The white flag is waiving, I admit it. After two weeks of a real estate roller coaster, I am down right pooped (southernese for exhausted, overwhelmed, frustrated, etc....insert word of choice). With six properties under contract, one release of agreement, a new development, a new company, new broker license, and of course a new puppy, my ability to write coherent statements has diminished. I am extremely aware of my lack of blogging. As a matter of fact, it is one more thing I feel guilty for not having time to accomplish. In addition to my gut wrenching blog guilt there are floors that need to be mopped, laundry to fold, and well, my hair is starting to resemble the hay bails I once played in as a child. I am one person. Thanks to watching Dr. Phil for a total of eight minutes, I can ... 03/05/2009

Cottage Farm is a family friendly, waterfront neighborhood within the city limits of Beaufort South Carolina.  Residents enjoy a well landscaped beautiful setting.  The community dock is the hub for community events.  Neighbors often meet at the dock for fishing, boating, or just socializing. Situated on the banks of Battery Creek, development of Cottage Farm started in 1990 with 116 homes built in various phases.  The developers must be given a lot of credit for their foresight.  Part of the community plan was to leave most trees and foliage untouched.  Today that smart decision makes Cottage Farm one of Beaufort's most desirable subdivisions. Safe, convenient, and family oriented are all part of what Cottage Farm is all about.  Nestled back in the area know as Mossy Oaks, afternoon jo... 03/02/2009

Mornings are a mad dash now that I have a new puppy. Gone are the days of relaxing mornings with a cup of coffee. The coffee is still available; however, it isn't quite as easy to drink with the great expectations of my newest four legged friend. From the moment his little eyes open, (note I said HIS EYES, not mine) I have exactly 2.5 minutes to make it to the back door.     Once morning potty time is over, it morphs quickly into morning play time. My morning yoga is a thing of the past. So I have returned to a previous love.     I am a dancer at heart, and by trade. It appears that my new little friend is extremely fond of morning Merengue. I had forgotten how a little dancing could revive even the most exhausted soul. So, for now, the yoga mat stays in the closet. My latin music colle... 02/26/2009

02/24/2009

Hello Fellow Realtors.  In case you didn't get the memo, we have 5 great Beaufort open houses this Tuesday, February 24th from 11:30-1:30.  If you like fantastic home cookin' and free prizes, these are not to be missed. At 26 Robin Way Linda Keaton will have delectable home made chicken, asparagus, and brie lasagna.  Linda's cooking is to die for.  Robin Way is located directly off Springfield. Next, at 8 White Dogwood, Corinne Woodman will have her famous run cake.  MMM MMM Good.  8 White Dogwood is located directly of Sam's Point Road. On to 15 Spanish Moss, Marjorie Beals will have a Panini food certificate up for grabs. If you visit the last two stops at 86 James F Byrnes and 35 East River (in Red Bluff), you will be entered into a drawing for $50.00.  I'm broke and could use the ca... 02/23/2009

Yesterday I had beautiful chaos! A car full of qualified buyers. Not one, Not two, but three ready, able and willing buyers toured numerous homes. I felt as though I had a panel of judges rating each home. Their feedback was priceless. After our exhausting, informative, productive, and at times, comical tour of homes was complete, we compiled a a list of ways to NOT SELL YOUR HOME. 10 Ways NOT to Sell Your Home 1. Make it difficult for an agent to show it.  I was shocked at how many sellers, even with 24 hour notice, were unwilling to show their home. 2. Don't get out of bed. Yep! True story. As I and three marines, walked into a VACANT/ON lockbox home, we seemed to "wake up" a confused gentleman. I can only imagine what must have gone through his head initially. 3. Invite everyone you ... 02/22/2009

Beaufort SC Realty Launches targeted MLS Property Searches Greg Bennett, the Broker/Owner of Exit Realty of Beaufort, launches targeted MLS Property Search for all Real Estate in the Greater Beaufort South Carolina Area. Visitors are able to easily locate properties in the Targeted Home Searches, and also further customize the property criteria to fit their needs... The MLS Search System allows for the flexibility of adding properties to personalized accounts and to share such information amongst family and friends... Purchasing a home is a shared family experience and at Exit Realty Beaufort we understand the process and look to make it as flexible and rewarding as possible. Beaufort South Carolina MLS Search Beaufort Real Estate - Homes for Sale in Beaufort SC. You also have access to... 02/21/2009

