Keith's Blog

3rd Quarter is "in the books" in Beaufort, SC

Keith Strawn (Lowcountry Real Estate) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:34:10 -0500

One of the really interesting -- at least I think so -- aspects of the shifting real estate market is that it "shifts" the way we purchase property in Beaufort County. Just a few years ago, conventional financing was the way to go. Through the first three quarters of 2006, for instance, a whopping 83.6 percent of all home sales were conducted utilizing conventional financing, according to statistics gleaned from the Beaufort Multiple Listing Service (MLS). During this same time period, less than 5 percent of home loans were through the Veterans Administration (VA), and about half of one percent (.006) were loans that utilized the Federal Housing Authority (FHA). Cash sales accounted for about 10 percent of purchases.

Not so in 2009. You can throw those trends and stats out the window. Through the same time period in 2009, more and more buyers are seeking out a variety of "non-conventional" funding sources, and the number of buyers using conventional financing has plummeted to 50 percent, according to the Beaufort MLS.

Cash deals have emerged as a big player in the 2009 real estate market, more than doubling its market share since 2006. Almost 19 percent of 2009 residential transactions have been conducted via this mode, according to Beaufort MLS statistics, up from about 10 percent in 2006.

VA loans have made huge gains in 2009, more than quadrupling their market share. In 2006, about 4.6 percent of residential sales used their VA in 2006, while that figure is about 18.5 percent in 2009. Back in 2006, there was an abundance of 100 percent financing available through conventional means. Much of that financing has dried up in 2009, so military veterans and active duty personnel have gone back to the VA as the source for 100 percent financing.

Although FHA loans still comprise a relatively small (8 percent) share of the marketplace, there is nothing small about the gains FHA loans have made. As mentioned earlier, FHA loans comprised about one half of one percent back in 2006, when the market began its slowdown.

A Beaufort, SC Landmark Celebrates It's 150th Birthday

Keith Strawn (Lowcountry Real Estate) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:51:34 -0500

This is a big weekend for Hunting Island and it's iconic lightouse, located about 25 minutes east of Beaufort.
The Friends of Hunting Island will celebrate the 150 years of the 95-foot light house, which was first completed in 1859, destroyed just a few years later during the Civil War, and rebuilt in 1873. Because of powerful surf and the resulting erosion on Hunting Island, the tower had to be moved further inland in 1887.

The Friends of Hunting Island have planned all sorts of activities for the black and white structure. You can read all about it in today's edition of the Beaufort Gazette.

Hunting Island is one of the most visited state parks in South Carolina. I have heard it is THE most visited park in the state, but we'll have to leave it at that. It is a wonderful, fascinating place, that has been the filming venue for movies such as Forrest Gump and Disney's Jungle Book.

Safety in the South Carolina Lowcountry

Keith Strawn (Lowcountry Real Estate) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 07:20:27 -0500

There are many local treasures in the South Carolina Lowcountry -- Waterways, historic buildings, military and religious ruins like Fort Frederick and Old Sheldon Church..............and gators. Yes, alligators. These guys are everywhere. Area golfers will tell that you these reptiles are ubiqitous in the Lowcountry. These gators are by and large very private. They enjoy sunning themselves near fresh-water lakes and ponds, and along our many golf fairways. But although these gators tend to mind their own business, just remember they have big mouths, lots of teeth, and can be dangerous if provoked.
An elderly Hilton Head golfer was recently attacked while trying to retrieve a ball which had landed near a gator. The condition of the golfer is being closely guarded by family and friends, but hopefully he is doing well.

So, please be mindful when exploring area golf courses and bodies of fresh-water.

A LITTLE BEAUFORT, SC HISTORY

Keith Strawn (Lowcountry Real Estate) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:41:53 -0500

A lot of us know that Beaufort, pound for pound, is one of the most historical little towns in America. I mean, where do you start?We were occupied by the Union very early in the Civil War. From our deep natural harbor, the Union Navy ran conducted much of its blockading efforts of Confederate ports; In the Parish Church of St. Helena, we have one of the oldest churches in America; and so on and so on.

The photo above is Old Sheldon Church is a historical gem in its own right. It was victimized by two wars, no less. Old Sheldon Church -- I don't suppose they called it "Old" Sheldon Church when they built it -- was burned twice in time of war, first by British troops during the American Revolution, and then again by Union troops during the Civil War. After the Civil War burning, the church was never rebuilt.

