A shrinking economy. Rising mortgage rates. Flatlining prices.If you’ve been thinking about buying a home in 2025, it’s no wonder you’re feeling hesitant. For many buyers, the instinct right now is to wait it out. To see what happens before making a big move.And the headlines don’t help:The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis just reported a 0.3% drop in GDP in Q1 2025, following a strong 2.4% gain at the end of 2024.  It’s the kind of data point that makes people pause.But smart buyers aren’t freezing. They’re asking the right questions. They’re gathering the data. And they’re making a plan.A Simple 3-Step Plan for Buyers in 2025If you’re on the fence about buying, here’s a clear, no-pressure way to think about your next step.Step 1: Get Clear on What’s Actually Worrying YouA lot of buyer... 05/07/2025

Spoiler alert: Housing affordability isn’t as simple as the headlines make it sound.Depending on who you ask, the real issue isn’t just home prices, or even the number of homes on the market. It’s about access. It’s about opportunity. And most of all, it’s about what affordable really means for the people trying to buy.So, what does affordability look like here in South Carolina? And where do you actually stand a chance of finding the right home at the right price?Let’s break it down.Inventory Crisis or Access Crisis?If you've been following the national conversation, you've probably heard a lot about the "housing shortage." But two of the most well-known names in real estate data—Logan Mohtashami and Ivy Zelman—have different takes on what’s really going on.Ivy Zelman’s Take: The Probl... 04/29/2025

Buying your first home doesn’t look anything like it did 30 years ago. The average first-time buyer in 2024 is 38 years old. Compare that to 33 in 2020 and 31 between 1993 and 2018.So if you’re renting in your 30s or 40s, it’s easy to wonder: Did I miss my window?The short answer is not at all. In fact, you’re right on time—and there are solid financial and personal reasons for that.Why Are Buyers Waiting Longer?Research from John Burns Research & Consulting shows that Americans are hitting major life milestones later across the board: The average age of first-time mothers is now 30 (up from early 20s a few decades ago). Only 33% of today’s 30-year-olds own a home, compared to 47% in 1984. Only 48% of 30-year-olds have been married (down from 78% in 1984) And 72% of renters are now over... 04/24/2025

Every time the word "recession" starts popping up in headlines, it brings a wave of uncertainty—especially for anyone thinking about buying or selling a home.You might be wondering: Are home prices going to crash? Will mortgage rates skyrocket? Should I wait to make a move? Totally fair questions—and you’re not alone in asking them. The good news is we can look to history to get some real answers.Let’s break it down.A Recession Doesn’t Automatically Mean Home Prices Will DropFirst, let’s clear up a common myth:A recession is not the same as a housing crash.Data shows that in 4 of the last 6 U.S. recessions, home prices actually went up, and in one, home prices dropped less than 2%. The exception was 2008—and that was a very specific situation involving risky loans, overbuilding, and a f... 04/18/2025

Thinking about buying a home this year?  You’ve probably heard all kinds of advice: “Wait for rates to drop.” “Home prices are too high.” “Now’s the best time to buy!” Truth is, no one has a crystal ball. But if you’re trying to decide whether now is the right time to buy, there’s one thing you need to ask yourself… How long do you plan to stay? Because when it comes to real estate, time is your biggest asset. Let’s break it down. The Longer You Stay, The More You Gain If you’re only planning to live in a home for a year or two, buying probably isn’t the smartest move. Closing costs, property taxes, and maintenance add up fast, and you likely won’t see enough appreciation to make up for those costs. And that’s not factoring in taxes on capital gains if you make a move in less than two y... 03/28/2025

If you took your house off the market in late 2024, you’re not the only one. Newsweek reports that data from CoreLogic and the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) says nearly 73,000 homes were pulled from the market in December alone – that's more than any other December going all the way back to 2017 (see graph below):Whether it was because offers weren’t coming in, the timing around the holidays felt overwhelming, or they wanted to see if the market would improve in the new year – a lot of other homeowners decided to press pause, too.But now, with spring fast approaching, it’s time to reassess. The market is already picking up, and waiting any longer to jump back in may only mean you’d face more competition from other sellers down the road.Why Now Could Be the Right Time Selma Hepp, Chief Econo... 03/19/2025

The spring housing market is here, and if you’re thinking about buying or selling, you’ve probably heard plenty of predictions, opinions, and advice. Some of it is useful. Some of it, not so much.So, what’s the real story? Realtor.com’s Chief Economist, Danielle Hale, recently shared advice with her own neighbor about buying a home—advice that every buyer and seller needs to hear.Here’s what you actually need to know about the 2025 spring market, based on data from Zillow and expert insights from Hale herself. Timing the Market? That’s a Risky GameZillow’s latest research says that homes listed in late May sell for $5,600 more on average. That stat makes headlines every year, but here’s what most people miss: In 2022, March was the best month to sell. In 2023, it was June. In 2025? No o... 03/13/2025

