05/12/2009

Some remodeling projects will add to the value your home, but some won't. For example, on kitchen remodeling projects and bathroom additions you can get back up to 90 percent or more of the cost. However, finishing a basement usually pays back less than 50 percent of the money you've invested. Home Advisor at MSN.com has a chart of costs and average paybacks for typical home improvement projects. For example, adding a new heating or air conditioning system can cost between $2,000 to $4,500 with an average payback of 100% for heating; 75% for air conditioning. Whereas building a pool can cost $10,000 and up with an average payback of 44%. Not too mention costly upkeep!The local real estate market and current property values are what determine if your remodeling project will increase the ... 05/11/2009

        SALES BEAUFORT SC LAST WEEK MAY 3 – MAY 10, 2009   Twenty homes sold last week in Beaufort , SC with a low of $69,000 and an average of $265,065 with an average days on the market of 174 days.         Beaufort SC Real Estate Melissa Evans Realtor I love selling homes in the beautiful, historic coastal town of Beaufort, SC with our pristine waterways, excellent fishing and boating. Working with families as they relocate, downsize, upsize and invest in real estate is truly my passion. Today is a great day to start your move to the beautiful, sunny water-oriented community named the "#1 small town in the US" by Southern Living Readers Choice Awards. Call my cell 843-597-4191 with any questions or for more information. 05/11/2009

You loved me even before you knew I was cute. You were the only one who would and could listen to me ramble, on for hours about absolutely nothing while somehow appearing interested. Those beautiful little dresses that you made each Easter never quite looked the same once I found my tree climbing talent, but you made them anyway. My tears poured at the reality that not everyone liked me, you assured me it was their loss. I was told I was weird, you made weird cool. When everyone laughed at the thought of me, the clumsy, awkward tomboy,  trying out for cheerleader; you braided my hair while telling me there was nothing I couldn't do, Thanks Mom. Mamaw Crane: I watched you build your own home, with your hands. Never underestimate the effect that had on me at such an early age. I ran throu... 05/09/2009

What happens when quality construction, by a reputable builder, meets style and affordability?? Homes sell, and they sell quickly. Matter of fact they sell so quickly that open houses and community tours never seem to take place. I couldn't be more excited about my joint efforts with  NBM Builders. We met just months ago to devise a home that not only would meet the rising demand for affordable homes, but exceed expectations as well as the competition in the below 200K price range. Buyers are constantly amazed by the interior detail and incentive package. At least twice a day someone asks me, "What is the catch?". There is no catch.                                                                                                                                                             ... 05/08/2009

Real Estate Sales Remain Steady in Beaufort South Carolina Beaufort, South Carolina home sales have remained steady in the fourth quarter of 2008 and the first quarter of 2009. Each quarter recorded sales of 153 homes. Fortunate home buyers are securing exceptional values in all areas of Beaufort County South Carolina. Ladys Island has seen the highest home sales activity with single family homes selling primarily to first time home buyers. Smart investors are taking advantage of the unprecedent values and historically low interest rates. Many of the best buys are properties that are currently in short sale or forclosure status. Recently, several million dollar properties have sold on Harbor Island for almost 50% below their values. Greg Bennett, Broker and owner of Exit Realty of Beauf... 05/08/2009

The chart below reflects the number of closings by month from 2005-present.  Sellers in Beaufort South Carolina should be aware that closed transactions are down 26% from 2008-2009 (based on January-April statistics).  When comparing 2007 to 2009, they are down 48%.  Fact: Less homes are selling in Beaufort South Carolina.  Sellers: It is very important to understand these statistics because it is ultimately important to price your home aggressively to sell in this real estate market. Buyers/Investors: There are only a couple of words that I have for you! BUYER'S MARKET!  If you have ever thought of buying a home, there is no better time than RIGHT NOW! In addition to it being a buyer's market, the interest rates are extremely low.  When the real estate market is TOUGH, you need to hire... 05/07/2009

05/06/2009

So it has been just over a year since my very first post on Active Rain. As a professional, I carefully analyze the strengths and weaknesses of my business. Prior to my membership in Active Rain, my efforts to market myself were not necessarily in vain, but seemed to be more of a sporadic approach rather than defining myself and my goals. I haven't changed. I am still the fishing, clumsy, slightly quirky, but extremely dedicated Realtor. The only difference is, that now, everyone knows it. I can't completely say that Active Rain is solely responsible, but the numbers are clear. My sales are just an obvious measure; however, there are many changes that have occurred somewhat under the real estate radar. The following are definite changes: 1. Motivation- It doesn't take very long to reali... 04/30/2009

Deep breath. At the tender age of 9, I read a quote that has forever been implanted in my mind. I find that to be astonishing in and of itself especially in times when my mind seems to be the slipping slide of fodder. 'If only one woman would tell the truth of her life, the world would split wide open." Anonymous Now why on earth would that make such an enormous impact on a 9 year old?  Well maybe it was because at the time I most likely felt guilty for something I had just done to my little sister; however, over the years it evolved into much more. So now many years later, here I am. In the following list you will find humor in truth, and truth tucked neatly in half-truths. I am certain, male or female, most of you can relate, whether you will admit it or not.       How to Win Friends ... 04/27/2009

