Best treat today? Day 15 and contract was just received! - 10/31/11 05:07 PM
Day 15 of my most recent listing and a contract was delivered just a bit ago!  
It's had quite a bit of interest between showings and online inquiries.  
Priced right so it's NO surprise that we have paperwork already!
Homes are getting contracts and selling everyday!  
Are you ready?  Do you need help?
I'm ready to help you buy or sell.  
I will make the process a treat and keep the tricks at bay!
 
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2 of these 4 Dunes West Homes closed higher than list price ~ Mt Pleasant SC - 10/31/11 10:22 AM
Dunes West is a gated community on the north side of Mt Pleasant.  Award winning amenites and golf course!  Award winning public schools!  Beautiful lots, tree scaped roads, multiple ponds, etc...  Shops, restaurants, new Mt Pleasant hospital within a few short miles.  
Mt Pleasant continues to be the leader in the our local real estate market and an area to watch!
 
--Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed--Copyright: 2011 by the Charleston Trident MLS Association of REALTORS Search the MLS: www.LAURASARGENT.comPrepared by LAURA SARGENT of CAROLINA ONE REAL ESTATE on 10/31/2011 10:06:28 AM … (1 comments)

Breakfast anyone? - 10/31/11 09:00 AM

Yum, yummy, yum!  I bet you are hungry now!  Madra Rua is not only an evening happy hour and great place to watch soccer and other sporting events... it can also fry up one yummy breakfast.  Probably shouldn't eat like this too often but now and then a start like this is quite a treat!  
From 526 Take the North Rhett exit. Turn right onto North Rhett and go around Park Circle to the second East Montague exit. Go past North Charleston High School. We are in the last block on the left - green building and red awning, #1034
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Last minute Halloween costume - 10/31/11 08:21 AM
Rubik's Cube!  One big box, a much of construction paper, tape and you are on your way!  I think a whole family of cubes would be adorable!  Some large, some small, it would surely be the talk of your street.  Plus it is easy to dress warm underneath!  You could also add some reflection stickers to the box.  Don't forget flashlights, stay in groups, know the area you are going to trick or treat, be polite, and have a great evening Trick or Treating tonight!  

Complete How-To: Rubik's Cube Costume

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Sold for List Price ~ Wescott Plantation ~ Summerville SC - 10/29/11 12:19 PM
List and Closed Price = 200k
One happy seller and an even happier buyer now owns a 4 bedroom 3 bathroom home on the golf course located in Wescott Plantation!  This section includes a community pool and each home has lawn service so you can enjoy your weekends golfing and relaxing.  
 

I'm ready to sell your home...
 
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My dad and my grandpa ~ Family Matters - 10/28/11 11:56 AM
Yesterday was my dad's 70th birthday!  The best part of the day for him... spending some of it with his dad!  
Grandpa is turning 96 pretty soon!

Look at my grandpa's face... he is one happy man that is still cutting jokes and making us all smile.  I wasn't able to be at the party but I bet you can easily pick out my mom!  
Jobs and homes come and go but having a great family connection is endless and priceless.  The holidays are just around the corner and I always feel sad for those with strained relationships. … (3 comments)

Homes over a Million Dollars still selling in the Charleston SC area - 10/28/11 10:36 AM
The month of August - 20 homes over 1M closed
The month of September - 9 homes over 1M closed
With 2 days left to close homes, October is currently standing at 14 homes over 1M closed
Here's a few photos of the highest closed sale so far for this month:

This beauty was not lacking in space!  It actually boasts 6,637 square feet for your living pleasure.  
Located on Daniel Island, easy access to beaches and historic downtown Charleston. 

