Career Fair - Tuesday, March 10th, 2009
There will be a job/career fair on Tuesday, March 10th from 5:30pm-8pm at the Charleston Area Convention Center hosted by The Post & Courier. Here are some of the employers that will be participating:
Wild Dunes Resort
AVS
Detyens Shipyards
AmeriLife
LifeCareers
ecpi College
MMTC
New York Life
Synter Resource Group
DialAmerica
Centura College
For more info call 937-6000 and select option #5665
For info about Charleston, SC or Folly Beach, SC real estate call Randall Sandin at 843-209-9667 or visit http://www.charlestonpierpartners.com
January 2009 - James Island Real Estate Sales Info
James Island, SC Home sales - January 2009
Here is the rundown on home sales on James Island, SC for the month of January, 2009
Total Sales: 19 properties
3 BD homes - 10 sales, avg price of $295,709
4+ BD homes - 5 sales, avg price of $347,824
Condos - 2 sales, avg price of $210,000
Average Days on Market: 116 days
Current Active listings on James Island
Single family - 360 active listings
Multi family - 5 active listings
Condos - 170 active listings
For more info on James Island or Charleston SC real estate, call Randall Sandin at 843-209-9667, email at rsandin@carolinaone.com.
Here is the rundown on home sales on James Island, SC for the month of January, 2009
Total Sales: 19 properties
3 BD homes - 10 sales, avg price of $295,709
4+ BD homes - 5 sales, avg price of $347,824
Condos - 2 sales, avg price of $210,000
Average Days on Market: 116 days
Current Active listings on James Island
Single family - 360 active listings
Multi family - 5 active listings
Condos - 170 active listings
For more info on James Island or Charleston SC real estate, call Randall Sandin at 843-209-9667, email at rsandin@carolinaone.com.
$8000 Tax Credit Info
$8,000 Tax Credit Now Available
First Time Homebuyers and Others Qualify
The "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009," passed the House and Senate on Friday, February 13,2009 and was signed into law by President Obama on February 16, 2009.
An $8,000 tax credit (NOT a loan) is now available to many homebuyers.
Quick Facts - Homebuyer Tax Credit
- Homebuyer must be a first time homebuyer OR have not owned a home for the past 3 years
- Purchase must be for a principle residence (no investment homes)
- Home must be purchased on or after January 1, 2009
- Does not require repayment as long as homebuyer stays in the home at least 3 years.
- Applies towards single family detached homes, condos, and townhomes.
- Income cannot be greater than $75,000 yearly for a single buyer, or $150,000 yearly for a married couple.
- Credit is for $8,000 or 10% of purchase price, whichever is less.
The credit is only available for a limited time.
What Does a Tax Credit Mean?
The credit reduces your tax liability, that is, the amount of taxes you are required to pay. Depending on your tax withholdings, you could get a bigger refund or owe less in taxes when you file.
For example:
If your total tax bill is $5000, you've withheld $4,000 throughout the year, and you qualify for the $8,000 tax credit, this is how your tax return might look.
$4,000 paid
-$5,000 owed
Owes $1,000.
Claim $8,000 tax credit.
Refund of $7,000.
In this case, the new homeowner would receive a check of $7,000 from the IRS after filing.
First Time Homebuyers and Others Qualify
The "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009," passed the House and Senate on Friday, February 13,2009 and was signed into law by President Obama on February 16, 2009.
An $8,000 tax credit (NOT a loan) is now available to many homebuyers.
Quick Facts - Homebuyer Tax Credit
- Homebuyer must be a first time homebuyer OR have not owned a home for the past 3 years
- Purchase must be for a principle residence (no investment homes)
- Home must be purchased on or after January 1, 2009
- Does not require repayment as long as homebuyer stays in the home at least 3 years.
- Applies towards single family detached homes, condos, and townhomes.
- Income cannot be greater than $75,000 yearly for a single buyer, or $150,000 yearly for a married couple.
