It feels as though I have been injected with a new found energy. Almost a week of  what I consider to be cold weather had my eternal summer soul pouting. I moped around the house wondering if the 40 degree, blistering pain would ever end. It did! Yesterday evening, I grabbed my favorite flip flops, pulled the unruly mane back in my old baseball cap, and headed to the beach. Just the process of getting ready to go was enough to bring me back from the land of the dead. The drive to Hunting Island is breath-taking on any day, but yesterday was like the first time all over again.   Not all of my favorite stops were opened yet,Barefoot Bubbas was showing signs of summer preparation, and the Wee Island Shrimp stand was missing. But I know it won't be long! What's In Store, already had a few I... 02/12/2009

I received this e-mail and wanted to pass it along to any local Beaufort SC Realtors who feel like attending some open houses.  On Friday, Feb. 13th there 4 .  OOOOH, I didn't realize it was one of those.  Anyway, try and make some of these open houses.  I bet Marjorie, Karen, Beth, and Sharon will appreciate it.  1)  8 Lagaree Court -(in Picket Fences) Join Marjorie Beals of ERA Evergreen for a lunch of: Spagetti Casserole and salad 2) 205 Willow Point Road-join Karen Doherty of lowcountry Real Estate for dessert. 3) 2527 Satilla Blvd-(Overlook @ Battery Creek)- Cora Bett Thomas'sBeth Bomert hosts- chance to win $50 cash prize! 4) 1010 Wolverine Dr (Battery Shores)- Join Sharon Terrazas of Advanced Real Estate Team of Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners for a chance to win a $75 cash pri... 02/12/2009

No, I am not rushing ahead to St. Patty's Day. Here in Beaufort, SC we celebrate just about everything and we encourage others to do the same. So if you are looking for something to do here in Beautiful Beaufort by The Sea, come enjoy the second annual Beaufort Irish Festival. Sat, Feb 7 through Sat Feb 21 daytime: "Windows to Irish Culture" Sat, Feb 7, evening: Irish Culture Lecture Sat, Feb 14, evening: Irish Seanachie (Storyteller) Tues, Feb 17, evening: Family Ceili Dance Class Fri, Feb 20, evening:  Irish Festival Gala Party Sat, Feb 21, morning: Parade Sat, Feb 21, afternoon:  Festival Sat, Feb 21, evening:  Pub Night Sun, Feb 22, evening:  Closing Jam Session   For more information on Beaufort South Carolina, Contact Cherimie Crane today (843) 812-2090 or cherimie@beauforttime.com. 02/11/2009

You can imagine my shock when a $995.00 check arrived on my desk today!  One of my agents charged their client a Finder's Fee for placing a tenant in their rental home.  The charge was the first months' rent.   This was a cute little cottage, so it did not stay on the rental market very long at all!  Hey, who couldn't use an extra $995.00! This is a great alternative for clients needing a Realtor's assistance to locate a tenant, but does not want full property management services! I have seen an interesting alternative to the finder's fee where the Realtor offers members of their MLS 10% of the finders fee for sending their potential renters over for a showing.  If that potential renter becomes the tenant, that agent makes a quick $99.50 just for making a telephone call!  It is almost l... 02/11/2009

Okay, you've spent your two weeks "earning" your real estate license....... Now what? Even in a good market, this can be a tough business for a new agent to get traction. One of the first things I did when I became licensed in 1999 was undertake an email campaign aimed at successful-looking Realtors around the country. Of course, not knowing much about real estate, and not knowing any of these agents personally, I had to rely on appearances, so i sought out Realtors with attractive websites, lots of listings, etc. I created an email template, which identified myself as a new agent who was eager to learn, and I asked these agents if they wouldn't mind giving me a few pointers on how I could increase my chances of success as a Realtor. I was really moved by the number of Realtors who too... 02/10/2009

What type of Realtor are you? Do you march to the beat of a different drum or do you sashay along with the crowd. Maybe you are brand new and aren't quite sure exactly. Possibly you have been around so long you forgot? Perusing websites, real estate ads, signs, and business cards, it is quickly evident that Realtors a professional whole, are running low on one of two things.   One, we truly believe the only adjectives we can use to describe ourselves is experienced, professional, full time, and/or some variation of specialist. And two, we have fallen prey to the all consuming notion that whatever everyone else is doing or saying, works.     Are we afraid to market ourselves for exactly the type of Realtor we are? Is there some unwritten rule that demands we use common phrases and buzz w... 02/09/2009

