Year-to-date sales up 25%, median price gains 10%

Charleston-Area Home Sales and Prices Rise through Third Quarter
Year-to-date sales up 25%, median price gains 10%

CHARLESTON, SC—(October 10, 2013)

According to preliminary data released today by the Charleston Trident Association of REALTORS® (CTAR), 1,133 homes sold at a median price of $209,000 in September. Last September, 876 homes sold at a median price of $190,000 in the region.
 Year-to-date 9,861 homes have sold at a median price of $209,000 in an average of 86 days. Compared to this point in 2012, sales have increased by 25% and median price has risen by 10%. Year-to-date figures in 2012 showed 7,906 sales at a median price of $190,000.  Inventory is holding steady with 5,676 homes listed as ‘active’ for sale in the Charleston Trident Multiple Listing Service (CTMLS).

“We’ve closed almost as many sales in three quarters of 2013 as we did in the whole of 2012” said Dave Sansom, 2013 President of the CTMLS. “It has been a remarkable year of growth and progress for the Charleston-area real estate market. While we are heading into the end of the year and market activity may quiet down some, there are plenty of active and motivated buyers in the market” Sansom said.
 
The ongoing government shutdown isn’t expected to drastically impact the local real estate market unless it persists for a significant amount of time, but it is cause for buyers to ensure that they are working with a qualified REALTOR®.  “We don’t anticipate a major impact to productivity in our market but there may be some delays, particularly if you are seeking a federally-backed loan. Private banks have the ability to continue to close loans with the caveat of verifying the information they don’t currently have access to—tax transcripts, for example—once the government has reopened for business” said 2013 CTAR President Owen Tyler. “The shutdown could make buying a home a little more complicated, depending on the type of loan you’re securing. However, working with a qualified REALTOR® who knows how to navigate these temporary changes should alleviate any worry or concern for the buyer” added Sansom.
 
The changes to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) have been a cause for concern for some Lowcountry buyers and sellers, as rates are adjusting to restore solvency to the NFIP. However, it is important to understand that every property is different. “Homes in the same neighborhood or even next door to one another can be impacted in very different ways. Seek the counsel of a trusted insurance agent to determine current and future rates for a property. If you are hoping to sell your home, invest in a current elevation certificate” said Tyler.
 
AUGUST ADJUSTMENTPreliminary data reported for August 2012 indicated that 1,278 homes sold at a median price of $217,462. Adjusted figures now show 1,290 homes sold at a median price of $217,726.
 
BERKELEY COUNTY231 homes sold at a median price of $180,000 in Berkeley County in September. The most active area in the county was the area bordered by Jedburg Road, Highway 17A and College Park, with 59 sales at a median price of $188,790.

CHARLESTON COUNTYIn Charleston County in September, 674 homes sold at a median price of $259,200. West Ashley (outside of I-526) was the most active area during the month with 88 sales at a median price of $184,456.
DORCHESTER COUNTY189 homes sold at a median price of $176,000 in September in Dorchester County. The most active area was Summerville/Ridgeville, where 103 homes sold at a median price of $187,500.
 

# # #

 

With 3,700 members, CTAR’s mission is to promote the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, education and technology, and to ensure that its members are the primary source for real estate services in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Only those who are members of the Association of REALTORS® and its parent organizations are called REALTORS®.

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATES SALES VOLUME INCREASES, MEDIAN PRICE DECLINES IN JANUARY

CHARLESTON, SC—(February 10, 2011) According to preliminary data released by the Charleston Trident Association of REALTORS® 484 homes sold at a median price of $174,495 in January. Revised data for January 2010 shows that 450 homes sold at a median price of $193,000.

Homes are selling an average of 11 days faster than they were a year ago, with average days on market settling at 117 for January 2011.

“We anticipated the decline in prices and expect to see prices trend downward somewhat in the first part of this year—our foreclosure-heavy inventory isn’t going to support upward movement of prices, but it is encouraging to see another uptick in sales volume” said 2011 CTAR President Rob Woodul.

There were 8,428 homes listed as actively for sale with the Charleston Trident Multiple Listing Service as of January 31, 2011.

BERKELEY COUNTY
Preliminary figures show that 104 homes sold in Berkeley County at a median price of $151,775 in January.

89 Single-Family Detached homes sold at a median price of $160,000, while 14 Townhomes/Condos sold at a median price of $90,505.