- Credit is for $8,000 or 10% of purchase price, whichever is less.
The credit is only available for a limited time.
What Does a Tax Credit Mean?
The credit reduces your tax liability, that is, the amount of taxes you are required to pay. Depending on your tax withholdings, you could get a bigger refund or owe less in taxes when you file.
For example:
If your total tax bill is $5000, you've withheld $4,000 throughout the year, and you qualify for the $8,000 tax credit, this is how your tax return might look.
$4,000 paid
-$5,000 owed
Owes $1,000.
Claim $8,000 tax credit.
Refund of $7,000.
In this case, the new homeowner would receive a check of $7,000 from the IRS after filing.
Grand Oaks in West Ashley - Community Open House - Sunday, Feb 22, 1-3PM
Community Open House
We will have three houses open for viewing this Sunday, February 22nd from 1-3pm in the Grand Oaks neighborhood in West Ashley. We hope you and your clients can come by for a look. All three properties are in excellent condition and very clean.
1502 Whitby Lane - Grove Park Condos $147,500, MLS# 2901631 2 BD, 2 BA, open floor plan, screened porch
437 Sycamore Shade - Grand Oaks $310,000, MLS# 2822045 3 BD, 2 Ba, large FROG, fenced yard
451 Sycamore Shade - Grand Oaks $270,000, MLS# 2830530 3 BA, 2 BA, 2 car garage, screened porch
For more info on Charleston SC real estate, call Randall Sandin at 843-209-9667 or email at rasndin@carolinaone.com - search the Charleston MLS at http://www.charlestonpierpartnerscom
Community Open House
We will have three houses open for viewing this Sunday, February 22nd from 1-3pm in the Grand Oaks neighborhood in West Ashley. We hope you and your clients can come by for a look. All three properties are in excellent condition and very clean.
1502 Whitby Lane - Grove Park Condos $147,500, MLS# 2901631 2 BD, 2 BA, open floor plan, screened porch
437 Sycamore Shade - Grand Oaks $310,000, MLS# 2822045 3 BD, 2 Ba, large FROG, fenced yard
451 Sycamore Shade - Grand Oaks $270,000, MLS# 2830530 3 BA, 2 BA, 2 car garage, screened porch
For more info on Charleston SC real estate, call Randall Sandin at 843-209-9667 or email at rasndin@carolinaone.com - search the Charleston MLS at http://www.charlestonpierpartnerscom
Info on the $8000 tax credit for first time home buyers
So what does the package contain for the average homebuyer?
$8000.
Section 1006 (page 54 of the conference report) describes changes to Section 36 of the Internal Revenue Code modifying the previous homebuyer credit that had been enacted in October of 2008. Specifically, the following important changes have been made:
Credit has been increased: the original credit was limited to $7500 or 10% of the home's purchase price; this has been upped to $8000 or 10%.
Credit no longer requires repayment: a significant criticism of the original 2008 credit was its repayment requirement, as those taking the credit would be required to repay it over 15 years. That has been addressed in the new law so that repayment is now required only if the home is sold within the first 3 years.
Credit is now allowable for buyers using "revenue bond" funded mortgages: many state and local entities offer first-time homebuyer mortgage programs that sometimes offer terms more favorable than government or conventional mortgages. Previously those buyers had been prohibited from accepting the credit, however they may now claim it.
Time to purchase extended: the original credit was due to expire June 30th; the revision extends that to November 30th
Meanwhile, many components follow the original wording instituted last fall, specifically:
Credit is refundable: this means that a homebuyer who would otherwise owe no tax may still claim this credit and receive it as part of a tax refund
Credit is for first-time homebuyers only: sorry, move-up buyers, but you won't receive this credit; do expect many more first-time homebuyers to be looking at your house, which should help you sell more quickly, if you're priced correctly
Credit is income-limited: the legistlature didn't see fit to modify the terms of this program to allow all homebuyers to benefit, only those who haven't owned in the past 3 years
Finally, certain components are still somewhat unclear:
Credit may be retroactively claimed: the prior credit offered the option to claim as if the purchase took place 12/31/2008 even if it closed in the early parts of 2009. The final bill's language appears to replace this paragraph (page 122, Stat 2981, section 36 subsection g) with something unrelated, which may mean buyers will need to wait until 2010 to claim the credit.
