“Redo to Recoup”

I was recently talking with a friend about the same thing I found in the article, “Redo to recoup“ published a few weeks ago in the Post and Courier.  I think it has some good advice that I’ll pass on to you.  When deciding what to fix up in your home, consider why you are going to do these projects; are you planning on moving soon or a few years from now, or has your home not been updated for several decades?   For example, don’t spend money on expensive paints first when your bathrooms could use a little updating from that pink tile and pink toilet.  You might consider having an inspection done to find out what things need your attention that the buyers will also notice from their inspections.   Ask your agent for some information on what has sold recently in your neighborhood to get a price range of what your home might sell for.  Keep in mind that you don’t want to be putting more money into your home than you can get out when it comes time to sell.  Regular maintenance and getting rid of clutter in your home are also important when considering what will help your sell your home now or later.  Check out this article, “Redo to recoup,” and let me know if I can help you by emailing me at sallierobinson@williammeans.com.

Charleston, the Friendliest City

Charleston was just named the friendliest city in the US by Tavel+Leisure Magazine.  This is in addition to her being named tops in antique stores, bed and breakfasts, and inns.  Check out this article in the Post and Courier.  Let me know if I can help you with your real estate questions and needs at sallierobinson@williammeans.com

“The Skinny” on Charleston’s 3rd Quarter of 2010

The Charleston Trident Association of Realtors has another video out about trends in Charleston’s real estate market.

Realizing that at this time last year, the 2009 Tax Credit deadline was quickly approaching, activity then was unusually strong.  Adding to these circumstances that the Tax Credit ran until the end of April 2010, the number of sales will seem especially low for this quarter.  The median sales price for Q3 2010 is up to $195,00, a great increase of 6.8% over Q3 2009.  A more favorable buying environment has come about with negotiations moving in favor of the buyer with low-interest rates and plenty of inventory.  Check out more about the Q3 market of 2010 in this video and let me know what questions I can answer at sallierobinson@williammeans.com.

CTAR Market Stats – September 2010

If you have not seen them already, spend a few minutes looking over the stats that CTAR put out for the month of September.  In Charleston County, there have been 267 single family detached (SFD) homes to sell in the month of September this year.  This is down slightly from the 271 SFD homes to sell in the month of September in 2009.  While that number may be down, year to date, there have been 2,658 SFD homes to sell in 2010 compared to the 2,198 SFD homes to sell in 2009.  I think this increase in sales has been pushed by the tax credits that were extended into this year.  Check out these stats and more in the side bar’s “CTAR Market Stats” and let me know if I can answer any questions you have about specific neighborhoods by emailing me at sallierobinson@williammeans.com.

Relocation Guide to Charleston, SC

Are you moving to Charleston, SC?  Let me know how I can help you.  I have a fantastic new relocation guide available to help you get to know Charleston better.  This guide covers all kinds of topics from schools, to weather, local events, descriptions of different areas and much more.  Email me at sallierobinson@williammeans.com with your information so I can mail you a guide and get you falling in love with Charleston and planning your move.

Christie’s Great Estates Magazine – Issue 3, 2010

Christie’s Great Estates Magazine, Issue 3 for 2010 is now available online.  Be sure to check out the Nathaniel Ingraham house over looking the Charleston Harbor on page 95.  It has been through an extensive restoration and had other updates in 2007.  The views of the harbor from the tall living room windows are spectacular and the views from the second floor master suite are amazing as well.  The first floor is perfect for entertaining with the large living room and beautiful dinning room that has a tin ceiling from the turn of the century.  The dinning room flows into the kitchen, from the 2007 addition, with french doors that lead to the piazza.  There are three other bedrooms and two baths on the third floor and on the ground level there are guest quarters with a separate entrance, living room, and kitchen along with a garage, laundry, dry sauna, and steamshower.  Let me know if I can answer any questions about this or other properties in Charleston at sallierobinson@williammeans.com.

Senate Passes Flood Insurance Extension

The Senate has passed an extension to the National Flood Insurance Program that will last through September 30, 2011.  The House should be considering this bill before the current extension lapses on September 30th of this year.  There have been four lapses in the program this year, stopping new policies from being written in flood prone areas and delaying closings on properties that could not obtain flood insurance without the National Flood Insurance Program.  There have been numberous short-term extensions since 2008, but no real long-term plans have been decided upon yet.  Check out this quick article from the Charleston Regional Business Journal and let me know you thoughts on this at sallierobinson@williammeans.com.