A Look at Pricing, Inventory, and Buyer Behavior—Minus the Headlines
If you’ve been watching the national news, you’ve probably heard conflicting messages about the housing market. Some say we’re cooling. Others call it a correction. The truth, as usual, lives in the local data.
Here’s what actually happened in the Myrtle Beach area last quarter—and what it tells us heading into the second half of the year.
Prices: Still Strong, But Leveling
Median prices held steady across most primary residential communities, with mild growth in some submarkets and soft pullback in higher-end second-home areas. We’re no longer seeing the sharp spikes of 2021–2022, but homes that are well-priced and well-presented are still commanding strong numbers.
What’s moving: Updated single-family homes under $600K
What’s adjusting: Properties in the $800K+ range with limited differentiation
Buyers aren’t overpaying. But they’re not sitting idle either.
Inventory: Slightly Up, Still Tight
We saw a modest increase in inventory—especially in condo and townhome segments—but not enough to shift leverage significantly. Many sellers are still holding onto low-rate mortgages, which is keeping overall inventory below historical norms.
The result? Buyers have a bit more choice, but competition hasn’t disappeared. Well-positioned listings continue to move, especially in school-zone neighborhoods and low-HOA communities.
Days on Market: Longer, But Not Long
The average time on market ticked up slightly in Q2, particularly for listings that entered too high or didn’t show well out of the gate. But this is still a far cry from a slow market.
Homes priced in line with comps—and prepped with intention—are still going under contract within 14–21 days on average.
Takeaway: The urgency has shifted from buyers to sellers. You no longer get multiple offers just for showing up. Strategy matters now.
Buyer Behavior: Focused, Not Frantic
Buyers are more selective, better informed, and taking the time to compare—not just rush in. But they’re still showing up.
Relocation activity from the Northeast and Midwest remains strong. Retirees and second-home buyers are active, but cautious. First-time buyers are more sensitive to interest rates and insurance premiums, but still engaged.
Looking Ahead: What to Watch
As we head into Q3, expect a market that rewards preparation and penalizes assumption. The days of “list high and see what happens” are behind us—for now.
The good news? Sellers who understand current buyer psychology—and buyers who approach the process with clarity—are both finding success.
Thinking about making a move this quarter? Let’s connect. I’ll give you a detailed, local data snapshot and help you approach the market with a plan that reflects where things actually stand—not where the headlines say they’re going.
