Should You Buy Now or Wait Until Spring? What Upstate South Carolina Buyers Need to Know

If you’re thinking about buying a home in the Upstate, you’re not alone — but you might be wondering when to make your move.
Many buyers assume spring is best. But the truth? Buying this fall could save you thousands and get you ahead of 2026’s competition.

Let’s look at what’s really happening with prices, interest rates, and inventory — and how timing your purchase before year-end can put you in a stronger financial position.

💰 1. Prices Are Still Rising (Slowly)

According to recent Upstate market data:

• Greenville County median price ≈ $372,000 (+7% YoY)

• Spartanburg ≈ $285,000 (steady)

• Cherokee ≈ $295,000 (+3%)

Even as the market stabilizes, experts predict 3–5% price growth in 2026.
That means a $350,000 home could cost $10–15K more by spring — before you factor in interest changes.

📈 2. Interest Rates May Not Drop Soon

Yes, rates have inched down from their 2023 highs, but they’re still hovering around 6.5–6.7%.
Even a ¼-point jump can raise your monthly payment by hundreds.

Rather than waiting for a perfect rate, buyers are using:

• 2-1 buy-downs for lower initial payments

• Seller-paid points to reduce rates

• Refinance later when rates drop without losing equity gains today

🏠 3. Inventory Is Finally Improving

Fall 2025 inventory has risen about 10–15% across the Upstate — just enough to give buyers options without tilting to a buyer’s market.

✅ More homes to choose from
✅ Less competition than spring
✅ Motivated sellers ready to negotiate

If you’ve been struggling to find “the one,” this might be your window.

🧮 4. Real-World Math: Buy Now vs Wait 6 Months

Waiting six months could mean paying over $15K more up front and $1,700 extra per year.

🎁 5. Holiday Buying Bonuses

November and December often bring special incentives:

• Builder discounts or closing-cost credits

• Seller flexibility to close before year-end

• Reduced competition for turnkey homes

It’s the perfect mix of opportunity and timing for serious buyers.

🧭 6. The Psychology of Spring Buying

Spring feels exciting — flowers bloom, listings pop — but it also creates pressure.
More bidders = fewer choices and higher prices.
Buying now lets you shop calmly, without rushed decisions or bidding wars.

🏁 Bottom Line

Waiting for spring might sound safe, but the numbers say otherwise.
Buy this fall → close mid-December → skip your January payment → start building equity in 2025.

If you’re ready to stop wondering and start planning, I’m here to help you run the numbers for your specific situation.

📘 Download: “The Home Buyer Roadmap” – your complete step-by-step plan from pre-approval to closing.

📅 Schedule your 15-minute Real Estate Review