Laura 's Blog

Please help Steve Brown

2008-09-26T10:21:57Z

I received a gut wrenching email today regarding Steve Brown's catering business. As I am sure most businesses are, Steve is feeling the pinch of the economy. As one of my friends, Connie Hipp says, "If Steve had back a 10th of what he gives to the community the business would be just fine. He continues to give with a very big heart."

Please help spread the word if you can.

Fundraiser to Benefit Steve Brown Catering

Sunday, September 28, 2008

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Waterfront Park

$15.00 All-You-Can-Eat
Area restaurants and merchants participating

This fundraiser is just a small way to thank Steve for all he has done for the community over the years.

You can check out Steve Brown Catering here.

For those of you who don't know, Steve Brown's Catering is a cornerstone in Beaufort. The cookies are amazing and beyond the food (which is great by the way) Steve has and continues to go above and beyond to support those in need and this community.

Join me in saying thank you to Steve Brown and lending a hand to a business that we need to keep in Beaufort.

What's Happening in the Beaufort SC Real Estate Market

2008-09-16T15:21:02Z

Talking with another real estate broker yesterday, I heard the broker say "the phones have been kind of quiet, showings have slowed and buyers have apparently disappeared." I looked at recent sales in Beaufort from August 1-today.

I looked at residential homes in Beaufort, Mossy Oaks, Port Royal, Burton, Lady's Island, St. Helena, Dataw Island, Fripp Island, Harbor Island, Northern Beaufort County, and Jasper County including Ridgeland. 71 homes in 6 weeks isn't much to talk about, but it could be much worse. We live in a community of about 45,000 people. The great thing we do have is that we do not have one type of buyer. We have military, retirees, professionals such as doctors, lawyers, vacation home buyers, and investors. We do not rely on one type of buyer or industry to spur our local market.

To give you an idea of what is selling here is the breakdown:

100,000-200,000=38 sales

200,000-300,000=13 sales

300,000-400,000=10 sales

400,000-500,000=2 sales

500,000-600,000=3 sales

600,000+=3 sales

While the average and median days on the market has fallen, it is evident that homes in the 100,000-200,000 are what people are buying right now. Interest rates are coming down, but guidelines for lending are hard to navigate. To search all area homes for sale visit www.BeaufortExperts.com

Beaufort, SC-A hidden gem along the coast voted one of the best retirement communities on the water.

2008-09-16T13:55:44Z

Great, thanks to Money Magazine, everyone now knows what I do! Beaufort was recently one of 6 of the best places to retire. I am not near retirement age, but I certainly chose Beaufort for many of the same reasons talked about in the article. Read the article here.

We are surrounded by so many types of water, the ocean, the marsh, the river, and the Intercoastal Waterway. We are a boater's paradise, which is how many of our visitors find us on one of their coastal trips up the ICW. Others stop along the way and hang out on one of our many sandbars for libations and social networking.

If you have ever looked at a topographical map of Beaufort County you are likely to get lost in the sea of green as we are fortunate to have some of the area's best golf courses designed by major players.

I am not a history buff either per se but I do find it quaint and charming to walk along Bay street and see buildings from the 1800s or walk along a cobblestone road that many before me have traveled. Beaufort is one of those towns that successfully has found a way to mix progression and growth with preservation of history and culture.

I thought today that I am truly fortunate that I get to live here. Many choose where they live because of their job or family. We are fortunate that we get to choose to live here because we WANT to. There is a wooden sign in a local real estate office that fits me exactly. It says, "I wasn't born in Beaufort, but I got here as soon as I could." If I ever have to leave, trust me I will go kicking and screaming.

Shrimp Festival is coming October 3-4th.

2008-09-16T13:20:46Z

It is that time again, when thousands converge upon Beaufort to get a little something we might take for granted-SHRIMP! Every year the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce put on a great time over two days filled with shrimp boats, entertainment, vendors, shopping, restaurants eager to test their shrimp recipes, as well as a 5K run/walk. This year, Advanced Real Estate Company is a jumbo shrimp festival sponsor again.

Last year we had a money booth. You know the kind where you step into a booth for a certain amount of time and try to catch as much money as you can. Well, this year we will not have a money booth, but you never know what we might come up with to get your attention.