The most recent data shows that the real estate market is evolving, giving buyers and sellers a dynamic picture. New listings surged by 22.2%, bringing fresh options to the table, but pending sales took a significant dip, down 30.1%. Meanwhile, inventory climbed an impressive 27.7%, reaching 4,413 units. This increase in supply is reflected in the months’ supply of inventory, now up 22.2% to 3.3 months—a sign that buyers may find more breathing room, even as homes spend slightly longer on the market, with days on market rising to 54.On the pricing front, the local market showed a slight cooldown, with the median sales price dipping 1.5% to $310,250. However, zooming out to the national level, inventory remains tight, with just a 3.8-month supply, well below the 5-6 months of a balanced ... 01/23/2025

July brought a mix of excitement and intrigue to the Greater Greenville, South Carolina real estate market! With new listings surging by 18.2% to 2,054, there were plenty of fresh options for eager buyers. However, the flip side of this coin saw pending sales drop by 27.8%, settling at 927, indicating that buyers might be taking their time, possibly waiting for the right deal. Inventory also saw a significant boost, up 53.0% to 4,885 units, giving buyers more choices than they’ve had in a while.Despite the shifting dynamics, prices continued their steady climb. The median sales price in Greenville, SC nudged up by 1.6% to $325,000, reflecting the ongoing demand for homes in this market. Homes lingered a bit longer on the market, with days on market increasing by 5.3% to 40 days, marking... 08/28/2024

Let’s get real. Do you have to use a real estate agent when buying or selling a home? The answer, of course, is no. You can absolutely go it alone, and there are people who opt to do so every year. After all, with the internet at your fingertips, you can search for homes, look up property values, and even negotiate deals on your own. Yet, even with all that info, 89% of people choose to work with a professional, according to a report from the National Association of Realtors. There’s been a lot of attention on real estate industry changes lately. But today, I want to go back to the basics and discuss the difference between a buyer’s agent and a seller’s agent—and what each can do for you during your real estate transaction. Buyer’s AgentsSites like Zillow can help you find your dream ho... 08/25/2024

A headline caught my eye this week. It read:  “The Housing Market Isn’t Making Sense. What’s Going On.”  It got me thinking about how much information is circulating out there. Numbers are flying around about inventory increases and price reductions (promising news for buyers)—and at the same time, there are also stats about record-high home prices (every seller’s dream). When I first sat down to write this, I planned to dispel some misinformation and explain what all those numbers really mean. Then it hit me—the headlines and reports you are seeing all reference housing market stats nationwide. And when buying or selling real estate, the most important data is hyperlocal.  So, let’s take a look at what happened in the July 2024 housing market in Greenville, SC.Greenville, SC Housing Ma... 08/02/2024

A recent study by Fannie Mae revealed a surprising lack of confidence among consumers about the mortgage process.  There’s good reason to feel a little cautious. Here in Greenville, SC, home prices have risen 62% since 2020, and mortgage rates have also climbed. However, homeownership remains a top priority for most, with many considering it a sound long-term investment.  All of this can lead to feeling overwhelmed and unsure of your ability to qualify for a home loan. The good news is there are options available—options you may not even be aware of.  So today, we’ll discuss some different mortgage resources available here in Greenville, SC.Challenges When Navigating the Mortgage ProcessFannie Mae’s study found that many consumers are unaware of important aspects of the mortgage process... 07/23/2024

Lately, there's been a lot of buzz about what's next for home prices, especially with 2024 shifting gears in some markets. Here in Greenville, SC, we have seen a 6.7% increase in sales from May 2023 to May 2024 and an increase in prices of 3.3% during the same time.  But what about the future of the market? Listen, no one has a crystal ball, but experts have released early predictions for home prices in 2025. Let’s dive in. The Big Picture: National Home Price Predictions for 2025It’s hard to believe 2024 is halfway over! Looking ahead to 2025, experts predict a slowdown in the national housing market's breakneck pace. Now, that doesn't mean prices are plummeting. In fact, the average forecast anticipates a +2.5% increase in national home prices for 2025. That would mark the 13th consec... 07/05/2024

