Daniel Island Living by Brenda J. Cook

MonaLisa Touch at Palmetto Women's Health Changing Lives in SC

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 18:52:00 +0000

Our Loss

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 19:49:00 +0000

Yesterday was a very sad day for the Cook Family. Gunner our wonderful family dog was killed. He was under the tire of the UPS truck and the driver did not see him. My husband called me to tell me and I broke out into sobs and could not talk and I have to say that I am still very emotional about Gunner.
I have decided that Mother's never stop caring for their children because my concern is for my son, Peyton, husband Peyton, daughter in law Lynn and all the children.
NOTE HERE. The UPS driver was very emotional!
JUST LOOK AT THAT FACE!! Who could not have loved this one.

Need a Last Minute Gift?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:29:00 +0000

I sometimes forget all of the wonderful things we have for sale in our office at Daniel Island Real Estate, and I am here just about every day. I thought I'd just post a reminder that we have a lot of items here with the wonderful Daniel Island logo and a great collection of Charleston books, cookbooks and food items too. It's really a perfect place to pick up a housewarming or hostess gift.

How wonderful to get a perfect present without leaving the Daniel Island. Stop by to do some shopping and see if I am here to say hello too!

Enjoy the sunshine and signs of Spring this weekend!

Warm Regards,

Brenda

285 Furman Farm Place, Daniel Island

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 16:17:00 +0000

We are excited to introduce 285 Furman Farm Place located in Daniel Island Park on Daniel Island. This custom home is currently under construction in the island’s country club neighborhood.

Daniel Island Park is home of the beautiful Daniel IslandClub and offers it’s residents an exclusive private club lifestyle with access to the clubhouses’ dining, entertaining, swimming, tennis and fitness facilities. The neighborhood contains homes, townhomes, condominiums and homesites orientated around a park along either the water or marsh or the nationally ranked golf courses.

If you’re looking for that personal feel this is the property for you. This home has it all, including built-in desks, storage cubbies, built-in bookcases surrounding the fireplace, a butlers pantry with wine cooler, mother-in-law suite, built in grill with hood, central vacuum system and much more. All the touches of home sweet home you will find here.

The master suite includes a private screened-in porch, his and her walk in closets with a designer bath with his and her vanities, a spa tub and large walk in shower. The kitchen is a chef’s dream with premium stainless steel appliances, a large center island and a breakfast area. When you’re ready to relax you can enjoy the spacious family room with striking coffered ceilings or retire to the living room and library that opens to a covered porch.

The second floor contains a laundry/utility room and three bedroom suites with their own private full baths. Escape to the third floor for your own oasis, currently a craft room and playroom that could easily be transformed to whatever your needs require… media room perhaps?

Outside you can relax on the welcoming front porch or rear covered porch, either of the two screened in porches or enjoy the large fenced in yard. Not to mention the property overlooks a beautiful greenspace and the Ralston Creek Course.

Want more information? Visit 285 Furman Farm Place Here! Or Contact me for any additional information. brenda.cook@danielisland.com or (843)971-3505

New Listing on Daniel Island: 853 Center Park St.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Announcing an exciting new listing in Center Park!

853 Center Park St.

2 BR / 2 Full Bath / 1 Half Bath

This charming brick townhome has a metal roof overlooking the lovely, two-acre, Center Park. The park’s lush landscaping, interactive play structures and tree-shaded sitting areas make it a favorite gathering place for neighbors of all ages. The Center Park neighborhood is centrally located to all island schools, parks and downtown Daniel Island which offers an array of shops, restaurants and other conveniences.

The townhome, located on the corner, offers beautiful natural lighting, a spacious family room with an arched entryway to the separate dining room, hardwood floors, and ten-foot ceilings throughout first level. The stylish kitchen is equipped with granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances, as well as access to a screened in rear porch.

Other features include ceramic flooring in bathrooms, walk-in closets a master balcony overlooking the park, privacy fence in the back lot, and one-car garage accessed by a rear alleyway.

Want to see more? View it here!

Holiday Fun on Daniel Island

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Looking for some fun ways to kick off the holiday season? Check out these upcoming family fun events. Join us for a great time, get in the holiday spirit and support local vendors and businesses. Looking forward to seeing you on the island!

Daniel Island's Tree Lighting: Join us for the "Grand Illumination" of our Community Tree - Plus NEW THIS YEAR - a spectacular,FREE Laser Light Show and DJ Dance Party on Friday, November 30th from 5:30 - 8:00 pm at the entrance to Family Circle Tennis Center! "Light Up" your night with neighbors and friends and join us, as the Daniel Island POA presents this year's kick off to your holiday season - Daniel Island style! We'll be flipping the switch at our 25 foot community Christmas Tree at 6:00 pm SHARP.

Be sure to bring the kids as we'll have everyone's favorite visitor from the North Pole! Be sure to be on time for this fun family event, as the big man in the white suit has a few tricks up his sleeve you won't want to miss! Join us in our excitement and gather around the "big tree" as this area will be transformed into a holiday spectacle with music, laser lights synchronized to music, awesome food and beverage from several of Charleston's favorite food truck vendors and of course....SANTA!

