Susan's Blog

New Listing - 104 Island Park Drive, Daniel Island, SC

Susan Orick (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 20:57:49 -0500

New listing--Daniel Island Park Golf course front home with pool, hot tub, outdoor kitchen, and so much more!

Susan Orick (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 20:21:12 -0500

Jun. 20, 2007 - What's Happening on Daniel Island?

Susan Orick (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 10:50:59 -0500

The Daniel Island community has something for everyone, which is what makes it so appealing. Just take a look at this partial listing of June events from cocktail cruises, movies at the pool, professional soccer, golf and tennis tournaments, plus our 4th of July Island Event....and more.

Hope to see you at some of these wonderful Daniel Island Summer events!

Daniel Island Lowcountry Explorers 2007 Tour Series Hobcaw Barony Wednesday, July 18 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Make your reservation now for this spectacular opportunity to tour Hobcaw Barony, near Georgetown, which is composed of eleven plantations purchased by South Carolina native and Wall Street financier, Bernard Baruch in 1905 and used as a hunting retreat. He was visited there by guests such as Winston Churchhill, Franklin D. Roosevekt and H.G. Wells. You can also visit www.hobcawbarony.org for more interesting facts regarding Hobcaw Barony.The three hour van tour of the property includes a visit to the Hobcaw House and other notable buildings. Lunch will be at the scrumptious Crab Pot in McClellanville. A completed tour registration form and payment (check made payable to the applicable site) is your ticket to one of these exciting day trips. Tour registrations forms and event flyer are accessible at the Daniel Island POA office and at www.dicommunity.org documents section (Low Country Tours). Cost - $20.00 for Hobcaw Tour - Lunch - Dutch Treat Deadline to reserve and pay for your space on the tour is July 3.

Sunset Cocktail Cruises
Remaining Cruise Dates are: June 21, (FULL), July 12 (Spaces available) and July 26 (FULL) (Payment has to be received 10 days prior to cruise date).

6:30 - 8:30 pm. Departs and returns to Children's Park Pier on the Wando River. Please arrive at the dock 15 minutes prior to departure time.

A few tickets are still available for the July 12 Sunset Cruise but are going fast so make your reservation now to board the Sandlapper Tours Boat for a scenic "Sunset Cruise." $28.00 per person. Make checks payable to DICA. Checks can be mailed or dropped off to the POA office at 130 River Landing Drive Suite 1-C, Daniel Island, SC 29492. Please indicate which cruise it is for. No refunds will be given. Covers the cruise on covered 50 foot pontoon boat, light dinner and wine and beer. This is an all adult event. Reservations are on a first come first serve basis, and the cruise is limited to 49 people. The cruise will take place if it's drizzling, but will be rescheduled in the case of high winds or heavy rain. The July 12 cruise will begin with the exploration of Ralston Creek, where guests will learn more about the pristine salt marsh ecosystem and the birds unique to the creek as well as take a peak at the Daniel Island homes along Ralston Creek. The tour will then head out to the Wando River for a glimpse of the Port terminal and the Arthur Ravenel Bridge. After searching for Bottle Nose Dolphins who often play in the harbor, participants will head back to Daniel Island while enjoying a beautiful sunset view. This is not a narrated tour but a naturalist will be on board to answer any questions. The June 21 and July 26 cruises will venture out into the Charleston Harbor and see if you can catch a glimpse of a dolphin, then coast along the Charleston Battery for some breathtaking sites. Then you will travel up to Shem Creek and see some wonderful views of Fort Sumter before heading back to Daniel Island. Come enjoy all the great sites to see. There will be a history guide on this cruise. Be sure to check out the event flyer on the Documents Section of the community website at www.dicommunity.org under Sunset Cocktail Cruises.

