Top 3 Areas to Sell Real Estate in South Carolina - Insights for Realtors - September 2024

As a realtor in South Carolina, knowing where the strongest markets are can help you guide your clients to successful sales and maximize your business potential. Based on the September 2024 South Carolina Housing Report, we’ve identified the top 3 areas where the market conditions are most favorable for sellers.

Whether you're working with luxury properties or more mid-range homes, these regions offer opportunities for real estate professionals to succeed.

1. Hilton Head: A Booming Luxury Market

The Hilton Head area continues to be a hotbed for luxury real estate, making it a prime market for realtors working with high-end properties. While home sales have slowed, demand for luxury homes remains strong, and prices are on the rise.

• Median Sales Price: $545,000 — a 4.8% increase year-over-year.
• Sales Decline: There was a 16.7% decrease in sales volume, but this is typical in a market where buyers take more time with high-end properties.
• Days on Market: Properties are taking longer to sell, with an average of 167 days on the market. However, the significant price appreciation indicates strong demand for the right homes.

Realtor Tip: Emphasize the unique value of Hilton Head properties. Focus on targeting luxury buyers who are willing to wait for the perfect home. Pricing homes strategically and marketing their premium features can ensure successful closings, despite longer sales cycles.

2. Greater Columbia: Steady Growth and Strong Demand

In Columbia, real estate professionals are seeing stable market conditions with price growth, making it a reliable area to focus your sales efforts. The balance between price appreciation and minimal sales decline indicates a strong seller’s market.

• Median Sales Price: $274,198 — a 5.5% increase year-over-year.
• Sales Stability: Only a 0.2% decrease in sales year-over-year, showing that demand is still solid.
• Days on Market: Homes are averaging 45 days on the market, a 32.4% increase, but still a competitive timeframe compared to other regions.

Realtor Tip: Sellers in Columbia have a great opportunity to capitalize on rising prices, especially if homes are priced competitively. Focus on marketing Columbia as a growing and desirable area for both buyers and investors, and help sellers set realistic expectations to close deals within the current average timeframe.

3. Charleston Trident: Strong Demand in a Cooling Market

Despite a slight dip in sales, Charleston remains a competitive market with solid prices, especially for mid-to-upper-range properties. This area is ideal for realtors who are working with sellers looking for a relatively quick sale, as homes are still moving faster than in other parts of the state.

• Median Sales Price: $410,000 — a 1.2% decrease, but still one of the highest in the state.
• Sales Decline: A 10.7% decrease in sales year-over-year, signaling a cooling market, but high demand remains.
• Days on Market: Homes are averaging 43 days on the market, with a 38.7% increase, but well-priced homes are still selling quickly.

Realtor Tip: For realtors in Charleston, pricing is key. Homes that are priced competitively will continue to attract buyers despite the slower pace. Work closely with sellers to set the right price from the beginning to minimize time on the market and avoid price reductions.

Conclusion for Realtors

The South Carolina real estate market offers diverse opportunities for realtors, with Hilton Head, Greater Columbia, and Charleston Trident being the top regions to focus your efforts. Whether working with luxury homes or mid-priced properties, each area has unique characteristics that can help you close deals and grow your business.

As a real estate professional, staying informed on local market trends is crucial to success. Understanding which areas are growing and how to approach each market will allow you to provide the best advice to your clients and maximize your sales potential. For more detailed data and insights, visit the SC Realtors Market Data.

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