Whether You Sell Now or Wait
Whether you should sell your Charleston home in 2026 or wait depends on your personal goals, the condition of your property, and the current real estate market. With prices stable and buyer demand steady, 2026 offers strong opportunities for well-prepared sellers working with a trusted agents like Bill and Waverly Byrd.
Why Timing Matters in Charleston Real Estate
The timing of your sale can affect how quickly your home sells and how much you net. Charleston’s market is influenced by national trends like interest rates as well as local factors like tourism, population growth, and neighborhood development.
Listing at the right time helps you:
- Maximize your home’s exposure to buyers
- Avoid extended days on market
- Capture equity at the market’s peak
Charleston Market Snapshot for 2026
As of January-2026, Charleston’s housing market shows resilience despite higher mortgage rates. We are expecting the Federal Reserve to lower the Fed-Funds Rate this year, however the impact will mostly likely not impact mortgage rates too dramatically.
Current trends:
- Median home price at the end of 2025: $435,000 for all residental homes (Tri-County MLS).
- Days on market: Averaging 33 days, slightly higher than 25 days at the end of 2024.
- Inventory: Growing year over year by 14% giving buyers more choices but not creating oversupply.
- Buyer demand: Steady, especially from relocations, retirees, first-time homebuyers and investors.
Bill and Waverly Byrd monitor these trends daily to advise sellers on the optimal time to list.
Reasons to Sell Your Charleston Home in 2026
1. Strong Buyer Demand: Charleston continues to attract new residents drawn by jobs, lifestyle, and climate. Popular areas like Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Johns Island Downtown Charleston and James Island are seeing consistent activity.
2. Equity Gains: Many homeowners have built significant equity over the past decade. Selling in 2026 allows you to lock in those gains and unlock your new wealth potentially tax free!
3. Low Competition in Key Neighborhoods: In desirable neighborhoods (Daniel Island, Downtown Charleston, Waterfront Johns Island), inventory is still tight. Well-priced homes in great condition sell quickly while others languish on the market and eventually selling at lower prices.
4. Relocation & Downsizing Opportunities: If you plan to move closer to downtown, retire, or downsize, 2026 is a good year to make the transition while demand is still relatively high. For seniors over 62, a Reverse Purchase Mortgage may be an opportunity to efficently use your equity!
Reasons You Might Wait to Sell
1. No Urgency to Move: If you’re comfortable in your home and don’t need to relocate, you may choose to wait and continue building equity.
2. Interest Rates: The currnet higher mortgage rates than a few years ago may reduce the buyer pool for higher-priced homes, making timing more challenging.
3. Planned Renovations: If you’re considering improvements that could add significant value, you may benefit from waiting until upgrades are complete.
Personal Considerations Beyond the Market
The best time to sell isn’t only about market trends. Consider:
- Lifestyle changes: Retirement, family needs, or work relocation.
- Financial goals: Using equity for your next purchase, investment or funding your retirement.
- Tax implications: Capital gains exemptions or 1031 exchange opportunities for your investment properties.(consult a tax professional).
Bill and Waverly Byrd often advise sellers that the right time is when the move aligns with their personal and financial goals.
How Bill and Waverly Byrd Help You Decide
When you’re unsure about timing, Bill and Waverly offer a no-pressure consultation that includes:
- A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) of your home.
- A Rental Analysis.
- An Asset Performance Test (if your Investment Property)
- A Capital Gains Analysis.
- A net proceeds estimate to show what you could realistically walk away with.
- A review of market absorption rates in your neighborhood.
- Guidance on whether selling now or later best fits your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions – Selling Now vs. Waiting
Current data shows stability, but future values depend on interest rates, economy, and local supply and demand.
Possibly, but timing the market is risky. We’ve just been through a long up-cycle where our home values had had some amazing gains. Knowing that, we feel there is more downside risk than upside. Selling when buyer demand is strong often outweighs trying to wait for an extra price bump.
Bill and Waverly Byrd can coordinate both transactions, explore bridge loans, or structure rent-back agreements to keep your move seamless. Typically, we split up the tasks where Bill often takes the lead on the selling side while Waverly spearheads the home search for your new home. You are literally getting two agents focused solely on your move. Two for the price of one!
Final Thoughts: Should I Sell My Home in 2026 or Wait?
The decision to sell your Charleston home in 2026 or wait depends on both market conditions and your personal goals. With steady demand and solid prices, many sellers are finding 2026 a favorable time.
If you’re weighing your options, a conversation with Bill and Waverly Byrd can give you clarity and confidence.
Your Next Step
Wondering whether to sell your Charleston home in 2026 or wait? Contact Bill and Waverly Byrd, Real Estate Wealth Advisor and Broker at Keller Williams Realty for a no-obligation, no-pressure consultation and a personalized strategy.
Authors
Bill Byrd and Waverly Byrd bring deep real estate expertise to clients throughout the Charleston area, drawing on years of hands-on experience with residential sales, investment property, relocation, and local market strategy. Their guidance is grounded in market knowledge, careful analysis, and a commitment to helping clients make well-informed real estate decisions.
As a father-and-daughter team, they work collaboratively on every transaction, combining experience, perspective, and consistent communication. Clients benefit from a coordinated approach that emphasizes preparation, clarity, and thoughtful execution at each stage of the buying or selling process across the Lowcountry.