Dive-In Movie Night

FEATURED MOVIE: Cars
CATERER: Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries Saturday, June 23 7:00 pm (Light Supper) Movie begins 8:30 pm (approx. sunset) Pierce Park Pool

Join us poolside with your floats and lawn chairs for the widely popular Dive-In Movie Night Series at Pierce Park Pool! This family event will allow everyone to stay cool while watching a great movie relaxing on a float under the stars. You won't want to miss your favorite movies on our new enormous inflatable screen. In 'Cars,' a Walt Disney presentation of a Pixar film, hot-shot race car Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) is leading a dream life -- or so he thinks -- when he goes astray on Route 66. Stumbling upon a sleepy town unconcerned with fame and fortune, he discovers that there are more important things than a fast-paced life. Come early beginning at 7:00 pm as food and beverage (light supper items), ice cream, popcorn and other movie treats will be available for purchase. Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries is our featured caterer for the evening. Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries is the only Zagat rated 'burger' restaurant in the US! They have no freezers and prepare everything fresh and made to order. Five Guys has their our own chophouse outside NY City where their meat is punched fresh and shipped to them three times a week. Their burgers are true 1/2 lb. burgers and their fries are fresh pulled potatoes cooked in peanut oil. They serve a 100% all beef kosher hot dog, homemade veggie sandwich, along with grilled cheese for kids. They look forward to opening in July in front of the Lowe's in the Mt. Pleasant Town Center. Prices for their food on Dive-In Movie Night will range from $3.50 (for hot dog/chips) to $4.50 (for burger/chips), add .50 for bottled water. Please BYOB as alcohol will not be provided. PLEASE REMEMBER NO GLASS BOTTLES/CONTAINERS ARE ALLOWED AT THE POOL. Lifeguards will be on duty. Pool capacity is limited, so make sure to bring your own lawn chair to allow for watching the movie from the pool deck. No rain date.

Daniel Island Night on The Spirit of Charleston (Sailing Schooner) Private Charter Spirit Line Cruises, Charleston's Premier Cruise Fleet Presents"Daniel Island Night on The Spirit of Charleston Private Charter"

Saturday, September 15, 2007 7:00 to 10:00pm (Attendees need to be at dock by 6:30 pm) (Boat departs promptly at 7:00pm) Cruise will depart and return to Children's Park Community Pier & Dock (end of River Landing Drive on Daniel Island)

They're coming to us and tickets are selling fast! Half of them have already been purchased. Don't miss your opportunity to hop on board on what will surely be a fun evening! First time ever offered exclusively to Daniel Island residents. The carefully refurbished and maintained Spirit of Charleston is custom designed for entertaining and on this night you and 199 of your fellow Daniel Island neighbors are invited to step aboard and enjoy this very special evening together. The Spirit of Charleston was built to provide her pampered guests with a magnificent view of Charleston Harbor and gracious Southern hospitality. Enjoy sumptuous heavy horsdeuvres prepared by their Executive Chef and his staff as you cruise by the city's beautiful and historic battery homes and bask under the stars of the Charleston Harbor. Menu to include cheese board with a selection of domestic cheeses, mustards and crackers, Meeting Street crab and artichoke dip with assorted crackers and crostini, rosemary infused roasted breast of turkey and wood oven roasted top round of beef on fresh breads with condiments carved by their chef and seasonal fresh fruit fondue station served with milk chocolate fondue. Beer and wine are included in price (several domestic and imported beer choices), wine (Chardonnay, Merlot and Zinfandel) and will be served on the upper and lower decks. Cocktails/hard liquor are cash bar (not covered in cost of ticket). Be entertained or dance the night away by the fantastic sounds of Bobby Alvarez &The Supernaturals on the upper deck. Cost is only $50.00 per person-don't wait-we promise these tickets will sell out fast! Your reservation or ticket on board will be cash or a check made payable to DITA(Daniel Island Town Association) and dropped off or mailed to the Daniel Island Property Owners Association, 130 River Landing Drive, Suite 1C, Charleston, SC29492. No credit or debit cards accepted for reservation payment. Please indicate in the memo section of your check"9/15 SpiritLine Cruise". Attendees must be Daniel Island residents and 21 years of age and older. 200 person capacity. First paid, first served! Once these 200 spots are taken and paid for the cruise will be sold out! Should your payment be received after the capacity has been met/sold out we will return your check to you. Look for more details in the June Town Crier, the Daniel Island News and at www.dicommunity.org. This will be a memorable party you'll want to be a part of!