The most active part of Berkeley County was the area bordered by Jedburg Road/Highway 17A/College Park.

Click here for a full report on Berkeley County.

CHARLESTON COUNTY
Preliminary figures show that 278 properties changed hands in Charleston County in January, at a median price of $219,949.

204 Single-Family Detached homes sold at a median price of $259,750 and 74 Townhomes/Condos changed hands at a median price of $135,000.

The area north of the Isle of Palms connector in Mount Pleasant had the most activity in the County, closely followed by the area of West Ashley outside I-526 and Mount Pleasant south of the Isle of Palms connector.

Click here for a full report on Charleston County.

DORCHESTER COUNTY
Preliminary figures show that 87 homes sold at a median price of $137,500 in Dorchester County in January.

76 Single-Family Detached homes sold at a median price of $144,000, while 11 Townhouses/Condos sold at a median price of $104,335.

The Summerville/Ridgeville area of Dorchester County was the most active in January.

Click here for a full report on Dorchester County.

With 3,000 members, CTAR’s mission is to promote the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, education and technology, and to ensure that its members are the primary source for real estate services in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Only those who are members of the Association of REALTORS® and its parent organizations are called REALTORS®. To learn more, visit www.CharlestonRealtors.com.

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE SALES VOLUME DECREASES, MEDIAN PRICE REMAINS STABLE IN NOVEMBER

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE SALES VOLUME DECREASES, MEDIAN PRICE REMAINS STABLE IN NOVEMBER

CHARLESTON, SC—(December 10, 2010) According to preliminary data from the Charleston Trident Association of REALTORS® (CTAR) 588 homes sold at a median price of $189,700 during the month of November.

Sales volume is 25% lower than in November 2009, when the original tax credit deadline of November 30 spurred an unprecedented number of sales (783).

Median price remained stable at $189,700—a slight variation (3%) from October’s median price of $194,785 and a healthy 10% higher than November 2009’s median price of $173,000, when buyer activity was heavily concentrated in the typically lower first-time buyer price range.

“We expected to see sales volume down in this quarter compared to last year. Sales are no longer being supported by the appeal of the tax credit, so it’s not surprising that sales decreased. Looking at the big picture, year-to-date sales are higher this year than last, and prices have shown stability over the last several months, which is encouraging for the market’s continued recovery,” said Rob Woodul, 2011 President of the Charleston Trident Association of REALTORS®.

Year-to-date, sales are 6% ahead of this point last year and median prices have fluctuated very little over the last 11 months—from a peak of $199,055 in August to a low of $179,900 in February. The year-to-date median price is 4% higher than it was at the end of November 2009.

At the end of November, the number of homes listed as actively for sale with the Charleston Trident Multiple Listing Service (MLS) was 8,802.

BERKELEY COUNTY
138 homes sold at a median price of $169,187 in November in Berkeley County. The median home price for 196 sales in November 2009 was $154,700.

CHARLESTON COUNTY
In Charleston County, median price jumped to $236,175 for the 318 homes that sold in November. Last year, 361 homes changed hands at a median price of $225,000 in November.

DORCHESTER COUNTY
Dorchester County data showed a median price of $152,136 from 112 sales. Last November, 199 properties sold at a median price of $150,000.

OCTOBER 2010 ADJUSTMENT
Preliminary numbers reported for October 2010 indicated 630 homes sold at a median price of $194,887. Adjusted numbers now show 657 sales at a median price of $194,785.

With nearly 4,000 members, CTAR’s mission is to promote the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, education and technology, and to ensure that its members are the primary source for real estate services in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Only those who are members of the Association of REALTORS® and its parent organizations are called REALTORS®. To learn more, visit www.CharlestonRealtors.com. ###

CHARLESTON RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE SALES UP 50%, PRICES REMAIN STABLE

Activity Expected To Continue Into the Busy Summer Season

CHARLESTON, SC—(May 10, 2010) According to preliminary data from the Charleston Trident Association of REALTORS® (CTAR), 784 homes sold in the region during the month of April at a median sale price of $180,174. That reflects a 51% increase in sales and a stable median price when compared to preliminary figures from a year ago-- 518 homes had sold at a median price of $181,303 in April 2009.

