MARKET UPDATE - May 2023


Existing-home sales slid for the second consecutive month, falling 3.4% nationwide as of last measure, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), as higher interest rates continue to impact buyer affordability. Sales are down 23% compared to the same period a year ago, while contract signings dropped 20.3% year-over-year. With sales cooling, buyers in some parts of the country have found relief in the form of declining sales prices, which are down 1.7% year-over-year nationally, although more affordable markets continue to see price gains.

While fluctuating interest rates have pushed some buyers to the sidelines, a shortage of inventory is also to blame for lower-than-average home sales this time of year, as…

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Spectacular Fireworks Displays and Events: Where to Watch the Sparkling Shows and Catch the Best Events in the Lowcountry on July 4th

Fireworks in Bluffton

With July 4 just around the corner, the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire is buzzing with excitement as we gear up for a spectacular lineup of events and festivities. From vibrant parades and dazzling fireworks displays to live music performances and mouthwatering food festivals, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So mark your calendars and join us as we come together to honor our nation's freedom and create unforgettable memories on this joyous occasion. Get ready for an action-packed, star-spangled celebration like no other!

July 4th Activities in the Lowcountry

Salute from the Shore 2023 

Salute from…

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Comparing real estate metrics from one year to another can be challenging in a normal housing market. That’s due to possible variability in the market, making the comparison less meaningful or accurate. Unpredictable events can have a significant impact on the circumstances and outcomes being compared. 

Comparing this year’s numbers to the two ‘unicorn’ years we just experienced is almost worthless. By ‘unicorn,’ this is the less common definition of the word:

“Something that is greatly desired but difficult or impossible to find.” 

The pandemic profoundly changed real estate over the last few years. The demand for a home of our own skyrocketed, and people needed a home office and a big backyard. 

  • Waves of first-time and…

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Memorial Day in the Lowcountry

On behalf of everyone at Charter One Realty, we would like to take a moment to wish you a happy Memorial Day weekend! We extend our deepest gratitude to all our service members, veterans, and their families for their sacrifices and dedication. Your bravery will always be remembered. As we enjoy this long weekend, let's take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day. Join us in observing a National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 PM to honor the fallen heroes.

This Memorial Day weekend, there are several events and activities taking place that you might find interesting:

  1. Memorial Day Parades: Many cities and towns organize parades to commemorate the holiday. Check your local community's website or newspaper for information on…

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Southern Living Cover June/July 2023

Coastal Getaways - Southern Living Magazine Article

Hot off the Press: Daufuskie Island has not only graced the cover of Southern Living Magazine but has been featured in the article "Coastal Getaways - Under the Radar Beach Towns, Islands, and Communities."

This picturesque island, known for its unspoiled beauty and charming southern charm, has caught the attention of one of the most prestigious magazines in the South. This in-depth feature explores the island's unique history, breathtaking scenery, and the vibrant community that calls it home.

Discover the hidden treasures of Daufuskie Island through the lens of Southern Living's talented writers and photographers. Immerse yourself in the captivating stories and visuals showcasing the…

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The National Association of Realtors (NAR) will release its latest Existing Home Sales Report tomorrow. The information it contains on home prices may cause some confusion and could even generate some troubling headlines. This all stems from the fact that NAR will report the median sales price, while other home price indices report repeat sales prices. The vast majority of the repeat sales indices show prices are starting to appreciate again. But the median price reported on Thursday may tell a different story. 

Here’s why using the median home price as a gauge of what’s happening with home values isn’t ideal right now. According to the Center for Real Estate Studies at Wichita State University:

“The median sale price measures the ‘middle’…

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If you’re following the news today, you may feel a bit unsure about what’s happening with home prices and fear whether or not the worst is yet to come. That’s because today’s headlines are painting an unnecessarily negative picture. Contrary to those headlines, home prices aren’t in a freefall. The latest data tells a very different and much more positive story. Local home price trends still vary by market, but here’s what the national data tells us.

If we take a year-over-year view, home prices stayed positive – they just appreciated more slowly than they did at the peak of the pandemic. To get a more detailed picture of some of the trends in the market, we need to look at monthly data. 

The monthly graphs below use recent reports from…

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Even though home prices have moderated over the last year, many homeowners still have an incredible amount of equity. But what is equity? In the simplest terms, equity is the difference between the market value of your home and the amount you owe on your mortgage. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains how your equity grows over time:

“Housing wealth (home equity or net worth) gains are built up through price appreciation and by paying off the mortgage.”

How Your Equity Can Help You Achieve Your Goals

The equity you build up over the years can be used to your advantage when you sell your current house and buy your next home. If you no longer have the space you need, it might be time to move into a larger home. Or it’s…

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If you’re thinking about selling your house, you should know the number of homes for sale right now is low. That’s because, this season, there are fewer sellers listing their houses for sale than the norm.

Looking back at every April since 2017, the only year when fewer sellers listed their homes was in April 2020, when the pandemic hit and stalled the housing market (shown in red in the graph below). In more typical years, roughly 500,000 sellers add their homes to the market in April. This year, we saw fewer than 400,000 sellers entering the market in April (see graph below):

While there are a number of factors contributing to this trend, one thing keeping inventory low right now is that some homeowners are reluctant to move when the…

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If you’re reading headlines about inflation or mortgage rates, you may see something about the recent decision from the Federal Reserve (the Fed). But what does it mean for you, the housing market, and your plans to buy a home? Here’s what you need to know.

Inflation and the Housing Market

While the Fed’s working hard to lower inflation, the latest data shows that, while the number has improved some, the inflation rate is still higher than the target (2%). That played a role in the Fed's decision to raise the Federal Funds Rate last week. As Bankrate explains:


“Keeping its inflation-fighting streak alive, the Federal Reserve has raised interest rates for the 10th time in 10 meetings . . . The hikes aimed to cool an economy that was on…

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