Sixth Annual Daniel Island-Wide Golf Tournament Tuesday,

June 26 Daniel Island Beresford Creek and Ralston Creek Golf Courses
Don't miss out on this years 6th Annual Daniel Island Wide Golf Tournament at the Daniel Island Club's Ralston Creek and Beresford Creek courses. Event will benefit the Daniel Island School PTA. For more information and for entry form go to the forms section of the community website at www.dicommunity.org and download the form and send it in today!

Carolina Beach Tennis Open

Family Circle Tennis Center
Saturday, June 23
Play begins at 9:00 am - Free Admission
Entry Fee for participation Pro divisions will compete for cash prizes, plus a guaranteed spot in the 2007 National Beach Tennis Championship in Long Beach, NY in September. Players of all ages and skill levels wishing to compete can register online at www.beachtennisusa.net or at www.cptltennis.com. For more info, or to register, call (888) 202-1945.

Charleston Battery vs. Atlanta Silverbacks Professional Soccer

Friday, June 22 8:00 pm Blackbaud Stadium
The Charleston Battery is prepared for head to head competition with rival Atlanta Silverbacks. You won't want to miss this non-stop action. Call 971-GOAL or visit charlestonbattery.com for ticket informationD

Daniel Island Swim Camp and Swim Lessons
Swim Camp will be offered the following weeks: June 25 - June 29, and July 23 - July 27. This program includes lessons held Monday - Friday from 9:30 am - 12:00 pm at the pool at Pierce Park. Children must be at least 5 years old to enroll. This camp is for both beginning and experienced swimmers who need work on stroke technique. Each day campers will receive a snack and on the last day a pizza party and t-shirt! The cost is $75 for Daniel Island residents and $85 for non-residents.

Swim lessons will be offered throughout the summer for children of all ages and ability. Please contact Abby Kaniaris, Aquatics Director, at 843-971-4405 or by e-mail at Abigail.kaniaris@danielisland.com for more information.

Fourth of July Parade & Poolside Celebration Wednesday, July 4th Parade Begins at 9:00 am in Etiwan Park and Ends at Pierce Park Pool & Pavilion
Join Us For A Spectacular Daniel Island Fourth of July Parade & Poolside Celebration! Dress up your homes, sidewalks, bikes, strollers, wagons and yourselves in patriotic shades of red, white and blue for the annual Fourth of July Parade! Join in by walking the route or cheering from your porch or nearby park. Festivities begin in Etiwan Park at 9:00 am and will end at the Pierce Park pool & pavilion so be sure to bring your bathing suit for a refreshing swim and poolside activities.

New Parade Route This Year!
This one-mile parade begins in front of Bishop England High School on Seven Farms Drive and continues up to Daniel Island Drive. It turns right onto Daniel Island Drive and continues to Pierce Street. Turn left onto Pierce Street and end the parade at Pierce Park pool and pavilion.

9:00 - 10:00 am - Etiwan Park, Registration (Payment taken for BBQ Cookout & Poolside Celebration Activities to be held at Pierce Park Pool & Pavilion) $10.00/adult, $5.00/child. Kids 5 and under FREE. Cash or check payable to DICA.

9:00 am - Etiwan Park
Come see family entertainer Mark Lippard, a special musical performance by Loretta Haskell, an exhibition skydive by Burke Fitzpatrick of the Skydive Carolina Demonstration Team, and The River City Dixieland Jazz Band will perform before, during and after the parade.

11:00 am - Pierce Park Pool & Pavilion
It wouldn't be a 4th of July event without great food! Buckshot Catering will provide a good old-fashioned cookout beginning at 11:00 am and serving until 2:00 pm with hamburgers, hot dogs and "Star Spangled BBQ" to delight everyone's taste buds along with chips, dessert and drinks. DJ Lee Edwards will spin great tunes and Paul Molinaro and his staff, along with Abby Kaniaris, Daniel Island Aquatics Director and her lifeguard staff, will lead your and your family in super fun poolside activities.

