James Island / Charleston SC - Great Eastwood Neighborhood Home
If you are looking for a great home in the Eastwood area of James Island, this is the one. Nice lot with many trees, 3 year old pool, chef's kitchen and more.
For your private showing, please call Randall Sandin at 843-209-9667 or email at rsandin@carolinaone.com
Search the entire Charleston MLS at http://www.charlestonpierpartners.com
2008 South Carolina Housing Market Statistics
Below is a general look at all the local areas in South Carolina. Please remember this is a broad view point and real estate is very localized so the numbers may not be truly accurate for your individual home. The key point I see here is that across the board, sales were down but the average price of the homes was just down a little. This shows that overall South Carolina has held up well so far during this economic period.
Charleston Trident
Sales: down 31.2%, 7933 sold
Median Price: down 4% to $202,000
Average Days on Market: up 26.6%, 118 days
Greater Columbia
Sales: down 20.6%, 8446 sold
Median Price: down 1.7% to $143,000
Average Days on Market: up 14.7%, 98 days
Greater Greenville
Sales: down 19.6%, 7529 sold
Median Price: up 2.5% to $152,000
Average Days on Market: up 6.7%, 94 days
Coastal - Myrtle Beach
Sales: down 28.1%, 5616 sold
Median Price: down 11.7% to $177,000
Average Days on Market: down 11%, 195 days
Piedmont - Rock Hill
Sales: down 27.4%, 2837 sold
Median Price: down 2.5% to $157,000
Average Days on Market: up 12.2%, 136 days
Statewide Numbers
Sales: down 24%, 46,914 sold
Median Price: down 3.5% to $154,000
Average Days on Market: up 5%, 145 days
If you would like numbers on your specific area or neighborhood please give me a call at 843-209-9667 or email me at rsandin@carolinaone.com
-Source: SC Realtors
Charleston Trident
Sales: down 31.2%, 7933 sold
Median Price: down 4% to $202,000
Average Days on Market: up 26.6%, 118 days
Greater Columbia
Sales: down 20.6%, 8446 sold
Median Price: down 1.7% to $143,000
Average Days on Market: up 14.7%, 98 days
Greater Greenville
Sales: down 19.6%, 7529 sold
Median Price: up 2.5% to $152,000
Average Days on Market: up 6.7%, 94 days
Coastal - Myrtle Beach
Sales: down 28.1%, 5616 sold
Median Price: down 11.7% to $177,000
Average Days on Market: down 11%, 195 days
Piedmont - Rock Hill
Sales: down 27.4%, 2837 sold
Median Price: down 2.5% to $157,000
Average Days on Market: up 12.2%, 136 days
Statewide Numbers
Sales: down 24%, 46,914 sold
Median Price: down 3.5% to $154,000
Average Days on Market: up 5%, 145 days
If you would like numbers on your specific area or neighborhood please give me a call at 843-209-9667 or email me at rsandin@carolinaone.com
-Source: SC Realtors
Charleston SC - Top 25 Strongest Housing Market
What a nice surprise we received in Charleston, SC real estate market this week when our little community was named one of the top 25 strongest housing markets by Forbes magazine. They say we should see the bottom of this market by the end of the year and to only expect another 1.1% in price drops. I am not quite sure how they compile there information but sure hope they are correct. Business and activity has been picking up since the first of the years as prices are at 2005/06 levels and interest rates are still low.
For information on the Charleston and Folly Beach real estate markets, contact Randall Sandin at 843-209-9667 or via email at rsandin@carolinaone.com. Search the entire Charleston Real Estate MLS by clicking the link in the uppe right hand corner of this page.
Folly Beach - Great place to live or own a second home
Folly Beach - A colorful sea community known as "The Edge of America" is a melting pot of personalities and characters. Homes, condos and villas are available and are populated by a mix of year-round residents, seasonal residences and vacationers. Some popular spots include Morris Island Lighthouse and the Folly Beach Fishing Pier. A downtown strip of restaurants, bars and shops offers plenty of enjoyment for all. Click here to view current listings.
If you are looking to make the move to the beach lifestyle or want that perfect second home, give Randall Sandin at call at 843-209-9667, email at rsandin@carolinaone.com or search for Folly Beach homes at http://www.charlestonpierpartners.com
Be Wary of those HUGE Price Reductions
As I check the MLS updates throughout the day, some of the price reductions just stun me. I was just checking the MLS just a few minutes ago and saw reductions from $5000 to $50,000 to even $900,000 for a place down in Edisto. It makes you wonder about why more homes are not selling with all these huge daily price reductions. it is pretty simple, the houses were way OVERPRICED from the beginning. Be very cautious not to let a price reduction get you to excited - this may be simply getting the house into the proper price range. Make sure you have a agent that does not encourage you due to the reductions, you have to know the current sold numbers and also history on the house to find that value. And in today's market you never realy know the seller's true movtivation until you put something on paper.
