"Classical liberalism is liberalism, but the current collectivists have captured that designation in the United States. Happily they did not capture it in Europe, and were glad enough to call themselves socialists. But no one in America wants to be called socialist and admit what they are."  - Leonard Liggio

"The nineteenth century liberal regarded an extension of freedom as the most effective way to promote welfare and equality; the twentieth century liberal regards welfare and equality as either prerequisites of or alternatives to freedom. In the name of welfare and equality, the twentieth-century liberal has come to favor a revival of the very policies of state intervention and paternalism against which classical liberalism fought." - Milton Friedman

"[A]t the heart of classical liberalism is a prescription: Nurture voluntary associations. Limit the size, and more importantly, the scope of government. So long as the state provides a basic rule of law that steers people away from destructive or parasitic ways of life and in the direction of productive ways of life, society runs itself. If you want people to flourish, let them run their own lives." -Nancy L. Rosenblum and Robert C. Post

Real Estate in Charleston SC

The metropolitan of Charleston SC is primarily made up of three counties:  Charleston County, Berkeley County, and Dorchester County.  All come together to form a cohesive mass of down home, fun-loving, beach-going, and just plain friendly population of people. 

Most from other parts of the country that move to Charleston testify that they love the beaches and the history of the area, but most of all new-comers seem to like the slower paced life they find here.  Like most real estate markets throughout the country, the Charleston market has slowed a bit in the last year or so, but overall our market is still doing well.  Here are some statistics of the Charleston metropolitan real estate market in 2009:

For buyers, this is fantastic news as this means there is more inventory (shown in the green) to choose from. But, don't depending on your price range these numbers may look a little different.  For example, the most popular price range for those buying homes right now is everything under $200,000. In nearly every month this year more than half of the homes sold have been under $200K.  This means that there is often more competition from other buyers for homes under $200K

For sellers,  the inventory greatly outweighs the number of homes sold.  This means that at best this year you had about an 8% chance of selling your home once on the market in Charleston (from first graph).  The numbers do get a little better when you narrow the stats down to city and/or neighborhood.  But, the message is still very clear - you must have your home in the right condition and have it priced right if you want to get the house sold.  Then, your home must be marketed to the masses.  The best way to do that is to hire the right Realtor with the proper skill, integrity, and marketing plan to get the job done with you.

Recent Blogs

Charleston SC - A City of Firsts

5 Things to Consider When Buying New Construction

Realtors Are Like Golf Caddies!

Crowfield Plantation Real Estate, Goose Creek SC

"Success is a lousy teacher. It makes smart people think they can't lose." -Bill Gates

"Wit makes its own welcome, and levels all distinctions.  No dignity, no learning, no force of character, can make any stand against good wit." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Doing nothing is very hard to do.....you never know when you're finished."  - Leslie Nielsen

Click here for Part I of the Series

Click here for Part II of the Series

Charleston Real Estate Attorney:  Preferred Vendors From Contract to Closing:  The Series, Part III

One of the most important aspects of the real estate process is the closing.  The closing is the day when the buyer and seller come together to sign paperwork and transfer the property from one party to the other.  Most of the time the buyer signs the majority of the paperwork, especially if outside financing is involved. 

Choosing An Attonry - In South Carolina, there are two major rules that all should be aware of with regards to the closing. 1)  Buyers have a right to choose their own real estate closing attorney without outside interference from the seller.  2) All real estate transactions must have a SC licensed real estate attorney involved, and all monies that are being transferred from one party to another must do so via the attorney.  The attorney then distributes the funds to the proper parties.  3)  Unlike in some states, in South Carolina buyers take possession of the property at closing once all paperwork is signed.  In addition, checks are distributed to the sellers as well as other parties involved in the transaction (i.e. Realtors) on the day of closing.  The attorney then has the responsibility of recording the deed.