We are looking forward to seeing you there and we hope you will stop by and say hi!

You can read more about the festival here. Register for the 5K shrimp run/walk here.

49 Lemoyne Drive, A truly unique listing in Telfair!

2008-09-03T10:42:35Z

You will not want to miss this unique home in the desirable neighborhood of Telfair. This home is larger than most in the neighborhood with many more upgrades such as a heated and cooled area of the attached 2 car garage that can easily be converted to living space, a 200 square foot out building with its own GFI, a screened in patio with a Flagstone slate floor, vinyl fence, a private well for the irrigation system, 2 gas fireplaces, an expanded kitchen with breakfast island and an extra family room that can be enjoyed all 4 seasons. The recent upgrade of the HVAC to a 13 seer unit and the new 50 gallon hot water heater make for very low monthly utilities. The large master suite is bright and open with an oversized closet, tile floors, and a linen closet. This home in turn key ready and freshly painted.

You can view all interior photos online at www.49Lemoyne.com.

Water Festival is here!!!!

2008-07-12T08:32:19Z

It is that time of the year again. Water Festival is upon us where people all over the country flock to beautiful Beaufort to see some great talent and have a great time! Like last year, Advanced Real Estate Company is proud to be an admiral level sponsor.

Last night kicked off the festivities with the Parris Island Marine Band and fireworks. Tonight Blake Shelton will take the stage for a concert in the park. Tropical Tuesday features The Landsharks. Wednesday we showcase local talent with a talent show sure to entertain. Thursday you will find the lowcountry supper delightful with music by Too Much Sylvia. Friday is the river dance with music by The Breakfast Club. On Saturday, everyone is looking forward to the Commodore's Ball with music by Jim Quick and Coastline. You won't want to miss the grand parade on Saturday and Sunday is children's day. There are also toadfishing contests, a women's golf tournament, matress racing, and boat bingo.

For more information and to purchase tickets, you can visit http://www.bftwaterfestival.com/.

Beaufort Academy is so very lucky!!!!!

2008-07-10T10:31:46Z

We are so very fortunate that we have a gem on board at Beaufort Academy. We have hired Tony Kitchings, former basketball player at the University of South Carolina as the new Athletic Director at Beaufort Academy. Tony brings a myriad of knowledge and experience to the school. I am confident that he will help build the athletic programs and specifically the basketball program at BA to a place where we can all be proud. Tony's bio includes playing at USC from 2000-2003. He also played one year professionally in Korea and for the Asheville Altitude and Tulsa 66ers of the NBA Developmental League. He also just left a coaching position as United Faith Christian Academy in Charlotte where he led his team to a 17-9 record. I am not only impressed with Tony as a basketball professional, but having helped Tony and his family find a home in Beaufort, I am also impressed with him as a great person to know. I am fortunate that he will also be my neighbor. Please help me welcome them to Beaufort!

Beaufort County Association of Realtor rankings are out for quarters 1 & 2

2008-07-10T10:10:57Z

Yesterday the Beaufort County Association of Realtors posted the top 100 Realtors for Beaufort. I couldn't believe it when I saw that I was listed as #5. Although there are 4 others listed above me with total $ sold, there are no other Realtors in Beaufort with as many transactions. So, if you are looking for a Realtor in Beaufort SC, you should be working with someone who has the experience in this market to help.

My husband left today!

2008-06-22T13:30:34Z

Well, the day eventually came. We were notified by the Navy 30 days ago that my husband no longer had a job at Naval Hospital Beaufort. He had been given orders to report at Camp Lejeune, NC by month end. Well, today he left to report to his new duty station. We have two years left of our obligation and I am counting down the days. Well today is a really hard day for me as I am not only a single mom of two little boys, but also because my best friend will not be here with me every day. Why did we not go with him you ask? Well for starters I own my real estate company and have over $300,000 invested in this company. Secondly, we owe more money on our house than we can reasonable sell it for right now. There are also 5 other homes for sale on my street currently and they are all priced $100,000 less than what we owe on ours. So, as a family, we decided it would be best to make the best of this and countdown the days until we are together again. The good news is that he is excited to be a Camp Lejeune and looking forward to this new assignment. I personally think that the children of Marines stationed at Camp Lejeune are very lucky to have such a great pediatrician who is sacrificing time with his wife and children to serve them. Be nice to him and someone please take good care of him.

