At first glance, Charleston might seem like a friendlier market for first-time buyers than it was a year ago. Mortgage rates have stabilized, inventory is up slightly from pandemic lows, and sellers are more open to negotiation. Yet the reality is quite different from appearances. Entry-level homes are lingering, while luxury properties — often priced above $1 million — are attracting multiple offers and selling quickly. Buyers on a budget face more competition from investors and fewer move-in-ready options than those with cash in hand. This gap is not only about financial resources. It also comes down to how different buyers...