There is no rain date for this event. For additional information, visit www.dicommunity.org and look at the documents section or call 971-9200 ext. 100 or ext. 101 for more information.

This event is for Daniel Island residents and their guests only.

4th Annual Lowcountry Buddy Walk
Sunday, September 30

Registration and festival begins at 2:00 pm Walk begins at 3:00 pm Festival continues until 5:00 pm Etiwan Park

The Buddy Walk is an event held across the country to celebrate people with Down's Syndrome. September 30th will mark our 4th year in the lowcountry. Please join us for food, drinks, jump castles, face painting, balloon sculptures, bands, dancing and local entertainment all included in your registration fee. Registration will be open online soon. Please visit www.DSALowcountry.org where you can learn more about Down's Syndrome and be directed to our online registration. For questions or information about group discount rates, please contact Dawn at 813-5808 or dawnd@hometelecom.com.

Community News:
Daniel Island 4th of July Event Volunteer Opportunities

A huge thanks to the numerous residents that have contacted us about volunteering for this year's annual 4th of July Parade and Poolside Celebration which will be held on Wednesday July 4 from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. We still need 4 to 5 more volunteers to help us out at Pierce Park at the admission booths and ticket area at the food station. Responsibilities will include taking up payment and handing out wristbands and meal tickets to our residents for our poolside cookout and related entertainment. If you would be interested in signing up for a 1 or 2 hour shift, contact Barbara McLaughlin at 971-9200 ext. 101 or by email at barbara.mclaughlin@danielisland.com for more information. To show appreciation to you for your efforts, we will provide you with a Free meal and beverage tickets for the event. Thank you in advance for your help!

Rotary Club of Daniel Island Charity Duck Race
Would you like a chance to win $15,000? If so, adopt a duck in the Rotary Club of Daniel Island Charity Duck Race. On July 14, 10,000 rubber ducks will be dropped from high atop the I-526 Wando River Bridge and a few of the fastest "lucky ducks" to cross the finish line will win big. Several island businesses as well as the POA office are official "Duck Adoption Centers." For more information, visit www.charlestonduckrace.com

East Shore Athletic Club Daniel Island Program

Yoga - All Levels
9:30 -10:45 am Tuesday and Thursday
7:00 - 8:15 pm Tuesday
Yoga tones the entire body, enhances balance, improves flexibility and builds core strength by combining Hatha yoga poses with the breath, creating a Vinyasa flow that improves health and athletic performance while calming and relaxing the mind. Classes include modifications and options. This class is open to all fitness levels.

There is a Yoga Class Pass for NON-MEMBERS!

$12 for one class
$50 for a 5-class pass
$90 for a 10-class pass
NO EXPIRATION DATE!

Family Circle Tennis Center News
The following classes, programs and general happenings are scheduled at the Family Circle Tennis Center, a public facility owned by the City of Charleston, located at 161 Seven Farms Drive, Charleston, SC 29492. For more information about these items, please visit www.familycirclecup.com, or contact the Family Circle Tennis Center at (843) 849-5300.

Junior Tennis Programs
Matilda Blue Adaptive Tennis Program
Session I (6 weeks):
Ends June 30, but join anytime (prorated cost)
90 minute classes* (Wed. 6:30 - 8:00 pm) or Sat. (11:30 am - 1:00 pm)*choose 1 class time. Cost: $72.00 (no charge for parents or siblings). Contact Chris Cubbage for more info at (843) 849-5304 or Chris.Cubbage@familycirclecup.com

Adult Tennis Programs
The Family Circle Tennis Center offers a comprehensive tennis program for adults at all skill levels. These tennis classes are part of a ladder of development progression that gives each player the direction and skills to move forward to the next level of play.

Stroke of the Week Clinics
Ongoing Weekly Clinics
Tues., Thurs. & Sat. (9:00 - 10:00 am)
Covers one stroke per week including (Forehand, Backhand, Serve, Volleys and Overheads). Weekly Fees: 1 class $15, 2 classes $20, 3 classes $30. For more info, call Chris Cubbage at 849-5304.

