Alicia Holmquist Realtor

05/30/2026

A window of real opportunity is quietly opening for buyers in South Carolina right now. 🏡

Market conditions are shifting, with a more balanced environment and improving inventory giving buyers a genuine edge ahead of the usual late spring and summer surge. While some are hesitating due to economic and interest-rate uncertainty, this lull often sets the stage for renewed competition once confidence returns or rates stabilize. That pent-up demand can turn the tables quickly, homes that seem plentiful now may be fiercely sought after as the season heats up.

Getting ahead of this wave means access to more options, stronger negotiating power, and less pressure from competing offers. This is the moment regional experts keep highlighting: acting before the rush often secures a home on better terms than waiting until everyone else jumps in.

Are you thinking of making a move while conditions favor buyers? Tell me what’s on your mind! 👇

That Awesome Ducking Realtor

05/30/2026

I already adopted my duck!!!! You know I had to share!!! Anything this Ducking good should be supported.

Myrtle Duck Festival | Rubber Duck Race for Charity | Myrtle Beach SC

Join thousands at Myrtle Duck Festival July 25, 2026 at Market Common. Free event with live music, food trucks, and a massive duck race.

05/30/2026

Two years.

In real estate, that's basically a lifetime.

Two years ago, my buyer started his home-buying journey. And if you've been in this business long enough, you know that a LOT can happen in two years. People change jobs. They move. Life happens. Plans change. Interest rates change. Home prices change. Sometimes the agent changes too.

Not this time.

From day one, we were both committed to the goal. Every step of the process, every question, every decision, my buyer would call and ask, "Hey, is it okay if I do this?"

And honestly? That's exactly why we made it to the finish line.

Case in point: yesterday.

A furniture company tried to convince him to finance furniture before closing so it could magically be delivered the day he got the keys. 🫣

Thankfully, before signing anything, he picked up the phone and called me.

My response?

"Nope. Nope. Nope. Absolutely not."

(Cue my immediate panic attack followed by overwhelming relief.)

Buying a home isn't just about finding the right house. It's about protecting the process all the way to the closing table. The smallest financial change can sometimes create a big problem at the worst possible time.

Two years later, after all the market changes, all the waiting, all the planning, and all the patience, we're finally here.

And I couldn't be more excited for my buyer.

Also... let's all take a moment to appreciate clients who ask questions before making major financial decisions. You all are the real MVPs. 😂🏡

05/30/2026

That one was FAST. 🫣🏡

From May 9th to May 29th... just 20 days.

When your friend/sister calls and says, "Help," there really is only one speed: full send.

What started as looking at homes that just weren't the right fit turned into exploring a home-and-land package. Then came the surprise requests for more money... and more money... and somehow even more money. At that point, the plan changed from "someday" to "we need to find a house NOW."

And we did.

I say it all the time, but first-time buyers have a special place in my heart. Watching someone buy their very first home is always exciting. Watching someone you love buy a home for their family? That hits completely different.

The conversations, the stress, the excitement, the uncertainty, the happy tears... all of it was worth it the moment we got to the closing table.

A huge thank you to the dream team that helped make this happen:

Nathan Landers - Timeless Mortgage NMLS 1524376, when I called and said, "This one needs to move FAST," you didn't hesitate. You got to work and made it happen.

Cooper Law, when I said, "Just so we're clear... that isn't the closing date, that's the absolute latest we can close," you jumped into action.

And DNA Home Inspections, when I called with a desperate, "PLEASE tell me you can squeeze this one in," you came through for us.

This is what happens when great people work together for the client.

Congratulations to my favorite first-time buyer. Your family has a home, and I couldn't be happier for you. ❤️🏡

05/29/2026

Looking for an edge in North Carolina’s market before everyone else rushes in? 🏡

The late-winter and early-spring window isn’t just a lull, it’s a strategic reset. With more listings appearing and fewer buyers competing, this is the time when negotiating on price, upgrades, or contingencies often feels less intense than it will once the main spring crowd arrives. As neighborhoods like the Triangle and coastal areas gear up for another busy season, buyers who act now are likely to see more choices and less bidding pressure.