Beaufort SC-21 Purrysburg Drive, Beaufort SC 29907

2008-05-10T11:38:20Z

Beautifully maintained home with many special and unique features! The open family room features hardwood floors and a wood burning fireplace. The kitchen highlights include upgraded birch cabinets, black Kenmore appliances, a double stainless sink, pantry and tile floors. There are numerous upgraded lighting fixtures throughout this home. The master suite is very spacious and has an oversized master closet, a bright spacious bathroom with a standup shower and separate soaking tub, dual sinks on the counter height vanity and tons of storage. There is a great screened in porch off of the family room that overlooks a pond. There is also a completely floored attic space over the garage for a possible future bonus/bedroom.

Beaufort SC-Great listing on Lady's Island, 9 Oakwood Drive

2008-05-10T11:21:18Z

This like new home is sure to impress even the pickiest buyer! Beautiful hardwood cherry floors gleam from the foyer, living room, dining area, kitchen, and hallway. Professionally landscaped with a fully fenced yard at .43 of an acre. Private driveway in both the front and back of the house to allow access from either road (Oakwood or Miller). The bedrooms all feature chair molding and brand new carpet. The bathrooms have been redone with new flooring, vanities, and light fixtures. Separate laundry room and family room. Relax on the large patio in the back yard. Hurry, because this one won't last long!

Beaufort SC-Great rental home available

2008-05-10T10:52:25Z

For Rent

$1,750Monthly

4 Susan Court
Beaufort, SC 29907

Property Type:	Residential
Acres:	0.5
Garage:	2
Bedrooms:	3
Full Baths:	2
Sq. Ft.:	2000
Built:	1999
MLS:	115116

A great opportunity to rent a large home on Lady's Island in the desirable neighborhood of Christine Place. This home features an open floor plan, tile floors in the kitchen and baths, huge master suite with spa like bath, 12 x 24' storage shed, wood burning fireplace and formal dining room. Rent includes lawn service, pest control, and annual power washing. Pets OK with a $250 non-refundable pet deposit. Minimum lease of 1 year. One month security deposit requested. Kitchen - 11' x 12' Breakfast room - 10' x 11' Dining room - 12' x 13' Living room - 17' x 15' Master bedroom - 19' x 17' Master bathroom - 12' x 9' Master walk in closet - 6' x 8' Bedroom #2 - 12' x 12' Bathroom #2 - 8' x 5' Bedroom #3 - 12' x 10'

The Thunderbolts say goodbye to a great leader, Lt. Col. Orr!

2008-05-10T10:34:17Z

Friday, we said goodbye to Lt. Col. Michael Orr who is the outgoing commanding officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251. He relinquished his command over to Lt. Col. Peter D. Ponte. What I find so fascinating about his story is that his father was also a squadron commander here in Beaufort from 1973-1975. I just wanted to thank you so much Lt. Col. Orr for guiding the Marines and Sailors under your command safely for the past two years. We wish you lots of luck at Naval War College. Fair winds and following seas to the Orr family. We hope to see you back in Beaufort again soon.

Lilies on the river, Beaufort SC

2008-05-10T10:12:41Z

Today is a great day to honor a special woman in your life. Hope Haven of the Lowcountry is having their annual fund raiser to raise funds for their children's advocacy group and rape crises center. Thousands of stargazer lilies will float down the Okatie River in memory or in honor of special women. The cost per lilly is $10.00 and all funds raised go towards their efforts protecting children in the Lowcountry. This year they aim to raise $25,000. The ceremony and brunch will take place at Berkely Hall Clubhouse in Bluffton, SC. I am proud to say that the Junior Service League of Beaufort is helping to make this event possible. You can find out more information about this amazing event or Hope Haven here.

Welcome Chase/Diller Professional Real Estate Team!

2008-05-10T09:42:15Z

The Professional Real Estate Team of Larry Chase and Christy Diller is joining forces with Advanced Real Estate Company of Beaufort. "We are excited to join a technologically innovative, young, aggressive real estate company that will allow us to continue to serve our clients and friends and exceed your expectations", says Christy Diller They invite you to visit their new office located at 27 Tidewatch Circle across from Lady's Island Middle School on Sea Island Parkway. They can be reached online at www.wesellbeaufort.com or call them at (843)525-1292. MORE TO COME ABOUT THIS EXCITING TRANSITION...STAY TUNED AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOYALTY AND SUPPORT!!!