Tennis 101
Every Thursday (6:30 pm)
1 hour clinic designed for adult beginners / advanced beginners. Cost: Members: $60 Non-Members $75 - (6 sessions. For more information call 849-5300.

Adult Drill
Every Tuesday (6:30 - 8:00 pm) & Saturday (10:00 - 11:00 am)

1½ hour clinic designed to give the 3.5 and up players a challenging workout that includes singles and doubles strategy. For more information call 849-5300. Cost: Members: $20 / class - Non-Members: $24 / class

Jun. 17, 2007 - "If you ever hear of any insider deals..."

Susan Orick (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 10:46:37 -0500

I am often asked by clients and friends, to let them know if I ever hear of any great insider deals before they go on the market. It happens very rarely these days, but I have to tell you about a great opportunity to get in on a property conversion that is head and shoulders above the rest.

One of my Keller Williams associates is converting a RIVER and MARSH view apartment complex along the Ashley River into townhouse style homes starting at $82,900 for 1 bedrooms, and up to $160,900 for 3 bedroom units. They are unbelievable prices and the units are in excellent condition, and very reasonable upgrade packages are available. Investors are welcome. Low regime fees as well.

Call or email me as soon as possible if you are interested. These will go fast. You snooze you loose.

Good Luck!

Susan Orick, Charleston SC Real Estate

Susan Orick (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 10:44:47 -0500

The City of Charleston has announced plans for a major waterfront recreation center that would run 2 miles along the Wando River. They are currently working with Sasaki Associates who designed the Waterfront Park in Charleston to create this attraction. They hope that the project will be complete in mid-year 2009.

The recreation area would include several elements that would make it a huge attraction and bring more patrons to existing Daniel Island businesses. A large marina would furnish 300 wet slips and 200 dry-stack units, which would be available for rental by the general public. The area immediately surrounding the marina would contain shops and restaurants. The boat ramp would be a public daily-fee ramp with four lanes and parking for over 100 vehicles. A community fishing pier at the park's northern tip would be connected to the existing pedestrian trails and boardwalks. There are also plans for a recreation area with 3 baseball fields, 2 soccer fields, and land left vacant for a future gymnasium. The project has already been endorsed by the Charleston based environment group, The Coastal Conservation League. The city has started its public review of the marina's dry stack building, and will soon begin filing the permitting plans with state environmental regulators.

This is exciting news for Daniel Island, and anyone looking to buy or sell property there. The addition of this project will make homes and land there even more valuable. With places to work, shop, and dine Daniel Island really is a great place to live.

Feb. 16, 2007 - Daniel Island Lots

Susan Orick (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 10:40:32 -0500

I wanted to take the chance to update you on 4 great lots I have listed on Daniel Island. They are in Daniel Island Park. All four lots enjoy Daniel Island Club social membership privileges with access to swim, tennis, fitness and dining facilities. NO BUILD REQUIREMENT, so you can take your time to build!

http://40woodford.sueorick.com/

40 Woodford Street

http://29hazelhurst.sueorick.com/

29 Hazelhurst Street

http://320HiddenBottom.sueorick.com/

320 Hidden Bottom Lane

http://136Balfour.sueorick.com/

136 Balfour Drive

Feb. 15, 2007 - Builder confidence continues to rise in February

Susan Orick (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 10:32:59 -0500

Great news for the real estate market, according the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released today builder confidence is showing a significant positive trend, which is welcome news to everyone. The index is at the highest level since June 2006, increasing 5 points from January to February. The index rose in all four regions, Northeast, Midwest, South, and West, with the biggest gain in the Northeast. All three components that make up the index, present home sales, sales expectations for the next six months and buyer traffic, showed increase. This announcement is on the heels of the Federal Reserve Chairman's declaration to Congress that there are signs of housing market stabilization. This stabilization is due to a higher number of ready and willing buyers. Reasons for this include the favorable mortgage rates, lowering energy prices, and growth in employment and household income levels. Builders have also been offering incentives to help entice buyers which has helped further increase interest.

"Builders are becoming increasingly convinced that the abrupt downslide in home sales is in their rear view mirrors and they see better times as they look at the road ahead," said NAHB Chief Economist David Seiders.

