📘 HOW TO: Getting the Latest Market Report from CTAR
Purpose: Enable agents to find, download, interpret, and insert the latest MLS market data into client listing agreements and presentations.
Applicability: This SOP applies to all Carolina Elite agents covering Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, and Dorchester Counties.
🧭 Step 1 — Navigate to the Market Reports Page
Open your web browser (Chrome, Safari, etc.)
This page lists the latest MLS statistics and FastStats data for the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors (CTAR).
charlestonrealtors.comTip: Bookmark this link or save it in your browser so you can access it quickly each month.
📥 Step 2 — Identify and Download the Latest Report
On the page, look for clickable links, embedded charts, or PDFs of the “latest market report” (reports typically include trends for inventory, sales, prices, and absorption rates).
charlestonrealtors.comIf there are broken links or empty areas (sometimes CTAR directories require login), call/email CTAR support — they often provide FastStats reports directly if needed.
charlestonrealtors.comDownload the report to your computer (PDF or spreadsheet) and rename it with the month/year for easy organization on your desktop.
Note: CTAR reports cover MLS territories in Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton and Dorchester counties.
charlestonrealtors.com
📊 Step 3 — Extract Key Data
From the downloaded report, look for — and extract — these core points:
✔ Median and average sale price trends
✔ Months of inventory
✔ Days on market averages
✔ Number of active, pending, and sold listings
✔ Price per square foot changes
✔ Market direction (upward, flat, downward)
This extracted summary is what you will share with your seller during the listing appointment.
📝 Step 4 — Create Your Market Summary Snapshot
Using the data extracted in Step 3, build a market snapshot page for your listing agreement. Include:
Market Direction: Is pricing stabilizing? Increasing? Decreasing?
Inventory Levels: Low supply often means less competition.
Demand Indicators: Days on market and pending counts.
Comparable Area Data: Median price trends for the seller’s county.
Example Snapshot Headline:
“In [Month Year], Berkeley/Charleston/Dorchester saw median prices rise X% with inventory remaining below historical averages — indicating strong seller conditions.”
📎 Step 5 — Insert into Your Listing Agreement
Open your listing agreement or CMA presentation (Canva, Google Slides, PDF, or printed packet).
Add a new “Market Snapshot” page right after the pricing strategy section.
Include:
A short summary paragraph (3–5 sentences)
A small table or chart with the key figures
A footer note: “Source: CTAR Market Reports”
(optional: include URL or report month)
🗣️ Step 6 — Present It to the Seller
When going over the market snapshot with your seller:
✔ Highlight the direction of the market
✔ Show what it means for their pricing strategy
✔ Explain how trends support your recommended list price
✔ Emphasize you’re using real MLS data, not estimates
📅 Step 7 — Save & Update Monthly
Save each monthly report in a folder like:
CTAR Market Reports → 2025 → Charleston Market Report MMM YYYY.pdf
At the start of each listing appointment cycle, repeat this SOP so your data is always current.
🔁 Tips for Consistency
✔ Install a Google Calendar reminder for the first business day of every month to check for new reports.
✔ Use consistent chart styles in your listing packet so sellers easily read and compare historical trends.
✔ Pair CTAR data with MLS custom reports (if available) for neighborhood-specific insights.
