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Happy Friday! Downtown Raleigh’s skyline is changing fast, and this week’s stories prove it.
The city just revealed sleek new renderings for the convention center expansion, a massive project that could reshape how Raleigh hosts national events.
Then there’s the 30-story tower approved near Glenwood South, adding hundreds of apartments (and plenty of debate) to the mix.
And if you’ve thought about selling your home solo, a new study shows why that move might cost you more than you’d think.
Let’s dive in! ⬇️
—Brette Davis
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New Renderings Reveal Raleigh’s Bold Downtown Vision
📌 Driving the news: Raleigh has revealed new architectural renderings for its convention center expansion, marking a major step forward in the city’s downtown development plans.
📌 Details:
The expanded facility will total 798,100 square feet, according to designs by RATIO | TVS.
Renderings showcase a sleek, modern space built to host national and international events.
The project is part of a broader effort that includes a future 600-room Omni Hotel, an improved Red Hat Amphitheater, and updates to the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts.
📌 Why it matters: This expansion is set to boost downtown Raleigh’s economy, drawing thousands of visitors who will fill local hotels, restaurants, and shops.
The added space will help Raleigh compete with larger cities for high-profile conventions and events, creating new opportunities for local businesses and workers.
📌 The big picture: As demand for flexible event space increases nationwide, cities that invest in hospitality infrastructure are better positioned for long-term tourism and economic gains.
📌 What’s next: Construction timelines and additional project phases will be detailed in the coming months, with public input continuing to shape the final outcome.
Council Approves 30-Story Tower Near Glenwood South
📌 Driving the news: Raleigh’s City Council has approved a rezoning request allowing Raleigh Development Co. to build a 30-story apartment tower at Peace and West streets, a key gateway to downtown.
📌 Details:
The site was previously zoned for 12 stories.
New plans could bring up to 900 units.
A prior version of the project was rejected in 2023.
This version includes $1.2M toward affordable housing and reduced height near nearby homes.
The council voted 6-2 in favor, with members Christina Jones and Jane Harrison opposing it.
📌 Why it matters: This tower helps address Raleigh’s housing shortage, a growing challenge as more people move to the area.
For the local economy, the project means hundreds of new residents and retail potential in a currently underused part of downtown.
That’s a win for foot traffic, transit use, and job creation.
📌 The big picture: The project is one of several high-rises shaping Raleigh’s skyline. It's near the new Smoky Hollow Park and mirrors a trend seen in cities like Atlanta, placing residential growth near walkable amenities and transit.
📌 Between the lines: Opponents, especially from the Glenwood-Brooklyn neighborhood, voiced concern over the tower’s impact on traffic and shade in a low-rise residential area. Supporters countered that its location fits within Raleigh’s downtown growth strategy.
📌 What’s next: Construction timelines are still unclear. The market has cooled after a record apartment boom, but developers expect demand to return by the time new towers, like the 37-story Highline Glenwood, open later this decade.
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📌 Driving the news: A recent Clever Offers survey reveals that more homeowners are skipping real estate agents to list their homes solo, but many regret it.
The promise of saving on commission fees often gives way to lower profits, slower sales, and mounting stress.
📌 Details:
58% of non-agent sales came from either owner-sold listings or cash-buying companies.
Agent-assisted sellers made $6,200 more on average than unrepresented sellers.
85% of those who sold without an agent didn’t know the typical commission is around 6%.
Nearly 1 in 6 FSBO sellers said they’d accept $25,000 less just to avoid an agent.
41% of unrepresented sellers later wished they had priced their home differently.
86% of agent-assisted sellers were happy with their method vs. 71% of nontraditional sellers.
📌 Why it matters: Homeowners looking to cut costs may actually be leaving money on the table. For local markets, this means properties might sit longer or sell for less — affecting neighborhood comps and slowing the pace of home sales.
Agents who know how to price right and negotiate well bring real financial value, even after fees.
📌 The big picture: Even as iBuyers and cash offers gain traction, traditional agents are still seen as the most trusted route, and with good reason.
Trust, speed, and profit all favor those who bring in pros.
📌 Between the lines: Unrepresented sellers underestimated just how complex the selling process can be.
Many felt overwhelmed by pricing, negotiations, and paperwork, and realized late that agents don’t just sell homes, they smooth the path.
📌 The bottom line: Skipping an agent might feel like a shortcut, but for many, it's a costly detour.
Don’t be one of them. Contact us today through 919.535.4578 or hello@davisandmain.com and let’s make sure your home sells for what it’s worth.
The Raleigh market is holding steady but staying active. Homes are selling in about 48 days with a median price of $450K, up 2.3% year over year. Most homes get two offers and sell for around 98% of the list price, showing demand is still healthy, just more balanced than before.
For Buyers: With competition cooling slightly, you’ve got more breathing room to negotiate and find the right fit. But act fast on homes priced well, they still move quickly.
For Sellers: Inventory remains tight, so well-priced, move-in-ready homes still attract solid offers. Lean on strong marketing and pricing strategy to stand out and sell with confidence.
I’m a Raleigh-based agent who’s passionate about real estate, local life, and making homeownership feel easy (and fun!). Subscribe and join 2,000+ readers who get the inside scoop every week!