Local insights point to a market that’s growing more balanced, but all signs show that the coming months will bring another wave of interest from newcomers and relocating households. Waiting until summer may mean more competition for those same homes, and less room to negotiate favorable terms.

Are you considering moving soon, or waiting for the spring wave? Drop your thoughts below and let’s talk about the timing that makes the most sense for you! 🗝️✨

That Awesome Ducking Realtor

05/29/2026

Savvy buyers in North Carolina know the best deals don’t always happen during the busiest months. 🏡

As winter wraps up and before the full spring rush begins, the local real estate market offers a unique window, inventory is healthier, options are broader, and buyer competition hasn’t reached its peak. This short “reset” period means sellers may be more open to negotiation on terms, upgrades, or contingencies than they will once the seasonal wave hits and demand intensifies.

Those who act early can secure homes in top neighborhoods with less pressure from multiple bids. Regional guidance consistently points to this moment as the smartest time to make a move, especially before new buyers flood the market fueled by job growth and continued population gains.

Thinking about starting your search? What features would make a home stand out for you this season? 👀✨

That Awesome Ducking Realtor

05/29/2026

Mirrors reflect light and double the perceived room size.

Designers share their easiest tricks for making a small bedroom look and feel bigger—no major tools (or demolition!) required.

05/28/2026

Moving early on new construction unlocks serious perks in the Triangle and coastal Carolina markets. 🏗️

Right now, these regions are seeing a fresh wave of listings, and new builds are offering choices that just aren’t around during the peak buying frenzy. With spring and summer heating up, buyers who act before the main rush have the edge, more options on floor plans and neighborhoods, and a bit more leverage when negotiating for upgrades or pricing.

Builders and local experts agree: waiting until everyone’s diving in often means less selection and tougher competition for the most desirable homes. Early movers get a clearer shot at securing the property, and the terms, they want, before relocation trends and seasonal traffic push demand even higher. 🌊

If you could pick the perfect timing to buy, would you jump in before the crowd or wait for the busiest part of the season? Let’s hear your take below! 👇

That Awesome Ducking Realtor

05/28/2026

Jumping on new construction early in the Triangle or coastal areas can be a real game plan for buyers this season. 🏗️

Right now, before the full rush of late spring and summer sets in, new developments are opening up more opportunities, especially in fast-growing spots. Early movers not only find more available options but often catch a bit of negotiating room and a wider range of floor plans before buyer crowds narrow choices. 🌳

As local experts note, population growth and relocation demand are primed to push competition even higher in the coming months. Builders are adding homes in prime neighborhoods, and those who move ahead of the curve typically land the pick of the newest releases. If you've got your eye on a certain area or want more say in upgrades, making your move before peak season can make the process less intense. 🏡✨

Thinking about exploring new construction in the Triangle or along the coast? Which neighborhoods would you love to get in ahead of the crowd?

That Awesome Ducking Realtor

05/27/2026

Out-of-state movers are shaping the pace of seasonal demand across the Carolinas. 🏡

Local housing markets in South Carolina are seeing a fresh wave of interest as new buyers arrive, while existing residents plan their moves to make the most of shifting opportunities. Every spring and summer, the energy picks up, but this year, strong relocation trends are adding even more momentum.

Those who step into the market early enjoy an edge: better selection, smoother negotiations, and a calmer atmosphere before competition peaks. Regional advisors are clear, acting ahead of the main surge can mean locking in the home you truly want, instead of getting swept up in bidding frenzies later.

For anyone weighing a move, it’s smart to keep an eye on policy shifts and ongoing development, too. The window before summer's rush often offers a wider range of neighborhoods and property styles, especially while inventory is still balancing out. 🌳✨

Thinking about making a move in South Carolina? What would you want most from your next home search, more choices or a simpler process?

That Awesome Ducking Realtor