Bob's Blog

Shortsale or Foreclosure

Bob Chambers (Infinity Realty) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:20:21 -0500

I've recently been thinking about what the true advantages of a short sale are as compared to just letting a home go into foreclosure. In both cases the seller is delinquent and is having problems with the current mortgage. If a lender is not going to forgive a deficiency and could come back at a future date to collect the unpaid balance why wouldn't someone just let the home go to foreclosure? Yes, your credit is going to take a hit, but you can wash your hands from future claims by the lender. I have even heard that the credit reporting agencies are looking to eventually treat a short sale the same as a foreclosure.

I know you get stuck in a moral dilemma, but what is one suppose to do?

What are your thoughts on this subject?

NEW LISTING - SUMMERVILLE - LEGEND OAKS

Bob Chambers (Infinity Realty) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:28:38 -0500

NEW Listing in Wakendaw Lakes - Mount Pleasant

Bob Chambers (Infinity Realty) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:26:24 -0500

ION HOME FOR SALE

Bob Chambers (Infinity Realty) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 16:04:06 -0600

Great Listing in Ion Subdivision. This home is located in an national award winning neighborhood in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. The seller is very MOTIVATED at will consider a lease or lease with option to buy!

Summerville Home For Sale

Bob Chambers (Infinity Realty) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:50:03 -0600

Great New Listing in the Summerville area! Best values home in the area! Sellers relocated to Iowa! Cold!!!!! Anyway, if anyone has a client that may be interested please feel free to show! Empty and ready for a new owner!

Market Snapshot by Top Producer

Bob Chambers (Infinity Realty) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 19:48:28 -0600

I recently added an "awesome" new enhancement to my website, Market Snapshot! It is a very useful tool for clients that are interested in neighborhood sales activity. It will allow me to automatically keep in contact with new leads by having customized reports sent to both buyers and sellers in regular intervals. The information is "REAL TIME" and works in conjunction with my local MLS IDX system. Market Snapshot also incorporates community and school reports based on area zip codes. All of these enhancements come as part of this new marketing program.
I have had had the market snapshot up and running for less than a week and have had great response. In fact, I recieved 2 new leads in the last 3 days!
Below is the form that a potential client fills out to get the snapshot sent to them. The great thing about it is that you now have all their contact information for future marketing.

If you would like to see a sample snapshot visit: www.soldoncharleston.com.

HURRICANE SEASON IS HERE......

Bob Chambers (Infinity Realty) — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 10:11:45 -0500
The Atlantic Hurricane Season is now upon our doorstep. The most dreaded time of year for people living on the East Coast of the United States. The hurricane season begins on June 1 and continues through the fall until November 30Th.

This years predictions are expected to be very active. The National Hurricane Center, estimates that there will be 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, 3 of Category 3 or higher. We experienced the first named storm of the year last weekend, BARRY!

We all need to be prepared for the worst. With this being said it is a great time of year to get your Hurricane Kit together. Please see the below link. It will help get you moving in the right direction!

http://www.southcom.mil/hurricaneprep/hurricane_survival_kit.htm

Great Resource For Charleston Area Services

Bob Chambers (Infinity Realty) — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 14:37:47 -0500

Recently a new website has surfaced in the Charleston area. This website has been put together to help people find local serviced based businesses. It allows for individuals to post their experiences with these companies. In a sense giving each area business a score card. This is perfect for people that are new to the area and that are relocating to the Charleston, Dorchester and Berkeley County area. As we all know it is hard to find local services when you are new to an area. The Yellow Pages only goes so far!

There is so much activity in the Charleston area it is nice to have a FREE RESOURCE of information.

If you are a local business it is FREE to add your companies profile as well. Thus giving your company more exposure locally and nationally!

To visit this website go to: http://www.palmettobizbuzz.com

ION - CUSTOM BUILT HOME

Bob Chambers (Infinity Realty) — Tue, 29 May 2007 13:31:23 -0500

Bob Chambers | Infinity Realty | bobchambers@infinity-realty.com | 843.296.2546

209 North Shellmore Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC

Beautiful Custom Built Home Located in Award Winning Neighborhood of ION.

