Best time to buy a house in South Carolina | Best South Carolina cities to buy a house | How to get a great deal on a South Carolina home
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Is there a best time to buy a house in South Carolina? It depends on your priorities.
In recent years, listing prices for homes in South Carolina were lowest in January. On average, homes were $18,915 less expensive. While in November — the month with the highest prices — the listing prices were $14,311 more than the annual average.
Mortgage rates, on the other hand, were lowest in December. But with interest rates on the rise, it pays to explore your options with a trusted mortgage provider to make sure you get the best rate possible.
Read on to find out what is the best time to buy a house in South Carolina!
Getting started
Thinking about buying a home in South Carolina? It's important to connect with a realtor who's an expert in the local market. Economic conditions can change quickly, and a knowledgeable realtor can give you up-to-date information on when and where to buy.
If you're looking for a realtor, try a free service like Clever Real Estate. Clever will match you with top agents from trusted brands like RE/MAX and Keller Williams. Interview as many agents as you'd like until you find the perfect fit, or walk away at any time with no obligation. Add your zip code below to request hand-picked agent matches today!
If you're ready to buy a home, Clever can connect you with an agent who knows the market!
✅ Get expert help to negotiate your purchase price
✅ Work with a full-service realtor from a top broker
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The best time of year to buy in South Carolina
If you want a great deal, January is the best month to purchase a home in South Carolina. There are fewer buyers during the winter, which means there’s less competition driving prices up. Also, homeowners tend to be more motivated to sell, so they’re more likely to negotiate on price.
However, far fewer homes are on the market in the winter, so it may be difficult to find a home that fits your needs.
If your priority is finding a home that’s the best fit for you, consider searching for a home in the spring. In April, May, and June, more houses are on the South Carolina market, increasing your chances of finding your dream home. But you'll have more competition, so you'll likely pay full price or even above the asking price.
While these are general rules of thumb, it's important to remember that price trends can vary from city to city — and there may even be anomalies within certain neighborhoods. The best way to find a home in your target market is to connect with a local realtor. They'll help you navigate the ins and outs of your market and find the best time to buy a house in South Carolina.
💰 Find a top buyer's agent near me today!
The best places to buy a home in South Carolina
With its charm, moderate climate, and proximity to the ocean, South Carolina is a great place to live. As you start pinpointing where you want to buy a home, consider these five areas.
Charleston
Charleston is known for its beautiful homes, high-quality restaurants, and historical attractions. Visitors flock to Fort Sumter, Magnolia Cemetery, Drayton Hall, and the Aiken-Rhett Home. The area is also home to the College of Charleston, The Citadel, and the University of South Carolina.
North Charleston
If you love to shop and want to be close to your favorite retailers, North Charleston is your spot. You’ll also be able to enjoy shows at the North Charleston Coliseum and North Charleston Performing Arts Center.
Greenville
With its lively entertainment venues and universities, Greenville attracts many students and young professionals. Forbes named Greenville’s downtown as one of the top 10 in the country.
Rock Hill
This suburb of Charlotte is often featured on lists of best places in South Carolina. If you enjoy the great outdoors, Rock Hill is for you. You’ll also find plenty of festivals and special events in the Old Town area, and you’ll have access to Olympic-caliber cycling and BMX facilities.
Columbia
Columbia is South Carolina’s capital, and it’s home to a world-class zoo and the University of South Carolina.
Four ways to get a great deal on a home in South Carolina
1. Find a great South Carolina real estate agent
Before you start your home search, it's important to connect with a local real estate agent who understands your market. An experienced realtor will provide insight into the best time to buy a house in South Carolina, and they can help you identify neighborhoods that fit your needs.
2. Determine what you need and want in a house
Do you want to live in a bustling college town or a quieter community? What amenities do you need? Your South Carolina real estate agent can help you narrow down what you’re looking for. They may suggest certain areas based on your financial situation.
3. Find a lender and secure financing
Unless you plan to buy your home with cash, you'll need to apply for a mortgage. For most home buyers in South Carolina, interest rate is one of the biggest factors when choosing a lender. Doing some upfront research and comparing options to find the best rate could save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.
For example, in South Carolina a typical house is worth $205,000. Assuming a 20% down payment, if you took out a 30-year mortgage for 3.5%, your monthly payment would be $731. But if you shopped around and found a 3% mortgage, your monthly payment would drop to about $691.
4. Negotiate for the best possible price
Once you find a suitable property, your agent will help you make an offer. They'll also negotiate on your behalf to ensure that you pay a fair price in the current market conditions.
If you're looking for a realtor, Clever can connect you with the top buyer's agents in your area for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Fill out our online form, and a Clever representative will reach out to get the process started and answer any questions.
Finding a great local realtor is the first step in making your home buying dreams a reality. Our free service matches you with top agents from trusted brands like Keller Williams and RE/MAX.
Enter your zip code to request hand-picked agent matches in minutes. Compare your options until you find the perfect fit, or walk away with no obligation. Try Clever's free service today!
