Why Homeownership Is Going To Be Worth It




Life can feel a bit unpredictable these days. What’s happening with inflation? The economy? The housing market? But in the middle of all that uncertainty, there’s one thing a lot of people still crave – a place to call their own.

Because when everything else feels up in the air, home can be the thing that grounds you. As the experts at 1000WATT put it:

“Homeownership isn’t primarily financial anymore. . . Across all demographics, emotional and lifestyle factors consistently outrank wealth-building as motivators.”

Here’s what owning a home can mean for you, especially right now.

Freedom To Make It Yours

When you're a homeowner, you don’t need to ask permission to paint a wall, hang a gallery…

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Why More Sellers Are Choosing To Move, Even with Today’s Rates




It’s hard to let go of a 3% mortgage rate. There’s no question about it. It’s the main reason why so many homeowners have delayed their move in recent years. But here’s something to consider.

While your low rate might be ideal, it doesn’t make up being too cramped, having a staircase your knees can’t handle anymore, or being 1,000 miles from your family. And those real-life needs are pushing more sellers off the fence despite today’s rates.

Data shows the share of homeowners with a mortgage rate below 3% is dropping as more people move. And, as a result, the share of homeowners taking on a mortgage rate above 6% is rising, too (see graph below):

The Biggest Reasons People…

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Why Most Sellers Hire Real Estate Agents Today




Selling your house without an agent as a “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO) may be something you’ve considered. But you should know that, in today’s shifting market, more homeowners are deciding that’s just not worth the risk.

According to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the number of homeowners selling without an agent has hit an all-time low (see graph below):

And for the small number of homeowners who do decide to sell on their own, data shows they’re still not confident they’re making a good choice.

A recent survey finds three out of every four homeowners who don’t plan to use an agent have doubts about whether that’s actually the right decision.

And here’s why.…

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Your House Didn’t Sell. Here’s What To Do Now.




When your house doesn’t sell, it doesn’t just feel frustrating – it feels personal. You put time, money, and emotional energy into this move. You told your friends and family it was happening. And now that your listing has expired without a buyer? You’re left feeling stuck, and maybe even a little embarrassed.

And here's what most agents won’t tell you. Over 70% of homeowners who re-list with a different agent sell their house.

Re-list with the same agent? That stat drops to only 50%, according to the latest data from REDX. That’s like leaving the fate of your sale to a coin toss. And that’s not good enough.

REDX data also shows that only 1 in 3 homeowners with expired listings actually make…

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MARKET UPDATE - JUNE 2025

U.S. existing-home sales edged up 0.8% month-over-month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.03 million units, exceeding economists’ expectations, although sales were down 0.7% year-over-year, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). On a monthly basis, sales increased in the Midwest, Northeast, and South but decreased in the West.

Heading into June, there were 1.54 million units for sale across the country, a 6.2% increase from the previous month and a 20.3% improvement over the same period last year, representing a 4.6-month supply at the current sales pace, according to NAR. Despite the additional supply, home prices have continued to rise nationwide, albeit at a slower pace than during the…

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MARKET UPDATE - May 2025

U.S. existing-home sales dipped 0.5% month-over-month and 2.0% year-over-year to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.00 million units, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Sales increased in the Midwest, decreased in the West and Northeast, and were unchanged in the South. Year-over-year, sales were down in every region except the Northeast.

There were 1.45 million units actively for sale heading into May, a 9.0% increase from the previous month and a 20.8% improvement from the same time last year, for a 4.4-month supply at the current sales pace, according to NAR. The median existing-home price edged up 1.8% year-over-year to $414,000 as of last measure, the 22nd consecutive month of annual price…

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Celebrating Billy Keyserling: A Beaufort Legacy Honored

Colleagues, family and members of the city of Beaufort staff and City Council pose with former Mayor Billy Keyserling after he received the Order of the Palmetto award during a June 10 City Council meeting. Issued by Gov. Henry McMaster, the state’s highest civilian honor was presented by state Sen. Shannon Erickson, right. Karl Puckett kapuckett@islandpacket.com

At Charter One Realty, we’re incredibly proud to work alongside people who don’t just sell homes—they help shape communities. That’s why we’re taking a moment to celebrate one of our own: Billy Keyserling, who was recently awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor.

And if you know Billy, you know…

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The Wedgeworth Team Named #1 Small Real Estate Team in South Carolina by RealTrends


Hilton Head Island, SC – June 12, 2025 – Charter One Realty is proud to announce that The Wedgeworth Team has been named the #1 Small Team in South Carolina by RealTrends, a prestigious honor recognizing the top-producing real estate professionals in the state as well as nationwide.

Based on closed sales volume, The Wedgeworth Team achieved over $194 million in sales, placing them at the very top of their category. This recognition highlights the team's tireless work ethic, client-first mindset, and unmatched knowledge of the Lowcountry real estate market.

“James Wedgeworth has consistently been one of top South Carolina real estate agents for decades. His…

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Is Inventory Getting Back To Normal?




After years of it feeling almost impossible to find a home you want to buy, things are changing for the better.

Nationally, inventory is growing, and that gives you more options for your move. But here’s what you need to know. That level of growth is going to vary based on where you live. And that’s why you need an agent’s local market expertise.

Here’s a quick rundown of the current inventory situation, so you know what’s happening and what to expect.

Significant Growth Across the Nation

Nationally, the number of homes for sale is rising – and that’s true in all regions of the country. That’s shown in this data from Realtor.com. In each of the four regions, inventory is up at least 19% compared to…

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The Five-Year Rule for Home Price Perspective




Headlines are saying home prices are starting to dip in some markets. And if you’re beginning to second guess your plans based on what you’re hearing in the media, here’s what you need to know.

It's true that a few metros are seeing slight price drops. But don't let that overshadow this simple truth. Home values almost always go up over time (see graph below):

While everyone remembers what happened around the housing crash of 2008, that was the exception – not the rule. It hadn’t happened before, and hasn’t since. There were many market dynamics that were drastically different back then, too. From relaxed lending standards to a lack of homeowner equity, and even a large oversupply of homes, it was…

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