4 Bdrm Single Family House

offered at $890,000

Year Built 2004

Sq Footage 3,075

Bedrooms 4

Bathrooms 3 full, 1 partial

Floors Unspecified

Parking Unspecified

Lot Size 3,920 sqft

HOA/Maint $63 per month

DESCRIPTION

MOTIVATED SELLER!!! SELLER IS ADDING A $5,000 DECORATING ALLOWANCE WITH ACCEPTABLE OFFER. IMMACULATE CUSTOM BUILT HOME LOCATED IN THE NATIONAL AWARD WINNING NEIGHBORHOOD OF ION. INSIDE THIS HOME YOU WILL FIND GENEROUS, WELL APPOINTED LIVING SPACES. THIS HOME HAS OVER 30OO SQUARE FEET, WITH 4 BEDROOMS, 3.5 BATHS. THE MASTER SUITE IS LOCATED ON THE SECOND FLOOR, WITH HIS/HERS CLOSETS. THE MASTER BATH HAS A LUXURIOUS FEEL THAT FEATURES CUSTOM TILE WORK, A HUGE DOUBLE SHOWER, AND SEPERATE VANITY SINKS. THE TWO ADDITIONAL BEDROOMS ON THE SECOND FLOOR ARE GENEROUSLY SIZED, EACH WITH LARGE CLOSETS. A HUGE 4TH BEDROOM/PLAYROOM/MEDIA ROOM WITH FULL BATH IS LOCATED ON THE 3RD FLOOR. LOTS OF ADDITIONAL STORAGE LOCATED ON 3RD FLOOR. THE GOURMET KITCHEN FEATURES GRANITE COUNTERTOPS, LARGE GAS COOKTOP ISLAND, CUSTOM CABINETS, UPPER END STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES! IN ADJOINING ROOM BETWEEN KITCHEN AND DINING ROOM IS A NICE SIZE BUTLER PANTRY WITH REFRIGERATOR AND BAR. ADDITIONAL CUSTOM DETAILS THAT HELP ACCENTUATE THIS HOME ARE: WAINSCOATING IN DINING ROOM, ENTRY HALL AND ON SECOND FLOOR LANDING; BEAUTIFULLY APPOINTED 3 PIECE MOLDINGS THROUGHOUT; TIGER HARDWOOD FLOORS WITH BRAZILIAN CHERRY BORDERS; SMART WIRED THROUGHOUT HOME; CUSTOM CABINETS THROUGHOUT; INTRICATE TILE WORK; FIREPLACE IN FAMILY ROOM; BUILT IN BOOKSHELVES WITH TV NICHE; SCREENED IN BACK PORCH. THE SELLER WILL REFINISH THE HARDWOOD FLOORS UPON MOVING.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C Central heat Fireplace

High/Vaulted ceiling Walk-in closet Hardwood floor

Tile floor Family room Living room

Office/Den Dining room Breakfast nook

Dishwasher Refrigerator Stove/Oven

Microwave Granite countertop Stainless steel appliances

Laundry area - inside Balcony, Deck, or Patio

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Clubhouse Fitness center Swimming pool(s)

Tennis court(s)

ADDITIONAL LINKS

Map of property

Website

Mortgage calculator

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Bob Chambers

Infinity Realty

bobchambers@infinity-realty.com

843.296.2546

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: May 24, 2007, 2:26am PDT

Goose Creek Home For Sale

Bob Chambers (Infinity Realty) — Thu, 24 May 2007 14:06:14 -0500

Bob Chambers | Infinity Realty | 843.296.2546

7490 Hawks Circle, Goose Creek, SC

Pride of ownership shines throughout this emaculate home located in
Goose Creek,SC.

