If you’re waiting for a crash, read this first

If you’re considering purchasing real estate along the Grand Strand in 2026, I keep hearing the same thing: “We’re just waiting for the crash.”

Here’s the reality. The “big reset” most buyers want usually shows up as a shift in leverage, not a dramatic headline. More listings, slower bidding wars, and more negotiating room. In other words, more choice and more control.

What the data says about inventory right now

According to Realtor.com housing inventory data published through the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED), the Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach area had 5,519 active listings in December 2025, and that was up 5.5% year over year. (Sources: https://fred.stlouisfed.org and https://www.realtor.com)

That matters because rising active listings typically means:

• Buyers can be pickier

• Sellers have to compete harder on price, condition, and concessions

• Negotiation becomes more normal again

Why negotiating power is improving

When inventory grows, the market often moves from “seller command” toward “balanced.” You may start seeing:

• More price reductions

• More inspection flexibility

• More seller-paid closing costs, depending on the home and the situation

Negotiation is not guaranteed, but it tends to get easier when buyers have options.

What’s happening with mortgage rates

Rates still move daily, but the bigger story is this: borrowing costs are meaningfully lower than they were a year ago.

Freddie Mac’s weekly survey recently put the average 30-year fixed rate a little above 6% in early January 2026, down from roughly 6.9% a year prior. (Source: https://apnews.com)

For a South Carolina snapshot, Bankrate’s state page has been showing South Carolina 30-year fixed rates around the low 6% range in mid-January 2026. (Source: https://www.bankrate.com)

Translation: your buying power can look very different today than it did last year, even if prices are only stabilizing.

The Grand Strand is still a relocation magnet

Relocation demand is a real tailwind here.

The 2025-2026 MoveBuddha migration report ranked Myrtle Beach as the top “move-to” city by inbound interest, and it also noted South Carolina as a top move-to state. (Source: https://www.movebuddha.com)

So even if prices stabilize, demand from movers can keep the market competitive in the right neighborhoods and price points.

What to do if you want to buy in 2026

Instead of waiting for a crash headline, focus on three things you can control:

1. Get clear on your monthly payment
   Payment is the lever that matters most to your budget.

2. Pick your target neighborhoods and must-haves
   More inventory helps you avoid rushing into the wrong fit.

3. Build a negotiation plan before you tour
   Strategy matters. Offer structure, contingencies, and timing can be as important as price.

Want to see your payment on today’s numbers?

If you’re thinking about buying along the Grand Strand in 2026, tap the link to estimate your monthly payment and compare options. If you want a personalized strategy, reach out and I’ll help you map the smartest path based on your goals.

Sources (general websites):

FRED (Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis): https://fred.stlouisfed.org

Realtor.com (Housing Inventory data): https://www.realtor.com

AP News (Freddie Mac weekly rate coverage): https://apnews.com

Bankrate (state rate snapshot): https://www.bankrate.com

MoveBuddha (2025-2026 migration report): https://www.movebuddha.com