Guzzling my third cup of coffee, I am preparing for a very busy day. I will be showing property to a young Marine. We have been speaking via email for a while now so I feel pretty confident I know what to expect. What I didn't expect was him to call me and say; "Is it ok, if two of my friends come, they really need a good Realtor. They need to purchase a home too." Let me think? Of course, I said. He went on to explain that the two friends were also Marines and their wives weren't coming into town for three weeks. He told me they had been approved by the same lender he was using but they hadn't been able to find a good Realtor. Good Gravy! (that is southernese for YIPPEE). So now I am planning a day of showing property to THREE buyers, two in the 180-200K range, and one in the 215-245K ... 02/20/2009

Hunting Island State Park Beach and Friends of Hunting Island State Park, Inc. 15 miles from downtown Beaufort South Carolina.  Wonderful volunteer opportunities are available through Friends of Hunting Island State Park, Inc. including The Loggerhead Turtle Rescue Program.  Move to Beaufort SC - STAY ACTIVE - LIVE LIFE! FRIENDS OF HUNTING ISLAND STATE PARK, INC. A 501(c)(3) Organization - Tax ID# 57-1012715 2009 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION http://www.friends-of-hunting-island-sc.org     NAME______________________________________PHONE (Day) ______________(PM)_______________ ADDRESS________________________________________________________________________________ E-MAIL__________________________________________________________________________________ ********************************************... 02/20/2009

Hello everyone. Today I'm going to give a quick snapshot of the current Beaufort SC real estate market for residential homes. This will not include condos, mobile homes. or prefab. As of now we have 1318 active homes on the market. That seems a great deal high but don't be completely fooled as a number of homes were pulled off the market in the fall only to reemerge again early in 2009. At this time there are 69 homes under contract. Considering the fact that only 63 homes have sold so far in 2009, the amount of homes under contract is a positive sign that the market is indeed picking up. In the expires category, 2009 has seen 121 homes expire. Of course, many of these are back on the market under new agent. > 02/19/2009

   Dear Mr. and Mrs. Seller, I am sorry life has thrown you a curve. It isn't the absolute best time to sell your home. The next few months will likely be extremely stressful for everyone in your family. You will get advice from everyone from your mail person to the dry cleaner. Watching the evening news will not only make you want to scream, but may cause nightmares. Turn it off. The reporter from Whatever City, Whatever State, isn't likely a local expert. It is time to channel your inner Martha Stewart. Your home is now a product you MUST sell. Tell yourself that everyday. It isn't easy, but it is an absolute must. Your PRODUCT must appear better than all the others at a similar price. Buyers from all sales industries are now comparison shoppers to the extreme. So you must take NOTHIN... 02/19/2009

   Beaufort SC restaurants have joined together using a unique approach to increase awareness in our community. For the month of February, diners are encouraged to eat out, save their receipts, turn them in and be eligible for a $1000. prize & gift certificates for local restaurants, Participating restaurants include Arby's, Barbara Jeans, Blue Crab, Caffino, Duke's BBQ, Emily's, Fuji, Panini's Café, Plums, Saltus, Sgt. White's BBQ, Southern Sweets, & Upper Crust. The contest is sponsored by Beaufort City Hospitality Association. So get out, eat, enjoy & get paid to do it! What a concept!   Blog posted by Melissa Evans, Exit Realty of Beaufort SC. I love selling homes in Beaufort SC. Call today to find your perfect home 843-597-4191. Visit my website www.exitbeaufortsc.com to search our... 02/18/2009

The Chocolate Tree is Beaufort's one-stop-shop for fine chocolates and other confections made right on the premises!  You can have your candies shipped anywhere in the world or visit the master candy-makers in action in Historic Downtown Beaufort, South Carolina. The Chocolate Tree is a Beaufort icon. Located in downtown Beaufort, this delectable little shop offers more than just a cure for the common sweet tooth. Gifts, souvenirs, and smiles are always readily available.     Beautiful Beaufort South Carolina has a little something for everyone. If you are planning a visit, relocating, or considering the purchase of a second home,  Call Cherimie Crane today for more information on Beaufort South Carolina Real Estate.             02/18/2009