3 Bdrm Single Family House

offered at $243,900

Year Built 2005

Sq Footage 1,810

Bedrooms 3

Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial

Floors 1

Parking 2

Lot Size Unspecified

HOA/Maint $37 per month

DESCRIPTION

THIS IMMACULATE ONE STORY HOME IS LOCATED IN ONE OF HANAHAN'S MOST SOUGHT AFTER NEIGHBORHOODS, THE RESERVE. "PRIDE OF OWNERSHIPS" SHINES THROUGHOUT THIS HOME. THERE IS 1,800 SQUARE FEET OF LIVING SPACE WITH THREE BEDROOMS AND 2 FULL BATHS. AS YOU ENTER THE FRONT DOOR, THERE IS A FORMAL DINING ROOM WITH TREY CEILINGS AND ARCHED DOORWAYS. THE LARGE KITCHEN CONTAINS CERAMIC TILE FLOORING, UPGRADED APPLIANCES WITH FLAT TOP STOVE W/ WARMING DRAWER, SIDE BY SIDE REGRIGERATOR, UPGRADED DISHWASHER, CERAMIC DUAL SINKS, 42" MAPLE CABINETS, PANTRY AND EAT IN INFORMAL DINING AREA. THE FAMILY ROOM IS VERY LARGE WITH 11 FOOT CEILINGS, HARDWOOD FLOORING AND GAS FIREPLACE. THE BEDROOMS IN THIS HOUSE ARE SPLIT. THE MASTER BEDROOM IS ON ONE SIDE OF HOME AND THE TWO ADDITIONAL BEDROOMS ARE LOCATED ON OPPOSITE SIDE. THE HUGE MASTER SUITE HAS NINE FOOT CEILINGS WITH LOTS OF ROOM FOR LARGE BEDROOM FURNITURE. THE MASTER BATH IS UPGRADED WITH CERAMIC TILE FLOORS, SEPARATE SHOWER/GARDEN TUB, DUAL VANITY SINKS AND A WALK IN CLOSET. OTHER FEATURES THAT MAKE THIS A PERFECT PLACE TO CALL HOME ARE: PROFESSIONALLY PAINTED INTERIOR, UPGRADED LIGHT FIXTURES, HARDWOOD FLOORS IN FOYER/DINING/FAMILY ROOM, SEPERATE LAUNDRY ROOM WITH CLOSET, WOODEN CABINETS AND WORKSPACE IN GARAGE, ALARM SYSTEM, GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS, PROFESSIONALLY LANDSCAPED LAWN AND A PRIVACY FENCED BACK YARD WITH CUSTOM BRICK PATIO. THE RESERVE HAS A COMMUNITY POOL AND DOCK ON THE RESEVIOR.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C Central heat Fireplace

High/Vaulted ceiling Walk-in closet Hardwood floor

Tile floor Family room Living room

Breakfast nook Dishwasher Refrigerator

Stove/Oven Laundry area - inside Balcony, Deck, or Patio

Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Swimming pool(s) Lake

ADDITIONAL LINKS

Map of property

Website

Mortgage calculator

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Bob Chambers

Infinity Realty

843.296.2546

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: May 24, 2007, 2:53am PDT

Local Builder partners with NC home Company

Bob Chambers (Infinity Realty) — Wed, 23 May 2007 13:33:41 -0500

By Daily Journal Staff
BaySilver Construction Inc. of James Island has partnered with Handcrafted Homes of Henderson, N.C., to help expand the company's portfolio of systems-built homes in coastal South Carolina.
BaySilver specializes in systems-built construction and offers more than 100 floor plans. The company is owned by Larry and Ryan Roark and has more than 30 years experience in banking, lending and homebuilding.
HandCrafted Homes was founded in 1998 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of HHHunt, a major developer of residential and commercial real estate with properties throughout the Southeast. With its systems-built formula, Handcrafted Homes crafts about 75% of its new homes in a 100,000-square-foot facility in Henderson. The homes are then shipped by wide-load trucks and finished by local builders on site. In addition to BaySilver, Handcrafted Homes is also partnering with Plantation Homes of Murrells Inlet, a company with more than 20 years experience in custom-designed homes.
"With both of these partnerships, we wish to expand our market penetration in these two markets and increase customer awareness of the HandCrafted Homes building system in the coastal South Carolina region," said Bill Murray, HandCrafted Homes' general manager.
Earlier this year, HandCrafted Homes partnered with classical home designer William E. Poole of Wilmington, N.C., to build 10 homes in the Carolinas, including homes in the Charleston area.