The Preferred Vendor - It is important that you the buyer select a knowledgeable and reputable attorney.  An attorney's office who is will to go the extra mile to ensure that everything within their scope of responsibility is taken care of in a timely manner.  In addition the attorney and the paralegals should be accessible by multiple forms of communication (i.e. phone, fax, email).  For all of these reason I recommend what I consider the best real estate attorney team of in town - Weeks, Foti & Irvine Law Firm.

The team at Weeks, Foti & Irvine are spectacular at what they do.  They are very knowledgeable and go above and beyond to answer legal questions, perform title searches, and anything else that needs to be done to get the buyer and seller to the closing table.  I know of a few times when Mark Weeks has shown up after hours (late into the evening) because loan packages were running late and the deal had to close that day or not at all.  This is a pretty big deal as most real estate attorney's I know close shop at 5pm and not a minute later. Jimmy Foti and Robert Irvine also do amazing work and at times work late into the night to ensure that all aspects of a successful closing are in order for the buyers and sellers.

In addtion, there is never any worry or concern once the closing transpires about recording the deed.  The lawfirm makes routine trips to the proper county courthouses to ensure the deed is recorded and thus making the property legally transferred. 

They have multiple locations throughout the Charleston Metro to include North Charleston (main office), West Ashley, Mt. Pleasant, Goose Creek, and Summerville.

It should be noted that I get no sort of kickbacks for this recommendation and it is against the law to do so.

Charleston Mortgage Lenders - Preferred Vendors from Contract to Closing: The Series, Part II

Click here for Part 1 of this series.

Click here for Part III of the Series

Worry Free - One of my biggest responsibilities toward my buyer clients is to facilitate the transaction in such as way that it is as worry free as possible.  I do this by ensuring that the people on my team are the best at what they do.  My team consists of mortgage lenders, appraisers, home stagers, inspectors, and closing attorneys.  Although we are all independent from one another I consider them part of my team because they are my preferred vendors.  My buyers get a list of people they can choose from in each area.  They also have the option of hiring someone not on the list, but I can not say will any certainty that the worry meter will not go up when using someone else.  The biggest part of buying a home is getting the money to do so.

One of the first steps to buying a home is to determine your buying power.  Your buying power determines how much you can afford.  To do this you either need to have a lot of money waiting in a bank, or you will need to consult a lender.  Your decision then is to determine if you want to work with directly with a bank or with a mortgage broker.

Banks and Brokers - There are few differences between the banks and mortgage brokers, but the most important is that a mortgage broker does not work for the bank.  He/She can can shop rates to get the best deal for you.  If you choose to work with a bank, my advice is to work with a direct underwriter if at all possible.  The underwriter cuts out the middleman and in most cases gives the final word of loan approval.  A mortgage broker on the other hand acts as a loan processor and must get the final approval of the loan from someone else.

The list of lenders that I give to my buyers consists of both direct underwriters from a bank as well as a mortgage broker.  It should be noted that I do not get any financial kickbacks for my recommendations and it is illegal to do so.  The list includes:

Preferred Mortgage Lenders:

Paul Pace - a mortgage broker with The Access Group.  Paul is an outstanding mortgage broker and an all around great guy.  He goes out of his way to ensure to loan process runs smooth and efficient.  Give him a call at 843-270-0282 or send him an email at ppace@knology.net

Dean Shuey - Senior Loan Officer with Carolina One Mortgage.  Carolina One Mortgage is a division of Guaranty Bank, one of the oldest and most secure banks in the US.  Dean is an underwriter who does great work.  He is willing to go the extra mile help home buyers finance the home of their dreams.  Dean's phone number is 843-574-3114.  His email is dean.shuey@gbmail.com and his website where you can get pre-approved is www.lendingbydean.com

Nancy Hughes - Asst. Vice President Residential Lending with Carolina One Mortgage. Carolina One Mortgage is a division of Guaranty Bank, one of the oldest and most secure banks in the US.  Nancy is an underwriter with Carolina One Mortgage who brings a wealth of experience to the table.  Nancy does amazing work in conjunction with her assistant Sarah Henderson.  Nancy's phone number is 843-572-0108.  Her email is nancy.hughes@gbmail.com and you can also visit her website.

