December Market Snapshot: What the Numbers Showed
Even though December is traditionally a slower month for new activity, the data still tells an important story about how the Lake James market is behaving.
Based on December closings and properties under contract during the month:
- Sales prices ranged from the low $400,000s to over $2,000,000, with the highest activity concentrated between $1,300,000 and $2,100,000.
- The lowest sale during the month was a non-waterfront residential home in the low $400,000s, while the highest sale exceeded $2 million, reflecting continued strength at the upper end of the Lake James market.
- Waterfront homes and large waterfront tracts dominated the higher price points, while interior homes and select lots filled in the lower ranges.
Days on Market (DOM) continued to be one of the clearest indicators of pricing strategy:
- Properties that sold in December averaged roughly 90–120 days on market, with a wide spread.
- Some well-priced homes moved in under 30 days, while others—particularly higher-priced waterfront properties—took 150–200+ days to secure a buyer.
- Homes that required price adjustments were far more likely to sell than those that held firm above market expectations.
This reinforced a consistent theme we saw throughout the fall and into winter:
👉 Correct pricing matters more than seasonality.
Buyers were active, but patient and well-informed. Many watched days on market closely, tracked price reductions, and waited for homes that aligned with both condition and value. Waterfront homes with private docks or deeded boat slips continued to command attention, especially when paired with good views, usable water access, and well-maintained interiors.
The Lake James Team at Keller Williams Unified
Selling real estate on Lake James since 2003
Specializing in waterfront homes, interior properties, and land
📍 Serving Nebo, Morganton, Marion, and surrounding Lake James communities
www.lakejames.com