December 2025
Issue 3
Happy December
In this months newsletter we will be discussing the current market trends, holiday home tips, this months restaurant spotlight and holiday festivities.
I hope everyone has an amazing holiday and a Happy New Year!!
Market Update
Lets talk about the elephant in the room. Houses are not selling like hot cakes right now.
What does this mean?
About 57% of homes sold in 2025 through October had atleast one price cut according to NAR, indicating that a significant number of sellers are entering the market with unrealistic expectations. Between 2020 and 2024, that share was closer to 47%.
For homes that sold this year with a price cut, the sale price was an average of 3.7% below the asking price.
Homes priced correctly from day one tend to sell more quickly and get nearly 100% of their asking price, according to NAR. After three months, sellers usually trim prices by more than 5%, and after a year, by more than 12%.
Why?
Buyers continue to be deterred by elevated mortgage rates and persistent economic uncertainty. Lower mortgage rates often fail to make homes affordable because of high home prices that outpace incomes. An outcome of the pandemic was that home prices rose much faster than incomes. The ratio of median home price to median income is now over five, compared to about four for the previous 50 years. While current rates aren't historically extreme, persistent inflation is curbing discretionary spending, making mortgage payments more burdensome for American consumers.
For Sellers: Pricing is more critical than ever if you want to sell. To price your house competitively look at the comparable houses that have sold around you within the past month.
The Data
According to Freddie Mac data, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate stood at 6.27% as of mid-October 2025. The degree to which rates have dropped may not be substantial enough. Many homeowners secured sub-4% rates during the pandemic and are reluctant to move and refinance just because of an extra 25 basis point reduction in mortgage rates.
The Overall Impact
Even as mortgage rates dip, other under-the-radar costs continue to rise, tightening buyer budgets. Combined with homebuilders' input and labor cost burdens, potential homebuyers are in a tough spot right now.
Holiday Home Tips
With the seasons changing it is very important that we make sure our homes are ready for the seasonal change into Winter.
Fire Prevention:
Inspect lights for frayed wires before use, never overload circuits, and ensure outdoor lights are made for outdoor use. Plug outdoor lights into a GFCI outlet. Use timers for lights and unplug them before bed or leaving. Keep candles away from flammable decorations and consider using flameless alternatives. Clean your fireplace and chimney and monitor space heaters. Make sure to water your Christmas tree regularly (if real) to avoid extreme dryness, this is what makes your tree a fire hazard!! Consider LED lights, which emit less heat.
Anti-Burglary:
The holiday season is primetime for burglars to take advantage of residences are left unoccupied with more valuables present in the house. Perfect example is Home Alone. Package theft also ramps up this time of year. Burglars take advantage of the fact that holidays cause alot of commotion, people naturally become less guarded due to festivities. Limit inside visibility, homes are more lit during this time of year, causing better outside visability of a home’s interior. This gives burglars a clear view of vaulables and incentives to target a home.
To deter burglars, automatically set a timer for your lights to activate to convey the image of an occupied home. Strengthen entry points by upgrading locks and deadbolts and by reinforcing doors and windows. Consider smart locks that allow you to remotely monitor and control access.
Implement a home security system of alarms, cameras, motion sensors, automatic locks, and detectors. Ensure your system is professionally installed and monitored, providing 24/7 protection.
Restaurant Spotlight
Mount Pleasant: Tys Roadside
Recommendations: Tarvin Shrimp Toast or Filet Mignon Steak Frites
Address: 713 Coleman Blvd. Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
Downtown: Brown Dog Deli
Recommendations: Classic Grilled Cheese with Tomato Bisque Soup or Rosemary’s Baby Daddy
Address: 225 Calhoun St, Charleston, SC
Summerville: Shugs
Recommendations: Pork Chop with Mac n Cheese or Shrimp Po Boy
Address: 1208 Central Ave, Summerville, SC 29483
West Ashley: Mazal
Recommendations: Smash Kebab or Hummus with Tahini & Chickpeas
Address: 1901 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29407
North Charleston: EVO Pizzeria
Recommendations: Farmer’s Salad with the Pork Trifecta Pizza or the Farro Salad with a Pepporoni Pizza
Address: 1075 East Montague Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405
Johns Island: Lost Isle
Recommendations: Whipped Ricotta with the Smoked Tomahawk Pork Chop or Fire Roasted Sapelo Island Clams
Address: 3338 Maybank Highway, Johns Island, SC 29455
James Island: The Harlow
Recommendations: Spicy Tuna Tostada or Fried Fish
Address: 1015 Harbor View Road, Charleston SC 29412
Folly Beach: Catch 23
Recommendations: Smack Down Shrimp with Mahi Sandwich or Seafood Platter
Address: 10 Center Street, Folly Beach, SC, 29439
Daniel Island: The Kingstide
Recommendations: Fish Sliders with 8oz Flat Iron Steak or She Crab Soup with Blackened Grouper
Address: 32 River Landing Dr, Daniel Island, SC 29492
Holiday Festivities