Michael J. Johnson

843-817-5299

My Email

My Website

My Blog

Recent Blogs

Charleston Home Inspector - Preferred Vendors From Contract to Closing: The Series, Part 1

Goose Creek Real Estate

Crowfield Plantation in Goose Creek SC

Charleston SC is considered the friendliest city in America and also one of the World's top tourist destinations.  People come from far and wide to experience the laid back lifestyle and the history of the great city and its people.  But, what many people don't know is that Charleston is a city of firsts.  Being one of the oldest cities in America, Charleston has been a pioneer in many great accomplishments.  The list includes:

• America's First Female Artist - Henrietta Johnson (1670-1728)

• America's First Female Pirate - Anne Bonny (1698-1720) associated with legendary pirates such as Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet.

• First Fire Insurance Company - 1736

• First Municipal College - In 1770 The College of Charleston (CofC) was founded.   I graduated from CofC with a BA in History.  Great school and awesome campus in the heart of the city.

• First Golf Course & Club in the US - 1786: The South Carolina Golf Club at Harleston Green.  The South Carolina Golf Club would ultimately evolve into the Country Club of Charleston, which remains in existence today.

  

• South's first music store- 1819-1970 located between King and Beaufain Street downtown.

• World's first Submarine attack - 1864: the confederate Hunley rammed a Union warship in the Charleston Harbor.

• First Public Museum - The Museum of Charleston 1773

• Oldest Chamber of Congress in continuous operation - Charleston Chamber of Congress formed 1773.

• First Business Publication - July 1774

• First Fireproof Building - 1823, current home of The South Carolina Historic Society at 100 Meeting St.

Michael J. Johnson, Realtor, ABR

michaeljohnson@carolinaone.com

843-817-5299

www.providingthelight.com

www.metrocharlestonhomes.com

Recent Blogs

Charleston Home Inspector - Preferred Vendors From Contract to Closing: The Series, Part 1

Goose Creek Real Estate

Crowfield Plantation in Goose Creek SC

This is part one of a new series of blogs entitled "Preferred Vendors from Contract to Closing.  The series is designed to not only introduce you to the real estate process but also give you my recommendation for area vendors who perform certain necessary task in the this process, and who have earned my respect.  One of my biggest responsibilities as a real estate agent is to facilitate the process for my clients and to make the transaction as worry free as possible.  My preferred vendors help me give my clients peace of mind.  Note:  I do not get any sort of kickbacks for recommending these vendors and it is illegal to do so.

Charleston Home Inspector

For the last two years Centurion Home Inspection has been the preferred provider of whom I recommend to my buyer and seller clients.  I've dealt with a few other home inspector's in the past, but no one does quite the same job that Alan Miles (owner and operator) does with precision, expertise and professionalism. 

On his website Alan explains what the Centurion Advantages are:

Clear, concise, and easy to understand reports with digital color photography and an overall summary of inspection findings.

     1.   Your report is delivered over the Internet to anywhere in the world within 24 hours. In most cases the report is ready within 3 hours after the inspection. Or it can be printed and delivered to you on site.

     2.  Weekend Inspections are available. (Call directly to schedule). No extra charge for week end inspections.

     3.  Special inspection times can be set up. Even After Hours ! (call Directly to schedule these).

     4.  Centurion uses Home Gauge inspection software to generate a professional report with a password protected link for viewing.

     5.  Experienced in new home construction also.

     6.  South Carolina certified & licensed home inspector.  License # RBI.2231. 

     7.  Trained at the Professional Home Inspectors Institute. Experienced in Home Construction, Repair, Remodeling and Renovations. Experienced in Heating and Air conditioning, Appliance Repair, and Residential Security and CCTV Systems.

