Bluffton home inventory falls as sales stay strong

The Bluffton real estate market is heading into August with another drop in inventory, a welcome improvement in selling time, and continued strength in both pending and closed sales. The numbers are not all moving in the same direction, but the overall picture remains encouraging and continues to favor sellers.

There are currently 710 homes for sale in Bluffton, down 4.4% from 743 last month. This is especially notable because July already had the lowest inventory recorded for that time of year. Buyers now have even fewer homes to choose from, which should continue to support demand for properties that are priced and presented well.

There also was a significant improvement in average days on market. Homes are now taking an average of 76 days to sell, down from 97 days last month. That is a 21.6% decrease in just one month. Buyers remain thoughtful and selective, but homes are clearly moving more efficiently. Sellers should remember that low inventory does not automatically guarantee a quick sale. Price, condition, presentation and location still matter.

Pending sales have reached 1,423 year to date, an increase of 186 from last month’s total of 1,237. That represents a 15% increase in pending sales. Closed sales have grown even faster, rising from 1,120 to 1,334. That is an increase of 214 closings, or 19.1%, since last month’s report. This healthy flow of contracts and closings shows buyers remain active despite continued concerns about interest rates and the broader economy.

Bluffton currently has about 3.6 months of inventory. A balanced market typically has about six months of supply, so Bluffton remains firmly in seller’s market territory. Buyers have more room to be careful than they did during the pandemic market, but the limited supply still gives sellers the overall advantage.

The year-to-date median sale price is now $557,388, down just 0.9% from $562,403 last month. This small change suggests prices are holding remarkably steady, especially when considered alongside shrinking inventory, faster selling times and strong sales activity.

The main takeaway is that Bluffton remains a strong seller’s market. Inventory is shrinking, homes are selling faster, and transaction activity continues to grow. Sellers still need to price carefully, while buyers should be ready to act when the right home becomes available.

Dan Prud’homme is the Visionary & Success Coach of The Prudhomme Team at William Raveis Real Estate. dan@danprudhomme.com, www.th