I took this photo just the other day, while returning from Columbia, our lovely state capital. I'm not going to say I take any of Beaufort's history for granted, but I wasn't necessarily thinking, "Hey, I'm about to pass the ruins of 200-plus year old church in a moment," as I cruised down the sun-dappled Old Sheldon Church Road earlier in the week. But there she was, to my left, and I couldn't resist pulling off to the side of the road to walk the grounds for a moment.

The church is only about 20 minutes from downtown Beaufort, so if you are in town, it's worth the effort. The setting is lovely and peaceful.

Thanks for checking in.

BEFORE YOU SCHEDULE A SHOWING AT EVEN A SINGLE HOME.......

Keith Strawn (Lowcountry Real Estate) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:43:37 -0500

I had a great conversation the other day with a fellow agent here at Lowcountry Real Estate.

We discussed the phenomena (for lack of a better word) of folks who fall in love with a house, based on internet photos, and then don't want to get out of the car because they don't like the neighborhood........
Or because it is not on the water..........
Or because it is situated next to a lesser priced home........

If you have never been to community to which you are about to move, you really need to take a half a day, or even a full day, and ride around neighborhoods in your price range with your Realtor, to make sure you like the area. If you don't like the area, the likelihood is you won't want to buy a house there, no matter how much you think you like the home.

Trust me on this one. By starting with neighborhoods and specific areas, you will save yourself a lot of time. And, you will also save some sellers the several hours a lot of folks spent preparing their home for showings.

Thanks for checking in.

Question About HomeFinder.com

Keith Strawn (Lowcountry Real Estate) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 16:22:32 -0500

Anyone have experience with www.homefinder.com?

A seller has asked me about it. I am not very familiar with it?

Any thoughts. As always, thanks for your help.

Early Morning, Beaufort, SC

Keith Strawn (Lowcountry Real Estate) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 08:40:48 -0500

Because Beaufort is a waterborne town, boats are commonplace on the rivers and creeks that thread the area. But, when you see a cruise ship -- even a smaller one -- approaching Beaufort, that is something else altogether. Last night, as my son and I rode our bikes into downtown Beaufort, I looked off to the right and saw The American Glory steaming towards us. It was quite a site, seeing the lit up ship cruising beneath the fading light of the early evening. The American Glory is part of <a href="http://www.americancruiselines.com/">American Cruise LInes</a>, whose ships frequently visit Beaufort this time of year. The cruise line specializes in "inland" cruises, as opposed to the ocean-bound vessels of Disney Cruise Lines, and the like.

Beautiful Home in Downtown Beaufort, SC

Keith Strawn (Lowcountry Real Estate) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 08:01:33 -0500

Keith Strawn | Lowcountry Real Estate | bks@islc.net | 843.263.6886

116 Elliott Street, Beaufort, SC

Beautiful, Renovated Downtown Charmer

4BR/3BA Single Family House

offered at $369,000

Year Built	1951
Sq Footage	2,550
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	3 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	.55 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

This renovated home is close to everything, from Bay Street to area medical facilities. At $369,000, it is priced to sell. PLEASE compare to other homes in the area. Minutes from a number of boat landings, allowing the new owners to enjoy all area water amenities.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor	Tile floor
Family room	Dining room	Dishwasher
Laundry area - inside	Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Walk to Bay Street

Charming layout

Four Bedrooms

Large Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Beautiful	Captivating Exterior
Outdoor Living Space	Nice Detail
Charming	Living Area

Contact info:

Keith Strawn

Lowcountry Real Estate

bks@islc.net

843.263.6886

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Apr 10, 2009, 4:28am PDT

FOR PETE'S SAKE, GET OFF YOUR BUTT AND TAKE A PICTURE OF YOUR NEW LISTING!!!

Keith Strawn (Lowcountry Real Estate) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 21:14:32 -0500

I've seen some mind-blowing displays of laziness in 9-plus years as a full-time real estate professional. But I just saw something that really tops anything I thought I'd ever see --

A local agent listed a home, utilizing the photo taken by the previous listing agent.........with the previous agent's sign in the picture of the front of the house!!!

Let me back up, and let's be totally clear about this.

Realtor A has listed a home previously listed by Realtor B. Realtor A used some of Realtor B's photos. In this "new" photo utilized by Realtor A, Realtor B's sign is visible in the yard.