Strand real estate sales take a dive

Bob Chambers (Infinity Realty) — Wed, 23 May 2007 10:08:01 -0500

By JENNY BURNS
New real estate sales statistics for April show the Grand Strand still reporting the largest drop in sales in the state.
Homes and condominium sales dropped 22 percent on the Strand in April compared with the same time period the previous year.
Charleston was next in line with a 15 percent drop in sales, according to the S.C. Association of Realtors.
Many inland areas are posting sales increases.
Working through the coast's large inventory will take a while, analysts say.
"One of the reasons homes don't sell is pricing. We've got a lot of investors and people that bought homes on the high end that are either reluctant to lower the price or they are trying to maintain the price. Buyers are seeing if prices will come down, and they are not making quick decisions about purchasing right now," said Tom Maeser, market analyst and president of the Fortune Academy of Real Estate.
"The longer that sellers hold out for above market prices, it's going to delay that selling time. As our inventory gets depleted, we're going to start seeing a return to what people are calling a better or more stable market."
Right now, the sales figures are being compared against record sales last year. The last six months of 2005 and the first six months of 2006 were the best sales ever on the Grand Strand, Maeser said.
While sales are dropping along the coast, prices in April year-over-year reported increases along the Strand, according to the Multiple Listing Service.
Homes increased 15 percent in median price, while condos increased 31 percent in median price.
But analysts say that large condo price increase was skewed by sales in one upscale condominium building in April.
The 124 units that sold in Royal Palms skewed average and median prices for the month of April, Maeser said. The average price for those units was $537,374.
Going to timeshares
Developer Casey Shroff, who bought The Hoffman Group last year, has started a new timeshare company in Myrtle Beach that will offer five resorts.
Shroff said he's expanding into the timeshare industry with Oceania Family of Resorts because prices for new oceanfront condominiums have gotten so high that some groups of buyers can't afford them.
"The real estate market has gone up in price dramatically, and down some, but is still fairly high, starting at $249,900. That leaves a whole bunch of customers from getting in the market as far as new construction is concerned," he said.
Shroff's company - led by Mike Cousins, former vice president of Interval Ownership at Burroughs & Chapin Co. Inc. - will be different in terms of offering five oceanfront mixed-use resorts on the Grand Strand and giving buyers the opportunity to move from a timeshare to fractional ownership and eventually to whole ownership, he said.
Cousins says survey research shows vacationers want to stay on the beach but have the option to stay in different areas along the Strand - and Oceania's five resorts will offer that flexibility.
Shroff, a longtime developer, said he's convinced that the market is heading into timeshares in the long run.
"With a cost of $6,000 to $18,000, that opens up the market dramatically for us," he said.
The new company opens for sales June 1 with a staff of 50 people, said Cousins, who also serves as the chairman for the Carolinas chapter of the American Resort Development Association.

S.C. foreclosure rates far lower than nation

Bob Chambers (Infinity Realty) — Thu, 17 May 2007 09:14:09 -0500

By Daily Journal Staff
The nation's foreclosure activity dipped 1% in April from March but was still 62% higher than the foreclosure rate in April 2006. The decline posted after hitting a two-year high in March.
The April data was released today by RealtyTrac, an online marketplace of foreclosure properties and the foreclosure data provider for MSN Real Estate, Yahoo! Real Estate and The Wall Street Journal's "Real Estate Journal." RealtyTrac's statistics include properties in various stages of foreclosure, including defaults, auctions and bank repossessions.
South Carolina was No. 43 in the nation for foreclosures in April, with 292 properties in some stage of foreclosure, representing one foreclosure for every 6,022 South Carolina households. The number represented a 14.12% drop from March and a 57.31% decrease from April 2006.
Nevada had the highest foreclosure rate in the nation in April at 3,737 foreclosures, with one foreclosure filing for every 232 households.
Other states ranking among the nation's top 10 for foreclosures included California, Ohio, Georgia, Florida, Arizona, Illinois and Michigan.
Wyoming had the lowest rate of foreclosures in the nation in April, with 20 properties in some stage of foreclosure representing one foreclosure for every 11,193 households.
The report showed a total of 147,708 foreclosure filings nationwide in April, with the national foreclosure rate at one foreclosure filing for every 783 U.S. households during the month.