In simple terms, first time home buyer who meet income guidelines get a FREE $8000...we will know son if you can claim it on this year's taxes or have to wait until your next year's returns.
To discuss more if this will help with you homebuying, please call me today at 843-209-9667 or email rsandin@carolinaone.com
$8000.
Section 1006 (page 54 of the conference report) describes changes to Section 36 of the Internal Revenue Code modifying the previous homebuyer credit that had been enacted in October of 2008. Specifically, the following important changes have been made:
Credit has been increased: the original credit was limited to $7500 or 10% of the home's purchase price; this has been upped to $8000 or 10%.
Credit no longer requires repayment: a significant criticism of the original 2008 credit was its repayment requirement, as those taking the credit would be required to repay it over 15 years. That has been addressed in the new law so that repayment is now required only if the home is sold within the first 3 years.
Credit is now allowable for buyers using "revenue bond" funded mortgages: many state and local entities offer first-time homebuyer mortgage programs that sometimes offer terms more favorable than government or conventional mortgages. Previously those buyers had been prohibited from accepting the credit, however they may now claim it.
Time to purchase extended: the original credit was due to expire June 30th; the revision extends that to November 30th
Meanwhile, many components follow the original wording instituted last fall, specifically:
Credit is refundable: this means that a homebuyer who would otherwise owe no tax may still claim this credit and receive it as part of a tax refund
Credit is for first-time homebuyers only: sorry, move-up buyers, but you won't receive this credit; do expect many more first-time homebuyers to be looking at your house, which should help you sell more quickly, if you're priced correctly
Credit is income-limited: the legistlature didn't see fit to modify the terms of this program to allow all homebuyers to benefit, only those who haven't owned in the past 3 years
Finally, certain components are still somewhat unclear:
Credit may be retroactively claimed: the prior credit offered the option to claim as if the purchase took place 12/31/2008 even if it closed in the early parts of 2009. The final bill's language appears to replace this paragraph (page 122, Stat 2981, section 36 subsection g) with something unrelated, which may mean buyers will need to wait until 2010 to claim the credit.
In simple terms, first time home buyer who meet income guidelines get a FREE $8000...we will know son if you can claim it on this year's taxes or have to wait until your next year's returns.
To discuss more if this will help with you homebuying, please call me today at 843-209-9667 or email rsandin@carolinaone.com
Charming Home in Riverland Terrace - James Island
Call Randall Sandin today at 843-209-9667 to view this classic English Country Style house in Riverland Terrace on James Island.
This home features hardwood floors, plenty of storage and quaint built-in shelves and cabinets in many rooms. The large lot has mature trees and is fenced in with a new 12' x 24' workshop. This home is priced at $299,900. Riverland Terrace is a charming neighborhood with restaurants just a short walk away along with a play park and boat landing.
Call Randall today at 209-9667 to view this lovely home.
Park Circle in North Charleston - 3 BD, 2BA in great shape - only $154,000
Come visit this great home in the up and coming Park Circle area of North Charleston.
5040 N. Rhett Avenue - $154,000 - MLS # 2902332 - This home will be great for the first time buyer or investor! Newer renovations include the front porch and master bathroom were completed in 2006 and the sunroom and laundry area are about four years old. This home has been a great rental and would make for a wonderful home with its three bedrooms and two full baths.
For your personal showing, please call Randall Sandin today at 843-209-9667.