  LIST PRICE: SOLD PRICE: DOM: HIGH LOW AVERAGE MEDIAN TOTAL PRICE LISTING COUNT $389,000 $210,000 $280,601 $275,000 $9,821,037 35 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 847 5 170 118 Currently, there are 35 single family homes available in Royal Pines on Lady's Island near Beaufort South Carolina.  The lowest priced home is on  Sam's Point Road priced at $210,000.  The highest priced is on Turtle at $389,000.  This makes the median home price in Royal Pines $275,000 and 118 days on market.   LIST PRICE: SOLD PRICE: DOM: HIGH LOW AVERAGE MEDIAN TOTAL PRICE LISTING COUNT $379,000 $222,000 $285,300 $254,900 $855,900 3 $340,000 $214,900 $258,300 $220,000 $774,900 198 86 126 94   During the month of January 2009, 3 single family homes sold in Royal Pines on Lady's Island near Beaufort South Carolina.  The median ... 02/18/2009

I am pleased to announce that Cassy Denton, formerly of Town and Country Real Estate, joined the RE/MAX Sea Island Realty Team in Beaufort South Carolina.  Cassy's specialty is Luxury Homes & Properties in Beaufort South Carolina.  Please join me in welcoming CASSY DENTON to the RE/MAX Beaufort Team!  To reach Cassy Denton, visit www.CassyDenton.com or call 843-271-0500. 02/17/2009

This for any local Beaufort Realtor who might not have gotten the message from Sandy.  We have a few open houses on Dataw Island this Wed. Feb 18th.  The North Team will have lunch at 310 Westbrook Road.  After lunch, travel to 355 Westbrook Road and join Pat Judd for dessert. To wrap up the tour, please visit 1309 Rowland Drive.  Dataw Island is Beaufort's premier retirement community.  To search for homes on Dataw Island or anywhere else in Beaufort, please try our advanced Beaufort MLS home search.     02/16/2009

  LIST PRICE: SOLD PRICE: DOM: HIGH LOW AVERAGE MEDIAN TOTAL PRICE LISTING COUNT $5,995,000 $25,000 $542,574 $350,000 $691,783,085 1275 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 2288 0 218 140    It is time for the January 2009 Beaufort South Carolina Real Estate Market Update.  The statistics presented in this Market Update are from the Beaufort MLS as of 2/16/09 for results 1/1/09 through 1/31/09, single family homes. Currently, there are 1275 Single Family Homes available on the Beaufort MLS.  The lowest priced at $25,000 is a fixer-upper and a foreclosure located in Sheldon, SC.  It is a 3 bedroom 1 bath home located in a rural area just outside Beaufort South Carolina and convenient to MCAS Beaufort.   LIST PRICE: SOLD PRICE: DOM: HIGH LOW AVERAGE MEDIAN TOTAL PRICE LISTING COUNT $4,650,000 $16,200 $359,613... 02/16/2009

Once again, I am fortunate enough to help one of America's finest, find a home. She is beautiful, in immaculate physical condition, soft spoken, brilliant, and well..she could kill me with her hands. She is a U.S Marine. She represents the elite group of women who make it into one of the toughest military branches. It is an honor to represent her. We have spent the past week searching for a home that fits her needs. It is the first time I have worked with a single female Marine. In the past the majority of my Marine clients were single or married men. I have truly enjoyed getting to know her. Too often we forget the women who serve. We hear "Marine" and immediately we think of a handsome young man with a squared off jaw. This young woman is amazing. As a woman, I am in complete awe of h... 02/15/2009

Carolina Village is Beaufort's newest front porch community. Located in beautiful Port Royal, this charming community is offering style, convenience, quality, and value. Carolina Village now has TWO gorgeous homes for qualified buyers. The Drake, over 1500 sqft, and the Jackson, around 1400 sqft. The Drake is a 3bedroom, 2 full bath, with walk in closets, hardwood floors, ceramic tiled bathrooms, and a oversized 2 car garage. Hardi plank construction, energy efficient, irrigation system, and so much more. The Drake will be completed by May 25th. The Drake model is built on premium lots. The Jackson is also a 3 bedroom, 2 full bath with walk-in closets, some hardwood floors, and 1 car garage. The Jackson offers Beaufort buyers a brand new home for $179,000! This quaint little community i... 02/15/2009

Inventory level is certainly one reason it is clearly a buyers market. Buyers are enjoying their time to be picky, like it or not. After years of sellers having all the say, buyers are exercising their power to dictate exactly how long a property will remain on the market. It isn't simply a "market reaction", it is a buyer's reaction. If you are a statistical guru, forgive my simplicity, but it seems blatantly clear to me that it is more about the buyer than the daily stock report. This quarter I have been extremely busy with buyers.  I know what they are looking for as well as what the refuse to except. They are financially capable, Internet savvy, and HGTV literate. Floral air fresheners and furniture throws just don't cut it anymore. Buyers are taking their time, doing their homework... 02/15/2009