Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate, the leading real estate brand in the Carolinas and the No. 1 family-owned real estate company in the country, recently expanded its footprint in the Lowcountry and Coastal Georgia with the acquisition of Coastal Properties.
The acquisition includes five offices on Hilton Head Island and in Beaufort, Bluffton, Savannah and Sun City/Okatie, with more than 160 agents and employees.
In October 2024, Howard Hanna Allen Tate acquired Alliance Group Realty, marking the company’s entry into the region with offices on Hilton Head and in Bluffton.
The combined companies will operate as one unified brand, Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate, and will offer transformational advantages for real estate agents and clients – connecting the Lowcountry and Coastal Georgia with key feeder markets and relocating buyers in the Northeast.
Gary Scott, President of Howard Hanna Allen Tate.
Gary Scott, president of Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate, addressed the most common questions he’s hearing from clients about the Lowcountry real estate market.
Q: What’s happening with the Lowcountry’s real estate market right now?
A: We’re seeing some really interesting shifts that suggest the market is finding more balance. On Hilton Head, listings are up 26% from Q3 2024, and up 35% in Bluffton. Buyers are making thoughtful decisions, with listings in the region averaging 11 showings in Q3 2025.
Q: How is this affecting buyers?
A: Buyers are definitely feeling less pressure. Homes are staying on the market longer – about 77 days now vs. 60 days in 2024 on Hilton Head and 69 days vs. 55 days in Bluffton. While we’re still technically in a seller’s market with about four months’ supply of inventory, buyers aren’t having to make split-second decisions anymore. That said, I always advise buyers to get their financing secured upfront, as well-priced, well-maintained homes are still moving quickly.
Q: Are prices still going up?
A: On Hilton Head, prices continue to rise, with our average sale price hitting $1,036,951 in Q3 2025 – up 12.4% from last year. In Bluffton, the average price dipped about 9% from last year, to an average sale price of $702,132 in Q3 2025. The list-to-close ratio has remained virtually unchanged at 94.6% in Hilton Head and has decreased slightly, from 97% to 96% in Bluffton.
Howard Hanna Allen Tate Lowcountry agents
Q: What’s the biggest mistake sellers are making right now?
A: Pricing strategy, without question. When sellers overprice initially, they often end up selling for less than they could have gotten with correct pricing from the start. Buyers become suspicious when they see price drops and extended market time.
Q: What should sellers do in this environment?
A: Price your home right from day one. Work with an agent who understands current market dynamics and can provide a realistic pricing strategy based on recent comparable sales. The homes that are priced correctly are still selling quickly and in fact, in some cases, we’re still seeing multiple offers.
Howard Hanna Allen Tate Lowcountry agents
Q: Where do you see the market heading?
A: We’re moving toward a more balanced market, which is healthy for everyone. Buyers have more inventory and time to make decisions, while sellers who price appropriately can still achieve strong results. It’s really about working with experienced professionals who understand these shifting dynamics.
(Statistics based on year-over-year market data, July 1-September 30, 2025.)
For expert guidance navigating the Lowcountry’s evolving real estate market, contact Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate or visit howardhannatate.com.
