What I'm thankful for in 2024

As the year comes to a close, it is hard not to look back and take stock of everything that’s happened. The Thanksgiving season has a way of slowing us down and reminding us to notice the good, even when life feels hectic. For me, both as a realtor and as the voice behind Selling Greenville 2024, it has been anything but easy. In fact, it may have been one of the most demanding years I’ve faced in this business. And yet, when I step back, I see so many reasons to be grateful. Yet, despite the struggles, setbacks, and storms—both figurative and literal—there’s still so much good to acknowledge. That’s why I sat down to record a special episode of Selling Greenville titled “What I’m Thankful For in 2024.”

This tradition of gratitude isn’t new for me. For several years now, I’ve used the podcast to share a list of things I’m most thankful for, often centered on the Greenville real estate market, my clients, and my community. But this year felt especially important. With all the upheaval in the industry, personal challenges, and unexpected hurdles, intentionally focusing on thankfulness became more than an episode idea—it became a grounding exercise.

What I’m Thankful For in 2024

Gratitude often shines brightest during hard times, and 2024 has tested me in more ways than I anticipated. But when I forced myself to list ten things I’m thankful for, I realized that there’s more good in this year than I had given myself credit for. Here are some of the highlights that stood out:

1. A First-Ever Podcast Sponsor

This year, Selling Greenville landed its very first sponsor, Piper Insurance Group. Not only did their support give the podcast a financial boost, but it also allowed me to give back in a meaningful way. I was able to use that sponsorship money to help a friend battling cancer. To me, this wasn’t just a sponsorship; it was proof that my listeners and local community were behind me, making it possible to turn a business opportunity into something that directly supported someone in need.

2. A Surprisingly Stable Real Estate Market

Let’s be honest: 2024 has not been an easy year for real estate. Rising rates, shifting contracts, new compensation structures for agents, and national-level lawsuits shook the industry. Many realtors nationwide are struggling or leaving the business altogether. Yet here in Greenville, the market remained surprisingly stable. We didn’t see the collapse that happened in some parts of the country. Business may have slowed, but it hasn’t stopped—and that stability is something I won’t take for granted.

3. Becoming Co-Team Leader of The Morgan Group

Another big milestone for me personally was stepping into the role of co-team leader for The Morgan Group—the very team I joined when I first entered real estate. Sharing leadership with Bob Morgan, the founder, has been both humbling and energizing. It opens doors for mentoring, growing a team, and helping others thrive in this career. That’s something I’ve always been passionate about, and now I get to lean into it even more.

4. Mortgage Rates Eased Slightly

Yes, rates were brutal this year. They peaked in the 8% range, which made it nearly impossible for some buyers to move forward. But thankfully, they dropped back into the low 7% range and even teased the possibility of the high 6s at times. That breathing room, however small, makes a huge difference in whether families can afford homes and whether deals can actually close. For that dip, I’m thankful.

5. My Mom Moved Closer

On a personal note, one of the biggest blessings of 2024 was having my mom move less than 10 minutes away. Since college, I’ve never lived this close to her. Being able to take a walk together, share a meal, or just have her nearby has been incredible. After losing my dad last year, this move feels especially meaningful, and I’m grateful every day for the time we now get to spend together.

6. Greenville Was Spared the Worst of Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene disrupted life for weeks, leaving many of us without power and throwing the real estate market into limbo. But compared to some of our neighbors in North Carolina and beyond, Greenville was spared the absolute worst. We didn’t see the devastating 100 mph winds or catastrophic flooding that others endured. While the storm was no small thing, it could have been much worse—and I’m grateful it wasn’t.

7. My Home Was Safe

Living near a floodplain, I know my home could have easily been damaged during Hurricane Helene. But somehow, despite the heavy rains and downed trees, my property stayed safe. Only one termite-ridden tree fell, far from the house, and no major water damage occurred. I was unprepared for the storm, but by sheer grace, my home came through untouched.

8. New Leadership Opportunities

This year, I was able to step into new leadership roles, including chairing the Realtor Political Action Committee here in Greenville, serving on the South Carolina Realtor Legislative Committee, and also joining the Greater Greenville Association of Realtors board of directors. None of these positions were ones I aggressively pursued, yet each has given me a platform to advocate for property rights, support fellow agents, and give back to the profession.

9. Strong Local and State Realtor Leadership

The national headlines about the real estate industry weren’t pretty in 2024. Lawsuits, negative press, and financial scrutiny all made waves. But here in South Carolina, and especially in Greenville, I’ve been deeply impressed with the strength of our local and state leadership. These organizations play a bigger role in protecting property rights and stabilizing markets than most people realize, and I’m thankful for their steady hand during a turbulent year.

Most people realize, and I’m thankful for their steady hand during a turbulent year.

10. Amazing Clients

Finally and most importantly, I am grateful for my clients. This year was stressful for buyers and sellers alike. Contracts fell through, showings dragged on, and financing challenges loomed large. But all my clients showed patience, resilience, and trust. Even when the process was tough, they handled it with grace. Without them, none of what I do would be possible.

The Power of Gratitude

What struck me most in creating this list is how easy it is to overlook the positives when you’re in the thick of challenges. Our brains are wired to dwell on the negative, but when you pause to list out what you’re thankful for, the good comes rushing back into focus. 

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Bottom Line

So as 2024 comes to a close, I encourage you to do the same exercise: write down ten things you’re thankful for. You might be surprised at how quickly the list grows once you start. Gratitude does not erase challenges, but it makes them easier to face. 2024 has been a year defined by resilience, both personally and professionally. I see one of my strengths, the support of others, and a renewed sense of hope for what lies ahead. My goal is to carry that spirit of gratitude forward into 2025 and beyond, letting it shape the way I work, serve, and live.

Ien Araneta

Journal & Podcast Editor | Selling Greenville