The Fall Real Estate Market Push: Why October Matters
Every fall, I see the same pattern in the Midlands: a jolt of buyer activity in October, more contracts written, and heavier showing traffic on our listings. Then, once we hit mid-November and Thanksgiving, activity tapers. It never goes to zero, but fewer buyers want to put a home under contract that would close 30–45 days later, right on top of Christmas and New Year’s.
Homes still sell in December and January, there are just fewer buyers in the pool. This fall that’s amplified by historically low buyer demand and higher days on market across the board, so timing and presentation really matter. We’re currently pushing marketing hard on all our active listings to grab attention now and be one of the next properties under contract.
South Carolina snapshot (latest statewide update)
Median sales price in August 2025: $344,000, up 2.1% year over year.
Inventory up 23.9% year over year to 31,095 homes statewide.
Months’ supply at 4.2, up from 3.5 a year ago, signaling a more balanced market.
Days on market 70 in August (vs 59 last year), confirming slower absorption.
Midlands (Greater Columbia / CMLS) – where we are now vs. last fall
Greater Columbia, Aug 2025 vs. Aug 2024: median price $278,350 (-0.2% YoY), DOM 43 (up from 40), and closed sales flat at 1,206—evidence of steady prices with slightly slower pace.
CMLS 12-month trend (Sep 2024–Aug 2025):
Pending sales up 6.1% overall.
Median price up 1.7% to $275,499 (SFH up 3.1% to $287,000).
Inventory up 39.3%; months’ supply roughly 3.1–3.2 (SFH/condos).
Fastest-moving price band: $500k–$750k at ~43 days.
These are regional numbers specific to Consolidated MLS, which covers the Midlands.
What happened last fall (October–November 2024) and why it matters now
Statewide in October–November 2024, pricing held and supply climbed: months’ supply ran ~3.5 and affordability stayed tight. That fall bump in contracts showed up despite rates whipsawing.
Nationally, October 2024 existing-home sales rebounded after a weak September as buyers jumped when rates dipped—illustrating how quickly demand can surge on small rate moves.
Locally, the Midlands mirrored that pattern over the ensuing 12 months: more inventory, slightly longer DOM, and a modest uptick in pending sales—producing a market where well-priced, well-marketed homes still move, especially in October.
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What this means for you (strategy for sellers)
Right now is about strategy and marketing: crisp pricing, standout visuals, and targeted distribution. With inventory up and buyer pools thinner than peak years, your home must earn attention in week one. That’s why my team is doubling down on:
Launch-week media that stops the scroll and drives showings.
Price positioning to sit at the top of saved-search brackets.
Offer-window and terms strategy to capture motivated fall buyers who want to move before year-end without a holiday closing.
My Take for October
Expect stronger showing/contract activity in October, then a seasonal slowdown by mid-November. Most buyers who want keys before January 1 will be writing offers in the next couple of weeks. If your goal is a 2025 move, getting market-ready now is the play. (Our current listings are already seeing showing increases consistent with this seasonal push.)
If you’re thinking of selling, I’d love to put a custom plan together for you. Reach out to me, Patrick O’Connor at Coldwell Banker, and let’s map the right strategy to win this fall market. Contact me or call/text 803-243-0224 to get started.
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Why October is a critical month for buyers & sellers
Seasonal patterns we see every year in the Midlands
South Carolina Market Snapshot
Latest statewide stats (prices, inventory, days on market)
Midlands Market Update
Greater Columbia trends
CMLS regional stats compared to last fall
What Happened Last Fall
October–November 2024 activity
Lessons for this year
What This Means for Sellers
Strategy, pricing, and marketing that win now
Why timing matters in October
My Take for October
Showing traffic and buyer urgency
Forecast through mid-November
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Thinking about buying or selling? Work with Patrick O’Connor.
Patrick O'Connor is the founder and leader of The Patrick O'Connor Team at Coldwell Banker, specializing in real estate across the SC Midlands including Lake Murray real estate. As a top realtor, he has assisted over 1,500 families in buying and selling homes and is recognized as the #1 Coldwell Banker team in South Carolina, Patrick brings unparalleled expertise in the Midlands of South Carolina real estate market, earning accolades for his dedication and success in the industry.