Betty Poore: What's New on the Charleston Coast Blog

The Death of the Fringe Suburb

2011-11-26T09:28:00.003-05:00

Just read this article in The NY Times by Christopher Leinberger on the death of housing. It is a very interesting take on the housing collapse and the author's thoughts on what caused it and how to right it. Let me know what you think.

---Betty PooreCharleston Coast REALTORDunes Properties of Charleston, Inc.(843) 886-5600---Charlston Coast SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Isle of Palms, SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Wild Dunes, SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale---

Hurricane Irene Update

2011-08-29T15:29:00.002-04:00

Hurricane Irene blew by Charleston on Friday, near high tide, dropping a ton of rain, blowing trees around and breaking through the dunes in 3 or 4 places along the 18th Fairway of the Links Course at Wild Dunes. We are so lucky that the damage was minimal here along the Charleston Coast. Of course, we are thinking of those north of us that weren't so fortunate. Click here for a few photos.

---Betty PooreCharleston Coast REALTORDunes Properties of Charleston, Inc.(843) 886-5600---Charlston Coast SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Isle of Palms, SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Wild Dunes, SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale---

Owning Home Retains Allure

2011-06-30T06:58:00.004-04:00

There is an interesting article in the NY Times regarding home ownership. Looks like the dream lives on. Enjoy.

Despite Fears, Owning Home Retains Allure, Poll Shows
Owning a house remains central to Americans’ sense of well-being, even as many doubt their home is a good investment in after a punishing recession.

Nearly nine in 10 Americans say home ownership is an important part of the American dream, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News poll. And they are keen on making sure it stays that way, for themselves and everyone else.

---Betty PooreCharleston Coast REALTORDunes Properties of Charleston, Inc.(843) 886-5600---Charlston Coast SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Isle of Palms, SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Wild Dunes, SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale---

Is Now a Good Time to Buy?

2011-06-12T14:58:00.009-04:00

(Click here to see larger chart)

Here's a comparison of closed sales for the first five months of 2011 vs. 2010.

Closed sales on the majority of the islands are up, while prices are down significantly
The number of closed sales on Seabrook, Daniel Island and Mt Pleasant is down, as is the average price
Charleston is steady, but prices are down significantly

For all you buyers out there, supply is slowly decreasing while demand is on the uptick. Now appears to be a great time to be looking for property along the Charleston Coast.

Please give me a call, email or text to discuss your options!

Summertime and the tomatoes and basil are blooming!

2011-06-12T12:22:00.012-04:00

Mark and I live on a quiet street on the marsh side of the island. With the gorgeous water and marsh views come wildlife - all of whom eat everything we plant. This year I got a heads up on the wiley raccoons by encasing my plants with chicken wire. (Great tip courtesy of my friend Larry Hubis.) We have been blessed with great tomatoes, peppers and basil. Now, I have never made pesto, but with the help, advice and recipes from friends Grace and Cynthia - I tackled the project with an...ahem...mini Cuisinart. I know what my next kitchen gadget will be!)

Check out the photos.

Golf in the Lowcountry

2011-04-02T11:39:00.002-04:00

Andrew Burnette, our Pro at Wild Dunes invited 3 of us to play in a Ladies Pro Am with him this past week. It was March, it was springtime - but winter reared it's ugly head one last time. It poured the night before, the wind was up and although we were near Columbia, SC we all froze! We tied for 3rd ( if only I could have putted- I just know we would have won!)

Ah, such is golf. Here's a photo of us. Arlene, Andrew, Betty and Chris.

---Betty PooreCharleston Coast REALTORDunes Properties of Charleston, Inc.(843) 886-5600---Charlston Coast SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Isle of Palms, SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Wild Dunes, SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale---

"Market for Vacation Homes Is on the Rise"

2011-01-10T08:02:00.005-05:00

I just read an interesting article in the WSJ on vacation homes and how in some markets sales activity is on the rise. So I decided to compare how the Wild Dunes market did over the past two years - 2008 versus 2009 and then 2009 versus 2010. I used only residential sales, homes and villas, no vacant home-sites were included.

Here's what I found:

There was a 12% decrease in the number of sales in 2009 versus 2008, and the average sales price was 18% lower in 2009 versus 2008.

Now, here is the interesting thing:

There was a 46% increase in the number of sales transactions in 2010 over 2009, and the average sales price was down just 3%.

Buyers watching Wild Dunes understand that prices are at 2004 levels or lower, that the inventory is moving and that sellers now more than ever are willing to negotiate. With prices and interest rates this low, more and more buyers are moving into the market. As the article in the WSJ says, "The proverbial train has left the station."

Click here to read the article. Want to discuss?

---Betty PooreCharleston Coast REALTORDunes Properties of Charleston, Inc.(843) 886-5600---Charlston Coast SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Isle of Palms, SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Wild Dunes, SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale---

Happy New Year from - you guessed it, the Beach!

2011-01-01T18:38:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year!