Beaufort SC-www.119StuartTown.com

2008-05-10T09:29:05Z

If you are looking for a great house in the desirable Spanish Point neighborhood, this is it! You will feel at home starting at the front patio, a perfect spot for sipping coffee or reading your newspaper. This brick ranch home features over 2200 square feet of living space with 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. You will love the large formal living room with lots of windows and crown molding. The formal dining room flows from the living room and features a built in cabinet to store china or linens. The family room features more built in bookcases, a wood burning fireplace, and French doors that open to an amazing patio with built in benches. Off of the family room you will find 2 sizable bedrooms with wainscoting and crown molding and a full bath with gorgeous tile located just off the hallway. A spiral staircase leads to a 12' x 16' loft that can be used as a home office a 4^th bedroom for guests. You will love the recently upgraded kitchen with Quartz countertops, ceramic tile floors, and stainless steel appliances. Extra large laundry room/utility room with tile floors, 2 large closets (one cedar lined), built in laundry sink, built in ironing board, and extra refrigerator. Store your extra platters or dishes in the built in butler's pantry. The master bedroom is quite large and features double French doors that also lead to the patio out back. A double vanity sink and built in cabinets, compliment the master bath. The home sits on almost half an acre and has a completely fenced in back yard, a 3 zone in ground sprinkler system that runs off a private well, with mature landscaping. Park in the attached 2 car garage or utilize the double driveway.

View the virtual tour at: http://www.119StuartTown.com.

Is the market in Northern Beaufort County dead or barely breathing?

2008-05-05T13:09:48Z

Is the market in Northern Beaufort County dead or barely breathing? I say it is alive and stable. In many parts of the country and even in the low country, there are those that say the real estate market is horrible and nothing is selling. We are very fortunate that Beaufort is a destination and that we do not only rely on the military or one industry to buy homes. We have military buyers, but we also have retirees or second home purchasers. We have professionals, we have medical personnel, and we have students. All of these types of buyers contribute to a varied buyer who is looking to buy. According to the Beaufort County MLS, in the past 7 days alone, there are 182 listings that are under contract pending to close. There are 76 new listings and 19 listings closed within the last 7 days. What I am seeing are prices adjusting. In the same 7 days, there were 85 price changes. I too have been receiving phone calls from clients asking if now is the right time to lower the price. The conversation is always the same. I say that "there are only two things that are going to make a seller successful in this market, condition and price." If sellers have done all that I have asked to prepare their homes for sale, then the only other thing we can tweak is the price. I have seen price reductions go as high as $15,000 in one day. The question is whether these price reductions are effective. I have had a seller lower their price $10,000 and within 3-4 days have an offer to purchase. I have also had sellers in the same neighborhood lower their price and not get an additional showing for 3 months. It is hard to determine what will bring a buyer through the front door and decide that they will write an offer, but if a home is priced well and in pristine condition, it will sell. So what does the future hold for real estate in Northern Beaufort County? Well, although I think the market is stable and there are buyers making purchases, I think it will still take some time for the market to correct itself. One way that will happen is that prices will continue to go down before they go back up. For those who purchased 18 months-2 years ago, don't even think of selling your property right now unless you have cash to bring to the table. For those who bought 4 or 5 years ago, you should not plan to walk away unscathed and with $50,000 in your pocket. Remember real estate is not a short term investment and the days of gaining 25-30% a year are over. I think that we are close to dissolving some of the inventory that we had left over from last summer, but I think most sellers who put a tenant in their home because they could not sell last summer and going to be trying their hand at selling once again and there will be an additional number of homes to weed through. The trouble will come when those sellers realize that their home might be worth less than it was last summer when they tried to sell. I am seeing many training seminars and classes being offered to real estate professionals on the short sale or foreclosure process. Although currently we have a low foreclosure rate, there may be more coming and at least local Realtors® are getting the training they will need to assist sellers in that situation. The bottom line is that buyers are buying but that they are offering less than asking price and asking for closing costs to be paid. Some sellers are selling, but they are getting less for their homes and their homes have to stand out among the competition.

