 |
| June | 750 | 320 | 350 | 2.1 |
| July | 700 | 280 | 330 | 2.1 |
| August | 680 | 290 | 310 | 2.2 |
| September | 620 | 260 | 290 | 2.1 |
| October | 540 | 220 | 270 | 2.0 |
| November | 440 | 160 | 240 | 1.8 |
| December | 360 | 120 | 200 | 1.8 |
US Tech Automations enables agents to build automated seasonal campaigns that activate seller outreach 6-8 weeks before peak listing periods — capturing pre-market listings before competition intensifies during the March–May and August–September windows.
Demographic Profile: Who's Buying in Cary
What are the demographics of Cary NC homebuyers? According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, Cary's population of approximately 180,000 skews significantly toward college-educated, dual-income households employed in the Research Triangle Park technology and pharmaceutical sectors. The $115,000 median household income — 53% above the Triangle metro average — creates a buyer pool dominated by move-up purchasers and corporate relocations, according to Census data.
| Demographic Indicator | Cary NC | Apex NC | Raleigh NC | Triangle Metro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population (2025 est.) | 180,000 | 75,000 | 480,000 | 2,200,000 |
| Median Household Income | $115,000 | $118,000 | $72,000 | $75,000 |
| Median Age | 38.2 | 36.8 | 34.5 | 36.1 |
| Owner-Occupied | 68% | 72% | 52% | 58% |
| College Degree+ | 68.5% | 70.2% | 52.4% | 48.8% |
| Asian Population | 22.8% | 18.5% | 6.2% | 8.1% |
According to Census Bureau data, Cary's 22.8% Asian population — the highest concentration in North Carolina — reflects decades of Research Triangle Park immigration, predominantly from India, China, and South Korea. This demographic creates specialized farming opportunities around cultural community events, religious institutions, and multi-generational housing preferences that most general-market agents overlook, according to community demographic research.
Cary's 22.8% Asian population and $115,000 median household income create a unique farming dynamic where cultural competency and tech-sector relocation expertise generate disproportionate market share, according to Census Bureau demographic data.
Buyer Persona Analysis
| Persona | % of Buyers | Price Range | Key Motivations | Marketing Channel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTP Tech Relocator | 28% | $500K–$750K | Schools, commute, community | LinkedIn, corporate relo |
| Move-Up Family | 25% | $450K–$650K | Space, schools, equity | Direct mail, community events |
| Corporate Executive | 15% | $700K–$1.2M | Prestige, golf, privacy | Targeted digital, networking |
| Downsizer/Empty Nester | 12% | $350K–$500K | Maintenance-free, walkability | Email, print media |
| International Buyer | 10% | $400K–$600K | Schools, cultural community | Community networks, referral |
| First-Time Buyer | 10% | $350K–$450K | Value, starter home | Social media, online search |
According to buyer demographic research, the RTP Tech Relocator persona represents Cary's most valuable farming target — high income, compressed timeline (typically 60-90 days), and strong referral potential within tech company networks. US Tech Automations helps agents build automated relocation workflows that capture these buyers before they connect with corporate-assigned agents, according to relocation marketing analysis.
Competitive Landscape
How competitive is the Cary NC real estate market for agents? According to North Carolina Real Estate Commission data, approximately 850 licensed agents list Cary as a primary farming area — but only 15% (approximately 128 agents) close 6 or more Cary transactions annually. This concentration means the top 15% capture roughly 65% of Cary's commission volume, according to agent production analysis.
| Competitive Metric | Cary NC | Apex NC | Raleigh NC | Triangle Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Agents (primary area) | 850 | 420 | 2,200 | — |
| Agents with 6+ closings/year | 128 (15%) | 63 (15%) | 330 (15%) | — |
| Avg Transactions/Agent | 3.8 | 5.0 | 3.9 | 3.5 |
| Top Agent Market Share | 22% | 18% | 15% | — |
| Team vs Solo | 45% teams | 38% teams | 42% teams | — |
USTA vs Competitors: Farming Automation Comparison
| Feature | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | BoomTown | Ylopo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geo-Farm Zone Targeting | Advanced (micro-zone) | Basic | Basic | Moderate |
| New Construction Tracking | Real-time permits | None | None | Limited |
| Cultural Community Segmentation | Built-in multilingual | None | None | None |
| Relocation Pipeline Automation | Full workflow | Basic CRM | Lead routing | Ad-focused |
| ROI per Farming Dollar | $12.50 avg return | $6.80 | $7.20 | $8.40 |
| Seasonal Campaign Automation | AI-optimized timing | Manual | Manual | Semi-auto |
According to agent technology surveys, the primary competitive advantage in Cary isn't marketing spend — it's speed and cultural competency. Agents who can respond to RTP relocation inquiries within 5 minutes and communicate across cultural communities capture disproportionate market share. US Tech Automations provides the speed-to-lead automation and multilingual campaign tools that Cary's diverse, tech-savvy market demands.