Holiday Festival on Daniel Island: The Family Circle Stadium and Grand Lawn will again be transformed into an exciting outdoor holiday festival on Saturday, December 1 from 11 am - 4 pm. The Tennis Center will come alive with bargains galore and a vast assortment of unique gifts for the whole family. Charleston's finest vendors...including your favorite retailers to our best-kept secrets will be offering gift selections in every category. Shop, eat and be dazzled while strolling the Stadium concourse where more than 120 handpicked vendors will be there to help you with your gift list. ATM will be available on-site.

This popular Lowcountry festival, open to all of Charleston and its surrounding communities, has evolved into one of Charleston's most exciting annual holiday events offering fantastic holiday shopping opportunities for everyone in the family! You'll want to be a part of this exciting festival of shopping, entertainment and delicious food and beverage for the whole family. You'll have the opportunity to complete your holiday shopping, all in one location, while enjoying music, food, amazing entertainment and much, much more!

*Some kids and family activities will require a nominal fee to participate.

For more information and other Daniel Island events, visit www.dicommunity.org

Happy Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 22:00:00 +0000

I hope you are looking forward to a day of friends, family, yummy food and relaxation- I know I am. We all should be thankful each and every day, but Thanksgiving is such a nice reminder to be thankful for all the things we forget day-in and day-out.

I am reminded to be thankful for my health, my family and friends (no matter how much distance or time separates us), thankful for having a ‘job’ I love, and thankful to work with wonderful people like you. My clients are the center of my career and each of you sure make it worth it!

Thank you for all you do to make my days such a blessing.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Who Wouldn't Love Charleston?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 15:59:00 +0000

Thinking about moving to the Charleston area?
Are you Curious to know more about where you live?

Charleston (as a metro area) contains a population of 575,488; making up just about 14% of the state’s total population. Seemingly growing younger every few years the current median age is 33 and females outrank the males with 51.8% of the population. Property and Violent crime percentage falls slightly higher than the state average at 5.8% and 6.2%, respectfully, but remains much lower than the national rates.

Charleston is a well educated area with a higher percentage than the state with adults having 4-year college degrees and graduate degrees. Gratefully, our employment rates have grown 4.6% in our area compared to an average of 2.9% overall in the state. And who says Florida is the sunshine state?! Our average low temperature is a mild 37.9F and our average high is 90.7F; not to mention we have an average of 211 days of sunshine annually.

The average cost of homes is $130,300, with an average age of 19 years and an appreciation rate of 8.3%. Most residents in the area do own their homes while about 21% are currently renting. Charleston is an amazing place whether you want great shopping, cultural inspiration, historic sights, delicious food, beautiful beaches or just a comfortable place to call home.

Once you've decided to make the move to Charleston where do you look? As small as Charleston may seem on the large scale it’s divided into many areas that all have their own distinct characteristics. Which is my favorite? Daniel Island, of course. Centrally located between downtown and the North Charleston areas, Daniel Island is a home grown community five miles long and three miles wide including 23 miles of waterfront landscape. Compiled of six residential areas, shops, restaurants and businesses make the Island a place you can live, work and play.

Currently condos and single family homes range from $175,000-3M with the price of land ranging from $230,000-5.7M. According to trulia.com, inventory of homes averages a little over 150 and homes are staying on the market around 200 days. Compared to this time last year prices have increased a slight amount and the number of sales has slightly decreased. However, the trends have steadied over the last few months with little to no change.

Daniel Island has one of the lowest crime rates in the state at 4.2% property crime and .77% violent crime. Also, the schools on the island are some of the best in Charleston. The island is becoming one of the most desired places to live in the area for new residents as well as locals. If you've been in the area a while, but are looking for a new place to call home check out Daniel Island, you may be surprised at all it has to offer.

Continually growing, but giving you that close-knit community feel, Daniel Island is my first choice in the Charleston area. Want to know more? Interested in homes for sale? Feel free to contact me for any questions!

*Statistics provided by MLS.com

Home Holiday Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 15:41:00 +0000

Less Stress, More Fun!

Hope everyone enjoyed a very Happy Halloween. I know I adored all the trick-or-treaters, decorations, and spooky ambience of the evening. With one holiday down we still have some major ones in store which means lots of friends and family, delicious treats, feasts, and fun decorations. Many of you may be thinking ‘yes that is true, but it also means cooking, cleaning, entertaining, traveling, meal planning, spending money and time we don’t have’—I haven’t forgotten all the stress of the holidays, but let’s try and make it a little simpler for you! I have some tips to keep your home holiday ready throughout the crazy season.

Tip #1: Prepare for the Unexpected
Neighbors popping in, guests showing up unexpected or overstaying their welcome… you just never know this time of year. Be prepared. Stock up on crackers and cheeses as well as a variety of teas and coffee. Assemble a coffee area/tea area ready to go on the spot. Not a bad idea to have some small desserts ready on hand either, sliced cake is perfect for freezing and thaws quickly.