This news really couldn't have come at a better time. With so many people afraid of trying their hand in real estate after such a disappointing 4^th quarter last year, the outlook is headed up. This is just in time for the spring and summer housing rush, when parents try to buy a home and get settled before Fall and the start of school. If you have been on the fence about going out and buying a new home, now is the time to strike. Builders are still offering great incentives, and special loan packages to get rid of their excess inventory.

I have compiled a list of Charleston area builders that can be accessed at Charleston South Carolina New Home Builders

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a visit to a new home community call me at (843) 817-3811 OR email me at info@sueorick.com

Feb. 4, 2007 - Role of the Media in the Real Estate Market

Susan Orick (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 10:31:18 -0500

I have a "what came first the chicken or the egg" type question for you... How much has the current housing market slump been "encouraged" by the media?

I know some people are now saying "What did she say? Hogwash. Bah Humbug." But hear me out.

The typical average American is being bombarded with headlines such as: "House Market Slumps Even Lower", "Worst Housing Market in Years", "Housing Market Expected to Get Worse", "Housing Market is Expected to Decline More" and on and on. We know that most people read the headlines, but many do not bother reading the supporting story. If they did, they may notice that although the headline says the market is the worst it's been in years, that the article states that the numbers are like what we saw in 2004. And if I remember correctly in 2004 most housing markets were touting about how great the numbers were!! Yes the current numbers may be down from the previous year or two, but it's not the gloom and doom as portrayed in the bold flashy headlines.

But people see and hear the HEADLINES and before checking to see what the rest of the story is, they say "Okay let's not buy a house because Katie Couric said that the market wasn't good." I'm not slamming the average American for not reading the whole story. I do it myself, in fact. But as an agent it is very frustrating to hear and see the sensationalized headlines everywhere, but then almost in a stage whisper or size 6 font the rest of the story is told.

Here is the truth about the market. It is a buyers market. If you are thinking about buying a home, NOW IS THE TIME TO DO IT!! Sellers are offering price reductions, incentives worth thousands of dollars, and prices sometimes THOUSANDS below the value of the home. SO get off the fence, and get out there and buy a home!

Sellers, while it is a buyer's market, you can still sell your home. Just remember, pricing is everything in a buyer's market. Now is the time to make sure the house is priced properly from the very beginning of the listing. It will probably take more time to sell your house, so sit tight and don't be discouraged. In the meantime a clean, presentable, clutter-free house is more important than it was in the past. With so many houses on the market, anything to give your home an edge over the one down the street should pay off for you in the end.

Lastly, make sure your agent will be more aggressive in generating interest in your home, and following up possible leads. The point in all this is...don't always believe what you hear on the news, or the headlines you see in the paper. Read the fine print, take time to hear the rest of the news story, get the whole picture, and not just a small sensationalized sound bite. Or ask your friendly real estate agent for a breakdown of the truth in your market.

Jan. 29, 2007 - The Importance of Home Inspections--A new lesson learned

Susan Orick (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 10:28:55 -0500

I thought that I knew everything I needed to know about home inspections. To me, "Yes you need one" was the only answer that was correct. I still have that opinion, but I have added more reasons why to the list. I learned a very important lesson from a recent home inspection experience...

I recently sold a wonderful home that was fairly new, and was built by a reputable builder. Great...newer house, good builder, that inspection should be good as gold. Man was I wrong. The buyer's agent hired a very thorough inspector who probably could recite the code book from memory. And he would not back down from the code as written in that book.

The inspector came, he saw, he conquered. At the end of the inspection there were almost 20 items that the buyers wanted fixed because their inspector found them to be code violations. My sellers look to me and asked "Why Susan, how can this be? How can there be so many code violations in our fairly new house?" Yes, some of the items on the inspection report were small, picky things that the majority of inspectors may catch, but never enforce or make the builder correct. But there were a few more serious violations that even caused me to run home and check MY HOUSE for. Luckily, since we were dealing with a builder that has a wonderful customer service attitude they agreed to have a county inspector come out and reinspect and agreed to repair anything that did not meet code.