To search the Charleston MLS, please visit http://www.charlestonpierpartners.com
2008 Award for Charleston Pier Partners
I am pleased to announce that the Charleston Pier Partners team of Matt Poole & Randall Sandin received the "Platinum Circle Award" from Carolina One Real Estate at the 2008 awards ceremony.
Thanks to all of our clients who were the sole reason we received this award. We both look forward to a successful 2009 year in Charleston & Folly Beach real estate.
To search the Charleston MLS, go to http://www.charlestonpierpartners.com or call Randall Sandin at 843-209-9667 for all your Charleston real estate needs.
Thanks to all of our clients who were the sole reason we received this award. We both look forward to a successful 2009 year in Charleston & Folly Beach real estate.
To search the Charleston MLS, go to http://www.charlestonpierpartners.com or call Randall Sandin at 843-209-9667 for all your Charleston real estate needs.
Jamestowne Village - 4 BD, 2.5 BA, $269,900
Call me today at 843-209-9667 to view this 4 BD, 2.5 BA home in Jamestowne Village on James Island, SC. Here are some of the home's features: large downstairs master, located on the pond with fenced in yard, open floor plan, all rooms have walk-in closets and a great location in the heart of James Island.
Call Randall at 843-209-9667 to see this home today or email me at rsandin@carolinaone.com
$15,000 Price Reduction in Grand Oaks - Charleston, SC
Check out this price reduction in the Grand Oaks Subdivision - this lik enew home is only $270,000 and awaiting new owners!
For info on Chaleston, SC real estate call Randall Sandin at 843-209-9667
For info on Chaleston, SC real estate call Randall Sandin at 843-209-9667
Mepkin Abbey Monks to Raise Mushrooms
Mepkin Abbey in Moncks Corner to grow Mushrooms instead of selling eggs
The 40 year tradition of raising and selling eggs as been replaced with oyster mushrooms at the Moncks Corner monastery. As many people are aware, PETA raised a big stink about the handling of the chickens at the Mepkin Abbey monastery. So to calm things down, the monks have moved to growing and selling oyster mushrooms.
Piggly Wiggly officials said the mushrooms will be sold at the Piggly Wiggly stores at 100 W. Main St. in Moncks Corner and 1981 Riviera Drive in Mount Pleasant and at Newton Farms on Johns Island. The mushrooms will also be sold to local restaurants such as Slightly North of Broad, High Cotton, McCrady’s, Cypress and Anson.
For info on Charleston, SC or Folly Beach, SC real estate contact Randall Sandin at 843-209-9667 or visit http://www.charlestonpierpartners.com to search the entire Charleston MLS
Clearview Neighborhood Open House - 2/8, 1-3pm
There will be a community open house in the Clearview neighborhood on James Island this Sunday, Feb 8th from 1-3pm. Please stop by or send your clients to view the following homes.