June brought a surge in new listings, up 15.4% to 2,214 homes, offering potential buyers a sunny array of choices. However, pending sales dipped by 35.0%, continuing a trend of cautious optimism among buyers. Inventory skyrocketed by 59.5%, now boasting 4,716 units, providing plenty of room for everyone to find their dream home during the summer. Median prices held steady at $315,000, offering a stable backdrop amidst the seasonal fluctuations. Homes are spending an average of 46 days on the market, a 4.5% increase, allowing buyers and sellers alike to soak in the summer vibes before making their move. With a 65.2% increase in monthly supply, now at 3.8 months, there’s ample time for both buyers and sellers to navigate the market’s twists and turns.As the national market also sees recor... 06/25/2024

Photo by USA TODAYWelcome to Greenville, South Carolina—where summer is more than just a season; it's a playground for families! Whether you're a local or just passing through, Greenville, SC offers a variety of activities that promise fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories for every member of the family. Let’s dive into some of the best family-friendly summer activities this charming city has to offer. 1. Explore Falls Park on the ReedyLet's start in Reedy Falls Park. This location, an ideal spot for family outings, is located in Downtown Greenville. Bring a blanket and a picnic, and let the kids play in the Reedy River. Don't miss the Liberty Bridge, a magnificent pedestrian bridge with amazing views of the waterfalls. A family photo would be wonderfully enhanced by the park's expa... 06/21/2024

Ah, Greenville, SC—the land of sweet tea, southern charm, and a collection of hidden gems waiting to be discovered! So, picture this: you're wandering through the charming streets of Greenville, South Carolina, soaking in the southern hospitality and the warm sunshine. But wait, there's more to this city than meets the eye! From enchanting sculptures to panoramic vistas that stretch for miles, this city has it all. Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a journey through the lesser-known wonders of Greenville, SC. Sassafras Mountain Observation TowerThe Sassafras Mountain Observation Tower, a hidden jewel that offers a spectacular 350-degree panoramic across three states—South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia—is perched at an astonishing 3,554 feet. This easily accessible highest ... 06/07/2024

The Greenville, SC housing market had some wild swings this month, giving us a lot to talk about! First off, new listings skyrocketed by a hefty 27.5%, bringing the total up to 2,226. That's a lot of fresh options for potential buyers to sift through. However, while sellers were busy putting their homes on the market, the buyers seemed to be holding back. Pending sales took a dramatic nosedive, plummeting by 37.8% to just 967. This marks the seventh consecutive month of year-over-year declines in pending sales, hinting at some hesitation or perhaps a shift in buyer behavior. On the inventory front, there was a significant increase. The number of homes available for sale surged by an impressive 55.1%, reaching a total of 4,493 units. This influx of inventory might be a sign that sellers ... 05/28/2024

Step into your dream home with the Nelson Floorplan by Liberty Communities, located in the Ravencrest Subdivision of Roebuck, SC. Priced at $291,490, this 1,707 sq. ft. new construction home for sale in Greater Greenville, SC offers an open floorplan that's perfect for both entertaining and everyday living. With three spacious bedrooms, two and a half baths, and lots of upgrades, this new home seamlessly blends style and comfort on a budget. Plus, it's prewired for EV charging—perfect for your green lifestyle. Don't miss out on up to $20,000 in builder incentives, making this beautiful home even more captivating. Conveniently located and ready for you to make it your own, the Nelson Floorplan is where your next chapter begins. Schedule a showing today! Main LevelImagine driving into you... 05/16/2024

Step right into this new construction home for sale in Greater Greenville, SC! Introducing the Kennedy Floorplan by SK Builders, where comfort meets charm in every square foot. Picture yourself cozied up in one of four bedrooms, or pampering yourself in the two full bathrooms. With its open floorplan, hosting friends and family becomes a joy, as laughter dances from the living room to the kitchen. And let's not forget your own personal retreat—the master bedroom on the main floor is your sanctuary after a hectic day. But the excitement doesn't stop indoors. Step outside to your own half-acre lot. With its cement board siding and luxury vinyl plank floors, this isn't just a house; it's your canvas for a lifetime of memories. And hey, with up to $10,000 in builder incentives, your dream h... 05/13/2024

Welcome to 2604 Floorplan by Adams Homes in Greenville, SC—a full brick home on a corner lot, offering four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a spacious bonus room, all integrated into an open floorplan designed for modern living. But what truly sets this new construction home for sale in Greenville, SC apart are the unbeatable financing options, including a 2-1 Buydown for USDA/VA and FHA loans, along with builder incentives of up to $7,000 for USDA/VA loans and FHA loans, or up to $20,000 for non-USDA/VA loans and FHA loans. Located conveniently close to highways and shopping, this new home offers the perfect blend of suburban and urban accessibility. Don't miss your chance to experience Southern living combined with modern convenience—all within reach at the 2604 Floorplan by Adams Home... 05/09/2024