Hey, we've all seen agents use another agent's photos when they pick up a previously-listed house.

And, in this situation, let's be honest, the new agent is cutting corners by using the old agent's photos. But, geez Louise... using a photo with another company's sign in it?!?!? How lazy are you?!?!?

Hey, listing agent, this seller just entrusted you with the marketing and sale of their home. Get off your lazy butt, and go take some pictures of your new listing!!!

Deep-water Paradise in Beaufort, SC

Keith Strawn (Lowcountry Real Estate) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:23:35 -0500

Keith Strawn | Lowcountry Real Estate | bks@islc.net | 843.263.6886

113 Alston Road, Beaufort, SC

Elegant deep-water home overlooking the ACE Basin.

5BR/4.5BA Single Family House

offered at $1,545,000

Year Built	2007
Sq Footage	3,700
Bedrooms	5
Bathrooms	4 full, 1 partial
Floors	3
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	1.5 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

This is the Lowcountry. This is why we love the Lowcountry. This deep-water home is convenient to historic Beaufort, SC, yet boasts of privacy you might expect to have drive many miles to find. The private dock provides easy access to area waterways. The home is one of a unique few to have a private beach at low tide.
Inside, the quality and workmanship speak for themselves, from the hickory floors and crown moulding to the marble floors.
The porches will allow you to add extra, outdoor living space during the many beautiful months of weather Beaufort enjoys.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
High/Vaulted ceiling	Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor
Tile floor	Family room	Bonus/Rec room
Dining room	Breakfast nook	Dishwasher
Granite countertop	Stainless steel appliances	Basement
Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Private Dock

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 2	Photo 3
Photo 4	Photo 5
Photo 6

Contact info:

Keith Strawn

Lowcountry Real Estate

bks@islc.net

843.263.6886

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Mar 21, 2009, 7:27am PDT

Gorgeous Waterfront Home in Beaufort, SC

Keith Strawn (Lowcountry Real Estate) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:19:17 -0500

Keith Strawn | Lowcountry Real Estate | 843.263.6886

43 Ridge Road, Beaufort, SC

5BR/4.5BA Single Family House

offered at $999,000

Year Built	2007
Sq Footage	4,500
Bedrooms	5
Bathrooms	4 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2
Lot Size	1 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

This custom home combines location, quality and size. With more than 4000 square feet of living space, and five bedrooms, this elegant home can accommodate a family of any size. There are bells and whistles galore, from the amazing, built-in coffee maker, to the silestone counters, to the Brazilian tiger floors. Elegance flows throughout the home.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor	Tile floor
Family room	Living room	Bonus/Rec room
Office/Den	Dining room	Breakfast nook
Dishwasher	Refrigerator	Stove/Oven
Microwave	Stainless steel appliances	Laundry area - inside
Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Waterfront living

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 6	Photo 1

Contact info:

Keith Strawn

Lowcountry Real Estate

843.263.6886

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Mar 17, 2009, 4:13pm PDT

Posting Listings

Keith Strawn (Lowcountry Real Estate) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 20:26:55 -0500

Okay.....I give up. How do you post listings?

Best Regards,

Keith Strawn

Lowcountry Real Estate

ACTIVE RAIN FOR NOVICES

Keith Strawn (Lowcountry Real Estate) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 05:07:30 -0600

Okay, you've spent your two weeks "earning" your real estate license....... Now what? Even in a good market, this can be a tough business for a new agent to get traction.

One of the first things I did when I became licensed in 1999 was undertake an email campaign aimed at successful-looking Realtors around the country.

Of course, not knowing much about real estate, and not knowing any of these agents personally, I had to rely on appearances, so i sought out Realtors with attractive websites, lots of listings, etc. I created an email template, which identified myself as a new agent who was eager to learn, and I asked these agents if they wouldn't mind giving me a few pointers on how I could increase my chances of success as a Realtor.

I was really moved by the number of Realtors who took the time to share some pretty thoughtful ideas on what needed to be done by me, or any new agent, to succeed. A year later, I did the same thing, this time identifying myself as an agent with a year's experience who was ready to take it "next level."

This was a great exercise, and I gained a lot of valuable insight into the minds of some really successful agents.