Large screened porch leads to this oasis in the backyard and beyond this is the dock and deep … (3 comments)

Friday Funny ~ Minding your own business - 10/28/11 08:19 AM

 
Saw it on a friend's page this morning and thought it was funny yet so true.  Jumping in where we don't belong usually hurts someone and often it is just ourselves.  Be helpful and handy but not a know it all.  This joke reminds me of the idiom "keep your nose clean".  
Have a great Friday everyone and an even better weekend! 
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Planters Pointe ~ Mt Pleasant ~ 2 Homes Just Listed - 10/27/11 02:31 PM
Just listed this week in Planters Pointe subdivision of Mt Pleasant!  This 4 bedroom homes are sure to go Under Contract quickly!  They are competitively priced and certainly compelling to a buyer interested in living closer to the water!  Community pool, tennis courts, ponds, walking trails, excellent schools, etc...  --Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed--Copyright: 2011 by the Charleston Trident MLS Association of REALTORS Search the MLS: www.LAURASARGENT.comPrepared by LAURA J. SARGENT of CAROLINA ONE REAL ESTATE on 10/27/2011 2:22:26 PM Please contact me if you'd like a personal tour of either of these homes or others in the area... … (2 comments)

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas... - 10/27/11 01:23 PM
I'm lucky enough to say I just returned home from a GREAT trip to Vegas but I'm pretty sure my brain is still there!  Did I have a great time?  YES!  Did I get refreshed?  YES!  But I'm just pulling myself to get back into work, work, work mode.  Maybe it's a sign that I should just put my feet up another day?  No, no, not a good idea.  So here I am blogging because I enjoy it and it will pump my brain back.  
Here one of my favorite pictures from the trip:

This is my mother-in-law and … (2 comments)

No Halloween Weekend Plans? Problem solved in this blog... - 10/27/11 01:02 PM
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Charleston SC area residential mls data October 1st - 15th, 2011 - 10/25/11 03:18 PM

 

Remember, the "median price" is always a better indicator than the "average price" as it is not skewed by the "wild card" high or low sale.  The consistent reduction of inventory is the best indicator of an improving market, although the pressure of REO and short sale activity will keep pressure on keeping prices down for a while to come...
Please contact me if you have any questions or would like any help:
 
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Carolina One ~ October Snapshot of Sales and Listings - 10/19/11 02:31 PM

Carolina One Real Estate is the best in town!  This is a snapshot of the sales and listings the surrounding office's agents are working in just October.  Why would you think of working with another agency?  
I'm ready to help you buy that perfect home or investment!
I'm ready to help you sell your home today!
Please contact me if you have any questions...
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Almost wordless Wednesday Joke for the day from Laura Sargent - 10/19/11 01:01 PM

 
I think this is worth a giggle or two.  I grew up in a family of hunters and therefore guns were correctly locked up.  My dad didn't have them to protect the house and he couldn't have got to them fast enough if he needed to.  I know guns and ownership can be such a heated topic.  But today - no debate in this post - just a giggle.  
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Were you drugged by your parents? - 10/18/11 11:51 AM

 
I know my parents were dragged around a bit more than they drug me around but they did move me!  I'm amazed how some people allow their children to be the decision makers in their lives at such young ages.  Children need guidance.  They need to be put on the right path and if they wander or stray they need to lovingly be redirected.  
Keep learning and loving and enjoy your family now.
 
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Duck, duck, duck, GOOSE! - 10/17/11 11:55 AM
When I was a kid I just loved this game.  I loved making the circle.  I loved sitting next to my friends.  I couldn't wait to be picked but I also didn't want to be goosed.  What if I tripped when I was trying to get up?  What if I couldn't catch the person?  What if I had to be it the rest of the game?  Or worse... what if I got picked and during the next round or two I ended up sitting by someone I didn't want to???  
Oh the childhood issues and worries that I wish were … (5 comments)

Just Listed ~ 3 Bedroom ~ Summerville SC - 10/16/11 03:35 PM

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Charleston SC ~ all areas ~ Real Estate Statistics ~ Jan - Sept 2011 - 10/14/11 12:51 PM
Overall, we are up about 4.3% in terms of # of transactions and down about 4.3% in median sales price.  The green and the red show the numbers that are significantly more or less than tese overall numbers.  I've only noted this for areas that have enough sales to be statisically relevant.  You will notice that there were many areas whose median sales price dropped significantly worse than the overall drop of 4.3%. 

