Understand the Momentum—Before You Make a Move
You’ve probably heard the terms “buyer’s market” and “seller’s market.” They get used a lot—but what they actually mean can shift dramatically based on location, property type, and even the time of year.
In the Myrtle Beach area, the balance between supply and demand isn’t always obvious from national headlines. That’s why I track local housing data weekly—so you don’t have to make decisions based on guesswork or outdated assumptions.
Here’s how to understand where we are right now—and what it means for your next move.
First, What Do the Terms Actually Mean?
A seller’s market happens when there are more buyers than available homes. Inventory is tight, days on market are low, and sellers often receive multiple offers—sometimes over asking.
A buyer’s market is the opposite. There’s more inventory than demand, which gives buyers more negotiating power, flexibility on price, and time to make decisions.
Most markets don’t stay one or the other for long. Often, they fall into a balanced market where pricing is stable, well-prepared homes sell steadily, and negotiation terms vary by property type.
Where Are We Right Now?
As of this quarter, most Myrtle Beach-area neighborhoods are still showing signs of a moderately competitive market—but not across the board.
Here’s what the data is telling us:
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Well-priced single-family homes under $500K are still moving quickly, especially in primary residential areas.
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Luxury homes and second-home properties are seeing longer days on market, as buyers at higher price points take a more cautious approach.
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Inventory is rising slightly in some condo markets, giving buyers more leverage—but motivated sellers can still compete with the right pricing and prep.
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Mortgage rates are stabilizing, but affordability remains a key factor in buyer behavior.
In short: it’s not a pure seller’s market or buyer’s market. It’s a segmented one. And your strategy should match the segment you’re in.
If You’re a Seller
You can still achieve strong results—but only if your listing reflects market conditions.
That means:
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Pricing based on recent sales, not just neighborhood averages
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Addressing repairs or prep work before hitting the market
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Knowing where buyer demand is strongest and positioning accordingly
The wrong price won’t attract interest. The right strategy still gets results.
If You’re a Buyer
You may have more breathing room than you would have 12–18 months ago—but clean, well-priced homes are still moving fast. Waiting too long on the right property often means losing it.
Smart buyers are focusing on:
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Pre-approval and financing structure
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Realistic expectations on concessions or timing
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Identifying properties with long-term value, not just list price appeal
Final Takeaway: Let Local Data Drive the Strategy
The only way to know if it’s the right time to act is to look at what’s happening in your specific submarket—not rely on broad trends or online assumptions.
That’s what I do every week: track new listings, monitor contract activity, and identify shifts before they show up in the headlines.
Thinking about buying or selling this quarter? Let’s connect. I’ll show you what’s moving, what’s not, and how to navigate your next step with clarity—not guesswork.