I would encourage all of us who have been selling real estate for a while to encourage young Realtors to spend a few minutes on Active Rain each day. Everything I was hoping to learn by contacting successful agents around the country can be found every day on Active Rain.

Just today, for instance, i read blogs which discussed maximizing time, the importance of follow-up calls, etc. It's almost like an ongoing training class put on by conscientious Realtors around the country.

So, to all you new agents out there who want to run a smart professional, integrity-based business, this is a really good place to start.

ONE MORE REASON TO CONSULT A REALTOR -- WHAT IS "DEEP WATER?"

Keith Strawn (Lowcountry Real Estate) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 06:42:33 -0600

One of the common questions raised by buyer and seller alike in Beaufort is the definition of deep water? With more than 90 inhabited islands, this is a pertinent question. Beaufort County is a waterborne community, with hundreds of waterfront properties.

If you were to call up our friends at Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, the folks who issue permits in South Carolina, they might tell you they have no real working definition of “deep water.” The OCRM evaluates whether there is a suitable tidal creek off the property, worthy of a dock.

The OCRM will determine if the creek qualifies for a floating dock, or just a crabbing dock.

At the Beaufort Board of Realtors, however, we classify anything with at least 3 feet of water at LOW TIDE as deep water.

And there are caveats. Your property may have the requisite 3-foot minimum at low tide, but what about the sandbar which sits up the creek, and makes parts of your creek impassable for an hour or two a day?

The Beaufort Multiple Listing Service calls that Deep Water with "limited access.”

Like a lot of real estate terms, great liberties have been known to be taken with the classification of water-front property. Tidal creek can mean an outstanding water-front property, which might be navigable 24 hours a day, but I've also seen the term tidal creek utilized to describe a tiny rivulet which might occasionally accommodate nothing more than a kayak .

This is one of the myriad reasons you want to consult a Realtor before purchasing or listing any property. Have a great day.

TAKING NOTHING FOR GRANTED

Keith Strawn (Lowcountry Real Estate) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 05:34:04 -0600

After nine years as a full-time Realtor, suffice it to say I've learned a few hard lessons.

One of the most difficult lessons I've learned is to not take anything for granted. And yet, every once in a while, I still get burned by something which seems like the most obvious thing in the world.

A few weeks ago, I was discussing a closing with a buyer, and he began making references to the closing attorney coming to his (the buyer's) office for the closing. When I began to explain that buyers and sellers go to the attorneys office for closings (hence the purpose of an attorney having an office), the gentleman became a little agitated, and told me that the attorney was the employee in this transaction, and that he (the attorney) needed to be a little more responsive to the needs of the client.

I successfully explained the situation, and we moved on with the closing.

The moral, I suppose, to the story is that we just can't take anything for granted. I don't want Active Rain readers to think I am lampooning this buyer for believing real estate attorneys drive all over town conducting transactions. I understand that what seems like the most obvious thing in the world to me could be Greek for a first-time buyer or seller.

Years ago, an agent friend of mine told me of the time his buyer's were outraged when they discovered their earnest money check was actually deposited into an account. They thought it would be "held" until closing. The check, of course, bounced.

As we all work through this tough real estate market, hopefully this anecdote will give us another opportunity to think of the value we bring to a transaction. We are not just contract writers. We are the experts. We are the ones explaining every aspect of the real estate sales process.

Our clients are dependent on our expertise. That's an awesome responsibility.

Have a great day.

Walking Through Plough Mud To Find Heaven

Keith Strawn (Lowcountry Real Estate) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 08:07:07 -0600

Sometimes, you've got to put up with a little mud and a little rain to find Heaven.
I met with a gentleman Thursday morning, so that I could preview his creek-front property on St. Helena Island. I had never been to this particular locale. The weather was overcast and drizzly. Okay, that's euphemistic. It was just flat-out miserable.
But it was also one of the best moments of a very busy week for me.
If you're familiar with the works of Pat Conroy, you are familiar with the Lowcountry of the Meechams and the Wingos, the fictional characters based on the author's own tormented family. In The Great Santini, Beach Music and The Prince of Tides, Conroy tells us of life in his Beaufort, SC, the Lowcountry of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.
On Thursday, as I stood in the rain and the mud and surveyed the property, I felt as if I had been cast back into the boyhood of Pat Conroy. The creek snaked through the marsh, past the property. The gigantic and majestic oaks were festooned with moss. In the distance, and through the morning mist, loomed Parris Island, the iconic Marine Recruiting Depot featured in The Great Santini.
The Lowcountry is a big, beautiful place, and there is always some little hidden gem of a location just waiting to be discovered.
Please click the link to view my video of the property --
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sM7GWyl-URM&feature=channel_page

I AM A REALTOR!!!!

