RALEIGH, N.C. -- According to a Redfin study, Raleigh is the fifth least likely American metro area to face a housing downturn during a recession, while Charlotte is the eleventh most likely.

Zillow released a report on rent on the heels of the Redfin study. The national average is $1,600 a month. Raleigh averages about $1,300 a month. And it's about $60 more in Charlotte.

Real estate broker Warren Sumner said the Raleigh real estate market is somewhat insulated due to a highly diversified work force, driven by the tech sector and RTP.

"We've had a very healthy, very solid appreciation in this market," Sumner said. "But it's probably not like some of those other urban environments that have become over inflated. I can only speculate that certain areas of Charlotte have fallen into that trap."

If you plan to buy a home in the Triangle, Sumner said you need to be pre-approved for a home loan and you should be prepared to make an offer quickly.

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