Tip #2: Home Updates
Worried about all the home repairs that need to be done? Lowes.com recommends updating just five key spaces that will make all the difference: entryway, living room, kitchen, guest bathroom, and the guest bedroom. Painting makes a huge impact on a small budget, and with a little manpower can easily be done on your own. Lowes also suggests putting extra effort into small details like soap dishes and center pieces. Also, don’t skimp on lighting… having the right fixtures, bulbs, or window settings makes a huge difference with little effort.

Tip #3: Fall Cleaning
We all say were going to do our annual spring and fall cleaning, but this will really make your holiday preparations much easier. Take one pre-holiday weekend and deep clean the house. This includes scrubbing the refrigerator, cleaning out all closets (especially communal coat closets and guest room closets), vacuuming under furniture, cleaning under beds, and getting rid of all clutter. It will make it much easier to do quick cleaning if the house has already had a good ‘once over’. Also the de-cluttering and organizing will make it easier to decorate and entertain.

Tip #4: Make a Plan
Whether it’s travel plans or menu ideas have a plan. This time of year with school events, family events, social gatherings things get crazy. Make sure to have a house-wide calendar that outlines the month’s activities, even if this isn't your normal routine. It will make scheduling your ‘me time’, shopping time, and event time much easier during the holiday season. If you happen to be the host this year schedule your meals early and purchase the groceries that won’t expire early. This gives you less to worry about last minute and less of a chance to forget things. Traveling? Make a packing list and ship out presents sooner rather than later.

Tip #5: Day to Day to dos
The best tip to keep you from going crazy over the holiday season is to keep up with things little by little each day. Do one thing each morning or evening that helps keep your home holiday ready: wipe off your counters, straighten the living room, sweep the front porch, or pull the weeds in the front beds. Daily maintenance of the major parts of your home will make you feel accomplished and not so overwhelmed when Aunt Margret calls to say she’s on her way!

All these idea will help make the continuing holiday season a little more joyous and thankful and a little less stressful. If all the routine tasks are taken care of there is more time for the decorating, baking, and family/friend time that the holidays are all about!

'Tis the Season!

Daniel Island Pruning Patrol

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 13:25:00 +0000

There are so many reasons to love Daniel Island. The shops, restaurants, waterfront properties, schools… the list goes on. One of the reasons that tops my list is the sense of community on the Island. The Daniel Island residents are always coming together for causes that are near and dear to them.

Recently I joined my community and took part in the Daniel Island Pruning Patrol. The Pruning Patrol is a group of volunteers who work to keep the trees along the island’s sidewalks and streets trimmed back and healthy. There are six teams on the island that gather for about two hours every four to six weeks to maintain the trees.

I quickly learned that this group is more than just your average 'tree trimmers'. Team leaders have taken part in classes on trimming and tree health led by Danny Burbage, head of Urban Forestry for the City of Charleston. Each tree limb is evaluated for health and safety to the tree before being trimmed. These teams of volunteers work hard and selflessly for the Daniel Island community. It maintains safety and health of the beautiful Charleston landscape on the island, keeps sidewalks and streets clear for walkers and cars alike, and also gives people a chance to come together in the great outdoors.

What started this project? Community member, and Daniel Island Neighborhood Association President, Mac McBride approached Bob Sauer with the idea (a Daniel Island Garden Club member and Certified Landscape Designer) and a volunteer group quickly grew. Residents of Daniel Island take pride in their home, and want to play an active role in preserving the beauty of where they live.

What a great experience, looking forward to my next pruning session!

New vs Used- The Pros and Cons

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Everyone always debates whether they should rent or buy their next home. With the housing market as unstable as it has been people are trying to buy when it’s good and save when it’s not. But when the time is right and you ARE ready to buy what are the pros and cons to a new home versus a used one? Whether the economy or market is high or low, good or bad, the decision to buy new or used is a personal one.

Below are a few pros and cons in the own-resale/new-used
debate according to Bankrate.com:

Locale: The oft-recited real estate mantra of "location, location, location" is still relevant. Most older, established neighborhoods are in the town's center, which can be good or bad depending on the vitality of your urban area. New subdivisions -- and newer schools -- are generally on the outskirts. But the expense of a daily commute is one factor that many buyers forget to consider, Edelman said.

Price: Existing homes are usually less expensive per square foot, in part because of escalating land costs in new subdivisions. But ownership costs are considered more predictable -- almost inevitable -- in a new home, especially considering the cost of a code upgrade or remodeling of a vintage home. Some builders will include closing costs as part of their price of a new home, although that builder has a set amount he must get from that home to make a profit. Price is more readily negotiable for an existing home. Also, a hidden cost in many new subdivisions is a homeowner's association, with mandatory fees and other assessments as well as architectural controls that may surface at remodeling or expansion time. Do your homework.

