Thinking about selling your Myrtle Beach home “just to see what happens”? You’re not alone. Every year, many Grand Strand homeowners consider listing their property above market value—hoping for a premium but willing to stay put if they don’t get it. This strategy, often called “testing the market,” may sound risk-free. But in the 2026 local real estate landscape, it can have lasting consequences that most sellers don’t anticipate.
The data from 2025 shows a market that rewards accurate pricing and penalizes over-ambition. As listing platforms and buyer expectations evolve, the risks of “just trying it” are higher than ever. This article breaks down why testing the market rarely leaves you right where you started, what the latest Myrtle Beach figures reveal, and how sellers can make more informed, confident decisions.
What Does “Testing the Market” Mean in 2026?
“Testing the market” refers to listing your home at a price above current comparable sales or buyer expectations, usually without a strong commitment to sell unless that price is reached. While this approach may seem like a harmless way to gauge interest or set a negotiation anchor, it interacts with today’s digital-first market in ways that can harm, rather than help, your outcome.
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) December 2025 report, homes in the U.S. that require a price reduction spend 28% longer on the market than those priced correctly from the start—and locally, the impact is even more pronounced (NAR, Dec. 2025).
In Horry County, the Myrtle Beach Area Association of Realtors reports that listings initially priced more than 5% above recent comparable sales saw a median time on market of 49 days in Q4 2025, compared to just 21 days for competitively priced properties (MBAAR, Q4 2025).
The Digital Footprint: Why First Impressions Matter
In 2026, the vast majority of Myrtle Beach homebuyers begin their search on real estate websites and mobile apps, reflecting national trends where most buyers now start online. Because listings are syndicated across major platforms such as Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com, key details like your property’s list price, days on market, and price changes are recorded and displayed in each site’s public price history or status history sections.
Price Reductions Send Signals
Redfin’s 2025 Myrtle Beach report found that 44% of homes that started above market value needed at least one price cut before selling (Redfin, Nov. 2025). Each public reduction can erode buyer confidence, making your property appear “stale” or suggesting there’s something wrong beyond price.
Buyers and their agents are attuned to these signals. Extended days on market or multiple reductions are often perceived as leverage for negotiation, pushing final sale prices below what the home might have achieved with a sharper initial strategy.
Algorithms Work Against You
Major home search platforms use algorithms to prioritize new, well-priced listings in search results. Properties that linger due to overpricing quickly sink in visibility, missing the critical window when buyer interest is highest (typically the first 2–3 weeks on market in Myrtle Beach, according to NAR, Dec. 2025).
Psychological Anchors: How Overpricing Affects Perception
Buyers in Myrtle Beach’s 2026 market have more information than ever before. According to NAR’s 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 91% of buyers used online tools to compare similar homes before visiting a property in person.
When a listing appears overpriced relative to others in Carolina Forest or Surfside Beach, buyers often dismiss it outright or mentally anchor its value well below ask. Even after a price reduction, the “overpriced” impression lingers, making later negotiations tougher.
Opportunity Costs: What Sellers Lose by “Testing”
Listing without a genuine intention to sell can have measurable costs, even if the outcome appears to be “no sale, no harm.”
1. Loss of the Fresh Listing Window
The first weeks on the Myrtle Beach market are when your listing receives the most attention. If your home is priced too high and fails to attract offers, you miss this prime marketing period. As NAR’s December 2025 statistics show, homes sold in the first 14 days typically secure 98.1% of their asking price nationally, and 97.4% in Horry County (NAR, Dec. 2025; MBAAR, Q4 2025).
2. Lasting Digital Record
Every price reduction and withdrawal is cataloged on listing platforms. Even if you remove your home and relist in the future, the property’s digital pricing history can be found by many buyers, affecting perceptions and future sale prospects.
3. Emotional and Financial Distraction
Preparing a home for showings, enduring open houses, and navigating buyer inquiries takes time and energy. Even if your intent is only to “test,” the process is disruptive. And if you decide to withdraw your listing, some marketing and prep costs are sunk.
