Published May 21, 2026

Turns Out There’s More Than One "D Word" in Real Estate

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Written by Alison Harris

Savannah GA Monthly Insight

The stories, places, and life moments that have been filling our month lately.

Lately, life has felt very full in the best kind of way.

We're fully locked into Survivor Season 50 over here, which remains one of the greatest guilty-pleasure shows ever created. Alliances, blindsides, dramatic idol hunts in the woods… honestly, I never get tired of it.

I’ve also been reading Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara, and it’s one of those books that sticks with you long after you put it down. Technically it’s about restaurants and service, but really it’s about making people feel seen, remembered, and cared for. Which honestly feels a lot like real estate too.

And speaking of things worth talking about: I don’t think the low country boil at Plant Riverside gets nearly enough credit. It’s easily one of my favorites in town. Even if I refuse to call it anything other than “the dinosaur Hilton.” If you know, you know.

Meanwhile, Fleetwood Mac’s Landslide has been hitting a little differently lately with Ethan graduating high school.

Time is rude sometimes.


Life at the Harris House

The garden is absolutely popping off right now.

At this point, there is a very real possibility that zucchini or yellow squash may mysteriously appear on your porch or in your mailbox sometime soon.

And honestly? You should probably just accept your fate.

One of my favorite local events is also coming back this month: the Vintage Market at PERC Coffee. It’s such a perfect Savannah combination of vintage finds, coffee, people watching, and local charm. Definitely worth checking out if you’re around town.


A Quick Harris Home Team Spotlight

This month, we've also been celebrating one of the kindest humans we know: Trae Gurley.

A lot of Savannah already knows Trae from his music career. Many people still recognize him as “the Frank Sinatra guy,” though these days his performances span everything from the American Songbook to modern favorites. Somehow, he can even make a Chappell Roan song sound timeless.

But what many people may not realize is that Trae is also our incredible Listing Coordinator here at the Harris Home Team.

He helps coordinate repairs, assists with listing prep, handles the behind-the-scenes details, and somehow genuinely enjoys tasks the rest of us avoid. Need a ceiling fan hung? Need old lockboxes removed? Trae is absolutely your guy.

More importantly, he genuinely cares about people, and our clients adore him for it.

We're very lucky to have him on our team.


The Real Estate Insight

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about transitions.

Maybe because my youngest just graduated from high school, and suddenly I’m staring down a season of life that feels very unfamiliar.

For years, everything revolved around school schedules, soccer games, carpools, activities, and packed calendars.

And now?

My house is about to feel a whole lot bigger… and a whole lot quieter.

And honestly, I know I’m not the only one feeling it.


The "D Words" That Cause People to Move

In real estate, there’s a long-running joke about the “6 D’s” that cause people to move:

  • Death
  • Diamonds
  • Divorce
  • Diplomas
  • Diapers
  • And “Da Job,” because apparently we ran out of D words

But behind the joke is something very real:

People usually don’t move because of interest rates alone.

They move because life changes.


Real Estate Is Usually About a Life Transition

Maybe your family is growing and your home suddenly feels too small.

Maybe your kids are heading off to college and you don’t need all the extra space anymore.

Maybe you’re planning a wedding, navigating a loss, changing careers, or simply entering a different season of life.

These are the real conversations happening behind the scenes in real estate every day.

And lately, we’re seeing all of it.


Why So Many People Have Stayed Put

Higher interest rates have kept many homeowners in place longer than they normally would have stayed.

At the same time, affordability challenges have made it harder for first-time buyers to break into the market.

Homes are expensive. There’s no point pretending otherwise.

But many people still have more options than they realize.

There are:

  • Low and no down payment programs
  • Creative financing options
  • Flexible strategies that can help people move sooner than expected

Sometimes the biggest hurdle is simply understanding what’s possible.


The Savannah Market Is Finding Balance

The latest Savannah market snapshot points toward a more balanced market heading into summer.

Right now we’re seeing:

  • Rising inventory levels
  • Steady buyer demand
  • More homes hitting the market
  • Buyers taking longer to make decisions

The average market time is currently around 94 days, creating a healthier pace for both buyers and sellers.

And honestly? That balance can be a really good thing.


You Don't Need to Have Everything Figured Out

Transitions can feel exciting, overwhelming, emotional, hopeful, or all of those things at once.

But they can also be the beginning of something really wonderful.

If one of these life changes has been sitting quietly in the back of your mind lately, it may be worth having a conversation.

No pressure.
No sales pitch.
Just clarity about what’s possible and whether a move — now or later — could support the next chapter of your life.


Thinking About Your Next Move?

Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, relocating, or simply curious about your options, we’re happy to help you map things out.

📲Call Harris Home Team with questions 912-504-0284 or 912-232-8580 office


3 Quick FAQs

What are the most common reasons people move?

Life changes are usually the biggest driver, including growing families, job changes, marriage, divorce, downsizing, or kids leaving for college.

Is now a good time to buy or sell in Savannah?

The market is becoming more balanced, with rising inventory and steady buyer demand creating opportunities for both buyers and sellers.

Do I need to be ready to move to start the conversation?

Not at all. Many people start by simply exploring their options and understanding what’s possible.

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