Move-in complications, advantages: The resale(used home) is sitting there waiting for occupancy, warts and all. But the wait for a new home can seem interminable, though the buyer can check on quality control as it's being built. If your finished house is among the first in a new subdivision, prepare to navigate through construction teams and precariously misplaced nails for months on end. And don't forget that daytime hammer serenade.

Neighborhood: "People moving into new neighborhoods are more homogeneous -- the same things that appeal to you also appeal to others like you," says author Edelman. "When a development goes up, it offers an opportunity for you to help create your own neighborhood lifestyle. If you want to move into community where your children have lots of playmates, that may be for you." In an older community, he said, people have moved in and out over the years and you tend to get more diversity of neighbor backgrounds that include older people, singles, families and renters.

Living space and design: Lower building costs of the past mean more home for the money for the buyer of a resale. Resale basements may have been finished out nicely for additional living space. On the other hand, new-construction homes often employ more efficient, innovative uses of square footage and property. Also, newer "zero-lot-line" developments offer more living space per square foot than a same-size lot that surrounds a resale.

Customization: In a new house, you can pick your own color schemes, flooring, kitchen cabinets, appliances, custom wiring for TV's, computers, phones and speakers, etc., as well as have more upgrade options. Modern features like media rooms, extra-large closets and extra-large bathrooms and tubs are also more attainable in ground-up construction. In a used home, you rely largely on the previous resident's tastes and technological whims, unless you plan to farm thousands into a remodeling and rewiring. Be warned: It's unwise to wallpaper for at least one year in a new house until it settles, says Edelman. The wallpaper will tear. (But it is OK to paint.)

Character: While many new homes are built in "contextual" style, which blends elements of the old and the new, it's still hard to emulate a pre-Civil War house in New Orleans, a Victorian home in San Francisco or a brick Row House in Boston. Hardwood floors, vaulted windows, high ceilings, built-in cabinetry and other design nuances express a certain individuality in older homes that's nearly impossible to copy. Many new-home buyers believe they put the character in their own homes.

Safety: Builders have to follow very strict guidelines in new-homes and additions, especially in the West and Northwest, where earthquake safety standards must be observed. In general, new homes are usually more fire-safe and better accommodating of new security and garage-door systems.

Landscaping: Mature trees, robust shrubs, gardens, rose bushes and perennially well-watered lawns are some of the rewards of an older home, while most new homes are apt to yield wee trees, fewer walkways and sparse vegetation. Landscaping is an expensive proposition today for the cost-conscious home builder.

Energy efficiency: Advantage: new construction. Game, set and match as well. New-home designers can use new building materials such as glazed Energy Star windows, thicker insulation and other technology that will lower future energy costs for the owner. Most states now have minimum energy-efficiency requirements for new construction. Kitchens and laundry areas in new homes are designed to house more efficient energy-saving appliances. Older homes, unless they have undergone an energy retrofit, usually cost much more per square foot to air-condition and heat.

Amenities: Many new subdivisions offer neighborhood clubhouses, swimming pools, playgrounds, bike and jogging trails and picnic venues for residents. Older homes don't, although many have better access to urban shopping venues and restaurants because they're part of old, self-containing city-planning philosophies.

Maintenance: The charm of an older home often goes hand in hand with increased maintenance, especially if the previous owner(s) were not vigilant in upkeep. Building materials may be harder to replace or match in an expansion or remodeling. New homes generally come with at least a one-year warranty for the repair of some problems that develop as it settles into its foundation. But know what your warranty covers. Many are elusively written.

Taxes: Newer homes tend to spring up in less-developed, outlying municipalities, which may impose higher taxes on you because they're subsidizing fewer inhabitants than the central metropolitan area. Your community will still need fire and police coverage, sidewalks, sewers and probably a new school. A more established home in a built-out area has a little more predictable tax structure.

With all these factors considered your home is only YOUR home- My goal is to make sure you find that perfect fit, new or used. Feel free to contact me to discuss any pros or cons or concerns you have with your search for your ‘new’ home!

10th Anniversary- Thank You!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 12:00:00 +0000

As of September I have officially spent ten years with Daniel Island Real Estate. Thank you to my families, friends and clients who joined me in celebration last week. It was a wonderful night in remembrance of how far I have come since moving here, and of how far I can go.

It was very special to see the Dobberfuhl’s... they were the first family I sold to here on Daniel Island in 2002 and still live in the house I sold to them today! I truly hope each closing is just as successful, I knew on that first day that this was the right path for me.

It is a great feeling believing in the product I ‘sell’. Daniel Island has a true sense of community - front porches, sidewalks, family, friends, and wonderful neighborhoods. I don't think you can find any other place quite like it - in today's world it's such a fabulous place to come home to! It doesn't take long for people to fall in love with it-
just like we did.

Cheers to the past 10 years and to 10 more!

Fall is Flowery, too

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Fall is Flowery, TooSpring isn't the only time to get in your garden...