Alan goes on to explain his current pricing and also provides a sample report which his customers receive usually within the same day. Centurion covers a good portion of the Charleston Tri-County areas to include Summerville, Goose Creek, Moncks Corner, North Charleston, Charleston, West Ashley, and Mt. Pleasant.

If you are in the Charleston Metro area and either need a seller's pre-inspection to determine problem areas to address before selling, or a buyer's inspection to ensure the home is in good condition, don't hesitate to contact Alan with Centurion Home Inspection.  Go with someone you can trust.  Tell him I sent you.   

Charleston Home Inspector: 

Centurion Home Inspection
Phone: (843) 709-5932
Fax: (843) 553-1486
Mobile: (843) 709-5932 

Part II of the Series

Part III of the Series

Other Recent Blogs

5 Things to Consider When Buying New Construction

Realtors Are Like Golf Caddies!

Crowfield Plantation Real Estate, Goose Creek SC

"The South Carolinian has fire in his head, comfort in his middle, and a little lead in his feet.  Proud of his past, often scornful of innovations, his is not willing to adapt unless thoroughly convinced that it is a good thing...He knows his faults, at least many of them.  He will discuss them and propose remedies - but woe to the outsider who reminds him of them.  The faults of his State are as personal to him as a wart on his nose." - Ibid.

"We were taught to be South Carolinians, Ca-ro-li-ni-ians, mind you, and not, please God, the Tarheel slur, Calinians."-Willaims Francis Guess, "South Carolina," in American Panorama:  East of the Mississippi, 1960.

"The manners of the inhabitants of Charleston are as different from those of the other North American cities as are the products of thier soil.  .....There prevails here a finner manner of life, on on the whole there are more evidences of courtesy than in northern cities."

- Johann David Schoeph, Travels in the Confederation

Ring Ring!  Realtor Bob picks up the phone with a cordial hello and introduction.  The caller continues, "Yes, I need to sell my home and was hoping you could help me.  I have a 2200 square foot home and would like to get about $110 per square foot.  I have some friends who just sold their home and got $110 per square foot.  Do you think you can help?"

The proverbial pessimistic demon on Realtor Bob's shoulder is now screaming at him.  But, fortunately the proverbial optimistic angel on the other shoulder who keeps Realtor Bob in the business, wins the day and Realtor Bob agrees to come take a look at the house and discuss what needs to be done with the potential seller.  

The lisiting appointment - When Bob shows up at the house his heart sinks.  There is no curb appeal but there are plenty of overgrown bushes with little to no landscaping effort.  The paint on the house is faded and the roof obviously needs to be replaced.  When Realtor Bob knock on the door and is invited in, the first two things that catch his attention are the stained carpet and the horrible smell of cat urine mixed with cigarette smoke.  The sellers walk the Realtor through the house and although it is probably around the 2000 square footage that they mentioned, the house has a very odd floor plan.  

The kitchen and the master bedroom, two most important features of the home, are quite small in comparison to the other homes in the neighborhood.  The kitchen and master bathroom have vinyl floors and linoleum counter tops. On top of this the master bedroom is on the 2nd floor while the 2 additional bedrooms are on the 1st floor.

A good portion of the square footage is in a formal living room, where home owners spend very little time.  On top of that, the bonus room/FROG (fixed room over garage) takes up about 500 square feet of the home.  There is no closet in the bonus room and it is heated by a window unit only. 

The Verdict - Realtor Bob sits down with the sellers to give them the bad news.  Their house will not sell for the desired $110 per square foot but may be closer to $90-$95 per square foot if they do some necessary adjustments to the condition.  Their biggest problem is functional obsolescence, meaning their home was designed poorly.

The morals of the story are many but there is one in particular I would like to emphasis.  Just because houses are selling near you for a certain price per square foot does not mean that your house is guaranteed to sell for that price.  Many factors go into pricing a house.  Square footage does play a factor but so does condition, curb appeal, and location.