I hope your day has been as grand as ours. Last Sunday we were reading in front of the fire watching snow flurries. It was beautiful - though none of it stuck. This Saturday, New Years Day, we walked in tee shirts and shorts, threw the crab trap out and are spending the evening feasting on crabs and libations! Ooo la la.

---Betty PooreCharleston Coast REALTORDunes Properties of Charleston, Inc.(843) 886-5600---Charlston Coast SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Isle of Palms, SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Wild Dunes, SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale---

Cut Here, Invest There

2010-12-26T11:52:00.002-05:00

Tom Friedman has a tough opinion in his column this week. But, the more I read it, the more I like it. I'll also be watching Atlanta to see if it works for them. Could be that the success there would be a great model for the rest of the the country. To read his article click here.

Happy Holidays from the beach!

2010-12-24T17:17:00.002-05:00

Happy Holiday from the beach! This photo is from my back deck, overlooking the marsh and Cedar Creek. Next to sunrise, sunset is my favorite time of day.

I want to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and here's to a great 2011!

---Betty PooreCharleston Coast REALTORDunes Properties of Charleston, Inc.(843) 886-5600---Charlston Coast SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Isle of Palms, SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Wild Dunes, SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale---

Graceful Feeding Frenzy

2010-11-25T09:43:00.003-05:00

Mark and I are relaxing on Sanibel Island for Thanksgiving this year. Besides eating, sleeping and walking we have some great moments on the beach like this one. For two days now we have been entertained by pelicans, seagulls and other shore birds sky diving gracefully for their dinner. All right at our feet.

And Happy Thanksgiving!

Welcome Back

2010-11-17T07:29:00.002-05:00

I love music and heartwarming moments. I think this covers both. Great way to start the morning with a smile. Enjoy!

---Betty PooreCharleston Coast REALTORDunes Properties of Charleston, Inc.(843) 886-5600---Charleston Coast SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Isle of Palms, SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Wild Dunes, SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale---

Big Cats on Halloween

2010-11-06T08:07:00.002-04:00

Had to share our Halloween night. You'll love what we did with the pumpkins.

Betty Poore Charleston Coast REALTORDunes Properties of Charleston, Inc.(843) 886-5600---Charlston Coast SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Isle of Palms, SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Wild Dunes, SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale---

Take Back the Beep & How To Bypass Stupid Voice Mail Instructions

2010-10-03T16:02:00.006-04:00

My husband, Mark, reads everything and passes on useful tips to me all the time. In the NY Times, David Pogue writes a technology column which has so much to offer. This one particular column really got my attention and I am passing it on to all who suffer through the canned recording used by the cell phone companies, keeping us on the line forever, telling us what to next and using up our minutes. The main article is: "Take Back the Beep" and the secondary article, "How to Bypass Stupid Voice Mail Instructions" is just to the right under the previous posts section.

Let's TAKE BACK THE BEEP!

To read the article click this link: http://thurly.net/04dw

Too Much Regulation?

2010-08-15T12:24:00.001-04:00

Do you think there is too much regulation in the financial industry? Mark sent me a link to an interesting article in the NY Times.

The premise is a good one: spell out for the consumer, in plain English, what he is getting. I am amused by the author's refinancing tribulations as Mark and I are going through that now. I'd give anything to have it streamlined and in consumer English. Heck, I am in the business and am sometimes overwhelmed by the sheer volume of paperwork and foreign sounding words.

Money, money, money. You have to love his comment : "For as long as there has been money, people have been doing stupid things with it." Here's a link to the article: The Way We Live Now

Investor Alert!

2010-08-08T14:49:00.005-04:00

Attention beach investors! Here is what you have been looking for!

From 2108 Atlantic Avenue

A seriously motivated seller has just reduced the price on 2108 Atlantic Avenue, a large 3rd row ocean view home, situated on a huge street-to-street lot on Sullivans Island. With nearly 5000 sq ft, an in-ground pool, three decks, two porches, an elevator and more, this property is perfect for year-round living or a second home.

Here we are with interest rates at near record lows and a property of this size, location and quality available for purchase! Even better, the seller has leased the house on an annual basis - generating income to cover taxes, insurance, etc.

What are you waiting for? Better move fast! Here is more information from my website.

-Betty PooreCharleston Coast REALTORDunes Properties of Charleston, Inc.(843) 886-5600---Charlston Coast SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Isle of Palms, SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Wild Dunes, SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale---

It Must Be Fate (or It's a Small World, Part 2)

2010-03-29T18:25:00.005-04:00

Way back when, in the late 1980's, I helped Larry Strassner and his family buy an Ocean Club Villa. (Mark, my husband to be, happened to own the villa just below). Well, Larry's icemaker leaked into Mark's villa, Mark called me to find out who was above, and the rest is history! As my brother Todd would say, "to make a long story short," Larry eventually sold his place and moved on.