It’s true that living in a condominium has its ups and downs, and one thing I loved about owning a house was my large yard. Gardening will always be a favorite pass time and if you see my patio garden there is no denying my love for the hobby. A major benefit to living in the Lowcountry is the weather. You have a huge array of plants and flowers (and vegetables and herbs) to plant at all times of the year. With the cool breeze beginning to blow and the smell of fall in the air I wanted to share some tips and ideas for fall gardens.

Most people think of fall as a time to clean up and clean out their gardens, and it is. You can cut back any greenery that won’t bloom until spring in order to create a fuller bloom when its season comes. You can also remove any plants that are too high maintenance or just not working for you (civic associations or shelters will take ones that are still in good condition for replant). In Charleston fall is also a great time to plant so roots can grow and be establish by the spring. Annuals or Perennials (including bulbs) are both great species of flowers to plant in our community. They will survive through our humid summers and bloom up until our first frost or even through it.
If you are interested in the hardier, such as a vegetable garden, visit Clemson's Guide. It has great information on when to plant and how to be successful.

Also check out these money saving tips by AARP:

1. Fall is a good time to buy from nurseries because they have terrific sales. (My local nursery is promising 40 percent off.) You may not get a huge selection, but there will be some great bargains — even on trees. For even better deals, buy in bulk with a friend, or try negotiating with your local nursery if you have a long list of plants to buy. "Keep in mind that the plants on sale now don't look like they will in the spring and summer," says Sheri Silver, landscape designer and president of Fiori Garden Design in Irvington, N. Y. "After you've seen what's on sale, and before you buy, look up plants in books, catalogs, and online plant-finder tools so you'll have some idea of what they will look like next season," she says.

2. Need a new rake, spade or hoe? Look for yard sale bargains if you need tools. Estate sales especially may be clearing out entire gardening sheds.

3. Save on necessities like mulch and compost by buying from sources other than the nursery. Ginny Stibolt, a garden writer from Green Cove Springs, Fla., gets her mulch from a local woodcutter. "It's much 'greener' than the packaged mulch," she says. Don Engebretson gets his compost from a local landscaper. "It's a lot cheaper," he says, "especially if you have to cover a large area."

Happy Planting!

Living Green

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 15:25:00 +0000

Go green.

Be environmentally conscientious.

Save the planet.

These are all phrases we see often, but when it comes to your actual living space...what does that mean?

Yes - of course - you can hire an eco-friendly builder to build you a solar panel roof and a giant compost in your back yard, but for those of us who want to do our part within reason- how do we proceed?

Being in the real estate field for more than 10 years, I have seen many trends come and go from home décor to architecture, but the idea of ‘green living’ is one that truly benefits everyone and isn’t as complex as some may think.

There are many ways to adjust your home to be more eco-friendly.

Appliances. The new ENERGY STAR appliances are an easy upgrade to existing appliances and make a stand out difference in energy saving. ENERGY STAR is not a brand it’s a government rating that notes which appliances are designed to reduce the most greenhouse emissions and save energy over the long haul. (This even includes HVAC units!!)

Grey Water Recycling Systems. Now this may sound a little gross to some of you, but it’s actually a really efficient way to increase your green living, and one of the most cost savvy. Gray water is your used, non- contaminated, water (ie: from the sink, shower, laundry). The system takes this water and recycles it for use in the toilet and to your garden hoses only.

Energy Monitoring Systems. Not ready for the commitment to solar panels? Try an energy monitoring system. Just like your digital thermostats this gadget records your home’s temperature but it also reports your actual energy usage allowing you to see when, where and how you overuse. Even cooler? You can check your reports from the computer or your Smartphone. (Check out some of the latest models: TED, eMonitor or GE Nucleus )

Green Décor. There are many options to spruce up the inside of your home, new or old, with healthier more eco-friendly products. One of the most popular is the low-VOC paints, stains and sealants. VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds which have been noted as some of the most harmful chemicals in these items linked to causing cancer. Other ideas are natural product furniture such as bamboo or eucalyptus which improves air quality. (You can even go as far as doing flooring and cabinets in a natural product.)

Light Bulbs. Changing your old bulbs to the new LED or CFL bulbs really do make a difference. LED seems to be the greener way to go and are evolving to a more livable option in light and price. Good rule of thumb is to change your top six most used lights to LED, if you can’t stand the light use CFLs instead.

There are thousands of tips and tricks to owning, building or renovating a green home and people are investing millions of dollars to turn their homes into eco-friendly green machines. If you aren’t ready for that type of commitment try a little at a time… we could all save a little money and help in our own little way. Don’t forget that many of these ideas and others come with great tax incentives and rebates, check all your options. And if you do go to extremes or are interested check out having your home LEED Certified, or participating in a green house package such as the one Blu Homes offers.

Spruce Up Your Home To Sell

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 22:11:00 +0000

In a recent blog for the Wall Street Journal some promising news made headlines, "Home sellers are having a far easier time attracting buyers this year and as a result, sellers’ asking prices are on the rise, according to two reports released Wednesday.