A Taste of Folly Festival - Folly Beach, SC Sat., 1/24, noon-5pm
A Taste of Folly Festival, Saturday, Jan 24th, noon-5pm
Come out for a great time at Folly Beach this Saturday. Events will include an oyster roast, Folly Beach chili cook-off, Bert's Market hot dog eating contest and bake sale. There will be live music by the Oscar Rivers Trio and the blues trio Walkin' Mike Wolk.
Folly Beach merchants and restaurants will have booths offering their wares and portions from their menus.
For the kids there will be a 20-foot inflatable slide, face-painting, balloon animals and cup-cake decorating.
The event will take place on Center Street and the street will be blocked off to traffic from Ashley to Hudson avenues. To sign up for the chili cook-off or the hot dog eating contest, stop by Bert's or Planet Follywood.
To search Folly Beach, SC or Charleston, SC real estate, click the link in the upper right hand corner of this page or visit our main website at http://www.charlestonpierpartners.com
New Listing - Clearview Neighborhood on James Island
Make sure you check out this great home in the Clearview neighborhood of James Island - Charleston, SC. View our main website at http://www.charlestonpierpartners.com
Charleston SC Boat Show - Jan23-25, 2009
The 29th Annual Charleston Boat Show
The Charleston Area Convention Center and Coliseum
Friday, January 23, 2009 – Noon-6:00pm
Saturday, January 24, 2009 – 10:00am-7:00pm
Sunday, January 25, 2009 – 11:00am-6:00pm
To experience the greatest nautical event of the Lowcountry!
Don’t miss the latest models and newest trends in the industry!
Boats will be packed inside and around the
Charleston Area Convention Center and Coliseum.
There will be a variety of Special Events and Seminars during The Show to entertain the young and the old, the novice boater and the experienced!
$9.00 - Kids 12 and under FREE!
http://www.thecharlestonboatshow.com
Work Like a Dog Each Day
I saw a great article the other day about traits that dogs have in their lives that all realtors and everyone else in the world could use. Here are the top five that I liked best and how I see them:
Trust your instincts - go with you gut even if the words being said are something different. Your first instinct on something is usually correct. Pay attention to non-verbal clues such as body language and energy.
Be direct & consistent in your communication - Our words and actions need to be clear and consistent at all times. The last thing a client wants, or more importantly trusts, is an agent who gives mixed signals or different answers to the same questions.
Live with a purpose - Boredom can bring us down. Find your purpose in life and how you want to work your job. Contribute more to your family and your local community.
Learn to listen - many of us, me included, spend too much time talking and not enough listening to the needs and wants of our clients. Program that little voice in your brain to make you think for a second before you speak.
Celebrate each day - Every day is the best day for a dog and it should be for us as well. Live them crap behind and celebrate the great things in your life.
Hope you get a little from the above, I am going to try to think like a dog each day.
Search for Charleston real estate at http://www.charlestonpierparnters.com
Trust your instincts - go with you gut even if the words being said are something different. Your first instinct on something is usually correct. Pay attention to non-verbal clues such as body language and energy.
Be direct & consistent in your communication - Our words and actions need to be clear and consistent at all times. The last thing a client wants, or more importantly trusts, is an agent who gives mixed signals or different answers to the same questions.
Live with a purpose - Boredom can bring us down. Find your purpose in life and how you want to work your job. Contribute more to your family and your local community.
Learn to listen - many of us, me included, spend too much time talking and not enough listening to the needs and wants of our clients. Program that little voice in your brain to make you think for a second before you speak.
Celebrate each day - Every day is the best day for a dog and it should be for us as well. Live them crap behind and celebrate the great things in your life.
Hope you get a little from the above, I am going to try to think like a dog each day.
