Best Time to List in Market Common

Selling in The Market Common is all about timing. Pick the right week and you can boost views, shorten days on market, and protect your bottom line. Pick the wrong one and you may face price cuts and a longer wait. In this guide, you’ll learn the best seasons and tactics for listing in The Market Common and nearby Surfside Beach, plus how to tailor your timing to your likely buyer. Let’s dive in.

Market snapshot: 2025

The broader Myrtle Beach area has cooled in 2024–2025, with longer listing times and more sales closing below the original price. In June 2025, Myrtle Beach homes averaged about 121 days on market and roughly 78% sold below asking, which signals more buyer leverage in many segments (Rocket/Redfin market overview). The Market Common shows more volatile numbers due to smaller sample sizes, including an average listing age reported at 382 days in June 2025. Treat neighborhood stats with care, since one or two long‑tail listings can skew the averages (Market Common snapshot).

Seasonal patterns that matter

National research points to spring as the top window. Realtor.com identified April 13–19, 2025 as the single best week to list nationally, thanks to higher prices, more views, and less competition (Realtor.com best week). Locally, spring and fall are strong for primary and relocation buyers, while summer brings heavy visitor traffic. Peak visitor season runs June through August, which drives short‑term rental demand and can help investors evaluate rental potential (Grand Strand visitor season).

Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, with a peak from mid‑August to October. You can list during this period, but storms may delay showings, inspections, or closings, so build in contingency plans and clear communication with buyers (NOAA hurricane season).

Pick the right buyer window

Primary and relocation buyers

If your home will appeal to local or relocating buyers, focus on early to mid spring. Families and professionals often aim to shop in spring and close before summer. This timing lines up with stronger buyer activity and lighter competing inventory.

Retirees and second‑home buyers

Retirees and second‑home buyers are active year‑round. Many prefer to shop in fall and winter when traffic is lighter. If your home offers low‑maintenance living and nearby amenities, a fall listing can attract steady, serious buyers.

Investor and rental buyers

If you are targeting investors, consider listing in late winter or early spring so buyers can close before peak bookings. Another tactic is to list in late spring to showcase verified summer rental revenue. Always confirm current HOA rules and city requirements, since these directly shape investor demand (Market Common rental policy shift, South Carolina STR rules overview).

The prime timing play

• Aim for early to mid spring for broadest buyer demand. Realtor.com’s best week is mid‑April, so being market‑ready by late March or early April helps you capitalize on that surge.
• For investor‑leaning properties, list in late winter or early spring to catch buyers preparing for summer revenue, or use late spring to present real rental results. Keep your documentation ready and accurate.

Your prep timeline

Plan 4 to 8 weeks for prep before you go live. Use this checklist:

• Declutter, deep clean, and complete minor repairs.
• Consider a pre‑listing inspection for roof and HVAC to reduce surprises.
• Order professional photos, video, and a floor plan on a sunny, calm day for the best curb appeal.
• Gather HOA documents, fees, rules, and amenities. For rentals, compile income and expense records, licenses, and permits.

Pricing and launch tactics

Price close to recent comps and the current market pace. In a market where many homes sell below asking, aggressive overpricing often leads to a longer listing and later reductions. A mid‑week launch can help your listing appear fresh for weekend showings; studies point to Thursday as a smart go‑live day (best day to list). If investors are your target, include a one‑page rental performance summary in your marketing packet (rental performance tips).

Plan for days on market

Set expectations for a longer runway. Area averages in mid‑2025 show listings often measured in months, not weeks. That means strong photos, accurate pricing, and steady marketing matter more than ever. Be ready to negotiate on timing or repairs, and keep your property show‑ready throughout the listing.

Weather and regulation timing

If you want to reduce weather risk, consider listing before June. If you list during hurricane season, plan inspection windows carefully and keep buyers updated if storms approach (hurricane climatology). For investor‑friendly listings, confirm HOA rental rules and local license or permit needs up front. Market Common has shifted some properties from short‑term to longer‑term use, and cities require business licenses and tax registration for many STRs, which affects timing and buyer pool (Market Common policy changes, SC STR requirements).

When life sets the date

Sometimes a job transfer, new build, or family need sets your timetable. In that case, focus on the controllables. Price correctly, invest in professional marketing, launch mid‑week, and keep communication strong with buyers. In a slower market, the right strategy can matter more than the exact week you list.

Ready to map out your best timing in The Market Common or Surfside Beach? Reach out to Jan and Dan Sitter | Coastal Beach Homes for a custom plan and data‑backed pricing.

FAQs

Is spring always best to list in The Market Common?

• Spring, especially mid‑April through late May, is typically strongest for buyer traffic, but your ideal window depends on your property type and target buyer (national best week).

What if I need to sell during hurricane season on the Grand Strand?

• You can still sell successfully; plan for potential weather delays, schedule inspections around forecasts, and use clear contingency language in contracts (hurricane season basics).

Will summer tourist season help my Market Common condo sell for more?

• Summer can help investor buyers evaluate rental demand, but spring often brings stronger end‑user demand and fewer price reductions, especially for non‑oceanfront, primary‑use homes (investor timing tips).

How long should I expect my Market Common home to stay on the market?

• The Myrtle Beach area averaged about 121 days on market in mid‑2025, so plan for a multi‑month timeline and price accordingly (local market overview).

What day of the week should I go live in the MLS?

• A mid‑week launch, especially Thursday, can help maximize weekend traffic and showing momentum (best day to list).