4th Highest Priced Home Sold on IOP…but not Oceanfront. Why?
I was honored to see the 2025 list of homes sold on IOP and have my listing at 118 Charleston Blvd, be the #4 most expensive home sold. All Sellers want to see they got the most for their home, but what some saw as most surprising in this list, was how could this home not be oceanfront and garner such a price? Let me share the story of this home and Seller, and some of the secrets to getting the most value for your home, when it comes time to sell.
Often, the downfall to exceptional is settling for average. When selling your home, if you want average, any “average” Realtor can accomplish the expected job of marketing and selling. But “average,” simply lands on an average outcome—both gauged by price and experience.
There are four pitfalls to avoid when selling your home to overcome average and land on exceptional.
1. List and Let the Market Respond
Selling a home is an active sport. You can’t risk having a Realtor simply do the work to list your home and then sit back and let the market respond…or not. Having a strategic marketing plan in place, understanding the unique qualities of your home and working hard are just the start to successfully selling quickly and for the most value.
2. Not Digging into the Details
This is where the hard work really pays off. You know your home best and spending quality and sufficient time with your realtor to ensure they know these details is critical. Equally important is having a Realtor who understands what Buyers are looking for and how best to ensure these are highlighted in your listing and standing tall.
In the case of 118 Charleston Blvd, this involved a long and thorough walk-through with the owners, asking dozens of questions to understand and document the extensive remodel they had performed. There was not just custom cabinetry, but a VIP suite designed with three distinct zones—private lounging area with 70” TV for quiet time away, desk area for work-at-home needs and the most elegant sleeping area, making any guest feel like they are being pampered. This was just the beginning. With details found throughout every room, which, when demonstrated properly, would show how this home could transform a Buyer’s life.
3. Pricing based on the “market”
Yes, understanding your local market and pricing is a Realtor’s first job, but I cringe when I hear people immediately go to “price per foot” when it comes to the price equation. Not all square feet are created equal. I believe in an “art and science” approach to home prices.
In the case of 118 Charleston Blvd, there were simply so many unique parts of this home that brought true value. The home was in a prime location to walk to the beach (again, not ON the beach). Outdoor areas, which were expansive and special, transformed the usable living area of the home. Custom quality features that you simply don’t find in other homes. Combining all this together, convinced me this home deserved the price we listed it for—little did I know it would be the highest non-water-priced home sold on IOP last year! Yes, it took a bit of explaining with the Seller to convince them we were not too high, and I was convinced we would find the right Buyer at this price—which just happened to be the first couple walking through who had eyed this home for years.
4. Not demonstrating the value
While we did our research, knew the details and could support our pricing in step number three, it would have fallen flat if we didn’t educate, demonstrate and bring this home to life for the prospective Buyer. The only person who can do this best for you, is your personal Realtor, who has done the homework and can communicate that difference. Relying upon the Buyer’s agent to open, turn the lights on and walk through, is a far cry from what is required. This is why I take on only five listings at a time, so I can focus 100% of my efforts on my client’s home. This means I attend every showing—not just to ensure the home is looking perfect for the Buyer and agent coming through, but then personally walk through and share the story, unveil the secrets and let them truly see the difference this home could make in their life.
In the case of 118 Charleston Blvd, it was a showing that took nearly two hours, to walk through all three floors, listening and understanding what the Buyer’s needs were and showing how this home would meet and exceed what they were hoping to find.
Yes, not all homes are created equal, and each deserves a comprehensive approach to market and sell to ensure the most value is obtained for the owner and brings about an exceptional outcome.
Additionally, handling all the details regarding the contract and finally closing (another story), is where the hard work continues. Finding the best Realtor to partner with, is critical in ensuring a smooth ride and highest reward when considering selling your home.
Hayley Saint is a Realtor with Carolina One and a resident of Dunes West. Growing up in a custom homebuilder family, she developed a passion for all things home and design. With an MBA from USC focused on marketing and analytics, she combines her talents to help Buyers and Sellers transform their lives through an inspired home experience.