662 Clearview - Clearview Neighborhood
$273,000, MLS# 2901627
3BD, 2BA, 1400 sq. feet
Randall Sandin, 843-209-9667
rsandin@carolinaone.com
663 Beauregard - Clearview Neighborhood
$275,000, MLS# 2834428
4BD, 2BA, 2056 Sq. feet
John Grisillo, 843-270-3692
jgrisillo@carolinaone.com
661 McCutchen - Clearview Neighborhood
$275,000, MLS# 2828798
4 BD, 2BA, 1893 sq. feet
Matt Poole, 843-830-0027
mpoole@carolinaone.com
743 Colette - Clearview Neighborhood
$340,000, MLS# 2902562
4 BD, 2BA, 2161 sq. feet
Ursula Erichsen, 843-696-2346
uerichsen@carolinaone.com
747 Tennant - Clearview Neighborhood
$345,000, MLS# 2824168
4 BD, 2 BA, 2030 sq. feet
Brian Kline, 843-437-1487
bkline@carolinaone.com
779 Clearview - Clearview Neighborhood
$370,000, MLS# 2826427
4 BD, 2.5 BA, 2150 sq. feet
Jane Barr, 843-276-9930
jbarr@carolinaone.com
662 Clearview - Clearview Neighborhood
$273,000, MLS# 2901627
3BD, 2BA, 1400 sq. feet
Randall Sandin, 843-209-9667
rsandin@carolinaone.com
663 Beauregard - Clearview Neighborhood
$275,000, MLS# 2834428
4BD, 2BA, 2056 Sq. feet
John Grisillo, 843-270-3692
jgrisillo@carolinaone.com
661 McCutchen - Clearview Neighborhood
$275,000, MLS# 2828798
4 BD, 2BA, 1893 sq. feet
Matt Poole, 843-830-0027
mpoole@carolinaone.com
743 Colette - Clearview Neighborhood
$340,000, MLS# 2902562
4 BD, 2BA, 2161 sq. feet
Ursula Erichsen, 843-696-2346
uerichsen@carolinaone.com
747 Tennant - Clearview Neighborhood
$345,000, MLS# 2824168
4 BD, 2 BA, 2030 sq. feet
Brian Kline, 843-437-1487
bkline@carolinaone.com
779 Clearview - Clearview Neighborhood
$370,000, MLS# 2826427
4 BD, 2.5 BA, 2150 sq. feet
Jane Barr, 843-276-9930
jbarr@carolinaone.com
Take Advantage of the Public Library
As everyone looks to cut corners financially, do not forget about the great resource we have here in Charleston County - our public library system. Here are a few great reasons to go to the library.
Why pay $4 for a movie rental when you can pick one up for free and keep it for a week at the library?
Why buy a new book when you can get it at the library for free?
There is free computer access at all locations.
There are great programs for children and adults - why spend $40 going to the movies when you can enjoy great stuff at the library for free.
Pick up books on tape and enjoy listening in your car.
You can read the paper there or browse just about any magazine you can think of.
Here is a list of our local Charleston County Libraries:
Main - 68 Calhoun
Cooper River - 3503 Rivers Ave.
John Dart - 1067 King St.
Dorchester - 6325 Dorchester Road
Edisto - 1589 Hwy 174
Folly Beach - 55 Center St.
James Island - 1248 Camp Road
Johns Island - 3531 Maybank Hwy.
McClellanville - 222 Baker St.
Mt. Pleasant - 113 Mathis Ferry Rd.
Otranto Road - 2261 Otranto Rd.
Edgar Allan Poe - 1921 I'On Ave.
St. Andrews - 1735 N. Woodmere Dr.
St. Paul's - 5131 Town Council Dr.
Village - 430 Whilden St.
West Ashley - 45 Windemere Blvd.
Search for Charleston, SC and Folly Beach, SC Real Estate at http://www.charlestonpierpartners.com or call Randall Sandin at 843-209-9667
Why pay $4 for a movie rental when you can pick one up for free and keep it for a week at the library?
Why buy a new book when you can get it at the library for free?
There is free computer access at all locations.
There are great programs for children and adults - why spend $40 going to the movies when you can enjoy great stuff at the library for free.
Pick up books on tape and enjoy listening in your car.
You can read the paper there or browse just about any magazine you can think of.
Here is a list of our local Charleston County Libraries:
Main - 68 Calhoun
Cooper River - 3503 Rivers Ave.
John Dart - 1067 King St.
Dorchester - 6325 Dorchester Road
Edisto - 1589 Hwy 174
Folly Beach - 55 Center St.
James Island - 1248 Camp Road
Johns Island - 3531 Maybank Hwy.
McClellanville - 222 Baker St.
Mt. Pleasant - 113 Mathis Ferry Rd.
Otranto Road - 2261 Otranto Rd.
Edgar Allan Poe - 1921 I'On Ave.
St. Andrews - 1735 N. Woodmere Dr.
St. Paul's - 5131 Town Council Dr.