 
It's never been more important to have a professional Realtor help you buy or sell!  
I'm ready to help:
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Most recently "Under Contract" Analysis ~ Charleston SC Area Real Estate - 10/14/11 12:22 PM
147 residential properties under contract this past week.
Good buying activity but we are starting to see the seasonal drop-off.
 
118 single family homes ~ 3 over $1M, 14 under $100k
38 (32%) of 118 were either BANK OWNED FORECLOSURES or SHORT SALES
 
17 island: James-6, Johns-2, Sulllivans-1, IOP-4, WildDunes-1, Daniel-2
2 (33%) of 6 James Island were either BANK OWNED FORECLOSURES or SHORT SALES
 
13 West Ashley ~ 11 LISTED under $200k
5 (38%) of 13 were either BANK OWNED FORECLOSURES or SHORT SALES
 
9 North Charleston ~ 5 LISTED from $48k-$130k, 4 from $170k-$230k
3 … (0 comments)

If dogs could talk, would we always want to hear what they have to say... - 10/13/11 12:47 PM
I'm a total animal lover!  Animals are just ALWAYS happy that you are around.  No matter the time, no matter the weather, no matter your attitude - they are excited that you are home!  
Saw this funny cartoon and thought it was funny enough to post:

Happy Thursday Everyone!
 
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Free Movie Night ~ Oct 14th ~ James Island County Park ~ Charleston SC - 10/13/11 11:52 AM
Ready to gather your friends and family and enjoy a silly movie under the stars?  Billy Madison has a few funny lines that are worth a chuckle and when you don't have to pay outrageous ticket prices and then be quiet in a crowded theater it is a win win.  
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Sold ~ Rivertowne on the Wando ~ Mt Pleasant SC - 10/12/11 09:45 AM

This beautiful Mt Pleasant SC home located in Rivertowne on the Wando was listed on August 3rd... Just 27 days later it went UNDER CONTRACT!  The closing was Oct 4th and the new owners could not be happier to be in calling it HOME.  Please contact me if you have a desire or need to sell.  
I'm ready to help you get your home from For Sale, to UNDER CONTRACT, to SOLD as soon as possible.
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Charleston SC ~ Named #1 destination by Conde Nast Traveler - 10/12/11 08:57 AM
After being ranked in the top 10 for the past 18 years.... drum roll please.... Charleston has finally been named the Number 1 destination in the United States!  This is a reader's choice award and we couldn't be proudier and happier that tourist continue visiting our lovely city and enjoying it as much as we do.  
Just this past weekend I spent the day and evening enjoying downtown and here's a picture I took of the market from my favorite rooftop bar:


Please let me know if you'd like any information regarding the Charleston area real estate market:
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One of the best things about being a fan... - 10/10/11 11:52 AM
Is the funnest part of being a fan of a team:
Wearing the jersey?
Getting your face painted?
Tailgating, eating, drinking and playing cornhole in the parking lot?
Or being completely accepted in a silly blue wig....

Hope all your favorite teams had a great win this past weekend!
 
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Beach Chairs ~ Set to rest for the winter ~ IOP, SC - 10/08/11 10:31 AM

My favorite time to walk the beach (Isle of Palms) is the month of October and November.  It is still warm and sunny.  There is still always a great breeze that pushes you back after you've walked or ran against it.  But these two months offer something wonderful... a quiet beach with lots of room!  Less people, less dogs, less sand castle holes you have to watch out for, etc... I guess it sounds a bit rude of me.  But there is something wonderful with having so much of the beach to myself!  I caught a glimpse of these chairs … (5 comments)