Keith Strawn (Lowcountry Real Estate) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 05:52:03 -0600

While showing property at a local development a few days ago, the Realtor on duty (whom I know fairly well) pulled me aside and asked me to call him later. He had "an opportunity" he wanted to discuss with me. Even though I trend towards skepticism with "opportunities," I'm open-minded enough to listen.

No need to bore you with all the details. He wanted to talk about the product to your left, MonaVie, an energy drink he was pretty excited about. Yes, it involved multi-level marketing. He was very upfront about that.

My friend wanted me to hook me up with a couple of the other local participants in the area who have had some success, and he also wanted me to attend a meeting this week with some of the more successful national figures.

I got off the phone, and I pondered the conversation a few minutes, and......... I just couldn't do it.

Folks, if I have 10 minutes, or 30 minutes, or an hour, or three hours to discuss an energy drink with someone, then I have time to make a few more real estate prospecting calls. I have more time to service my listings. I have time to do a virtual tour. I have more time to preview homes for my buyers.

I am a Realtor!!! Not a juice salesman. Before anyone takes offense, I am not calling into question the merits of this drink, or the potential to make money. With anything, I believe there is a correlation between effort and results.

I am committed to real estate. With the help of my wife, Jennifer, I have been a prospecting machine in the past month. I have re-dedicated myself to making the most of the existing real estate market. And I've seen tangible results.

So, if I am going to spend a few hours a week "prospecting," then....dammit...I am going to be prospecting with real estate buyers and sellers. I am a Realtor!

Sleep Deprivation and Realtors

Keith Strawn (Lowcountry Real Estate) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 06:46:16 -0600

Trying to conduct a real estate transaction without the services of a full-time Realtor is like sleep deprivation.

Until you get a good night's sleep, you don't know what you're missing.
Likewise, folks trying to buy or sell property without a full-time Realtor have no idea how much unnecessary stress they've been experiencing, and how much time they've been wasting, until they sit down with a qualified agent.

How many folks have you dealt with over the years who "just wanted to deal with the listing agent?" These folks spend countless hours driving themselves around town, looking for signs, calling listing agents, visiting various websites, and calling more agents off these sites.

And the whole time, these buyers think they are being efficient.

I spent a couple of hours with some folks last week who reminded how important our jobs are. I was showing them one of my listings. They began to pick my brain, and I began to pick theirs.

I discovered they were seeking "owner financing," ideally over a period of four to five years. For a variety of reasons, these buyers are just not in a position to take on a conventional bank loan at this moment.

We all know there are some owners who are in a positiion to offer owner financing, but those of us in the business also know many of sellers right now are folks who bought in the peak years of 2004 and 2005, utilizing one of the myriad 100 percent financing programs available at the time, and have seen their properties depreciate over the past few years. These sellers are not strong candidates for owner financing.

Other sellers might be in a position, equity-wise, to offer owner-financing, but they might just not be inclined to do so. After all, most buyers want to get their money and move on. They don't want to wait four or five years to get paid.

Then, these buyers began asking me about foreclosure opportunities. Again, there are foreclosure and short sale opportunities in my town, Beaufort, SC, but this request is at direct odds with the desire for owner financing. Individuals facing foreclosure or a short sale are just not candidates for a four- to five-year financing plan.

It's hard to tell if buyers "got it," but it felt very good to explain to these buyers that they would likely be running around in circles until they enlisted the services of a qualified Realtor.

Realtors bring genuine value to a transaction, through our experience and knowledge.

Request for help with Gmail

Keith Strawn (Lowcountry Real Estate) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 06:15:35 -0600

If there is a Gmail maven out there, I need your help.

I am attempting to load up a particular category of contacts in my Gmail account. However, after I input the name and email address, and save it, I'll go back and the email address won't be there. The name will be there, however.

Any ideas? Does that sound familiar to anyone?

Is there an easy, quick way to get an answer from Gmail support?

As always, any suggestions are appreciated. Have a great day.

