Insights from Kristine Holm, President of the Orange Chatham Association of REALTORS®

When it comes to understanding the Triangle real estate market, few people bring as much experience and perspective as Kristine Holm, Broker-in-Charge of BOLD Real Estate and President of the Orange Chatham Association of REALTORS® (OCHAR).

A native of New Jersey, Kristine has spent over 20 years in real estate and mortgage management, including executive leadership roles with national firms and was relocated to North Carolina in 2007. She quickly fell in love with the Triangle’s balance of thriving business opportunities, exceptional schools, and small-town charm,  and has dedicated her career to helping others find their place here.

In addition to leading BOLD Real Estate and Governors Club Realty, Kristine is also a co-founder and board member of the BOLD Foundation, a nonprofit focused on supporting local underserved children. Her commitment to service extends beyond her clients to the entire real estate community, where she continues to advocate for professionalism, education, and collaboration through her role at OCHAR.

Kristine recently shared her insights with Chapel Hill Magazine and Chatham Magazine’s 2025 Visitors & Relocation Guide, offering practical advice for those considering a move to the area and perspective on what makes our local market so unique.

What would you tell folks who are thinking of moving to the area?

There is a reason 70 people a day on average are moving into the area – we hope you will become a part of that statistic. The word is out, and there is a true attraction to this area, not only being centrally located between the beaches and the mountains but the opportunity for incredible careers in tech, medical, IT, etc. This area is consistently ranked among the best places to live in the country.

There is a robust job market, a lower cost of living, and a healthy housing market – it’s the perfect trifecta that is difficult to find elsewhere. There is a definite charm to southern living, but we have the added benefit of diversity due to everyone relocating here.

What are the biggest surprises for folks moving to the area?

The biggest surprise for folks who move to the area is the amount of things to do that are a short drive. Raleigh, Durham, or Chapel Hill are not huge cities or towns, but each offers a diverse offering – from museums to live concerts to the symphony. There are varied assortments of parks and preserves as well as hundreds of miles of greenway paths because the area has grown more recently versus older cities, so more attention has been paid to preserving green space. It’s an adventure to discover them all, if you can!

If someone is moving to the area, and they know they want to buy, where do they start?

The best place to start on your home search is a seasoned local Realtor! Most searches begin online, but partnering with a local expert is paramount even from a distance, so they can ensure you find the right area that meets all of your needs and make your relocation as smooth as possible.

Your Realtor will be able to get you in touch with a lender, home inspector, and attorney and help guide you through the local process here in North Carolina. To find a local Realtor in our area, head to the Orange Chatham Association of Realtors’ website, which features consumer resources and resources available to the public at orangechathamrealtors.com.

What advice would you give to someone renting for a year versus buying immediately?

When it comes to deciding to rent or buy, an advocate in the local market will be your best friend. A Realtor can assist with your relocation and help you decide what makes sense based on current market conditions and your needs.

Renting prior to buying for some can make a lot of sense, and it all depends on one’s individual needs. I highly recommend connecting with a local Realtor from your team so you already have that relationship established. The local agent can keep an eye out to find your dream home while you do not have the pressure to buy right away.

Are you noticing any particular areas or neighborhoods becoming more popular over time?

Chatham County is the current biggest growth opportunity. Chatham Park is a 7,100-acre master-planned community in Pittsboro that is the largest land development project on the East Coast. It’s expected to house close to 22,000 residential units and 22 million square feet of nonresidential space. It is also the named location of the much-anticipated Styla Living by Drees Homes neighborhood, where people dream about living. This level of development is unmatched elsewhere and keeps all eyes on our area.

How competitive is this market? How long do houses stay on the market?

The current market is not as competitive as it was during COVID-19, but due to the allure of the area, it is still very much a seller’s market. The data from our Multiple Listing Service shows that in both Orange and Chatham counties, the time on market is less than 22 days on average.

In general, we still have fewer homes on the market than we did prepandemic, but with interest rates coming down, it’s making it even more affordable to relocate here.

A Passion for Advocacy and Community

As President of OCHAR, Kristine continues to champion the values that drive our industry forward: ethics, professionalism, and service. She works closely with local REALTORS® to provide resources, continuing education, and advocacy for homeownership across Orange and Chatham counties. Her leadership ensures that both agents and clients benefit from a stronger, more connected real estate community.

“Real estate is about relationships,” Kristine says. “When REALTORS® collaborate, clients win. Our job is to help people feel confident about one of the most important decisions of their lives,  where they call home.”

At BOLD Real Estate, we’re proud to have Kristine leading our team and shaping the future of real estate in the Triangle. Her expertise, empathy, and commitment to community are what make her, and the BOLD team, stand out.