As Cumberland County and the broader Fayetteville region continue to flourish alongside steady economic and population growth, local real estate professionals are gathering for a luncheon this month to hear predictions and insights on what lies ahead.

The Longleaf Pine REALTORS® Association will host its annual State of the Real Estate Market Luncheon on Tuesday, Feb. 24, bringing together REALTORS®, business leaders, elected officials and other community stakeholders for a data-focused discussion on North Carolina’s economic outlook and forecasted impacts on the local housing market. 

The keynote speaker is Christopher Chung, CEO of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), who will share his perspective on statewide economic trends. He will be joined by Robert Van Geons, who will offer a regional market perspective with a detailed look at the Fayetteville area.

For Mike Berk, CEO of the Longleaf Pine REALTORS® Association, the luncheon is about grounding market analysis and strategy in reliable information. 

“This luncheon is a comprehensive look at what the state of real estate is right now, and where we see it going,” Berk said. 

The presenters will discuss themes related to local housing trends and regional economic development, offering vital context for industry professionals as well as buyers, sellers, employers and community leaders.

“The goal is to bring in real estate and economic experts who can give us a peek into what’s been going on in the market and what their predictions are for the future,” Berk said. “These are folks who study this all the time and have an eye on the different indications and indexes.” 

Still, there are limits to economic forecasting. 

“It’s a prediction. It’s an outlook, but we all know other events can happen along the way that can impact it in one way or another,” Berk added. “That’s the economy in itself.”

While the event is typically attended by REALTORS®, Berk said the association intentionally invites business leaders, developers and elected officials to encourage broader dialogue. 

“It’s so helpful if we can all kind of be together for this kind of event,” he said. “When we have conversations throughout the year, it helps that we have this common connection.” 

In addition to the formal presentations, the luncheon offers time for informal networking across real estate, economic development and local leadership. The luncheon will take place from 11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., with doors opening at 11:30 a.m., at the Crown Complex. Lunch will be provided, and registration is free through the Longleaf Pine REALTORS® Association website. Advance registration is encouraged. 

Aside from the annual luncheon, the Longleaf Pine REALTORS® Association provides market statistics and resources to its members throughout the year, encouraging them to use the data to set realistic expectations with clients. 

“The more information we can deliver to our members, the better prepared and informed they are when they’re working with their clients and consumers,” Berk said. “So they can give them that picture of what’s going on with the market and what they can expect as they list their house for sale or start a search for a new home.”

To learn more about Longleaf Pine REALTORS®, visit www.longleafpinerealtors.com.