Charleston SC Metro Real Estate: June 2009

"One of the greatest proofs that you are drawing on the grace of God is that you can be humiliated without manifesting the slightest trace of anything but His grace." - Oswald Chambers

"Prayer is not a question of altering things externally, but of working wonders in a man's disposition."     -Oswald Chambers

"We are in danger of forgetting that we cannot do what God does, and that God will not do what we can do." -Oswald Chambers

What do Realtors really do?  Do they sell houses?  Not really, unless it is a house that they themselves own.  Do they put a sign in a sellers yard and go pray that the homes sells so they can collect a check?  Some maybe, but not the good ones.  No, the good Realtors are much more than that.  They make it their mission to guide you through the home buying and/or selling process.  It is in much the same way that professional golf caddies team up with golfers to help them win a tournament.

If you know anything at all about golf then you know that a professional golfer is only as good as his caddie.  Unlike scratch golfers like myself, most pros know the ends and outs of swinging the club at the ball to make it do just about anything they want it to do.  But for those pros a caddie can determine if he/she wins or looses.  A caddie does more than just carry the clubs. 

A caddie first and foremost knows the clubs and knows the golf course.  The caddie knows how far his golfer can usually hit the ball with any given club and will provide the tools and knowledge and any given shot.  For sellers, Realtors provide marketing tools and advice to ensure the seller has a good shot at the target audience.  For buyers, Realtors provide on-line tools and price tools to ensure the buyer is getting a good house at a fair market value. 

In golf, caddies know the golf course from the fairways to greens and utilize this knowledge to help the golfer make the best shot.  In real estate, Realtors should have a good knowledge of the local real estate market.  They can advise buyers and sellers on the ups and downs of the market, formulate inventive ways to approach the market based on the pin position, or market condition.  

Hitting the green is a lot like getting or making an offer on a house.  You are almost there, now you just need to make all the right moves to finish off the whole.  A little "tappy tap" to "send the ball home."  The caddie helps the golfer read the curves and elevation, and then offers advice on the best path to get the ball to the hole.  The caddie also usually pulls the pin (flag) to help the golfer stay within the rules of the game.  Realtors must do the same thing once an offer on a home is made.  In addition to ensuring that everyone stays within the rules, buyers and sellers usually have things that need to be done once a house is under contract. 

Ensuring that buyers get proper financing, complete a home inspection and a termite inspection, as well as ensuring the appraisal is completed in a timely manner are just a few "ups and downs" of the elevation of the green that the Realtor must help the buyer read correctly to ensure they get to the closing table. 

For sellers, Realtors must help them read the curves of the green as well by ensuring the contract is fulfilled such as making necessary repairs.  A good pep talk from the Realtor caddie can help the seller keep a level head throughout so that when they step up to make the putt they do so with confidence and no surprises.  Just the beautiful sound of the golf ball hitting the bottom of the cup, or as I like to call it - SOLD!

(Photos courtesy of BBC Sport - Golf)

Michael J. Johnson

843-817-5299

Email me

www.providingthelight.com

www.metrocharlestonhomes.com

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Summerville SC is a community that sits on the northwestern edge of the Charleston metro.  It has a population of around 45,000 people and is beloved by its residence for its small town feel, coveted school district, and Summerville High Green Wave football team, among other things.

Real estate in Summerville always tends to do well with such power neighborhoods as Wescott Plantation & Legend Oaks Plantation.  Summerville also offers nostalgic style neighborhoods such as White Gables and The Ponds in which the neighborhood and homes are designed with old style downtown Charleston in mind.  

To date, there have been 534 single family detached homes sold since the beginning of 2009.  The average sales prices has been a little over 181K with an average price per square foot of $89.  The average days on a home sits on the market before it sales is just over three months. 

If you are interested in buying or selling a home in Summerville SC and would like more information, please contact Michael Johnson with Carolina One Real Estate, the local industry leader.

