Is It a Buyer’s Market? Not According to Just Released Data

For months, whispers around Greenville have said it’s finally a buyer’s market. (You can almost hear the collective sighs of would-be homeowners clutching pre-approval letters.) But the numbers? They’re telling a different story—one that’s far more balanced than the rumors suggest.

According to the Greater Greenville Association of REALTORS®, the Upstate isn’t crashing, nor is it overheating. It’s simply doing what Greenville does best: holding steady. So, before anyone breaks out the “buyer’s market” banner, let’s look at what the data really says about Greenville Buyer’s Market Trends—and why the truth might surprise you.

Greenville Buyer’s Market Trends: The Calm in the Chaos

If you’ve been waiting for prices to plummet, grab a snack—you might be waiting a while.

April’s data brought a whopping 27% increase in new listings year over year, one of the biggest jumps in recent memory. Translation: sellers finally got off the fence (or maybe they just ran out of patience waiting for mortgage rates to drop).

This wave of new inventory doesn’t scream “buyer’s market,” though—it signals pent-up sellers returning to the field. Many had stayed put during the so-called “lock-in effect,” hanging on to their low rates like a favorite old hoodie. But life happens—people move, families grow, jobs change—and now, that backlog is hitting the market.

Pending sales dipped slightly, down about 6% compared to last March, but context matters. Last spring was unusually strong, so even a modest dip feels larger on paper. Meanwhile, closed sales climbed nearly 16%, showing that homes aren’t just being listed—they’re selling.

The average time on market dropped back into the 40s, reminding everyone that, in Greenville, “slow” is still fast by most standards. (Think tortoise pace compared to 2021’s cheetah sprint.)

Price Growth: Slower but Smarter

The median sale price sits at about $310,000, up 2.4% from last year. Not wild growth, but healthy growth. It’s like switching from espresso shots to drip coffee—still energizing, just less likely to give you heart palpitations.

Meanwhile, the average price ticked up to $371,000. Luxury listings are having their moment, nudging averages higher as Greenville attracts more upscale buyers. But don’t panic—plenty of homes still land comfortably below that line.

Homes are selling in roughly 48 days—fast enough to keep sellers smiling and buyers on their toes. Sure, gone are the days of 12-hour bidding wars and five-offer showdowns (real estate agents everywhere are sleeping again), but the market hasn’t gone cold. It’s just…normal. And normal feels good.

Is It Actually a Buyer’s Market? (Spoiler: Nope.)

Let’s set the record straight: Greenville’s market might be balancing out, but it’s not tipping in buyers’ favor just yet.

Inventory levels hover around 4,000 active listings—similar to pre-pandemic norms—but demand is still strong enough to keep sellers in the driver’s seat.

To reach a true buyer’s market, we’d likely need inventory to climb closer to 5,000 homes. Until then, buyers have a bit more breathing room but not enough to start throwing in lowball offers (save that energy for yard-sale season).

The truth? Greenville is living in the sweet spot between frenzy and freeze. Homes aren’t flying off shelves, but they’re not gathering dust either. It’s a market that rewards preparation, not panic.

“Marry the House, Date the Rate”

Yes, interest rates remain high. And yes, that hurts affordability. But waiting for rates to drop can be a trap. Buyers who waited last year are now facing higher prices and fewer affordable options.

That’s why local agents often say, “Marry the house, date the rate.” Find the home that fits your life now, and refinance later when rates ease up. (Kind of like committing to someone before they grow out their questionable haircut.)

For sellers, the playbook is simple: price realistically, present beautifully, and resist nostalgia for 2021. Back then, listings vanished in hours. Today, it takes a little more patience—but those who adjust are still cashing in.

What the Data Really Means

One of the more telling stats is the percentage of list price received—now sitting at 98.6%. That’s nearly identical to last year, proof that buyers are negotiating but not hijacking deals. In other words, everyone’s playing nice.

The affordability index, meanwhile, dipped to 95. It means the average household can afford about 95% of the average home. Not ideal, but not apocalyptic either. Greenville’s housing diet is tough—but manageable. (At least you can still afford sweet tea.)

Inventory is finally inching up, too. For buyers, that means more options. For sellers, it means more competition. It’s a fair fight—and that’s what a balanced market should feel like.

A Quick Word on Joel Mangin

This episode marked the debut of co-host Joel Mangin, a longtime business partner and market watcher. His thoughtful questions added perspective to an otherwise data-heavy episode—proving numbers can be interesting when you have the right company. (Who knew spreadsheets could sound this friendly?)

To connect with Joel, reach out through the Selling Greenville team.

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Bottom Line

Greenville’s market isn’t hot, cold, or chaotic—it’s balanced.

Prices are rising modestly, homes are selling faster than headlines suggest, and inventory is finally catching up. It’s not a buyer’s market yet, but it’s one that rewards awareness, timing, and a sense of humor.

Buyers: shop smart and stay ready. Sellers: price right and stay patient.

Because in this market, balance is power—and that’s the story worth paying attention to. (No crystal ball required.)

Ien Araneta

Journal & Podcast Editor | Selling Greenville