A longer sale pace changes how I would plan a move, especially if you want options instead of pressure.
If you are planning a move to Surf City, NC, your biggest decision may be timing, not just price. My rule of thumb is simple give yourself enough runway to compare homes carefully because this is not a market that forces every decision overnight. A typical sale took 89 days over the previous 30 days, and supply stood at 8.29 months. That combination tells me you may have room to be selective, but you still need a real plan if you want the right home instead of the next available one.
The pace matters because moving has more parts than a simple purchase. In Surf City, NC, recent closings reached $960,000, while the typical asking price for active homes was $874,000. I see that as a reminder to line up your budget, touring schedule, and decision points before you arrive, especially if you are coordinating a move from out of town.
For a household trying to reduce stress, the extra supply is useful, but it should not create false confidence. Recent offers still came in at 98.3% of asking. So I would stay patient on selection, not casual on preparation. The homes that fit well can still command serious offers even when the overall pace is slower.
Set your timing for tours before you lock in travel. Decide which features are non-negotiable and which ones are flexible. Review recent closings alongside active choices so you know where value is actually landing. When a strong fit appears, be ready to act with clean terms instead of restarting the search from scratch.