Moral of the story...home inspections are a necessity. If you are a buyer, don't buy a house without one. Please. I'm begging you! And sellers, don't scoff when a buyer wants to do one. It may actually protect you legally from selling a home that has some serious code violations. Your liability in the sell of the house would probably have to be determined by a court of law in the end, but you would probably rather it not get to that point.

Jan. 27, 2007 - Stop! and step away from that New Homes Guide...

Susan Orick (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 10:27:48 -0500

You drive around the Charleston area and see all those New Home Subdivision signs. You pick up a brochure and see all the pretty floorplans and all the features you can customize. And you think "Wow, I have to have a new house!" New homes are great. You get to pick your upgrades and features. You get a house that no one else has even lived in. You get to be part of the building process. Yippee!!!

You also get to fight it out with the new home builder and their construction staff. You get to listen to a builder representative tell you that nail pops are a natural part of the new construction process and there is nothing they can do to fix them. You get to hear the new home salesperson tell you that there is no use in having a home inspection for new construction. You get to let punch-out guys into your home for months after you've moved in because there is a problem that wasn't fixed before closing. Oh no!!!

Some buyers get swept away with the NEW HOME EUPHORIA and don't think about the big picture. Do you know which upgrades and features will be the biggest payoff in the end? It's more important to opt for the structural upgrades when building the house, then trying to do it at a later date. At a later date it is much easier to spruce up the cosmetic aspects of the house. So maybe it's a better idea to consider that bump-out, than it is to get that granite countertop when building. Also builders can sometimes be unclear on what are upgrades in the model and will not be included in your home. Do you think you are getting those great 42' maple cabinets in the kitchen? You better make sure...

Some people think that if they are buying a new house, then there is no need for an agent. That is simply not true. Having an agent when you are buying a new home will be an amazing help to you. We have worked with New Home Builders before, and know which questions need to be asked.

Do you have time to go to construction meetings, check on the progress of the house, touch base with the Mortgage Company, Title Company, Closing Company, Builder Representatives, and still have time to work a 40 hour week and spend time with the kids? Why would you even want to deal with all this stuff when you don't have to! Speak with an agent, let them research area homebuilders, come up with a short list, then go and visit the builders together so you can be properly registered. Then just pick out your home, colors, features, upgrades, and then step back and let the professionals handle it from there.

And did you know it is no cost to you? One day this week I had the joy of overhearing a fellow coworker speak of now former clients who decided to build a new home-without their agent's help. They rushed to the homebuilder and asked "well since we don't have an agent that means we get a price reduction right?" The salesperson laughed them out of the office. You have to pay the same amount for your home whether or not you have an agent. So why wouldn't you have one? PS. You should ALWAYS get a home inspection, regardless if the house is new or not!!

Jan. 25, 2007 - Not all Home Warranty Companies are the same...

Susan Orick (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 10:26:41 -0500

Buyer beware. Research Home Warranty Programs before committing to one. Not all of them are created equal.

Recently, I had a client who purchased a home with a home warranty provided by the sellers. It being a relatively new home, my clients thought they would never actually have to use it. But they did. Back in November their heat pump started freezing over. They called the home warranty company who sent out a local HVAC company to check it out. The company diagnosed the problem, and "fixed" it. Since then they have had to call the home warranty company seven other times because the heat pump still has not been fixed. Each time they send the same HVAC company out to "fix" it. The buyers have been unable to leave home the entire winter and leave their heat running for fear that it would freeze up while they are gone.

I checked with them earlier this week to see how the battle was going. The same HVAC company has had their heat unhooked for close to a week now, with nighttime temperatures down into the 30s. The home warranty company says they cannot regulate the length of time it takes to repair something, but they could send another company out to look at it, for an additional trade fee. I have tried to get a local contact for the home warranty company, but have not been successful--and this is a very popular home warranty company that I am speaking of.

Moral of the story...check out the home warranty company before committing to it, whether you are a homeowner, listing agent, or buyers agent. Here are some important questions to get answers to:

1. Will I have a local representative to call if there is a problem getting something fixed?

2. Are the contractors expected to report a diagnosis within a specified period of time if the situation is considered an emergency (like no heat during the middle of winter)?