4. Appraisal and Lender Scrutiny
Repeated or lengthy listings at inflated prices can lead to appraisal challenges if you do find a buyer. Local appraisers in Myrtle Beach will compare your property not only to recent sales, but also to how long it sat on the market and any reductions.
When “Testing” Turns Into Trouble: Local Case Patterns
In Carolina Forest and Murrells Inlet, Q4 2025 saw a marked increase in price reductions on homes that debuted above market. The Myrtle Beach Area Association of Realtors noted that 38% of withdrawn listings in Horry County during the last quarter of 2025 had at least one public price reduction before removal (MBAAR, Q4 2025).
This pattern suggests that, even without a sale, “testing” can result in visible setbacks that affect future attempts.
The Alternative: Data-Driven Listing Strategies
Rather than “testing,” sellers in Myrtle Beach are finding more success by:
Reviewing recent neighborhood sales within a 0.5-mile radius and 90-day window
Considering active competition, not just closed sales
Pricing based on objective features (condition, updates, lot size)
Timing listing launches for peak visibility (spring and early summer often see the highest buyer activity in Grand Strand)
Working with local real estate professionals to craft a strategy that balances goals with current market realities—rather than guesses
Compliance Considerations: Accurate Representation
The Federal Trade Commission’s 2025 guidelines emphasize that sellers and agents must avoid misleading advertising and price representations. Overstating a home’s likely market value or misrepresenting intentions can violate federal and state regulations (FTC, 2025).
Listing a home with no real intention to sell at market value, or using misleading language about pricing, exposes sellers to potential challenges under these rules. Local agents and sellers are advised to be transparent in all marketing materials and communications.
Ready to Make a Confident Decision? Let's Talk.
If you’re considering selling your Myrtle Beach home but aren’t sure about market timing or pricing, Carolina Crafted Homes offers data-driven insights tailored to your goals. Our team can help you understand current buyer demand, competitive pricing, and how to position your property for the best possible outcome—no pressure, just straightforward expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does “testing the market” mean in Myrtle Beach real estate? A: “Testing the market” refers to listing your home without a firm commitment to sell, often at a price well above recent local sales. In Myrtle Beach, this approach usually involves seeing if buyers will “bite” at a higher price point, but the 2025 data shows this strategy typically results in longer time on market, multiple price reductions, and potentially weaker negotiating positions for the seller.
Q: How long do overpriced listings stay on the market in Horry County? A: According to the Myrtle Beach Area Association of Realtors, homes initially priced more than 5% above comparable sales had a median days on market of 49 in Q4 2025. In contrast, accurately priced homes in Horry County sold in a median of just 21 days, showing how sensitive the local market is to pricing decisions.
Q: Can I withdraw my listing if I don’t get my price? A: You can withdraw your listing, but digital platforms will retain a record of your home’s pricing history and time on market. This data is accessible to future buyers and agents, which can affect perceptions if you decide to relist. In 2025, 38% of withdrawn listings in Horry County had at least one price reduction before removal, highlighting the lasting impact of “testing the market.”
Q: Are there legal risks to listing just to “test” the market? A: The Federal Trade Commission’s 2025 guidance cautions against misleading or deceptive advertising. Listing a property without a genuine intention to sell at market value, or misrepresenting your price expectations, could raise compliance concerns. It’s best to consult with a local real estate professional and ensure all marketing accurately reflects your intentions and the home’s value.
Q: What’s the best way to determine the right price for my Myrtle Beach home in 2026? A: The most effective pricing strategies in Myrtle Beach start with reviewing recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood, considering current active listings, and factoring in objective features like condition and lot size. Local agents can provide a comprehensive comparative market analysis using the latest Q4 2025 data from the Myrtle Beach Area Association of Realtors, helping you avoid the pitfalls of “testing the market.”