Staging Advice

2008-04-16T06:41:29Z

I had two listing appointments over the weekend that had me pleasantly surprised. Usually, when I visit a seller's home, I go room by room suggesting changes that they can make to improve the way their home is viewed by potential buyers. Sometimes this advice falls on deaf ears or leaves sellers wondering why this is even important. I was pleasantly relieved that both of these potential clients seemed to be keenly aware of the necessity of certain staging tricks to help sell their home. With the proliferation of HGTV shows that focus on home buying and selling I guess I should not be so surprised. I am writing this blog entry to help those who are wondering what to do to prepare their homes for sale.

1) Get a storage unit!!!!! You want to maximize floor space in your home. Buyers need to see every square foot of your house and if they feel like it is too small, they won't buy it. If the recliner in the guest bedroom takes up too much of that floor space, it needs to go. I say get a storage unit because I do not want to see it shoved in the garage. You will also need this storage unit to store all of the other things I am going to suggest that you pare down.

2) Clean off the bookcases and shelves. Family photos are ok, if they are kept to a minimum and as long as the photos are not too distracting. Potential buyers will stop and look at every photo hanging on the wall and we want them to look at your home. Pack up the collectibles and the knick knacks.

3) Clean off the counters. Remove virtually everything off of the kitchen counters and bathroom vanities. Buyers want to see how much work space they will have in your kitchen and in your bathroom they do not need to see all of your toiletries.

4) Organize the closets. Sellers often ask me what to do about the closets. In the master bedroom closet, you should thin out majorly and organize what you leave behind. The larger the closet appears, the better. In all of the other closets, do the same. You do not need to remove everything from the closet. but it should be neat and organized.

5) Clean the carpets, windows, and the front door. You only get one chance to make a first impression. Buyers need to be wowed at the door. The front entrance to your home should be clean and inviting. If there are bugs galore, a buyer will think that is what they are likely to find inside as well. Buyers don't know how much it actually costs to replace the carpeting if they should choose to do so. If your carpets are in disrepair or beyond cleaning, you should consider replacing them. Buyers cannot visualize what new carpets will look like, they want to see them already replaced. Don't wait to get an offer to do so.

6) CURB APPEAL, curb appeal, curb appeal. Finally, all of the above recommendations are good ones, but the one that will matter more than most is to take the time to make the outside of your home a reflection of what a buyer will find inside. Remember, most buyers start their home shopping online so that exterior photo of your home might be the only thing that makes them want to make an appointment to come see it. Fresh flowers, fresh mulch, planters with color, clean gutters and rooftops, shrubbery that is trimmed, and grass that is green and well maintained will sure to impress picky buyers.

7) Check your paint colors. I had a seller once tell me that paint colors do not matter. After years of showing thousands of homes to potential clients, I can tell you with absolute certainty that paint colors do matter. Your color palette should be neutral. That means stay away from the bright blues and yellows. Red is not neutral and neither is orange. Tans, beiges, light creams are neutral colors that are not offensive to potential buyers. Again, buyers are not good at estimating costs and they ALWAYS over estimate. You do not want a buyer not to chose your home because they do not want to spend the money nor the time repainting every room to their taste. They may repaint to their taste later, but we want them to do so because they want to, not because they HAVE to. Ask your real estate agent for advice about the right color.

8) Check the placement of your furniture. Do you have too much? Do you have too little? Are buyers walking into your living room and staring at the back of your couch? Is the focus on the TV or on the fireplace? Is my bedroom furniture too big for the room? Do I really need 4 chairs in my living room. Can I collapse my dinette table to make the room a little larger? You do not need to buy all new furniture, but you can assess what you have and whether or not it appeals to most buyers. I do realize that buyers are not necessarily buying your furniture, but if they can't see past it, will they buy your home? Slip covers and cushions make a big improvement.

Stay tuned in the future for more staging advice. Call your real estate professional for room by room tips and tricks to help your home sell faster.