Under Contract Analysis ~ Charleston SC Area Sales - 10/07/11 10:36 AM
165 residential properties under contract past week (last Friday through yesterday). 
Great buying activity for time of year but prices are still falling.
136 single family homes ~ Median LIST price $180k(low), $94/sqft. 25 under $100k. 7 over $1M.37 (27%) of 136 were either BANK OWNED FORECLOSURES or SHORT SALES17 island homes: James-6, Folly-1, Johns-3, Seabrook-2, IOP-2, Wild Dunes-2, Daniel-18 (44%) of 18 iwere either BANK OWNED FORECLOSURES or SHORT SALES6 James Island ~ LIST prices $150k, $158k, $165k, $200k, $230k, $490k
15 West Ashley ~ Median LIST price $190k, $100/sqft., 11 under $230k, 4 $270k-$670k
13 North Charleston ~ LISTED from $19k-$230k. Median $100k, $55/sqft. 2 over $134k
4 (31%) of 13 were either BANK OWNED FORECLOSURES or SHORT … (1 comments)

Charleston SC area real estate market - 10/06/11 06:30 PM
Great News!  Active residential listings are down to 6969....
lowest  in over 5 years! 
Like Steve Harney says ..."the first step of a true real estate recovery is always a reduction in inventory"  
Our Active inventory peaked in June 2008 at 10,513.Although 24% of all residential single family homes pending in the last half of Sept were possible short sale or REO the trending in Listings taken to sold is indeed improving.Forecasters continue to tell us that "even though homes heading towards foreclosure in South Carolina have peaked several months ago, the REOs moving to market (in mls) will not peak … (3 comments)

September Sales ~ 3 Homes SOLD in Rivertowne, Mt Pleasant ~ 2 at List Price - 10/06/11 11:30 AM
Wow!  2 of the 3 sales sold for LIST PRICE!  It's great to see beautiful homes getting new owners!  Rivertowne is a sought after neighborhood in Mt Pleasant.  Great Golf Course and club house available open to the public and always looking for new members.  Neighborhood pool, tennis, walking/biking trails, some lots on the water... so many wonderful things about this great community!  Award winning schools also!   --Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed--Copyright: 2011 by the Charleston Trident MLS Association of REALTORS Search the MLS: www.LAURASARGENT.comPrepared by LAURA J. SARGENT of CAROLINA ONE REAL ESTATE on 10/6/2011 11:17:59 AM Homes are … (1 comments)

September Sales ~ 6 Homes SOLD in Planters Pointe, Mt Pleasant, SC - 10/06/11 11:07 AM
Mount Pleasant continues to be the leader in sales around the lowcountry.  Planters Pointe had 6 great sales the month of September.  It is a fantastic neighborhood with wonderful amenities and walking/biking distance to local shops and the Harris Teeter grocery store.  Award winning schools and close to the beach!  
--Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed--Copyright: 2011 by the Charleston Trident MLS Association of REALTORS Search the MLS: www.LAURASARGENT.comPrepared by LAURA J. SARGENT of CAROLINA ONE REAL ESTATE on 10/6/2011 10:51:27 AM Please contact me if you have any questions regarding the real estate market: … (0 comments)

Charleston SC Chamber of Commerce October Calendar of Events - 10/05/11 11:50 AM
Large variety of events and mixers to hit this month!  You can be a member and attend at a discount or pay a bit more for any event as a non-member.  Certainly worth attending a few and deciding if it's a valuable fit for you and or your company.  There are a few time events that simply explain the Chamber and how you can get involved and how it would benefit you.  
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Corn Maze Craze! Boone Hall Farm's Pumpkin Patch is a must... Mt Pleasant SC - 10/04/11 12:06 PM
October is one of my favorite months!  My personal home becomes one splash of orange after the other spilling from room to room.  I just love it!  I also love heading outside and being comfortable instead of hot, hot, hot!  The month of October is the perfect time to hit the pumpkin patch and the corn maze.  Make sure you click on the Boone Hall Plantation link I added so you can see all the available activities, a great overhead view of the maze, times, dates, and prices.  
It's a corn maze craze in the Lowcountry. The Boone Hall corn … (1 comments)