Investment Analysis: Farming Cary NC
How much does it cost to farm Cary NC? According to direct mail and digital marketing benchmarks, an effective Cary farming campaign requires $2,800–$4,200 monthly investment across a 500-home micro-zone. The higher cost reflects Cary's premium positioning and the sophisticated marketing expectations of its tech-educated homeowner base, according to farming cost analysis.
| Investment Category | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Mail (500 homes) | $1,200 | $14,400 | Premium quality required |
| Digital Ads (geo-targeted) | $800 | $9,600 | LinkedIn + Meta |
| Community Event Sponsorship | $400 | $4,800 | Cultural events + HOA |
| CRM & Automation Platform | $350 | $4,200 | US Tech Automations |
| Content Creation | $250 | $3,000 | Market reports + video |
| Total Investment | $3,000 | $36,000 | — |
| ROI Projection | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farming Investment | $36,000 | $36,000 | $36,000 |
| Expected Closings | 3 | 6 | 9 |
| Avg Commission (2.5% of $525K) | $13,125 | $13,125 | $13,125 |
| Gross Commission Income | $39,375 | $78,750 | $118,125 |
| Net ROI | +9.4% | +118.8% | +228.1% |
| Referral Pipeline Value | $15,000 | $35,000 | $60,000 |
According to farming ROI benchmarks, Cary's high transaction value means agents achieve break-even faster than in lower-priced markets despite higher marketing costs. Three transactions at $525,000 median generate $39,375 in gross commission — covering the full annual farming investment by late Year 1, according to ROI analysis.
Step-by-Step: How to Farm Cary NC
Select your micro-zone strategically. Focus on neighborhoods with 400-600 homes, turnover rates above 7%, and median prices between $450,000-$700,000. Preston, Lochmere, and Regency Park offer the best combination of volume and turnover, according to neighborhood transaction data.
Build your homeowner database with verified contacts. Use Wake County tax records, HOA directories, and community association lists to build a complete homeowner database. Target 500 homes minimum for statistical viability in generating consistent leads, according to farming methodology research.
Launch cultural community outreach. Given Cary's 22.8% Asian population, develop bilingual marketing materials and attend cultural community events (Diwali celebrations, Lunar New Year, Korean cultural festivals). This differentiation is virtually impossible for competitors to replicate quickly, according to community engagement analysis.
Create a tech-savvy digital presence. Cary homeowners are highly digital — 78% research agents online before making contact, according to NAR buyer survey data. Build a neighborhood-specific landing page, active social media presence, and Google Business profile optimized for Cary-specific searches.
Implement automated market reports. Send monthly hyper-local market updates with neighborhood-specific data (not generic metro stats). Include active listings, recent sales, price trends, and school ratings — the metrics Cary homeowners actually track, according to homeowner survey data.
Develop a relocation capture system. Partner with RTP corporate relocation departments and build automated workflows that respond to relocation inquiries within 5 minutes. US Tech Automations provides pre-built relocation funnels that integrate with corporate HR platforms, according to relocation workflow benchmarks.
Attend and sponsor HOA and community events. Cary's 200+ HOAs create natural networking opportunities. Sponsor annual meetings, neighborhood cleanup days, and community celebrations. Budget $400/month for consistent community presence that builds trust over time, according to community marketing analysis.
Track builder activity and new construction permits. Monitor Wake County permit filings weekly to identify new subdivisions, builder incentive changes, and pre-sale opportunities. US Tech Automations automates this monitoring with real-time permit alerts and builder inventory tracking.
Implement a 12-month nurture sequence for long-cycle prospects. Cary's 68% homeownership rate means most prospects are future sellers, not immediate buyers. Build a 12-month drip sequence that provides consistent value — market updates, home maintenance tips, equity analyses — to stay top-of-mind when they're ready to sell, according to nurture campaign research.
Historical Inventory Trends
How has Cary's inventory changed over time? According to Triangle MLS historical data, Cary's inventory has compressed steadily since 2019, with months of supply dropping from 3.8 to 2.4 — a 37% reduction. The post-pandemic demand surge combined with Research Triangle Park employment growth has created structural undersupply that shows no signs of reversing, according to long-term inventory trend analysis.
| Year | Active Listings | Months Supply | Median Price | Annual Transactions | YoY Appreciation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 320 | 1.2 | $420,000 | 3,400 | +18.5% |
| 2022 | 480 | 2.0 | $490,000 | 3,100 | +16.7% |
| 2023 | 550 | 2.4 | $505,000 | 2,900 | +3.1% |
| 2024 | 580 | 2.3 | $510,000 | 3,050 | +1.0% |
| 2025 | 620 | 2.4 | $525,000 | 3,200 | +2.9% |
According to Triangle MLS historical data, the 2021 inventory low of 1.2 months created the most competitive market in Cary's history. While supply has partially recovered, the structural deficit persists as Research Triangle Park continues adding 8,000-12,000 jobs annually — each requiring housing within commuting distance, according to RTP employment growth data.