“It’s encouraging to see a return to consistent growth in home sales” said CTAR President Jeremy Willits. “Year-over-year sales have increased every month since last July. We also see our market’s stability reflected in the median sale prices—they are on par or slightly above where they were last year, which is sound and appropriate growth for a market emerging from a period of volatility” said Willits.

Last-minute contracts had Charleston REALTORS® working late into the night to help buyers meet the tax credit deadline. “I had a buyer sign a contract at 11:45 p.m. on April 30” said Corwyn Melette, of CARES Real Estate. “There was a huge rush of activity in that last week, which was exciting and encouraging. Now, we just have to see those contracts through to the closing table. Our job is not done” said Melette.

351 contracts were placed in the last week of April, with 207 of those signed in the final three days. In the whole of April, 1,160 homes went under contract with an average contract price of $255,817.

While it’s safe to say that the tax credit had a significant and positive impact, some Charleston REALTORS® believe there were other, more sustainable factors at work, things that will continue to support the market. “I think the tax credit did help create urgency and stimulate activity levels, but I believe that low interest rates and wide selection of reasonably priced properties were equally, if not more important than the appeal of the tax credit” said REALTOR® Beth Tavel of Carolina One Real Estate.

Although the homebuyer tax credit has come and gone, affordable properties, low interest rates and other buyer incentives have not. The Palmetto Heroes program provides teachers, firefighters, police officers and EMS provisions including up to $7,000 in down payment assistance to aid in their purchase of a home, and military personnel who served at least 90 days of qualifying duty outside the United States between December 31, 2008 and May 1, 2010 have an additional year to purchase a home and qualify for the tax credit.

MARCH 2010 ADJUSTMENT
Preliminary numbers reported for March 2010 indicated 691 homes had sold at a median price of $185,000, a 22% increase in sales and no change in median price from March 2009.

Adjusted numbers now show that 735 homes sold at a median price of $185,000. The sales increase is actually 29% higher than March 2009, with prices remaining stable at $185,000.

BERKELEY COUNTY
When compared with April 2009, sales in Berkeley County increased 60%and prices increased 3%, with 199 sales and a median sale price of $159,900.

CHARLESTON COUNTY
404 homes sold in Charleston County in April, a 62% increase from last year. The county’s $233,200 median sale price is a slight 3% lower than April 2009.

DORCHESTER COUNTY
April was a strong month for Dorchester County, as sales increased 26% and prices rose 4%. 157 homes sold at a median price of $152,900.

With nearly 4,000 members, CTAR’s mission is to promote the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, education and technology, and to ensure that its members are the primary source for real estate services in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Only those who are members of the Association of REALTORS® and its parent organizations are called REALTORS®. To learn more, visit www.CharlestonRealtors.com

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE SALES UP 22%, HOME PRICES CONTINUE STEADY GROWTH AT THE START OF SPRING SEASON

CHARLESTON, SC—(March 10, 2010) Preliminary data from the Charleston Trident Association of REALTORS® shows 691 homes sold at a median price of $185,000 in March. This represents a 22% increase in sales and maintenance of the median price from March 2009, when 568 homes sold at a median price of $185,000.

Year-to-date, 23% more homes have sold at prices 3% higher than this time last year. Thus far in 2010, 1,670 homes have sold at an average median price of $185,501. At this time last year, 1,357 homes had sold at an average median price of $180,473.


This suggests a strong beginning to the typically busy spring and summer seasons, which got off to a slow start in 2009. “The activity in the early months of 2010 is incredibly encouraging—every month, we’re seeing sustainable growth in home sales and prices are holding steady” said Jeremy Willits, 2010 CTAR President. “We didn’t have sales numbers in this range until May or June in 2009” said Willits.


Though no one is sure what the months following the expiration of the tax credit will look like, Willits concurs that the homebuyer tax credit appears to have done what it was supposed to do. “The tax credit was not intended to be a long-term initiative. It incentivized the purchase of a home, following a year of uncertainty and volatile market activity. It was designed to help stabilize the market and that’s exactly what we’ve seen it do in Charleston” said Willits.

Rising mortgage rates and the uptick in buyer activity could encourage potential buyers looking to make an investment in real estate before they are priced out of the market. Following last week’s rise in mortgage rates, from 5.03% to more than 5.20% last Wednesday, some potential buyers realize that low rates and market affordability won’t last forever. For every 1 percentage point rise in rates, 300,000 to 400,000 would-be buyers are priced out of the market in a given year, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.


