Bonnie Wicks, Carolina One Real Estate

08/06/2026

What detached home Berkeley County buyers choose in July 2026?

Seventy-five attached homes went under contract. The median list price was $325,000, and the typical home had three bedrooms, about 1,512 square feet, and a 2026 year built.

Buyer activity was strongest among newer 2–3 bedroom homes priced between $250,000 and $349,999. Pricing also mattered: 55% of the homes had a price reduction before securing a contract.

For Berkeley County sellers, the data suggests that buyers are comparing price, condition, location, and monthly affordability—not simply choosing the newest home.

Data reflects attached homes ratified or placed under contract in July 2026, not closed sales.

08/05/2026

What did Charleston County buyers choose in July?

A total of 152 attached homes went under contract. The most common choices were 2–3 bedroom homes with roughly 1,000–1,500 square feet, and much of the activity occurred between $250,000 and $500,000.

One detail sellers should not overlook: 44% of these homes had a price reduction before securing a contract.

That does not mean every home must reduce its price. It does suggest that buyers are comparing value carefully—and condition, location, monthly cost, and realistic pricing still matter.

These figures reflect ratified and pending listings, not closed sales.

08/05/2026

These numbers show where contracts were ratified, but they do not tell the entire story. Larger subdivisions generally have more available inventory, while activity in Charleston and Dorchester counties was spread across many smaller communities.

For sellers, the better question is not simply, “Is my neighborhood active?” It is, “How does my home compare with the homes buyers actually chose?” Pricing, condition, location, updates and overall value still determine which individual homes stand out.

08/04/2026

Are home prices going up or down?

It's one of the most common questions homeowners ask, especially after reading the latest headlines.

I recently attended a real estate conference that reviewed more than 75 years of housing market history. One of the biggest takeaways was that today's slower appreciation isn't necessarily unusual. History shows that housing markets move in cycles, and most years have experienced modest growth rather than dramatic swings.

In my newest article, I answer five questions homeowners are asking right now, including:

🏡 Are home prices going up or down?
📍 Will my home's value go down?
⏳ Should I buy now or wait?
🏠 Should I sell now or wait?
📊 What does housing history teach us?

My goal isn't to predict the future—it's to help homeowners understand the facts so they can make informed decisions.

Read the full article at bonniewicks.com.

08/04/2026

What are Lowcountry buyers actually choosing?

From July 31 through August 3, 2026, 200 homes went under contract across Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester Counties.

Charleston County had the highest median list price at $599,000. Berkeley County offered the largest median home at 2,092 square feet. Dorchester County had the lowest median list price at $349,990.

The clearest pattern was practical value. Three- and four-bedroom homes attracted most of the activity, and roughly 40% of the homes in each county had received a price reduction before going under contract.

For sellers, the lesson is not simply to list high and wait. Buyers are comparing location, size, condition, age and monthly affordability—and they are responding when the home makes sense beside the competition.

08/03/2026

Before spending thousands on a home improvement, ask yourself one question: Will this make my home safer, more comfortable, or less expensive to own? From generators and garage door reinforcement to attic insulation, smart thermostats, and whole-home surge protection, some of the best investments aren't always the most obvious. I put together a simple guide to help South Carolina homeowners make informed decisions before starting their next project.

Read more at BonnieWicks.com. 🏡💡

08/02/2026

✨ Sunday Comic: A Weekend Well Spent

Some weekends are about relaxing. Others become projects you'll smile about for years.

This weekend, Barb and John completely transformed their master bedroom. John tackled the wainscoting, Barb hung the wallpaper, and together they finished the room with all the little details that make a house feel like home.

One of the things I enjoy most about real estate is seeing how small, thoughtful improvements can completely change the feeling of a space. It's not always about spending the most money—it's about creating a home that reflects the people who live there.

Congratulations, Barb and John! Your new bedroom turned out beautifully, and it made for a perfect Sunday Comic.

🏡 Sometimes the best room in the house is the one you create together.

08/01/2026

08/01/2026

Sunday Comics 🏡

"I'll read the next newsletter."
"It won't affect my unit."
"They'll tell me if it's important."

I've heard these comments for years. Unfortunately, I've also watched buyers lose financing, homeowners face unexpected special assessments, communities lose FHA eligibility, and insurance companies demand expensive repairs that had been discussed long before they became emergencies.

When you own a condo or townhome, attending HOA meetings isn't just about voting on landscaping. It's about protecting one of your largest investments.

A few hours each year may save you thousands of dollars—and a lot of frustration.

07/31/2026

Sometimes the house isn't the best part of the story.

One 2018 transaction started with tenants who had to move, a buyer who inspected everything (even TV reception with rabbit ears!), and a house that still sits vacant today.

But the real success? Those former tenants worked on their credit, became homeowners, and are still happily living there years later.

That's one of the reasons I love real estate. Sometimes the greatest closing isn't the one on the contract—it's the one that changes someone's future. 🏡❤️