50 Houses: Why Charleston Homes Still Sell During the Holidays

The market doesn’t take time off — and neither do serious buyers.

The Myth of the “Winter Slowdown”

Every fall, I hear it again:

“We’ll just wait until spring — the holidays aren’t a good time to sell.”

But after 18 years helping Lowcountry sellers, I can tell you with confidence: that’s one of the biggest myths in Charleston real estate.

Thanksgiving week, in fact, has consistently ranked as the second busiest week of the year for closings in my entire career.

Yes — even between turkey and the ball dropping, homes keep selling.

The Proof Is in the Numbers

So far this year, the Charleston market has averaged roughly 50 homes sold every single day. That’s more than 13,000 closings in 2025 so far.

The market doesn’t hibernate — it just shifts gears.

In my 50 Houses campaign, I shared how fast homes are still moving, despite higher mortgage rates and tighter budgets:

• Charleston’s average home sells in 48 days (my listings average 15 days).

• Sellers received 96% of list price, (my sellers received 101% on average).

• The median closing price continues to climb, especially in well-maintained homes under $600,000.

That’s not spring fever — that’s steady demand.

Why Winter Sellers Have an Advantage

1️⃣ Serious Buyers Only
Winter buyers aren’t just browsing. They’re relocating for work, trying to buy before rates change, or moving for family reasons. They’ve been pre-approved and are ready to act.

In contrast, summer often brings curiosity tours — neighbors, casual shoppers, and “maybe next year” lookers. When your doorbell rings in December, that showing usually counts.

2️⃣ Less Competition
While everyone else is waiting until March, the listings that do hit MLS in November and December stand out.

Inventory typically drops by 20–30% in winter, which means your property faces fewer competing listings. Fewer choices = more buyer attention.

3️⃣ Stronger Negotiating Power
Fewer listings often mean fewer price reductions. And with buyers trying to close before year-end for tax or relocation reasons, timelines tighten and offers get cleaner.

4️⃣ Charleston’s Year-Round Appeal
Unlike northern markets that freeze up — literally — Charleston stays active.

Between mild weather, continued job growth from Boeing, Volvo, and MUSC, and new communities like Carnes Crossroads and Nexton expanding inventory, this market doesn’t pause.

Why This Season Might Work Better for You

If you list now, you can:

• Capture serious buyers before spring inventory floods the market.

• Leverage low competition and high motivation.

• Potentially negotiate faster closings or better terms.
  
  

The Smart Move Now

If you’ve been thinking, “Maybe next year,” maybe your moment is now.

The Charleston market has proven, year after year, that homes do sell during the holidays — often to the most decisive buyers you’ll ever meet.

Watch the video and full breakdown of my 50 Houses campaign here:
👉 stephaniedavisrealestate.com/50_houses

Or if you’d like me to show you how your neighborhood is performing right now, and what the numbers look like for your house, I can put together a report for you.

Would you like me to pull that report for you?