The Real Story on Rates, Prices, and What’s Happening in Our Market

If you’re thinking about buying but holding off for a better mortgage rate, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing. Waiting it out might end up costing you more than you expect.

The second rates start to come down, people who’ve been on the fence are going to jump in fast. That means more buyers going after the same properties, and when demand goes up, so do prices. You might save a little on your monthly payment, but that savings can disappear quickly if the home you want costs ten or twenty grand more.

What’s Happening Right Now in Coastal Carolina

Let’s be real. Places like Myrtle Beach, Conway, and Sunset Beach aren’t just pretty on postcards. They’re at the top of the list for folks looking to get out of high-cost, high-tax cities and find a better lifestyle.

And there are good reasons:

• Low cost of living
• Low real estate taxes
• Warm weather all year
• Great golf, entertainment, and beaches
• Some of the best seafood and southern food you’ll find anywhere

People aren’t just dreaming about the coast. They’re moving here, and the trend isn’t slowing down.

Why Waiting Could Cost You

If you’re hoping for rates to hit six percent, you’re in good company. But when they do, expect a wave of buyers to hit the market all at once. That means:

• Home prices go up
• Inventory moves faster
• Sellers have more leverage
• You may end up paying more, even if your rate is lower
• And buyer compensation costs could increase, depending on how offers are structured

The Smarter Play

Buying now means you get today’s prices and better odds of negotiating what you want. If rates drop in a year or two, you can refinance. What you can’t do is turn back the clock when the house you loved is gone or double the price.

If you’ve been thinking about buying in the Carolinas, it’s worth having a real conversation now before the next wave of buyers hits.