There were 9,849 active listings on the market as of March 31, 2010. March represents the third consecutive month with less than 10,000 properties on the market.

FEBRUARY 2010 ADJUSTMENT
Preliminary numbers reported for February 2010 indicated 509 properties had sold at a median price of $179,900. Adjusted numbers now show that 541 properties sold at a median price of $179,755.

BERKELEY COUNTY
In March, 145 homes sold at a median price of $163,343 in Berkeley County reflecting a 6% increase in sales volume and a 1% change in median prices when compared to last March, when 137 homes sold at a median price of $165,000.


CHARLESTON COUNTY
378 residential properties changed hands in March in Charleston County, increasing by 31% when compared to March 2009’s 288 sales. Median prices have risen 9% since last year, settling at $246,000 this month.

DORCHESTER COUNTY
142 homes sold in Dorchester County in March at a median price of $148,400. Sales activity has increased by 27% when compared to March of last year, when 112 homes sold. Median prices have dipped 8% to $148,400 as compared to March 2009, when the median home price was $161,000.

Please note: “Preliminary number” indicates all sales and values for closings posted within 10 days following the close of the month. “Adjusted number” indicates the value after all sales have been posted.

# # #

With approximately 4,000 members, CTAR’s mission is to promote the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, education and technology, and to ensure that its members are the primary source for real estate services in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Only those who are members of the Association of REALTORS® and its parent organizations are called REALTORS®. To learn more, visit www.CharlestonRealtors.com

Residential Real Estate Sales Increase Again, Median Prices Remain Stable

CHARLESTON, SC—(March 10, 2010) Preliminary data from the Charleston Trident Association of REALTORS® (CTAR) shows 509 homes sold in the Charleston region in February, at a median price of $179,900. This reflects a 22% increase in sales and essentially no change in median sale price from preliminary numbers reported on March 10, 2009, which showed 417 sales at a median sale price of $179,450.

As of March 10, 2009, CTAR data showed 789 sales at an average median sale price of $178,100. This year, CTAR has recorded 940 sales at an average median sale price of $185,500. Year-to-date numbers show a 7% increase in sales and median sale prices are a slight 4% higher than this time last year.

At the close of the month, there were 9,532 homes actively listed for sale with the Charleston Trident Multiple Listing Service, a 4% increase from last month, when there were 9,171 homes on the market.

January 2010 Adjustment
Preliminary numbers reported on February 10 indicated that in January 2010, 416 properties had sold at a median price of $194,000. Adjusted numbers show that 429 properties sold at a median price of $191,100. This equates to a negligible (-0.9%) decrease in sales and a 9% increase in median prices when compared to January 2009, which showed 433 sales at a median price of $175,000.


BERKELEY COUNTY
Berkeley County saw a 16% increase in sales and a 3% variance in median price over February of last year. February’s preliminary numbers show 108 properties sold at a median price of $157,495. On March 10, 2009, preliminary numbers reflected 93 sales at a median price of $162,400.

In Berkeley County, the areas of Goose Creek and Moncks Corner showed the most activity, and Crowfield Plantation was the most active neighborhood.

CHARLESTON COUNTY
Charleston County continues to lead the regional market recovery with 60% more closed sales and a 5% increase in median price when compared to last year. In February, 288 homes sold at a median price of $235,950 in the county compared to February 2009 preliminary figures which showed 180 homes sold at a median price of $225,000.

In Charleston County, the area south of Highway 41 had the most activity in February, with the Rivertowne neighborhood showing the highest sales for that area.

DORCHESTER COUNTY
In February, 91 residential properties changed hands at a median price of $145,000 in Dorchester County. When compared to February 2009 preliminary figures, this data shows a 5% increase in sales and a 15% decline in median price. Last year, 87 homes sold at a median price of $169,990.

The Summerville/Ridgeville area showed the most activity in Dorchester County, and the Legend Oaks subdivision had the most sales within that area.

Please note: “Preliminary number” indicates all sales and values for closings posted within 10 days following the close of the month. “Adjusted number” indicates the value after all sales have been posted.

# # #
With approximately 4,000 members, CTAR’s mission is to promote the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, education and technology, and to ensure that its members are the primary source for real estate services in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Only those who are members of the Association of REALTORS® and its parent organizations are called REALTORS®.