Search for Charleston real estate at http://www.charlestonpierparnters.com
Neighborhood Focus Charleston SC - Clearview on James Island
Clearview neighborhood on James Island - Located at the end of Harborview Road on James Island, Clearview is an established neighborhood with an abundance of mature trees and large yards. Both lake living and waterfront homes are available. Walk or bike to nearby Sunset Park or the James Island Yacht Club and enjoy the beautiful views of the Charleston Harbor. In 2009, enjoy the new fishing pier and kayak landing that is being installed at Sunset Park. The Clearview community is close to neighborhood schools, shopping, medical facilities and recreational amenities. Only ten homes are currently listed and prices range from $225,000 to $895,000. Call me at 843-209-9667 for a tour of the area. Click here to view current listings.
Randall Sandin, rsandin@carolinaone.com
843-209-9667, Carolina One Real Estate
http://www.charlestonpierpartners.com
Randall Sandin, rsandin@carolinaone.com
843-209-9667, Carolina One Real Estate
http://www.charlestonpierpartners.com
OPEN HOUSE, James Island, 775 Willow Lake, Sunday, 1/11, 1-3pm
Stop by and view this great Eastwood home on Sunday from 1-3pm.
775 Willow Lake in the Eastwood neighborhood on James Island
Here are just some of the features of this home:
- hardwood floors
- Chef's kitchen with granite counters
- large FROG used as 4th bedroom
- open living area
- formal dining room
- large laundry room
- 2 car garage
- large storage shed with power
- pool with fenced yard & screened porch
new FHA Loan Limits in Charleston, SC
FHA loan limits have been changed for the Charleston, SC area. The new maximum loan is now $309,000 and the new down payment requirement is 3.5% instead of 3%. The buyer can still ask the seller to pay for closing costs, pre-paid items, etc. but must have 3.5% to put down on the house.
FHA loans are a great option for people with credit scrores under 700 and those who do not have the traditional 5-20% to put down on a home. They are much more flexible on these items and you still get a very good interest rate, currently around 5-5.5% (as of 1/8/09). Also, in the past, inspections were a little difficult as the FHA loan had more requirements. Those have been greatly relaxed and even though you still have to use an FHA approved inspector, it is not a major issue in today's market.
If you want more info on FHA loans, please give me a call at 843-209-9667 or email me at rsandin@carolinaone.com and I will get you in touch with one of my preferred lenders.
Randall Sandin
Search all homes in Charleston, SC - http://www.charlestonpierpartners.com
FHA loans are a great option for people with credit scrores under 700 and those who do not have the traditional 5-20% to put down on a home. They are much more flexible on these items and you still get a very good interest rate, currently around 5-5.5% (as of 1/8/09). Also, in the past, inspections were a little difficult as the FHA loan had more requirements. Those have been greatly relaxed and even though you still have to use an FHA approved inspector, it is not a major issue in today's market.
If you want more info on FHA loans, please give me a call at 843-209-9667 or email me at rsandin@carolinaone.com and I will get you in touch with one of my preferred lenders.
Randall Sandin
Search all homes in Charleston, SC - http://www.charlestonpierpartners.com
Still Selling Homes in Charleston, SC
Charleston Pier Partners (Matt Poole & Randall Sandin) in Charleston, SC are still getting homes sold in this crazy market. Check out the listings that we closed in Nov & Dec, 2008.
Folly Beach - 111 East Arctic, unit #302 - beachfront, 3 bed/3 bath condo sold for $594,000 - this was the ONLY closed transaction on Folly Beach in December 2008.
James Island - 727 Swanson Avenue in the Eastwood neighborhood - closed in November for $450,000
1530 Fort Johnson, unit 4L - this unit sold for $73,000, we got this condo sold even with litigation going on against the builder!
If you are looking to sell in this challenging market, call Randall Sandin with Charleston Pier Partners at 843-209-9667 or email at rsandin@carolinaone.com
Click here to see our website, http://www.charlestonpierpartners.com/
Nice Testimonial
We just received a nice comment from a recent customer whose listing we were able to get sold in December at Folly Beach.
"Matt Poole & Randall Sandin are two of the finest and most capable real estate professionals we have ever dealt with. They are a great credit to your organization." Cincy & John
"Matt Poole & Randall Sandin are two of the finest and most capable real estate professionals we have ever dealt with. They are a great credit to your organization." Cincy & John
Charleston, SC named Best Southern City
Charleston, SC was named "Best Southern City" in the 2009 Readers Choice Awards of Southern Living Magazine.
Charleston’s King Street took second place in the “best neighborhood for shopping” category. Atlanta’s Buckhead won the top spot.
Four Charleston restaurants were listed in the “splurge-worthy restaurants” category. Magnolias restaurant came in at No. 4, Peninsula Grill was No. 7, High Cotton Maverick Bar & Grill was No. 9, and 82 Queen was No. 10.
