In this months newsletter we will go over a brief market update, spring house checklist, events this month, how you can celebrate St. Patricks Day and a neighborhood spotlight at the end!
I hope everyone has a lucky St. Patricks Day.
National News
The national market is finally starting to wake up a bit after a slow winter. Existing home sales actually inched up in February instead of dropping again, which is a good sign that buyers are easing back in as we head into spring.
Rates are still higher than what we all remember from a few years ago, but they’ve backed off the worst of the spikes. Thirty‑year fixed rates are hanging out in the low‑6% range right now, with some shorter‑term and government‑backed loans a bit lower, so buyers are finding a little more breathing room than they had in 2023–2024.
Prices nationally are more “sideways” than anything else—no big crash, but no wild pandemic‑style jumps either. Most experts expect 2026 to be a basically flat to slightly up year for prices overall, which means well‑priced homes can still move, but buyers aren’t having to throw crazy numbers at everything.
Inventory is slowly improving, but it’s still not where we’d call it a true buyer’s market. There are more options than a year or two ago, yet good homes that are priced right and show well can still go quickly.
Translation: if you’re buying, it’s worth being prepped and ready; if you’re selling, you still have a solid window as long as you’re strategic on price and presentation.
Local News
Here at home, Charleston is still holding strong. Prices have mostly leveled out near their recent highs rather than dropping, with most sources putting the median sale price somewhere in the low‑ to mid‑$400s across the wider market and higher in hot pockets like Mount Pleasant and the islands.
Buyer activity has definitely picked up since the end of 2025. Weekly ratified contracts are trending up, written sales finished last year a bit higher than 2024, and spring showings are busy again—especially for move‑in‑ready homes in good school zones.
Inventory is better than it was a couple of years ago, but it’s still tight in the most in‑demand neighborhoods. Depending on whose data you look at, Charleston sits around 2–3 months of inventory in places like Mount Pleasant and Daniel Island and closer to 3–4 months market‑wide—so not a crazy seller’s market, but definitely not a buyer free‑for‑all either.
What I’m seeing on the ground is this: homes that are clean, priced correctly, and marketed well are still moving, while overpriced or dated listings sit and end up doing price reductions. Buyers have a bit more choice and negotiating power than during the pandemic rush, but they still need to be ready to act when a great house hits.
Selling this spring? Here’s a simple checklist to make sure your home hits the market looking its best.
1. Declutter & Simplify
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Clear surfaces and floors; remove excess furniture so rooms feel larger.
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Pack away off-season clothes, toys, and extra décor.
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Tuck away most family photos so buyers can picture themselves in the home.
2. Deep Clean Everywhere
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Dust baseboards, doors, vents, and light fixtures.
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Wash windows inside and out to let in more light.
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Steam clean carpets; mop and polish hard floors.
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Give kitchens and bathrooms extra attention (grout, sinks, tubs, appliances).
3. Freshen Paint & Fixtures
- Touch up scuffs and chips; repaint bold walls in light, neutral colors.
- Replace or tighten dated/loose hardware (knobs, pulls, hinges).
- Use bright, warm bulbs and keep lighting consistent throughout the house.
4. Boost Curb Appeal
- Power-wash siding, porches, and walkways if needed.
- Weed, edge, and mulch flower beds; mow and edge the lawn.
- Add a clean doormat and a few potted plants by the front door.
- Clean or repaint the front door and consider updating house numbers.
5. Knock Out Easy Repairs
- Fix leaky faucets, running toilets, and squeaky doors.
- Replace cracked outlet covers and switch plates.
- Patch small nail holes and drywall dings.
- Check smoke/CO detectors and update batteries.
6. Light Staging Touches
- Swap heavy blankets and dark textiles for light, airy ones.
- Keep kitchen and bath counters mostly clear, with just a few pretty, useful items.
- Create one or two inviting “moments” (reading chair, coffee bar, or patio seating).
7. Get Your Info Ready
- Gather utility averages, HOA details, and a list of recent updates.
- Note ages of roof, HVAC, water heater, and major appliances.
- Make sure keys, remotes, and any smart-home information are organized.
8. Prep for Photos & Showings
- Before photos: hide cords, pet items, trash cans, and fridge clutter.
- For showings: open blinds, turn on all lights, and remove or crate pets.
- Use a couple of baskets or bins to quickly tuck everyday items out of sight.
Chase Matthew
When: March 12
Where: Charleston Music Hall
Charleston by Design
When: March 12 - 15
Where: Tours across Charleston
Diamonds Reimagined: A Symphonic Salute to Rihanna
When: March 13
Where: Charleston Music Hall
Kids Are Cool Family Festival
When: March 14
Where: Woodland Nature Reserve
Weekend Wine-Down
When: March 14, March 21, March 28
Where: Deep Water Vineyard
Charleston Punk Flea Market
When: March 14-15
Where: Omar Shriners Event Center- Mount Pleasant
Face 2 Face – Elton John & Billy Joel Tribute
When: March 15
Where: Charleston Music Hall
Aly & AJ
When: March 17
Where: Charleston Music Hall
The Charleston Festival
When: March 18 - April 11
Where: Various events across downtown Charleston
Dancing with the Stars: Live!
When: March 19
Where: North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center
Charleston Bluegrass Festival
When: March 20
Where: Woodlands Nature Reserve
Isle of Palms Community Yard Sale
When: March 21
Where: IOP Recreation Department
Flowertown Festival
When: March 27-29
Where: Summerville
Monster Jam
When: March 27-29
Where: North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center
Cooper River Bridge
When: March 28
Where: Starts in Mount Pleasant
North Charleston St. Patrick's Day Block Party & Parade
When: Saturday, March 14 — 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Where: Located in the Olde Village (East Montague Ave)
Parade starts at noon. Live music on multiple stages
Official Charleston St. Patrick's Day Parade
When: Tuesday, March 17
Where: King and Radcliffe St.
Starts with mass at 8 AM at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, followed by a 10 AM parade from King and Radcliffe Streets to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, ending with a 11:30 AM flag raising at City Hall.
Bar Crawls
The Official Lucky's St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl
When: Saturday, March 14 @ 4 PM
St. Paddy's Bar Crawl on King Street
When: Saturday, March 14
Official Charleston St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl
When: Tuesday, March 17
Where: Downtown
Dunes West
This month I’m highlighting Dunes West, one of Mount Pleasant’s most popular gated golf communities just off Hwy 41 along the Wando River. It’s known for its Lowcountry feel—mature trees, marsh views, and winding streets—with a mix of townhomes, family-sized homes, and larger estate properties in different subsections.
Lifestyle here is very “resort at home.” Residents can enjoy miles of walking and biking trails, neighborhood docks for fishing and crabbing on the Wando, and access to the Dunes West Golf and River Club’s 18‑hole course, pools, fitness center, and racquet club with tennis and pickleball (club membership is separate from basic HOA).
For amenities, you’ll find a clubhouse, junior Olympic pool with water slide, tennis courts, fitness options, play parks, and plenty of social events—everything from golf outings to neighborhood gatherings, depending on your membership level. HOA fees cover the gated entrances, common area maintenance, and community spaces, with additional monthly cost if you opt into the club facilities.
Dunes West is also attractive for its schools and location: you’re close to highly rated Mount Pleasant schools, everyday shopping in nearby Park West, and roughly 30 minutes from downtown Charleston and area beaches. It’s a great fit for buyers who want an active, amenity-rich neighborhood and don’t mind paying a bit more in HOA/club fees to get that golf-and-resort lifestyle.