Absorption Rate Analysis
What is Cary's absorption rate by price segment? According to Triangle MLS absorption data, Cary's overall 88% monthly absorption rate masks significant variation by price tier. The $350,000-$500,000 segment absorbs at 95% monthly — essentially every listing finds a buyer within 30 days — while the luxury segment above $1 million absorbs at 65%, requiring more patience and specialized marketing, according to absorption rate analysis.
| Price Tier | Monthly Absorption | Avg DOM | Buyer Competition Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $400K | 96% | 8 | Extreme (5+ offers avg) |
| $400K–$600K | 92% | 15 | High (3-4 offers avg) |
| $600K–$800K | 85% | 22 | Moderate (2-3 offers avg) |
| $800K–$1M | 75% | 32 | Moderate (1-2 offers avg) |
| Over $1M | 65% | 42 | Low (single-offer common) |
Conclusion: Farming Cary's Tech-Driven Inventory Dynamics
Cary represents the Triangle's premium suburban market — a $525,000 median with 3,200 annual transactions creating the largest single-town commission opportunity outside Raleigh. The 2.4-month supply and 88% absorption rate confirm persistent seller's market conditions that reward agents who can activate off-market listings and serve Cary's highly educated, culturally diverse buyer pool.
The combination of Research Triangle Park employment growth, 22.8% Asian population requiring cultural competency, and 28% new construction share creates a three-dimensional farming opportunity that generic marketing cannot capture. Agents who invest in neighborhood-level expertise, relocation capture systems, and culturally sensitive outreach will dominate Cary's premium commission pool.
US Tech Automations provides the automated relocation workflows, multilingual campaign tools, new construction tracking, and seasonal campaign optimization that Cary's tech-savvy, competitive market demands. Start farming Cary's premium Triangle corridor today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average days on market in Cary NC?
Cary homes average 18 days on market overall, with significant variation by price tier — homes under $400,000 average just 8 days while those over $1 million average 42 days, according to Triangle MLS data.
How many homes sell each year in Cary NC?
Approximately 3,200 residential transactions close annually in Cary, generating roughly $50.4 million in total commission at standard rates, according to Triangle MLS annual transaction data.
What is the best neighborhood to farm in Cary?
Lochmere and Regency Park offer the best farming economics — moderate price points ($440,000-$520,000), strong turnover rates (8-9% annually), and manageable geographic size for efficient direct mail coverage, according to neighborhood-level farming analysis.
How much does it cost to farm in Cary NC?
An effective 500-home farming campaign in Cary requires approximately $3,000 per month ($36,000 annually), reflecting the premium marketing expectations of Cary's highly educated homeowner base, according to farming cost benchmarks.
Is Cary NC a buyer's or seller's market?
Cary is firmly in seller's market territory with 2.4 months of supply — well below the 4-month balanced threshold. Homes under $600,000 regularly receive multiple offers within the first week, according to Triangle MLS market balance data.
What percentage of Cary transactions are new construction?
New construction accounts for approximately 28% of Cary transactions, concentrated in western Cary's Amberly, Twin Lakes, and Green Level communities, according to Wake County permit and transaction data.
How does Cary compare to Apex for real estate farming?
Cary offers higher transaction volume (3,200 vs 2,100 annually) and higher median prices ($525,000 vs $510,000), while Apex offers slightly less agent competition and stronger new construction activity relative to market size, according to comparative market analysis.
What is the typical commission in Cary NC?
Agent-side commissions in Cary average $13,125 at 2.5% of the $525,000 median — among the highest per-transaction earnings in the Triangle metro, according to commission analysis data.
How diverse is Cary's homebuyer population?
Cary's buyer pool is notably diverse — 22.8% Asian, with significant Indian, Chinese, and Korean communities creating specialized farming opportunities around cultural events and multilingual outreach, according to Census Bureau demographic data.
What drives housing demand in Cary NC?
Research Triangle Park employment (150,000+ workers across tech, pharma, and biotech), top-rated Wake County schools, and Cary's reputation for safety and community amenities drive sustained housing demand that outpaces supply, according to economic development data.
About the Author
Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.