Local restaurant helps family raise money to adopt

2008-04-01T06:10:02Z

As Spongebob and my sons proclaimed on Sunday, "this is the best day ever!" Sunday, our church mentioned a fund raiser to help the Anderson's who are adopting two little deaf boys from Ethiopia. A local favorite, Berry Island Cafe offered to help the Anderson's in an awesome way. They had an all you can eat ice cream special for $5 a person or $20 a family. I won't say exactly how much I consumed, but I certainly got my money's worth. I don't know if you have ever had the pleasure of tasting Berry Isand's ice cream, but I would go so far as to say that it is AMAZING! My husband, my sons, and I sampled just a few flavors including mint chocolate chip, frangelico, butter pecan, italian caramel brownie, rum raisin, and peanut butter cup. The restaurant was packed and I am thankful for my friend Charlie for offering his yummy ice cream and restaurant for such a great cause.

A week long client, Easter, a child's birthday and out of town guests.

2008-03-28T04:27:25Z

I woke up this morning a little disappointed in myself because I have not been able to post as regularly as I would like and feeling a little guilty because I know I should. So, as I think about what topic I would like to write about this morning all I could come up with is what I have been consumed with for 2 weeks. First, I had wonderful clients from Cincinnati Ohio that were looking for waterfront property. We spent 4 great days together but I can honestly say I think I have seen every piece of waterfront property priced between 300-800K in Beaufort. Some needed to have the "house" bulldozed and others showed great potential. Others even made me want to go get a book and stay all day. Anyway, spending 4 days out of the office hitting the streets is tiring. Then along came Easter with the mandatory Easter egg hunts, church, and Easter Brunch at the British Open Pub. YUM-O. Complimentary mimosas, a buffet of bacon, eggs, the best biscuits you have ever tasted and of couse grits made for a party in my belly as my son Owen says. Grandma and Granddaddy arrived Sunday night and have been visiting all week. I am thankful because it is spring break for my oldest son Zachary and he could use a little attention. In the middle of this chaos is the fact that it is Owen's 4th birthday. I forgot to mention that he was invited to one of his classmate's birthday party too the day before Easter and another party this Sunday. So his birthday falls smack in the middle of those two and quite frankly I am tired. We decide to forgo the traditional birthday party and instead deliver Chick-Fil-A lunch to his classmates along with ice cream sundaes. He couldn't be happier and mom is delighted. Last night we had a few friends over for a ham dinner, cake and presents. I think it was in fact his best birthday ever! Did I mention too that I had to take him for a hearing test on Wednesday? He did not pass with flying colors and therefore we are off to the ENT today. So, if you are wondering why I have been unable to post as regularly as I would like, I guess I have a good excuse. My life has been a little hectic for 2 weeks. Is anyone else tired?

Sure, Mr. and Mrs. Buyer you can steal my house!

2008-03-12T10:38:35Z

So you wake up and turn on the morning news program or read your local paper and read about the economy being in the toilet and news story #2 is about how the housing market is tanking. What is a buyer to think? Well, apparently the morning's events translates into the following story that has happened to me 3 times in the past 2 weeks.

Mr. and Mrs. Buyer meet with Realtor Bob. Mr. and Mrs. Buyer tell Realtor Bob that they read in the paper that now was a great time to buy a house because they could get a great deal. Realtor Bob thinks to himself, "since I haven't sold a house in over a year, I will agree with you because that is what I read too" Realtor Bob meets with Mr. and Mrs. Buyer and they discuss how much the buyers can afford and then he talks a little bit about sellers paying all of the buyer's closing costs these days and the asking prices are just starting points etc. The buyers say they only want to spend up to $275,000 and Realtor Bob pulls listings up to $325,000. He explains to them that perhaps there are some sellers in that upper price range that they could negotiate a better price with. Now Mr. and Mrs. Buyer are looking and falling in love with homes they cannot afford. They also have been given what i feel is terrible advice that a seller might be willing to come off of $50,000 just because of the market we are in. So, Mr. and Mrs. Buyer write an offer on a property that is listed for $325,000 and they offer what the max they can afford, $275,000. So Mr. and Mrs. Seller now are angry that they got such a low offer and they are not aware that the buyer really can't afford to come up from their offer price and meet anywhere in the middle. WHAT A WASTE OF TIME!!!!! So, I ask, who is at fault? The media for trying to tell America that the housing market is in the toilet everywhere? Realtor Bob for not properly advising his clients about market value and for not selecting properties his clients could afford? The buyers for not being smart enough to do their own homework on market conditions and for writing an offer on a home they couldn't afford? The bottom line, is that even though we are in a buyer's market in Beaufort, sellers should not feel as though they have to give their house away. Offers $40,000 below asking price when the house is priced very fairly and cometitively to begin with is rediculous. I feel most sorry for the buyers who are wasting their, their agent's, mine, and my client's time writing offers on properties and sending people on an emotional roller coaster all for nothing. The funniest part of this story is that Realtor Bob lives in this neighborhood where Mr. and Mrs. Buyer wrote an offer and had the seller accepted his buyer's offer his own property value would have been affected. Doesn't sound too smart to me....

