Negotiations are back. More buyers are asking for better deals, and more sellers are giving them. Builders are throwing in extras, too. 

If you've been following local news, you've probably heard that North Carolina recently passed a law affecting how property taxes will be calculated in Buncombe County this year. At first glance, the headlines make it sound simple: property owners will receive tax bills based on older property values instead of the newly issued 2026 appraisals. Many homeowners understandably assume that means they'll pay less in property taxes. The reality is more complicated.

This is where many sellers get stuck. They hear "help with closing costs" and immediately think: "Why should I pay for their expenses?"

But that's not always the right way to look at it. You’ve got to consider who has the leverage in today’s market.

Data shows inflation is moving in the wrong direction. But before the headlines send anyone into a panic, here's what's actually going on, why it matters for the housing market, and what it means if you're thinking about buying or selling.

You started shopping with a specific mental image of your future home in your mind. Then the houses in your budget came in smaller than you pictured.

That’s the reality for a lot of buyers right now. Affordability is tight.

But don’t let that discourage you. Going smaller might actually be a smart play in today’s market – and the upside can be bigger than you'd think.