The National Association of Realtors reported on the median amount of time homes were listed for sale, a number that fell to 69 days for sales that closed in July, down from 98 days a year earlier. And a good portion of the market is selling faster: A third of homes sold in July were on the market for less than a month, the group said.

The data are compiled from a monthly survey of more than 3,000 of the trade group’s members. The survey asks real-estate agents how long their most recent transaction was listed before selling. Going forward, the Realtors’ group plans to publish this data along with its monthly report on existing-home sales.

With buyers acting more quickly, sellers have been able to boost their listing prices. Asking prices were up by 2.3% in August compared with the same month last year, according to real-estate website Trulia. It was the seventh straight month in which sellers hiked their asking prices, and 68 out of the 100 largest U.S. metropolitan areas reported asking price increases."

So with the movement happening for both buyers and sellers, what are some of the easy things you can do around your house to get it ready to put on the market? Here's a few ideas:

- Change out old or tarnished doorknobs, sink fixtures and drawer pulls - head to your local hardware store where you can find up to date hardware affordably.

- Clean out your gutters. With our recent rains, they may be filled with pine straw and debris. If a potential buyer heads to your home during a storm, you don't want them to see your gutters overflowing!

- Spruce up the outdoor living area with plants and flowers. These easily up the wow factor. And don't forget to weed the flower beds.

- Buy a new mailbox if yours is tattered. Same with your welcome mat.

- Replace those old curtains, valances and more with lightweight, sheer curtains to allow light to brighten your rooms.

- Replace house numbers if needed. If the numbers on your house have seen better days, pop right back to that local hardware store and purchase new ones that compliment the colors of your home.

Remember, to add other little touches to your home to make it smell and look fresh.

Have questions about selling your home? Contact me!

Thanks for reading,
Brenda

Building Your Own Home on Daniel Island

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 17:43:00 +0000

You're at a crossroads in life, you've lived in the house you're currently in for more than 5 years now and it seems like everywhere you turn in your home, that once spacious living area is slowy closing in on you. When you first purchased it, you couldn't imagine what to do with all those extra cabinets in the utility room or the furnished room above the garage. Now life has changed and as your family expands - whether through the addition of children or the addition of family members coming to live with you like your parents or siblings - it's time to start thinking about your next step.

But say that you've always wanted a certain look, and no matter where you look for homes, each home has something wrong with it. You can't seem to shake it, you just can't find a place that fits your family's needs or your specific tastes. In this situation, this is the time to think of building a home of your own.

You already know that owning a home is a wise investment, and with all the new options for homes that can make them environmentally-conscience, energy-efficient and family-friendly, building a home may be the right way to go for you. Another great reason, you are in the driver's seat. If you want a bathroom with 2 showers instead of a garden tub, that can happen before the concrete is laid. If you want a wrap-around porch with extra room for your wheelchair-bound mother, that can happen too.
You can put your own mark to this special home.

If you're looking on Daniel Island, South Carolina, and still haven't found the "right" home for you, then look at this property.

Located at 112 Island Park Drive in the prestigious Daniel Island Park, this homesite sits right across the street from lovely Cattle Trough Park which is filled with blooming gardens. This property is surrounded by exquisite estates and is the ideal place to build your dream home. This property includes Daniel Island Club social membership privileges. An invitational golf membership may also be purchased. This homesite has a build requirement. Want to see this beautiful space for yourself, email me today at brenda.cook@danielisland.com or call Toll-Free 800-958-5635 or Local (843) 971-7100 to see if this lot is what you've been looking for.

I did mention it was across from a park right...now that's a perfect neighbor!

~Brenda

Details:

112 ISLAND PARK DRIVE
Daniel Island Park
13,307 sq. ft.
$175,000
www.danielisland.com

School's Back In on Daniel Island

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 19:05:00 +0000

Moms and Dads may be experiencing a bit of relief today now that the kids are back in school. I know, as a parent, you love spending every moment with the kids over the summer but it also can be hard to entertain them all the time. Thank goodness on Daniel Island, there's a plethora of parks, pools, walking trails and more.

Now as a grandma, I love spending time with the grandkids but I can always remember the stress of getting the kids back into the groove of school.

Here are some tips as you kick off the new school year:

Make sure they get a good night’s sleep

Set a regular bed time for each night and stick to it

Avoid giving kids anything with caffeine less than six hours before bedtime

Eat a healthy breakfast

Make sure your child is up to date on vaccinations, physicals and eye exams

Meet & assess the new teacher, let them know about any concerns you may have

Set a routine so kids know when it's homework time, dinner time, etc.

Go over your child’s transportation plan and discuss things your child can do to stay safe on the way to and from school

Finally, enjoy it! Before you know it, they'll be heading off to college.

Thanks for reading,

Brenda

New Listing on Daniel Island: 142 Scott Street

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 18:48:00 +0000

Hi Friends,

I'm proud to announce a new listing on Daniel Island at 142 Scott Street in Etiwan Park.