Cherimie's Got "it"

2008-03-12T10:01:04Z

As the owner of a real estate company, it is often hard to recruit agents who you know have 'it". I was truly blessed the day Cherimie came into my life. She is one of those agents who I envisioned when I thought about opening my own company. She is beyond professional, she has an amazing work ethic and quite frankly, I am proud to have her representing my company. It cracks me up that I turned Cherimie on to Active Rain, but little did I know that she would take Active Rain and run far and wide. I also didn't know how greatly that one act would impact her business in a powerful way. I read Cherimie's blog often and smile because I never know what she is going to say. I think she has an amazing voice about her career and she showcases Beaufort, SC in a way that would make anyone want to move here. She is a great writer and an even better Realtor. She was chosen today as a hidden gem. I, of course, as her broker, couldn't agree more! Way to go Cherimie.

Who said the market was dead?

2008-02-16T06:29:16Z

If you have been waking up every day, reading the newspaper, or watching the news wondering how the real estate market in Beaufort South Carolina is doing, then I have some GREAT news for you!

I have personally closed the following homes so far in 2008!

So if you are thinking of buying or selling in the Beaufort area, please do not worry. Homes ARE selling and you can rest assured that with the right representation you can be successful too just like these sellers!

REDUCED! 74 Garden Grove Court, Beaufort, SC 29907

2008-02-16T05:47:24Z

Just reduced, this semi custom home is situated on a one acre lot on a private cul de sac in the fantastic neighborhood of Walling Grove. The dining room is sure to impress with 14' ceilings and you will love how it flows nicely to the cozy family room with wood burning fireplace. The kitchen is perfect for entertaining. Any cook would love the generous 42" cabinets, the Corian countertops and the like new Maytag stainless steel refrigerator, smooth top stove, dishwasher and microwave. The huge center island is perfect for entertaining or preparing meals. Gather for meals in this oversized eat in area. The bedrooms in this home are large and bright with great closets. You will appreciate the brand new carpet and fresh paint throughout. All of the bathrooms feature tile flooring, Corian countertops, and upgraded light fixtures and faucets. Large laundry/mud room with lots of cabinet space for storage. This home has a great sized master bedroom with trey ceiling and doors that open to a sizable deck. The master bath has a double vanity with a tiled stand up shower and separate whirlpool tub. Any woman will love the size of this master closet. Spread out with the large bonus room prefect for a play room, office, or extra tv room. Sit back and relax on the screened in porch overlooking this fully fenced in back yard with an enormous separately fenced dog run perfect for your four legged friends. Keep the lawn looking great and save money with the pump, well and in ground sprinkler system.

REDUCED! 33 Christine Drive, Beaufort, SC 29907

2008-02-16T05:30:55Z

Just Reduced! If you are looking for a true 4 bedroom house in Beaufort, this is it! Like new home in fantastic neighborhood of Christine Place on Lady's Island. With over 2000 square feet, you are sure to have plenty of room. This home features an awesome two story foyer that is elegant and inviting. The kitchen is quite large with tons of cabinet space, a large center island perfect for entertaining and preparing meals, and a great eat in area. The family room is warm and cozy with a wood burning brick fireplace. Eat with family and friends in the formal dining room. Sit back and relax and read the newspaper on the screened in porch overlooking the private, nicely landscaped backyard. Upstairs, you will find the master suite with two walk in closets sure to impress and a master bath with double vanity, Jacuzzi tub and separate shower. The other three bedrooms are surprisingly large with great closets. There is plenty of room to spread out outside too on this half an acre lot with in ground sprinkler system. This home features brand new carpet downstairs, fresh paint, and a brand new septic system that is gravity fed and requires no pump.