Fast forward to 2010. One of Mark's clients is Stanley Furniture and Russell & Mackenna is on the phone. Mark is talking with the President, Larry Strassner, and has brochures mailed to the house. As I am going through them, lo and behold, I see Larry's smiling face. Now, the rest is history!

I am a BIG fan of Russell & Mackenna furniture - they have made me an "Ambassador" for them. As a matter of fact, they are going to redo our conference room at the Isle of Palms office, so stop in and see their great stuff for yourself! And use my name - you 'll get a discount on anything you purchase!
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Charleston Coast SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Isle of Palms, SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Wild Dunes, SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
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It's a Small World (Part 1)

2010-03-22T15:16:00.008-04:00

Some twenty odd years ago, I met the Elwoods. By way of Tuxedo Park, Barbara Elwood entered my life with her children, Craig and Carrie, when they moved to the Isle of Palms. Jump forward to 2010 and Carrie is now a young woman with her own business in Mt Pleasant and the cutest little boy you ever saw.

Carrie's business, Synergy Therapeutic Massage, is a peaceful, calming massage studio conveniently located on Coleman Blvd, in Mt Pleasant, close to the Islands and downtown Charleston. While Carrie has a very loyal clientele, she is always looking for new business. So give her a call at 843-303-3891 or send her an email at elwoodcarrie@bellsouth.net and get yourself over to her place, you''ll be glad you did.

Betty Poore
Charleston Coast REALTOR
Dunes Properties of Charleston, Inc.
(843) 886-5600
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Charlston Coast SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Isle of Palms, SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Wild Dunes, SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
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Spring is on the way

2010-02-21T09:22:00.003-05:00

Good morning! We are having spring-like weather today, a first in many, many months. I think we are expected to hit the high 60's to mid 70's. We actually had snow the weekend of the South Eastern Wildlife Exposition, but other than Friday evening, it didn't put a big dent in the festivities. To see a few pictures of snow on the islands, click here.

There are a couple of really good articles in this month's E-Newsletter. Two specifically for sellers and one for you repeat home buyers - a $6,500 tax credit.

Enjoy both and make your plans to come to Charleston and the beaches for a break!

Betty Poore
Charleston Coast REALTOR®
Dunes Properties of Charleston, Inc.
(843) 442-18889

Charlston Coast SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Isle of Palms, SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Wild Dunes, SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
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Snow on Seagrass Lane

2010-02-13T16:47:00.002-05:00

It didn't come down in buckets, at least I wasn't awake to see it all - but it was enough and beautiful while it lasted. Here is a link to a few pictures I took this morning

Enjoy and stay warm.

Betty Poore
Charleston Coast REALTOR
Dunes Properties of Charleston, Inc.
(843) 886-5600
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Charlston Coast SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Isle of Palms, SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Wild Dunes, SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
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Take Advantage of Housing Tax Credits

2010-02-13T15:24:00.002-05:00

Home Buyers Rush to Take Advantage of Tax Credit Before It’s Gone

by Alan Heavens

"Current homeowners buying a house between Nov. 7, 2009, and April 30 and who have used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight can qualify for the $6,500. It seems less is known about the repeat buyer credit. This incentive was added when the original $8,000 tax credit for qualified first-time buyers, which expired Nov. 30, was extended."

This is a great article on both the $8000 first-time home buyer tax credit AND the $6500 repeat buyer credit. To read the entire article click here.

Betty Poore
Charleston Coast REALTOR
Dunes Properties of Charleston, Inc.
(843) 886-5600
---
Charlston Coast SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Isle of Palms, SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Wild Dunes, SC Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
---

Clever Campaign to Promote SC

2010-02-13T14:50:00.005-05:00

With the winter the north is experiencing, I'd love to be tracking the number of folks coming south as a result of this ad campaign. Wish I had thought of it myself. Hopefully they'll carry it over to NY and DC! Bring it on! Click here for some fun. (click the arrow and scroll)

Moody's Investor Service Toots Charleston's Horn

2010-01-03T18:05:00.002-05:00

Well, the good news keeps on coming. Moody's Investor Service has listed Charleston as one of the top 5 real estate markets most likely to rebound in 2010! To read all about it click here.

Wall Street Journal - Latest Home Price Data Is Good News for Buyers

2010-01-03T17:34:00.005-05:00

I think this may be one of the best articles recently written on why it is the best time to buy real estate. Full of facts, not fiction - a must read for buyers who have been waiting, waiting, waiting. To read the article in full click here.

Positive News for the Charleston Coast in 2010

2010-01-03T17:13:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year!

As much as I don't like wishing my time away - I am glad to see the end of 2009 ( and will be really glad to see the end of this cold snap! Man - a week of high temperatures in the 40's, sheesh.)

2010 promises to be good to Charleston. Housing sales are up, Boeing is coming to town, expanding the assembly line of the 787 Dreamliner and the US Dept of Energy has announced they are utilizing a site at the former Charleston Naval Base as a test bed for offshore wind turbines. Jobs, Jobs, Jobs! To read click here.