At Hayes Collaborative, our mission is simple: help people find their place in the world. With the release of our Housing Market Outlook, we’re taking that mission a step further by giving buyers, sellers, and industry professionals the clear, reliable insight they need to move confidently into the coming year. The truth is, today’s economy is noisy. Signals conflict, forecasts shift, and even seasoned analysts are left scratching their heads. For anyone making a major real estate decision, that uncertainty can feel overwhelming. That’s why our experts at Compass created this report. Good data cuts through the doubt. Inside, you’ll find the most current economic indicators, the key trends shaping the 2026 housing landscape, and our grounded, research-driven expectations for the year ahead. This outlook comes from hundreds of hours of deep analysis by Compass data scientists, paired with the on-the-ground experience of real estate professionals nationwide. Together, we’ve answered the questions clients ask us most:
• Where are home prices headed in 2026? • What kind of market can buyers and sellers expect? • Will sales activity finally pick up? • How does our local market compare to national patterns? • Which economic and demographic shifts will matter most?
Whether you're planning your first purchase or guiding clients through big decisions every day, this report is built to serve you. We hope it brings clarity, confidence, and a better sense of direction as we move into a new year.
Contact Hayes Collab at (919) 656-1599 or via email for a free consultation to discuss the 2026 analyses and forecasts..
Are you getting ready to buy or sell a home? Contact Lisa Hayes of COMPASS Real Estate. Lisa has been a realtor for 20 years and loves helping people transition to their next home. Whether you are a first-time buyer who needs to know where to begin or a seasoned buyer or seller, Lisa will make the process as simple as possible for you. She loves showing people what makes this area of North Carolina special. She knows the local market trends well to ensure you receive current information. She has an impressive track record of helping 100’s of people buy and sell- including many clients who have used her for subsequent transactions-and she is dedicated to helping her clients buy or sell their home at the right price.
Contact Lisa today to see for yourself why she is a premier local real estate agent in the area.
"My goal is to provide a level of service that exceeds my client’s expectations. I do this by remembering to be grateful for opportunities to improve, asking ‘What else is possible?’ and helping my clients feel good about the decisions they make."
Buying or selling a home should be an exciting journey, not just a transaction. With Lisa as your guide, you can expect a smooth and enjoyable experience. Her passion for real estate and exceptional communication skills create a trusting and supportive environment.
Lisa's diverse background, including roles as a Training Manager and flight attendant, has honed her ability to navigate any situation with grace and expertise. She excels at problem-solving, negotiation, and understanding diverse perspectives, always prioritizing your needs.
Recognized for her outstanding service with the Barbara Tate Legendary Service Award, Lisa has built a strong reputation for client satisfaction. Her dedication to providing top-notch service ensures you're in the best possible hands.
Lisa is deeply connected to her community. When she's not assisting clients, you might find her enjoying local book clubs, cheering on the Carolina Hurricanes, boating at the Crystal Coast or exploring the beauty of the NC mountains.
Lisa embodies the spirit of perseverance, believing that success comes from continuous effort. With Lisa, you're not just a client; you're a partner in achieving your real estate goals.
Autumn Kennard
Autumn is our Transaction Coordinator for Hayes Collaborative. Autumn ensures the process from contract to closing goes smoothly. She is a proud mom to one son. She loves snuggling with her adorable doodle, Rusty, and taking family trips to Disney World. Autumn is always eager to help our clients with any of their needs during the transaction process. She interacts with inspectors, appraisers, and attorneys to take the burden off our client's shoulders so they can focus on their upcoming move.
Whether you are a first-time buyer who knows nothing about the home buying process or a seasoned seller, Lisa's team has years of experience and motivation to get you the results you expect.
Knowledge of the Local Market
Lisa & her team at Hayes Collaborative make it their mission to know what the current market trends are. They also stay up to date on new-construction builds & what is happening in the Triangle to help you determine what area makes the most sense for your needs.
Listening to Clients
Hayes Collaborative makes it a point to listen to her clients & ask questions from the first consultation to best understand how to meet their needs.
Proven Track Record of Success
Lisa and her dedicated team at Hayes Collaborative is a multiple award-winning realtor whose proven track record has successfully helped her clients buy and sell hundreds of homes.
1. Get Your Home Market Ready! In this housing market, it is important to have your house as beautiful as possible in order to receive as much profit as possible. With our Compass Concierge Program, you can update anything in your home with no money down and no interest. No matter what your house needs, we’ve got you covered! Our goal is to help you get the highest profit possible for your home.
2. Marketing Customized for Your Needs! Lisa can create a comprehensive digital marketing package that will get your home in front of as many potential buyers as possible. From email marketing, Facebook ads to high quality video footage, Lisa has the experience and the drive to get your home sold for the right price!
3. Find the Right Buyer Lisa can find the right buyer for your home! Compass Realtors work together closely and provide an impressive network of qualified buyers who will pay top dollar for your home.
Reviews
★★★★★
"Lisa assisted us from start to finish selling and buying. She provided prompt communication throughout and was happy to answer any questions we had. We are now living in our forever home and could not be happier to have worked with Lisa throughout this process."
- Brenna, Google Review
★★★★★
"Lisa is absolutely the best. She sold my home and helped me buy a new home. I have several of my friends to Lisa, and they have been very pleased with her work. Lisa is the best! She is professional, knowledgeable, and an honest and caring person. I am happy to say that she is more than my real estate agent. She is my friend!"
- Judi, Google Review
★★★★★
"Lisa provided us with an exceptional home buying experience. She immediately picked up on our style, respected our budget, and worked tirelessly to provide a range of options. We thoroughly enjoyed working with her and look forward to utilizing her services again in the future!"
- Anna, Google Review
★★★★★
"After many, many moves over the past 40 years, I have to say that of all the realtors my husband and I worked with, Lisa was absolutely the best. She combines a deep knowledge of all things real estate with a lovely, gracious and warm personality. She addressed every question and concern we had thoroughly and in a timely manner. We listed our house in Fuquay Varina on a Thursday and Lisa held an open house two days later.. The next day we were under contract and went to settlement six weeks later without a hitch, for full price and all cash. I remember my husband, who is an attorney, saying, 'There are very few realtors I would ever recommend to anyone, but I would recommend Lisa in a heartbeat."
-Paula, Written Review
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