Island Real Estate Update: A Shifting Market and How Carter Signature Properties Stays Ahead
Let’s be honest — selling on the island right now isn’t easy. The Surfside Beach and Treasure Island markets area in a a buyer’s market, with over 19 months of inventory sitting across Follett's Island. For sellers, that means patience, preparation, and precision in pricing are more important than ever.
At Carter Signature Properties, we understand how discouraging it can feel when showings slow down or offers take longer. But we also know how to turn challenges into opportunity. Through advanced marketing, AI innovation, and a powerhouse team, we’re helping our clients stay ahead — even in this evolving market.
Island Overview (Through October 16, 2025)
- 226 active listings | Average list price: $595,493 | Average days on market: 329
- 9 homes pending | Average list price: $665,311
- 5 homes sold | Average sold price: $322,390 | Average days on market: 487
Surfside Beach
- 146 active listings | Average list price: $489,055 | Average DOM: 313
- 4 pending | Average list price: $498,700 | Average DOM: 168
- 4 sold this month | Average sold price: $342,988 | Average DOM: 523
Carter Signature Properties represented 50% of those home sales.
Surfside Showing Activity (Oct 1–16)
| Price Range | Showings | Listings | Avg/Listing |
|---|---|---|---|
| $125K–$232K | 3 | 2 | 1.50 |
| $232K–$339K | 13 | 7 | 1.86 |
| $340K–$447K | 26 | 15 | 1.73 |
| $447K–$554K | 3 | 2 | 1.50 |
| $555K–$662K | 1 | 1 | 1.00 |
| $662K–$769K | 3 | 3 | 1.00 |
| $770K–$877K | 1 | 1 | 1.00 |
Takeaway: Most buyer activity remains below $450K. Higher-priced listings need sharper pricing and strong presentation to compete.
Treasure Island
- 45 homes active | Avg. list price: $552,890 | Avg. DOM: 387
- 2 homes pending | Average under $400K
- No closed sales month-to-date
Showing reports indicate little to no buyer requests this month — a clear sign that pricing aggressively and being show-ready from day one is key to success.
What This Means for Sellers
Buyers currently have more choices than ever. That means if a showing request comes in, it’s critical to accept it — buyers aren’t rescheduling. With so many options available, they simply move on to the next home. Keeping your property show-ready at all times ensures you never miss that rare opportunity when the right buyer comes along.
We know this can be stressful. That’s why our team works closely with sellers to stay ahead of trends, fine-tune pricing, and make every showing count.
How Carter Signature Properties Is Leading the Change
We’ve adapted our approach for today’s market — investing in technology, creativity, and strategy to make sure your property stands out where buyers are actually searching.
- 🧭 Buyer Persona Marketing: We developed a program to create a detailed profile of your home’s ideal buyer and tailor our marketing directly to them.
- 🤖 AI-Optimized Listings: Our property descriptions are being written for AI search tools like ChatGPT so your listing shows up in modern search results (Chat GPT began searching with Zillow on last Tuesday)
- 📸 Virtual Staging & AI Photography: We use enhanced images and AI-driven descriptions to help buyers see your home’s full potential.
- 🎨 Gemini-Powered Social Media: Our team creates community-based, trending visuals to increase engagement and visibility.
- 💪 Team Promotion: Every Carter Signature Properties listing is promoted by our entire island team, not just one agent — expanding your reach across multiple markets.
Buyers: This Is Your Moment
With inventory high and competition easing, buyers now have the power to explore options and negotiate favorable terms. Whether you’re looking for a coastal retreat or a full-time lifestyle home, our team can help you find the right fit — and make sure you’re making a smart investment in this shifting market.
The Signature Advantage
Real estate on the island isn’t just about listings and contracts — it’s about connection. And in this market, you need a brokerage that’s connected to both the data and the people. At Carter Signature Properties, we combine cutting-edge marketing with personal service and deep local expertise.
We can’t control the market — but we can control how we respond to it. And that’s where we shine.
Ready to Talk Strategy?
Whether you’re thinking about selling, buying, or just want to understand where your property stands, now is the time to start the conversation.
Contact Carter Signature Properties today to schedule your personalized market consultation. Let’s create a plan that gets results — no matter what the market is doing.
