Captain Matt Galvin talks Charleston Real Estate and Boating

On this show we welcomed special guest Matt Galvin of Agent‑Owned Real Estate (and founder/operator of Charleston Classic Yachts). Matt shares his path from Colorado mountain life and running a dive shop to building and selling a private yacht charter business, then transitioning into real estate in the Charleston area.

This episode covers a broad Charleston market overview: what the Tri‑County market looks like today (median sale price in the mid‑$500Ks), current active listings (~4,809 compared with the pandemic low of ~912 in 2022), and how the market has softened into a more balanced buyers’/sellers’ environment. Matt explains that decreasing mortgage rates (recently back into the 5% range and lenders offering promotional pricing) and steady job‑driven migration are helping buyers.

We discuss housing options—from starter homes, condos, townhomes and duplexes to luxury waterfront properties—plus trends in new construction and large builders (e.g., D.R. Horton). Matt outlines why new‑build incentives (in‑house pricing, rate buydowns, closing cost help) and working closely with lenders (he recommends Prosperity Mortgage) make new homes attractive to first‑time buyers.

A unique angle in this episode is how Matt leverages boating as a sales and lifestyle tool: showing waterfront listings by boat, creating memorable client experiences, and demonstrating Charleston living from the water. He also describes the advantages of being a local long‑time resident (nearly 25 years) and staying plugged into market data, seminars, and CTAAR briefings.

We touch on migration drivers—job growth, tourism and outdoor recreation—and local seasonality (spring market energy and events like the Southeastern Wildlife Expo/Seaweed). Practical takeaways include current negotiating leverage for buyers, the value of an informed agent, and ways to structure financing and incentives to make homeownership attainable.

To follow up or book a showing/charter: visit https://matt.galvin.agentown.com (Agent‑Owned Real Estate), or Charleston Classic Yachts  https://charlestonclassicyachts.com/