Ok, second time for this posting... grrr- what good is autosave if you can't get to it??? Anyway, let me get a smile back on my face... it was a great weekend... sold hotdoggies out at the Burton Wells concession stands while my son and daughter did baseball and soccer.  What a gorgeous weekend! Here are the stats for the Beaufort residential market for the week ending Monday April 20th 2009- As you can see, the inventory is still climbing, and climbing faster than our under contract numbers. Just in case you can't read the numbers- we have 949 residetial units for sale in the Beaufort, Mossy Oaks, Port Royal, Burton, and Lady's Island areas.  There is an increase of 5 units for Under Contract for a total of 67 and there have been 106 sales for the year. Look at the next two charts, bec... 04/20/2009

There...that sums up my week. With the grand opening of Marine 1 Realty, closing the unclosable, becoming acquainted with a clients large bulldog, and finally...a nice purple and black shiner. No..I am not attaching a picture. It has been my downfall **no pun intended**, that my brain often moves much faster and with greater focus that my short little legs. It is true in every aspect of my life. It is one of those things that I battle constantly. It is my intention to slow down, yet somehow it doesn't quite work out that way. The grand opening (and I will be posting pictures soon) was a tremendous success. The support from my clients and fellow Realtors was extremely encouraging. The very same day of my grand opening, I closed a deal that seemed to be on the "eventual closing plan". It ... 04/19/2009

Beaufort South Carolina added another award to its collection when American Style magazine listed the city as the 12th best art destination among 25 cities with a population of less than 100,000. Beaufort beat cities such as Aspen, Colo.; Laguna Beach, Calif.; and Naples, Fla. Sante Fe, N.M., took the top spot in the magazine's 12th annual reader's choice poll. To see the full article, visit: http://americanstyle.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&type=gen&mod=Core+Pages&gid=D4BC7638393C45F5B69956570EB94649 Looking to move to Beaufort SC?  Give our experts at RE/MAX Sea Island Realty a call at 843-525-0020! 04/19/2009

Recently, our little town of Beaufort South Carolina appears on The TODAY Show.  There was a home in a neighborhood called Picket Fences that was featured on the show.  Picket  Fences is a great neighborhood with a community pool and community dock!  It is located on Battery Creek.  56 White Pond became the most recent SOLD property in Picket Fences.  It is a 3 bedroom 2 bath home and SOLD for $199,000 yesterday/Friday 4/17/09.  If you are looking for affordable housing in or around Beaufort South Carolina, look no further than Picket Fences.  Remember that our professionals at RE/MAX Sea Island Realty can show and sell you any home in Beaufort South Carolina - - no matter which real estate company has it listed!  We will work hard to be your professional Realtor of Choice. Nobody Sells... 04/18/2009

42 Roseida became one of the most recent sold properties in Beaufort SC.  It was a 4 bedroom 2 bath home that was a foreclosure.  It sold for $70,000 this past Friday 4/17/09.  There are some extremely good deals on Beaufort SC Foreclosures and Beaufort SC Short Sales.  If you are looking for a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) look no further than the experts at RE/MAX Sea Island Realty in Beaufort SC.  Give us a call at 843-525-0020 for additional details and market analysis. 04/18/2009

Chris Skrip EARNS PRESTIGIOUS DESIGNATION TO HELP HOMEOWNERS IN DANGER OF FORECLOSURE   Chris Skrip of RE/MAX Sea Island Realty in Beaufort South Carolina has earned the prestigious Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, having completed extensive training in foreclosure avoidance and short sales. This is invaluable expertise to offer at a time when the area is ravaged by "distressed" homes in the foreclosure process.   Short sales allow the cash-strapped seller to repay the mortgage at the price that the home sells for, even though it is lower than what is owed on the property. With plummeting property values, this can save many people from foreclosure and even bankruptcy. More and more lenders are willing to consider short sales because they are much less costly than... 04/16/2009

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 American Cruise LInes, 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. 04/16/2009

These are a couple days late... doing the last minute tax sweat!  I e-filed this year and I have felt so restless today- no post office, no certified mail, just waiting on emails. Our inventory did tick back up this week as you can see from the following chart:                         I thought that last weeks dip may have just been un-relisted expireds.  The under contracts held steady at 62 while 7 houses closed for the week.  The days on the market overall was really pretty good with the exception of on listing that was on the market for 700+ days and skewed the average a little longer than it would have been otherwise.  If not for that one looonnnggg listing, I think the DOM would have been under 90. As I promised last week, I started compiling the absorbtion rate for the month, and... 04/15/2009

  Community Gardens Becoming Popular in Beaufort South Carolina Communities Local planned communities in Beaufort South Carolina are becoming greener. Residents are buying into the value of earth friendly living by creating and building community vegetable gardens. These gardens are reminiscent of the 1940's victory gardens. Two Beaufort communities which have embraced the idea are Dataw Island and Harbor Island. Enthusiastic neighbors are working together to grow everything from corn and tomatoes to annuals and perennials. The vegetables grown in these communities are used by the owners and also donated to local charities. With the increase in produce prices and demand for organic vegetables community gardens are a smart choice and ever more popular. The collective effort and expertise... 04/14/2009

As I stumble out of bed and sprint towards the coffee maker I wonder if I am the only one who begins each Monday with the following prayer: Dear Lord, Please get me to the coffee maker quickly and safely. Please forgive me for the words I say when I realize it is empty. Help me to remember all my blessings as I get behind a driver who has no where to go and is getting there at turtle speed. Soften my tone as my first phone call is from an attorney explaining yet another delay on my closing that seems to rival each and every aspect of Murphy's Law. Remind me to plug the fax machine in BEFORE spending an hour on the phone with tech support. Teach me the power of humility when I realize that the mass email I just sent had a "slight" spelling error.     "Beautiful Beaufort Hoes For Sale"  s... 04/13/2009