IT'S FLORIDA, IN A REAL ESTATE-RELATED ROMP

Keith Strawn (Lowcountry Real Estate) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:43:07 -0600

I despise the Florida Gators. I'm a Georgia Bulldog, and the Gators have used my team as their personal whipping boy 15 of the last 18 years, including a humiliating 49-10 thumping this year.

Yes, I loathe everything orange and blue. But the Gators will embarrass Oklahoma tonight.

It's not what I want. It's what I think is going to happen. It's what I know is going to happen.

But, remember, OU fans, our business is all about honesty. WE DON'T TAKE OVERPRICED LISTINGS, and we don't foolishly make our football picks with our hearts, instead of our heads.

42-14, Gators. Wish the Sooners and the Bulldogs better luck next year.

Home Sellers: Make your Realtor BULLETPROOF in 2009

Keith Strawn (Lowcountry Real Estate) — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 11:39:53 -0600

In 2008, my friend Jay received his first command with the United States Marine Corps, at 29 Palms in California.

Now a Lieutenant Colonel, Jay has more than 100 men and women under his command, and, as C.O. he is responsible for everything from run-of-the-mill dereliction of duty to allegations of spousal abuse. When I asked him how he can possibly handle all these responsibilities, he referred to his Sergeant Major, one of the highest-ranking enlisted men in the Corps.

The Sgt. Major, Jay explained, is a C.O.'s eyes and ears within the command, an objective voice who will tell the commanding officer what he needs to hear, not just what he thinks the commanding officer wants to hear.

"So," I asked Jay, "the Sgt. Major has carte blanche to speak to you as openly and honestly as he sees fit?"

"He's bullet proof," said Jay, without hesitation. Translation. As long as the Sergeant Major does it in the professional military manner that is expected, the Sergeant Major is not only allowed to speak his mind, he is obligated to speak his mind, without reprisals.

When you put your house on the market this year, I encourage you to make your Realtor bullet proof. Don't seek out an agent who simply tells you what you want to hear.

Your Realtor is your objective voice within the housing market. He or she is your Sergeant Major. You are well-served by a Realtor who tells you, Mr. or Mrs. Seller, what you need to hear, and not just what you want to hear.

That is the way to sell your house.

Have a great 2009.

THANK YOU, 2008.....AND A GOOD NEW YEAR'S EVE OMEN FOR 2009

Keith Strawn (Lowcountry Real Estate) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 12:45:10 -0600

I don't know many of us whom would want to see another year like 2008, but did we not all learn a thing or two from the year that was?

I won't presume to speak for anyone else, but I can speak for myself when I say I got a measure of perspective from 2008.

1) I learned from 2008 that my beautiful, understanding wife and my six healthy children are much more important than the number of sales I close. Money comes and goes, but I've only got one chance with these guys to the left.

2) I learned from 2008 that keeping an eye on the outgoing cash-flow is as important, if not more important, as the amount of the incoming cash-flow.

3) I learned from 2008 that there is genuine opportunity for personal growth and reflection in a terrible real estate market.

With all that in mind, I'm ready for 2009. There can be no more surprises. Can the economy get worse? Sure, but at least now I know it's a possibility, and I have girded myself for that possibility.

I stopped by the office for a short while on New Year's Eve, and happened to be the last agent to leave. Before I did, a young lady and her son came into our Bay Street office, to ask for a map, and a few other sundry questions. She was visiting from North Georgia (north of Atlanta), and is pondering a move to our beautiful Lowcountry.

So, today, I will have plenty of wonderful family time of my own, but I will also have the opportunity to assist this young lady, as she decides if Beaufort is a place she might like to hang her hat.

It was a VERY GOOD OMEN and a nice outgoing gift from 2008, which taught me quite a bit.

IS THERE A LITTLE TONY SPARANO IN YOU?

Keith Strawn (Lowcountry Real Estate) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 10:15:44 -0600

The Miami Dolphins were the most inept team in the National Football League in 2007, winning but a single game.

As of this morning, they have completed the greatest single-season turnaround in NFL history, by winning 11 games and capturing the AFC Eastern Division title.

Besides being a lifelong fan of the Dolphins, I find a tremendous amount of inspiration from this team, which has accomplished what was unimaginable just three months ago. If the Dolphins can buck the odds, can we not, as individual Realtors, buck the long odds and dire economic predictions everyone seems to have for 2009?