Magnolias also won the No. 8 spot in the “Southern favorite restaurants” category, just behind Jestine’s Kitchen at No. 7.
Magazine readers ranked Charleston Place the No. 5 “best hotel” and the Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort as No. 9.
Spoleto Festival USA was named the fourth “best festival or fair” in the South. The Isle of Palms was 10th in the “best beach destination” category.
Charleston was the 10th choice for “best family destination.”
For real estate info on Charleston SC, contact Randall Sandin at 843-209-9667 or rsandin@carolinaone.com
Search all Charleston homes at http://www.charlestonpierpartners.com
Charleston’s King Street took second place in the “best neighborhood for shopping” category. Atlanta’s Buckhead won the top spot.
Four Charleston restaurants were listed in the “splurge-worthy restaurants” category. Magnolias restaurant came in at No. 4, Peninsula Grill was No. 7, High Cotton Maverick Bar & Grill was No. 9, and 82 Queen was No. 10.
Magnolias also won the No. 8 spot in the “Southern favorite restaurants” category, just behind Jestine’s Kitchen at No. 7.
Magazine readers ranked Charleston Place the No. 5 “best hotel” and the Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort as No. 9.
Spoleto Festival USA was named the fourth “best festival or fair” in the South. The Isle of Palms was 10th in the “best beach destination” category.
Charleston was the 10th choice for “best family destination.”
For real estate info on Charleston SC, contact Randall Sandin at 843-209-9667 or rsandin@carolinaone.com
Search all Charleston homes at http://www.charlestonpierpartners.com
2009 Southeastern Wildlife Exposition - SEWE, Charleston, SC
South Eastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE)
February 13, 14 & 15, 2009
SEWE features 120 artists, lectures, Busch Wildlife shows, sporting outfitters, and conservation exhibits. In addition, the Dock Dogs competitions return, along with retriever demos, free flight shows by Center for Birds of Prey, and children's activities. Tickets start at $10 & kids 10 and under are free. VIP packages available. 8 venues in downtown Charleston. Information/tickets: http://www.sewe.com/ or 723-1748
Check out the Dock Dogs at Brittlebank Park
For a complete schedule of events and ticket information, please visit SEWE WEBSITE or call 843-723-1748.
February 13, 14 & 15, 2009
SEWE features 120 artists, lectures, Busch Wildlife shows, sporting outfitters, and conservation exhibits. In addition, the Dock Dogs competitions return, along with retriever demos, free flight shows by Center for Birds of Prey, and children's activities. Tickets start at $10 & kids 10 and under are free. VIP packages available. 8 venues in downtown Charleston. Information/tickets: http://www.sewe.com/ or 723-1748
Check out the Dock Dogs at Brittlebank Park
For a complete schedule of events and ticket information, please visit SEWE WEBSITE or call 843-723-1748.
For real estate information in Charleston, SC please contact Randall Sandin at 843-209-9667 or email him at rsandin@carolinaone.com
Search Charleston Homes at http://www.charlestonpierpartners.com
Simple Financial Tips for 2009
Here is a short list of very simple items that can help anyone get their financial house in order for 2009. If you are thinking of buying a home in 2009, please call me at 843-209-9667 or email me at rsandin@carolinaone.com so we can get you with a mortgage lender to find out where you stand in regards to qualifying for a mortgage. There is no charge and the lenders I recommend will put you on the path to getting a loan if you have any issues with your credit.
Here are the other tips & they are very, very simple but the basics is the best place to start:
Here are the other tips & they are very, very simple but the basics is the best place to start:
- Spend less than you make, make a budget & stick to it. You cannot get head if you overspend
- Have an emergency fund. Save at least 3 months of living expenses in case of a sudden job loss or unexpected expense...not a new tv but a major car repair or medical expense
- Save at least 10% of your income. Make that part of your budget as if you were spending it
- Pay off credit cards. If you use a card, pay it off each month, the fees you pay could be going to your savings
- Prioritize and pay off debt. List your debts from highest to lowest interest rates and start paying down the highest ones first
- Check your insurance. make sure your life, home and car are set at proper deductibles and cover your liabilities
- Check your will. Make sure you have a will in place and everything is current
- Consolidate your investments. If you have multiple investment accounts from past employers, it may save you on fees to combine into just one or two accounts
Charleston, SC to lose realtors...hopefully!