Michael J. Johnson

843-817-5299

Email me

www.providingthelight.com

www.metrocharlestonhomes.com

"Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it."
-  Russel Baker

"That beautiful season the Summer!
Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light;
and the landscape
Lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood."
-   Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

"Warm summer sun, shine kindly here. Warm southern wind, blow softly here. Green sod above, lie light, lie light. Good night, dear Heart, Good night, good night.” - Mark Twain

Charleston, SC has quite a few expensive and also good restaurants.  The two don't always go together.  I've been to a few expensive restaurants in which the food was not very good.  Here is a list of my top ten favorite restaurants in the Charleston SC Metro.  The list is based on taste of food, service, and atmosphere, and the fact that I have eaten there.  If your favorite restaurant is not on the list it may be because I have not been there.   

10.  T-Bonz - my favorite meal here is the Tommy Texas Cheese Fries.  Never had anything like them.  Located on Market Street downtown.

9. Water's Edge - Really good seafood with a great view of Shem Creek.  If your lucky you just might spot a porpoise or two swimming in the creek from the Charleston Harbor.

8.  Garibaldi's - neat little restaurant on Market Street downtown.  Has a European feel and atmosphere.  A little pricey but good seafood and Italian food.

7.  Bocci's Italian Restaurant - nice little restaurant with a great atmosphere.  I recommend the Chicken Parmesan.

6.  Sticky Fingers - several locations in the Charleston Metro to include downtown on Meeting street.  This not so fancy joint is a great place to take the family and enjoy good Bar-B-Q.  

5. Wild Wing Cafe - great place to go to get a great flavor assortment of chicken wings. 

4.  Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Que - my favorite Bar-B-Que restaurant in town.  I love the pulled pork platter.  Great family restaurant.

3.  The Charleston Crab House - there are several locations throughout town but my favorite is downtown on Market Street.  On a nice day sit outside on the balcony and enjoy the downtown atmosphere.  My favorite dish is the bacon wrapped stuffed shrimp.

2.  California Dreaming - the food is good but the atmosphere is fantastic.  The restaurant is nestled on the Ashley River, and it is equipped with tall windows which enhance the view of the rivers and its many boats passing by.

1.  Yokoso - I love this Japanese Steak and Seafood restaurant.  It has a great family atmosphere and really good food that is cooked in front of you on an open grill.  There is also a sushi bar if your into that sort of thing. 

New construction is a very appealing option to many buyers in today's market.  It can be a little less expensive, especially in this market, to buy as apposed a re-sale.  Why?  Because many builders can afford to reduce their prices and still make a profit whereas home owners who bought their home 3-5 years ago may not have the equity to drop their price as needed. 

BUT.........

....there are several things you need to consider and questions you need to ask before you sign on the dotted line. 

1. Am I Comparing Apples to Apples - by this I mean, are you making a proper comparison with the re-sale and the new construction house.  Don't be fooled by the new construction ad that is equivalent in square footage and to the re-sale home but has a much lower price.  More often than not that is a base model home that will require much more financing to possibly get the house to what you would like it to be.  i.e. granite counter tops, wood floors, crown molding, etc.

2.  Are the Neighborhoods Comparable - with this I am not talking about who lives in the neighborhood but rather what does the neighborhood look like.  Many times a builder will come though and wipe out most if not all of the trees and then start building spec. homes.  Most people want at least a little vegetation around them and older established neighborhoods are the ones that often offer this.  Also, what are the amenities offered?  Parks, walking trails, tennis courts, and community pool are all things you may or may not find in new construction areas.  Always ask the question, "What is my HOA dues paying for?"

1. 3.  What Construction Phase is the Community in?  Many neighborhoods build several phases over an extended period of time.  It is important to know about how long the builder has until he completes the community.  Why?  Because it may determine how long you will need to stay in the home before you are able to sell it.  If you are one of the first homes built in a neighborhood that will take 5 years or more to complete, plan on staying the duration.  The last person you want to compete with when selling your home is the builder who can build the same plan for less money. 
   