Village - 430 Whilden St.
West Ashley - 45 Windemere Blvd.
Search for Charleston, SC and Folly Beach, SC Real Estate at http://www.charlestonpierpartners.com or call Randall Sandin at 843-209-9667
7 Things to Know about Refiancing
With mortgage rates at record lows, many people are looking to refinance. Here are 7 things you need to know in today's market.
-Percentage Point break - a good rule of thumb is that the rate needs to be a full percentage point less than your current rate.
-Half rejected - with so many people looking to refinance and the tight credit market, do not expect to be automatically approved even if you do have a lot of equity in your home.
-FICO scores - 720 used to be the Gold Standard, now they are looking for 740 and above to get the best rate. Lower FICO scores equal a higher interest rate.
-Equity & Documentation - equity is key and you must be able to document the equity and will also have to document your income and assets.
-Fee Paying Options - fees range widely depending on each lender and look out for lenders adding in buy down points to get you that super rate. If it takes more than two years to pay back the closing cost amount with the monthly savings, it may not be worth it.
-Shop around - things are changing daily so if one lenders says no there may be another that says yes.
-Be patient - with the wave of refinancing there is a back log of loans so it may take some time to get the loan approved and closed.
Here are two lender contacts that I recommend to my clients. Feel free to mention my name if you give them a call.
Joel Greer - Carolina One Mortgage 843-414-2489, joel.greer@gbmail.com
Ted Honney - First Federal 843-708-0250, thonney@firstfederal.com
Search Charleston, SC and Folly Beach, SC Real Estate at http://www.charlestonpierpartners.com or log on to get our FREE Relocation package or FREE foreclosures updates
Call Randall Sandin at 843-209-9667 for more info about the Charleston area
-Percentage Point break - a good rule of thumb is that the rate needs to be a full percentage point less than your current rate.
-Half rejected - with so many people looking to refinance and the tight credit market, do not expect to be automatically approved even if you do have a lot of equity in your home.
-FICO scores - 720 used to be the Gold Standard, now they are looking for 740 and above to get the best rate. Lower FICO scores equal a higher interest rate.
-Equity & Documentation - equity is key and you must be able to document the equity and will also have to document your income and assets.
-Fee Paying Options - fees range widely depending on each lender and look out for lenders adding in buy down points to get you that super rate. If it takes more than two years to pay back the closing cost amount with the monthly savings, it may not be worth it.
-Shop around - things are changing daily so if one lenders says no there may be another that says yes.
-Be patient - with the wave of refinancing there is a back log of loans so it may take some time to get the loan approved and closed.
Here are two lender contacts that I recommend to my clients. Feel free to mention my name if you give them a call.
Joel Greer - Carolina One Mortgage 843-414-2489, joel.greer@gbmail.com
Ted Honney - First Federal 843-708-0250, thonney@firstfederal.com
Search Charleston, SC and Folly Beach, SC Real Estate at http://www.charlestonpierpartners.com or log on to get our FREE Relocation package or FREE foreclosures updates
Call Randall Sandin at 843-209-9667 for more info about the Charleston area
FREE Foreclosure and Lender Owned Property Info
In the very near future, I will be adding a new link to our website, http://www.charlestonpierparnters.com and to my blogs on a new service we will be offering for FREE.
If you want to be updated on lender owned properties that are coming on the market or the current list of foreclosure homes, just send me an email with your name and email address. We will be sending out this information on a daily basis as it becomes public knowledge.
So to get our FREE Foreclosure & Lender Owned Update - just email your info to rsandin@carolinaone.com
Thanks and have a great week
If you want to be updated on lender owned properties that are coming on the market or the current list of foreclosure homes, just send me an email with your name and email address. We will be sending out this information on a daily basis as it becomes public knowledge.
So to get our FREE Foreclosure & Lender Owned Update - just email your info to rsandin@carolinaone.com
Thanks and have a great week
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