Our local board of Realtors announced it is bracing for a drop in licensed Realtors for 2009. Sara Perry, the association's VP of Operations, said she would not be surprised with a 20% drop in membership. The local membership is currently around 4800 members which is a huge amount for an area as small as Charleston. Membership spikes in the 04-06 run when all you had to do was put a sign in the yard and you would get multiple offers within 3 days...I joke but it was about that crazy.
I see this drop of agents as great news. Hopefully, part-timers and those not serious about real estate as a full-time professional will leave the business and drop their license. A house is the biggest investment that most people make in their lives and that transaction needs to be trusted to a respected professional, not your next door neighbor who happens to have a real estate license.
Give me a call at 843-209-9667 or email rsandin@carolinaone.com to discuss buying or selling a home in Charleston, SC. Search the entire Charleston MLS at http://www.charlestonpierpartners.com
I see this drop of agents as great news. Hopefully, part-timers and those not serious about real estate as a full-time professional will leave the business and drop their license. A house is the biggest investment that most people make in their lives and that transaction needs to be trusted to a respected professional, not your next door neighbor who happens to have a real estate license.
Give me a call at 843-209-9667 or email rsandin@carolinaone.com to discuss buying or selling a home in Charleston, SC. Search the entire Charleston MLS at http://www.charlestonpierpartners.com
2008 Charleston SC Home Sales Statistics
Here is a brief overview of some different areas in Charleston and how many homes sold, how long they were on the market and how many homes are currently on the market as of 12/31/08.
Yes, home sales were way down from the previous two years but lots and lots of homes sold so there are buyers in the market and there will be more buyers in 2008 with more realistic homes prices and low interest rates.
Area #/ of Sales /Days on Market /Current active listings
James Island/ 456 /104/ 489
West Ashley /907/ 110 /776
Folly Beach /72/ 175 /250
Johns Island /194/ 112 /264
Downtown /344 /197 /842
Mt. Pleasant /1353/ 135/ 1519
If you would like specific numbers for your price range or your neighborhood, please email me at rsandin@carolinaone.com and I will be happy to pull the stats for you and send them over.
Yes, home sales were way down from the previous two years but lots and lots of homes sold so there are buyers in the market and there will be more buyers in 2008 with more realistic homes prices and low interest rates.
Area #/ of Sales /Days on Market /Current active listings
James Island/ 456 /104/ 489
West Ashley /907/ 110 /776
Folly Beach /72/ 175 /250
Johns Island /194/ 112 /264
Downtown /344 /197 /842
Mt. Pleasant /1353/ 135/ 1519
If you would like specific numbers for your price range or your neighborhood, please email me at rsandin@carolinaone.com and I will be happy to pull the stats for you and send them over.
Great Weekly Kids Event in Charleton, Sc
If you are looking for something to do with the kids on a Wednesday or Friday, just head out 17 Nouth to the Sewee Visitor Center...just a short drive from Mt. Pleasant.
The Kids Movie Marathon at the Sewee Visitor Center continues into the new year. Wednesday will feature 30-minute movies on Seashores and Weather, and Friday will feature Bird Brained and Butterfly and Moth. Kids with animal inklings will enjoy the Alligator and Crocodile and Ape movies Saturday. The movies start at 10 a.m. and are ideal for kids ages 4 to 10. There's no charge to watch. The center is at 5821 U.S. Highway 17 N. in Awendaw. For more information or directions, call 843-928-3368
To search all the current home listings in Charleston, SC, please visit http://www.charlestonpierpartners.com/
Randall Sandin, 843-209-9667, rsandin@carolinaone.com
The Kids Movie Marathon at the Sewee Visitor Center continues into the new year. Wednesday will feature 30-minute movies on Seashores and Weather, and Friday will feature Bird Brained and Butterfly and Moth. Kids with animal inklings will enjoy the Alligator and Crocodile and Ape movies Saturday. The movies start at 10 a.m. and are ideal for kids ages 4 to 10. There's no charge to watch. The center is at 5821 U.S. Highway 17 N. in Awendaw. For more information or directions, call 843-928-3368
To search all the current home listings in Charleston, SC, please visit http://www.charlestonpierpartners.com/
Randall Sandin, 843-209-9667, rsandin@carolinaone.com
Welcome 2009!
Welcome 2009!!!
I hope everyone had a safe and happy New Years Eve and best wishes to all for a Healthy and Prosperous 2009.
Randall Sandin
Charleston Pier Partners - Carolina One Real Estate
843-209-9667
search the Charleston MLS at http://www.CharlestonPierPartners.com
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