December Market Overview
December brought a quieter pace, but not a weaker one. Buncombe County closed the year with about 4.5–4.6 months of inventory, keeping the market balanced even as seasonal activity slowed. Homes spent a median of 76 days on market (Ruiz), and the typical timeline from list to close stretched to about 113 days.
Pricing remained steady, though more deliberate. Homes sold for roughly 91–92% of their original list price and about 94–96% of the final asking price, reflecting continued price adjustments and thoughtful negotiations. December was about alignment, with deals coming together where expectations were realistic on both sides.
December 2025 Buncombe Co.
- Inventory: 4.5–4.6 months
- Days to Contract / DOM: 74–76 days (med)
- List-to-Close: 113 days
- Orig. List ~ Sale: 91–92%
- Final List ~ Sale: 94–96%
- Sale Price: $465K / $612K (med / avg)
- Active Listings: 1,277
- New Listings: 181
- Homes Sold: 299
Sellers
December favors preparation over speed. Homes that are priced thoughtfully and present well continue to sell, while aspirational pricing faces longer timelines. Negotiation is part of the process, not a red flag. Expect closer to four months from listing to closing, especially around the holidays.
Buyers
Some sellers take their homes off the market for winter, so inventory can thin, but so does the competition. With fewer buyers in the mix, sellers who remain active tend to be more flexible and open to conversation. For buyers who stay engaged through the holidays, December offers opportunity with less pressure. Once under contract, six to seven weeks to closing can be typical.
Hot Take: December is Crystal Clear
The market doesn’t stall; it sharpens.
The noise fades, the serious players stay in it, and the deals that close are built on transparency, cooperation, and strong communication.