3. If the original contractor is unable to fix it after a couple trips, will I be asked to pay another trade fee to get a new company out?

4. Is there a limit to how many times you will allow the same contractor to be sent out if they are unable to fix the problem?

5. If the party covered has problems dealing with the contractor, what are the steps your company takes to help them?

6. How much will the policy holders have to pay towards replacing big ticket items (this can vary from simply the trade fee to thousands of dollars)?

7. KNOW YOUR TRADE FEE!

Home warranties are still a geat product. But like everything else, research before you buy.

Jan. 22, 2007 - I'm Quoted in the media--Market Picking Up

Susan Orick (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 10:25:21 -0500

Once again I have the pleasure of being interviewed and quoted in the local media.

http://www.sueorick.com/Nav.aspx/Page=http://www.charlestonbusiness.com/issues/13_2/news/8517-1.html

Jan. 22, 2007 - Disclosures, disclaimers, and representation OH MY!

Susan Orick (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 10:24:11 -0500

Here is a crazy question for you. Would you represent yourself in court? I know that some of you have heard this line of thinking from a real estate agent and to prove me wrong you say, "Well, yes in some cases I would."

How about if you were being sued for $200,000?

$400,000??

$750,000???

Hmm....Not so sure now? In real estate transactions the stakes are that high. It's not equivalent to a speeding ticket or an unpaid $300 loan from an acquaintance. It is a transaction that deals with a lot of money, and many legal matters. I know people buy and sell real estate everyday without representation, sometimes people just get lucky. But would you consider it lucky if you sold your home and a buyer later came back and sued you because they found out that you didn't have a disclosure that was required for your state and they are saying you were untruthful with them? Would it be lucky if you bought a house with no agent involved and you didn't get a home inspection and after you moved in you found out the plumbing was bad, the central air wasn't working, and the stove didn't work?

Hmm....

A realtor's job is to protect your best interests. Realtors represent their clients and make sure the legalities of the transaction have been fulfilled. Those packets of forms you buy from your local office supply store may not have lead paint disclosures, property condition disclaimer or disclosure, a right to farm ordinance for your county if required, a septic system disclosure, the list could go on and on. So how confident are you that you can go it alone?

What if I told you that sellers who decide to do For Sale By Owner, on average actually net 10% less than sellers represented by agents according to studies completed by the National Association of Realtors.

Hmm....

Psst, Buyers did you know that your representation by an agent costs you no money?

Hmm....

Good news for the Charleston SC Real Estate Market...Here come the buyers.

Susan Orick (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 10:21:28 -0500

Jan. 17, 2007 - Here come the buyers

After a slow December and more doomsday reports from the news media, things seem to be picking up. The buyers are out looking at homes for sale again!!

Traffic has picked up quite a bit over most of the Charleston Metro area, which is a welcome relief to sellers. While we still have a while to go in this buyer's market, seeing more people come out is a good sign for all those sellers out there who have been worried that their house will never sell. In my listings alone I am seeing around a 175% increase in activity over this time last month.

Sellers don't get discouraged waiting for those buyers. This trend should get better as we get into the spring months. Remember families with kids start searching for a new home in time to allow the kids to start the new school year in the new school. So hang tight.

Dec. 25, 2006 - I'm in the news! Quoted in the Charleston Business Journal

Susan Orick (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 10:20:05 -0500

I always get a kick out of opening the paper and seeing my name in print. I wanted to share the article with you!

http://www.charlestonbusiness.com/pub/12_25/news/8152-1.html

Great Investment Properties

Susan Orick (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 10:18:14 -0500

Dec. 16, 2006 - Great Investment Properties

I would like to update everyone on two of my current listings, both are GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES. One is a single family home in North Charleston and the other is a duplex in Hanahan.

Investment Properties:

http://www.sueorick.com/ListNow/Property.aspx?PropertyID=1243011

4013 Niagra Drive, North Charleston

http://www.sueorick.com/ListNow/Property.aspx?PropertyID=1272938

5747 Murray Drive Hanahan, SC