4.  Don't Eat up Your Equity Before You Move In!  The trap many buyers fall into is the lure of the really low priced new construction home only to find that when all the upgrades are added into the home they have paid much more than they originally wanted to pay.  Set a limit on the amount you plan to use for upgrades and stick to them.  Also note that there are many things that you may find cheaper to purchase from an outside source.  i.e., kitchen appliances.  In addition ask to tour the design center before making a purchase.  Many new construction companies will have no problem with you doing this.  This will give you an idea of what to expect.

5.  The New Construction Agent is Not on Your Side!  The agent that works for the builder is usually a nice person and although they mean you no harm, they are not your buddy and they are not working for you.  Their job is to lookout for the builder.  If only there were a way for you to have representation and not have to pay for it...hmmm.....oh wait there is a way! 

Find your friendly neighborhood Realtor and ask them to go with you to ensure you are properly represented, and in most cases it is at no cost to you.  Most builders will gladly pay our service fees so that you are properly represented. Most have one catch - you must either mention that you have a Realtor at first meeting or bring your Realtor with you at first meeting.  Don't be fooled by the widely propagated myth that you will get a better deal without a Realtor.  The only thing you will get by not having a Realtor is a lot of headache and quite possibly a higher mortgage payment every month.

For more tips on buying a new construction home or a re-sale home, contact Michael Johnson with Carolina One Real Estate.

Michael Johnson

843-817-5299

Email Me

www.providingthelight.com

www.metrocharlestonhomes.com

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It begins!  You open your eyes and you realize that you recognize nothing.  With a dilation of the pupil you rise to your feet.   "What in the world am I doing," you ask.  Disoriented you wonder, "Why is this so confusing?" "What is going on?"

Much like the amazing television show, LOST, this is an all too familiar feeling for most buyers and sellers of real estate.  For most people, this is the biggest purchase and/or sale of their lives to date.  It can be quite an un-nerving.  The biggest question of all for most people is, "Who do I trust?"

Your first step is to find the person who knows what they are doing.  Someone who can "Shephard" you through the process and get you through the good and bad times.  How do you know who that is?  He/She is equipped to do the job and can hold things together in stressful situations. This person is the obvious leader and knows how to take charge of a situation.  In real estate, finding the right Realtor can make or break you.  Some important questions to ask are:  1) How motivated and innovative is he/she?  2) Do they know how to lead?  3.  Is he/she knowledgeable?  3)  Do they have your best interest at heart?  While the buyer/seller will always control the decision making the Realtor should always have control of the real estate process and lead you in the right direction. 

You are also going to need someone who feels at one with the real estate industry inside and out, and who is not afraid to research and discover new things in the industry.  Someone who is not afraid to get their hands dirty to get the job done.  This person should have a strong connection with this housing jungle and when all is said and done, they should give you the knowledge to un-locke your dreams of buying a home, and/or guide you the treacherous adventure of selling a home in this daunting market.  

What you don't want is to get involved with your local "con-man."  The con-man cares about nothing but himself and thus does not have your best interest in mind or at heart.   I see this most often with limited services companies.  These companies will charge you a small service fee but could care less if you get your house sold and will not be there whenever you need help.  It is the attitude of "every man for himself"

For more information about buying and selling homes in the Metro Charleston SC area, please contact me, Michael Johnson.  I'm a teacher at heart and enjoy talking to people about real estate.  My initial consultation is free and if you are a buyer my services are at no cost to you.

Michael J. Johnson

843-817-5299

michaeljohnson@carolinaone.com

www.providingthelight.com

www.metrocharlestonhomes.com

"The Government of the absolute majority instead of the Government of the people is but the Government of the strongest interests; and when not efficiently checked, it is the most tyrannical and oppressive that can be devised."
- John C. Calhoun (Vice President under Andrew Jackson)

"I don't want to rust out, I'd rather wear out."
- Fritz Hollings(former Governor of SC)