You see, not only were the Dolphins far and away the worst team in the NFL in 2007, they started the 2008 campaign in miserable fashion. They lost a close game to the NY Jets in Week One, and then were blown out by the Arizona Cardinals in Week Two. A lot of fans, myself included, were thinking, "Here we go again."

Then, EVERYTHING CHANGED. After the flight from Arizona landed in South Florida early that Monday morning, Coach Tony Sparano did not got home. Tony Sparano went to work.

In what could go down as an epic moment in the history of this franchise, Sparano went back to his office early that morning, and reviewed the Arizona game film three times. From this early morning film session came the "WILDCAT," an unconventional football formation which the Dolphins would utilize to turn their season around, starting the next week with a 38-13 rout of the mighty New England Patriots.

"The only way I know how to make it better is to go harder," Sparano said after the Arizona game. "So that's what we're going to do as a team. We're going to go harder. I'm going to go harder. I told the team (Sunday) night and I'll say it again, it ain't going to be this way forever."

Three months after deciding he would go to work instead of going to bed, Tony Sparano got a well-deserved Gatorade bath Sunday evening, after the Dolphins beat their old nemesis, the New York Jets, to clinch their first playoff berth since 2001.

We can't control the whole real estate market, but don't have control over our own destinies? Can't we go harder?

As the curtain is drawn on 2008, let's look to 2009 and see if we can't find a little Tony Sparano ( maybe even a little WILDCAT) in ourselves.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

AN ABSOLUTE DISGRACE

Keith Strawn (Lowcountry Real Estate) — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 08:07:34 -0600

2008 will long be remembered as a year of financial turmoil, one in which stalwart financial institutions vaporized into thin air, and venerable American institutions like General Motors sailed perilously close to the rocks.

It is the year we saw friends, neighbors and relatives struggle to keep their homes amidst a real estate meltdown. But 2008 may have one more dubious distinction before it runs its course.

There is a very good chance that by day's end, two teams will have reached the NFL playoffs with a .500 record. So much for "earning" your way into the post-season.

If the 7-8 San Diego Chargers beat the 8-7 Denver Broncos (a very good likelihood) this afternoon, the Chargers will reach the playoffs as an 8-8 team. Meanwhile, the free-falling Arizona Cardinals, losers of four of their last five games, have already locked up their playoff spot by virtue of "winning" the miserable NFC West. They lose today (a decent likelihood), and the Cardinals also enter the playoffs at 8-8.

If this scenario unfolds, there will eight (one quarter of the league) teams who miss the playoffs despite having better records than these two pretenders who owe their "success" to playing in lousy divisions. The New England Patriots can win today, finish 11-5, and miss the playoffs.

This, my friends, is a disgrace, and an embarrassment to the notion of "playing" your way into the playoffs. This isn't even "backing" into the playoffs. This is being carried into the playoffs on a stretcher.

It's time to implement a simple change in NFL policy. Starting next year, if you can do no better than .500, you don't go to the playoffs. Just because you have the best record in a lousy division does not entitle you to a berth in the playoffs, while excellent 10-6 and 11-5 teams from strong divisions miss out.

This would be the most logical move in the world, and I can't imagine why any team owner, coach or fan would have a problem with it.

The only positive to come out of today's nightmare scenario would be the opportunity to see a bunch of guys give their coach a Gatorade bath and pop the bubbly in the locker room after an 8-8 season.

A Christmas Card from Beaufort, SC

Keith Strawn (Lowcountry Real Estate) — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 15:57:41 -0600

I rose early Christmas morning, and logged on to the computer. There was a familiar theme -- cold and snow throughout the Midwest and Northeast. I saw a lot of single digit temperatures this morning.

I saw a lot of pictures of snow-covered cars and trees. I saw a lot of very cold-looking people.

It almost seemed unfair that I was waking to a Christmas morning with temps in the 60s, and an expected high in the mid 70s.

I rode into downtown Beaufort, SC, and captured the sun as it began its ascent over the Lowcountry. I posted the video on my website, www.ExploreBeaufortRealEstate.com.

If you have suffered through a cold December, this is my Christmas card to you. It was a beautiful site, and I hope you find a little warmth in the beauty of our tranquil little town. Merry Christmas, stay warm, GOD BLESS, and see you soon.