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Real Estate Statistics: Home Buyers and Sellers

Ryan FitzgeraldRyan Fitzgerald
Sep 26, 2018 2 min read
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Real Estate Statistics: Home Buyers and Sellers
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Real Estate Statistics for Home Buyers and Sellers

Real Estate Statistics for Home Buyers and Sellers

Home Buyer Statistics

First-Time Home Buyers made up 34% of all home purchases, with a median age of 32 years old and a median household income of $75,000.

Repeat Home Buyers made up 66% of all home purchases, with a median age of 54 years old and a median household income of $97,000.

The typical home purchased was 1,870 square feet in size and was built in 1991 with an average of three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Among those who financed a home, the average was a total of 90% of the home's value.

87% of buyers purchased a home through a Real Estate Agent a percentage that has steadily increased from 60% in 2001.

89% of buyers who purchased a home would use their Real Estate Agent again or recommend their Agent to a friend.

Where did these buyers find the home they purchased?

51% - Internet

30% - Real Estate Agent

7% - Yard Sign/Open House Sign

6% - Friend, Relative or Neighbor

5% - Home builder or their Agent

2% - Directly from the sellers

1% - Newspaper or print advertisement.

In a 2013 survey of folks who purchased a home, 78% said the quality of the neighborhood was far more important than the size or other features of the home.

57% of home buyers said they would forego a home with a larger yard in favor of a shorter commute.

73% of home buyers undertook a home improvement project within 3 months of purchasing their home, typically spending $4,550 in improvements.

The number one feature buyers were willing to pay the highest dollar for was waterfront property.

Home Seller Statistics

The typical home seller in 2016 was 55 years old and had a median household income of $103,300 and had lived in the home for 10 years.

89% of sellers were assisted by Real Estate Agents when selling their home.

Recently, home sellers have sold their homes at 99% of their listing price with 22% reported reducing the asking price at least once.

The typical home that sold was on the market for 3 weeks.

67% of sellers would use their same Agent to sell their home again.

41% of sellers found their Real Estate Agent through a referral by friends or family and 23% used the Agent that helped them find the home.

For Sale By Owner (FSBO) Statistics

FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2016. The typical FSBO home sold for $190,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.

FSBO Methods used to Market Their Homes

35% - Yard Sign

24% - Friends, Relatives, Neighbors

11% - Online Classified Advertisements

15% - Open Houses

8% - FSBO specific websites

13% - Social Networking Websites

26% - Multiple Listing Service (MLS) Website

5% - Print or Newspaper Advertisement

4% - Direct Mail Flyers and Postcards

2% - Video

28% - Did Nothing

The Most Difficult Tasks for FSBO Sellers

15% - Getting the right price

12% - Understanding and performing paperwork

13% - Selling within the planned length of time

9% - Preparing/fixing up home for sale

3% - Having enough time to devote to all aspects of the sale

WRITTEN BY
Ryan Fitzgerald
Ryan Fitzgerald
Realtor

Ryan Fitzgerald is a top Realtor®, founder and owner of Raleigh Realty, one of the Triangle’s fastest-growing and most innovative real estate brokerages. Driven by a mission to be the best—not the biggest—brokerage in Raleigh, Ryan has built Raleigh Realty into a firm known for its cutting-edge marketing, high-performing agents, and culture rooted in collaboration, growth, and excellence.

Raleigh Realty

Under Ryan’s leadership, Raleigh Realty has become a top boutique brokerage in Raleigh-Durham, serving clients across Wake County and the surrounding areas. Raleigh Realty stands apart for its:

  • Top-Tier Agents – Every Realtor on the team is hand-selected for their skill, professionalism, and client-first approach. Raleigh Realty isn’t about quantity—it’s about quality.

  • Award-Winning Website – RaleighRealty.com is consistently ranked among the best real estate websites with incredible user experience, cutting-edge IDX technology, and hyper-local guides that help buyers and sellers navigate the market.

  • Inbound Lead Generation – With a strong focus on SEO and digital marketing, the brokerage generates a steady flow of organic leads, giving agents the opportunity to grow thriving businesses.

  • Supportive Culture – Ryan emphasizes mentorship, accountability, and autonomy—no micromanaging, just the right systems and tools for agents to succeed.

  • Community Focus – From neighborhood spotlights to relocation guides, Raleigh Realty is committed to being a resource for both buyers and sellers as they make one of life’s biggest decisions.

The firm continues to expand its reach, with the goal of 100 agents and $1 billion in annual sales volume by 2030—all while staying true to its boutique, client-centered values.

Awards & Recognition

Ryan already has notable public credentials and prestige:

  • He has been featured in outlets such as Forbes, Wall Street Journal, U.S. News, among others (as mentioned on the site).

  • Realtor Magazine named him a “Top 30 Under 30” in the country (as noted on his Raleigh Realty page).

  • Raleigh Realty is widely acknowledged in the local real estate community for its digital prowess and thought leadership.

  • The company is consistently ranked among the top real estate firms in Raleigh and is known for having one of the highest-traffic real estate websites in the region.

Community Involvement & Giving Back

Ryan’s leadership extends far beyond the closing table. He has built Raleigh Realty to be a company that actively gives back to the community and invests in making Raleigh a better place to live.

  • The Green Chair Project – Ryan and Raleigh Realty proudly support The Green Chair Project, a local nonprofit that provides essential furnishings and household items to families transitioning out of homelessness, crisis, or disaster. By partnering with this organization, Ryan helps ensure families have the comfort and dignity of a furnished home.

  • Food Donations & Drives – Raleigh Realty regularly organizes and contributes to food donation efforts, partnering with local pantries and organizations to help fight food insecurity across Wake County. These efforts bring agents, clients, and neighbors together to support those in need.

  • Local Events & Client Appreciation – Raleigh Realty hosts family-friendly gatherings such as pumpkin patch outings, coffee + donut socials, and seasonal celebrations designed to strengthen neighborhood bonds.

  • Supporting Schools & Youth Programs – Ryan partners with local schools and youth organizations to provide resources, sponsorships, and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that the next generation has access to growth and guidance.

  • Small Business Advocacy – Raleigh Realty proudly highlights and partners with local small businesses, amplifying their visibility and reinforcing Raleigh’s reputation as a vibrant place to live and work.

For Ryan, success is measured not just in sales, but in the lasting relationships and community impact Raleigh Realty leaves behind.

AgentLoft – Powering the Next Generation of Realtors

Ryan is also the visionary behind AgentLoft, a SaaS platform designed to help Realtors nationwide build their brand and generate leads. AgentLoft websites combine IDX technology, SEO expertise, and AI integration to give agents the competitive edge they need.

Personal Mission

As a proud father to his daughter Emma, Ryan’s mission is bigger than business. He’s dedicated to building a brokerage and a platform that create opportunity and stability for families, clients, and agents alike. His approach blends entrepreneurship with empathy—ensuring that Raleigh Realty continues to grow not just in sales volume, but in reputation, trust, and impact.


👉 Whether you’re buying or selling a home, or you’re a Realtor looking for the right brokerage to grow your business, Raleigh Realty—under Ryan Fitzgerald’s leadership—offers the expertise, technology, and community-minded culture to help you succeed.

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