This wonderful home is in a great location located on a quiet street close to the neighborhood pool and within walking distance to Etiwan Park which is the location of a wide array of community events, from friendly basketball and volleyball games to concerts and children’s sporting events.The home ideally backs up to woods and a tranquil pond with marsh beyond which provides extra privacy to the owners.

This charming residence is filled with upgrades and custom features including hardwood floors throughout the first floor including the master bedroom, ceramic tile flooring in all the baths, designer light fixtures, Muhler hurricane shutters, new front and back doors and brand new exterior paint.

Second floor A/C unit replaced in 2010 and first floor A/C unit replaced in 2011.

Upon entering the home, the foyer opens to a formal dining room on one side, which is the perfect place for family meals or dinner parties, and to a living room on the other, which could be used as an office or study.

The spacious family room has a soaring ceiling that opens up to the second floor and includes a fireplace, and built-ins and is open to the fully appointed kitchen offering a raised bartop, tile countertops and an adjoining breakfast area.

A large sunroom was added off the family room with an abundance of windows allowing views of the backyard and woods beyond. Conveniently located on the first floor, the master suite boasts a walk-in closet and a lavish bath with a double sink vanity, glass enclosed shower and jetted tub for maximum relaxation. On the second floor are three bedrooms and two full baths providing plenty of space for family or overnight guests. There is also a bonus room located over the attached two-car garage that could serve as a media room, playroom or office.

Want to see more? Click Here

Golf Takes Over the Lowcountry

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 18:42:00 +0000

It's an exciting time in the Lowcountry as the 94th Annual PGA Championship teed off yesterday at the prestigious Kiawah Island Golf Resort on the outskirts of Charleston. They're expecting up to 30,000 people to descend on Kiawah for the event each day. So far, it's been warm and a tad rainy but all the professional golfers involved are hitting the course with a vengeance.

We love that our men and women in the armed forces will be able to attend for free. According to the PGA website...

To honor the men and women who serve our country in the armed forces, active military personnel receive complimentary Daily Grounds access to the 2012 PGA Championship. A valid active military ID is required on the day of attendance to receive the free ticket, which can be obtained at the Admission Sales and Will Call Office. One additional spouse ticket will also be complimentary with the presence of an active military ID, even in the event of a Championship sellout.

There will be a maximum of 156 players and the crowds are already swarming around them. Watch the local coverage of them here!

This is just another reason that living in the Lowcountry is grand. I hope you will come out to visit us and maybe even decide to move to Daniel Island, we'd love to have you!

Back To School for Berkeley County

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 18:51:00 +0000

Soon, the children will be headed back to school on Daniel Island on Monday, August 20. The summer has flown by! Each year, I like to adopt a fourth grade class at Daniel Island School. It invigorates me to sit with the kids and see how much they learn over the school year. I read to them, help the teacher when she needs me and donate supplies to help out. I'm looking forward to seeing a whole new group of kids.

Thinking of moving to Daniel Island? Here's some fast facts about the Berkeley County School District from their website:

Berkeley County, one of the largest in the state, is a unique

setting covering over 1,229 square miles. It is the fastest

growing county in the state, in terms of population, and is

located just north of Charleston, South Carolina. Berkeley

County, part of South Carolina’s Lowcountry, is home to the

Francis Marion National Forest and surrounds Lake Moultrie.

Berkeley County was recently named as a part of the South

Carolina National Heritage Corridor, spanning rural

communities with rich history as well as metropolitan towns.

The county includes the incorporated areas of Hanahan and

Goose Creek, which are directly outside the city limits of

North Charleston. Daniel Island is a large island located three

miles north of the Charleston harbor between the Cooper and

Wando Rivers. Moncks Corner is further to the north, near

Lake Moultrie, and serves the county seat. North of Moncks

Corner, a predominantly rural area, the smaller towns of St.

Stephen, Jamestown, and Bonneau are located.

The county boasts a dynamic history, beginning with English and French Huguenot

planters who settled the area in the late 1600’s. It is rich in Revolutionary and Civil War

history and contains churches that date from the early 1700’s. The treasures of the

county include Mepkin Abbey, Cypress Gardens, the Palmetto Trail, and the “Berkeley Blueways,” featuring 20 canoe and kayak trails.

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates the 2009 population of Berkeley County to be over

173,000 with a 21.7% increase from July 2000.

Of this group, approximately 69% are white; 27% are African-American; and 4% are Hispanic. Eighty percent of persons age 25 or older are high school graduates (2000) and 14% have a bachelor’s degree or higher (2000). The median household income is $49,414 (2008).

Berkeley County Child Nutrition Services is a member of the SC Purchasing Alliance. The alliance was formed in 1995. The SC Department of Education Office of School Food Service and Nutrition came together with a common goal to streamline the purchasing process by collectively working together to obtain high quality products, greater competition, and more competitive pricing. The Alliance is comprised of 78 members consisting of 74 school districts and 4 school programs. This represents 88% of all school districts in the state. The collective buying power is over 90 million dollars. All National School Breakfast/Lunch Programs must meet the USDA Federal Guidelines. They meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which recommend that no more than 30% of an individual's calories from fat, and less than 10% from saturated fat. School lunch must provide one-third of the Recommended Dietary Allowances of protein, Vitamin A and C, iron and calcium. School breakfast must meet one-fourth of the RDA.

Four Meal Components are offered daily at breakfast (minimum of three must be taken):
1 oz. Meat/Meat Alternate
1 serving Bread
½ cup Juice or Fruit
8 oz. Milk

Five Meal Components are offered daily at lunch (minimum of three must be taken):
2 oz. Meat/Meat Alternate
½ cup Vegetable
½ cup Fruit
1 serving Bread
8 oz. Milk

Chef salads, vegetarian plates, and fresh fruit are offered daily.

Child Nutrition professionals are committed to providing safe and nutritious meals to all students.
Parents/guardians are encouraged to visit their child's cafeteria and join them for breakfast/lunch. Please talk to the Child Nutrition Manager about the nutritional profile of foods that are provided.

Thanks for reading and let me know if you're going to be at the Daniel Island School, I'd love to introduce myself!
Brenda J. Cook

Keeping Daniel Island Clean

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 18:19:00 +0000

The City of Charleston's Keep Charleston Beautiful hosted a cleanup event to remove litter and other discarded materials from Governor's Park on Daniel Island on Saturday, July 14, 2012 from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM. The public was invited to come help keep Charleston beautiful. So grabbed a pal and joined it. This cleanup will greatly improve the look and feel of the park, and will help restore the areas around the trails to their natural beauty.

Want to join me on the next one?

Email me at brenda.cook@danielisland.com

New Construction Ready for A Family

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 18:11:00 +0000

We're in the middle of July and things have been heating up in the Lowcountry when it comes to home sales. On Daniel Island, we've seen our sales up 60% ahead of last year at this time. There's plenty of new construction happening on the island. This marvelous home on Daniel Island is almost complete and is ready for a family to call it home. Located at 251 Furman Farm Place in Daniel Island Park, this 5 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath home will be finished at the end of July. Here's more on this amazing new construction:

Located within the country club neighborhood of Daniel Island Park, this beautiful home is situated on a corner homesite with glimpses of the nationally ranked Ralston Creek golf course which is bordered by scenic marshes. The well-designed floor plan includes an elegant dining room off the foyer that adjoins a butler’s pantry complete with a beverage center.

A living room located across from the dining room opens into a library with built-in bookshelves and beyond to the large family room, providing an abundance of living space.

The spacious family room features a lovely coffered ceiling, a fireplace with built-ins on each side and access to a screened porch. The kitchen/breakfast room is an inviting and comfortable space with plenty of room for eating and cooking.

The gourmet kitchen includes Thermador and Electrolux appliances with separate fridge and freezer, custom cabinets and a large center island. A mud room with built-in cubbies and a desk is located off the breakfast room and has access to the two-car garage. On the second floor are two bedrooms that share a Jack and Jill bath as well as the expansive master suite. The master suite is truly a luxurious getaway with a private terrace, fireplace, his and her walk-in closets and a soothing bath with a spa tub, double vanities and a walk-in shower.

Perfect for overnight guests, there is suite complete with a common area, two bedrooms and a full bath located over the garage. Other features include impact resistant windows, an outdoor kitchen and extensive landscaping. This property includes Daniel Island Club social membership privileges. An invitational golf membership may also be purchased. To see more photos of this home, click here!

Stay tuned to my blog as I highlight all the great new listings on Daniel Island and all the events you can't miss.

Thanks for reading,

Brenda J. Cook

Fabulous Home in Daniel Island Park

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:20:00 +0000

I can't believe it is already February of a new year! I am so thankful to have had an amazing year of sales in 2011 and if the last few weeks are an indication of how 2012 will be, it will be good!!!

Check out this fantastic home in Daniel Island Park overlooking the golf course - a must see!! - 151 Ithecaw Creek Street

Fun on Daniel Island

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 19:21:00 +0000

Fun at the Pierce Park Pavillion on Saturday

I had a great time on Saturday at the "Pork N' Pearls" event. They had a great turnout and a wonderful time was had by all. It was another event that reminded me how lucky we are to live here on Daniel Island! Thought you'd enjoy some of my favorite photos!

My friends Pat & Patrick

How cute is she with her pearls?!

Working on the oysters

Things Are Looking Up!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 17:37:00 +0000

Overall, I've seen the market really pick up in the last couple of weeks which is wonderful. Here at Daniel Island Real Estate, we've sold several water/marsh view lots and activity is generally much brisker. In looking at the inventory statistics for Daniel Island, numbers are gradually decreasing in just about all price ranges which is good news for those of you thinking about selling. I feel very positive about the year ahead - things are already looking up!

I also wanted to share some exciting news from our sales meeting today. We had an update from our Marketing Department. We have some great ads running nationally in magazines and online which bring buyers to Daniel Island from all over the country and the world. Take a look at the Wall Street Journal online - Wall Street Journal Online - great exposure for our wonderful Island Town!!