Hello Fellow Beaufort Realtors.  I received an e-mail about an open house in Pleasant Point this Tuesday, Feb. 10th.  There was no address on the e-mail so, as a good co-worker and friend of Marjorie Beals, I wanted to give you an update.  Tuesday's Realtor Open House is at 59 Downing Street (MLS # 116844) in Pleasant Point Plantation.  I have been in this house on a ERA company caravan.  I thought it was one of the nicest houses for the price I had been to.  If you get a chance please come join Marjorie at her open house.  Always a good host, she will have dessert for your taste buds. Todd Covington is a full-time real estate agent in Beaufort, SC.  Interested in searching for a home or vacant lot, in Beaufort SC?  Please go to my website to start your Beaufort MLS Search.   02/09/2009

The best part of our annual cold snap is the day it is over! The sun rose this morning and out popped the smiling faces of the anti-cold Beaufortonians. We came crawling out like a bunch of sun-worshiping fiddler crabs. It is safe to say it would be a challenge to find a frown on this glorious Spring-like Sunday.   The waterways are buzzing with boats and kayaks, the golf courses gleam with activity, the downtown shops and cafe's are bubbling with visitors and locals alike.     The Blue Herons, Egrets, and Ibis are soaking up the warm rays, as the turtles and gators pop their heads out of the water like fishing corks. Did I say fishing!?!?!? It is just about that time of year again. I admit we don't fully understand the true meaning of winter, and for that I am so grateful. We are a bit... 02/08/2009

To answer Beaufort, South Carolina's call for affordable, brand new homes, we now have Carolina Village. Constructed of Hardi Plank and only the highest quality of materials Carolina Village is an outstanding opportunity for today's buyer. Hardwood flooring, plush carpet, ceramic tile and crown molding give The Drake model a warm ambiance that is complimented with the over-sized windows that allow an abundance of natural light. Recessed lighting, stylish ceiling fans, and upgraded hardware located throughout each and every home.   The Master Bedroom enjoys the 9ft ceilings located throughout the home along with a large walk-in closet. The Master Bath boasts double vanities, and a pocket door that seperates the powder room from the water room. The kitchen has real wood cabinetry, full pa... 02/06/2009

        One of the common questions raised by buyer and seller alike in Beaufort is the definition of deep water? With more than 90 inhabited islands, this is a pertinent question. Beaufort County is a waterborne community, with hundreds of waterfront properties. If you were to call up our friends at Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, the folks who issue permits in South Carolina, they might tell you they have no real working definition of “deep water.”  The OCRM evaluates whether there is a suitable tidal creek off the property, worthy of a dock.  The OCRM will determine if the creek qualifies for a floating dock, or just a crabbing dock.     At the Beaufort Board of Realtors, however, we classify anything with at least 3 feet of water at LOW TIDE as deep water.    And there are ca... 02/04/2009

02/04/2009

This article was in the Military news section and I think it's worth a view from everyone. Military men and women have no choice when they transfer, it's "do your time here and move on". Our military folks have really been caught in the middle of the meltdown and it's really becoming an issue within the forces. As a retired Navy guy, I feel for these young families and what is happening to them; first the war, now their homes! The "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act" (S. 336), most commonly known as the economic stimulus bill, has an administrative provision that would relieve military homeowners on PCS orders who are bottom up on their mortgages or otherwise suffer a significant loss on the sale of their homes. The bill would temporarily extend coverage to these groups under the Ho... 02/04/2009

After nine years as a full-time Realtor, suffice it to say I've learned a few hard lessons. One of the most difficult lessons I've learned is to not take anything for granted. And yet, every once in a while,  I still get burned by something which seems like the most obvious thing in the world. A few weeks ago, I was discussing a closing with a buyer, and he began making references to the closing attorney coming to his (the buyer's) office for the closing. When I began to explain that buyers and sellers go to the  attorneys office for closings (hence the purpose of an attorney having an office), the gentleman became a little agitated, and told me that the attorney was the employee in this transaction, and that he (the attorney) needed to be a little more responsive to the needs of the cl... 02/03/2009

    If you are considering a move to Beaufort, South Carolina the links below will provide an abundance of information. Beaufort is a small town with romantic history, sandy beaches, quaint shops, and a strong sense of community. Come to visit, and soon, you will come to stay.   Beaufort Academy Low County Tech Prep Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Beaufort County School District University of South Carolina Beaufort Technical College of the LowCountry Park University City of Beaufort Town of Hilton Head Town of Port Royal Town of Bluffton Hilton Head Chamber of Commerce South Carolina Chamber of Commerce South Carolina's Treasured Coast Friends of Hunting Island Beaufort Chamber of Commerce United Way The Bargain Box Greater Beaufort-Hilton Head Economics Partnership's Lady's Islan... 02/03/2009

02/03/2009

As Realtors, mortgage lenders, real estate inspectors, and professional stagers we have become quite accustomed to empathy from most other professions regarding the volatility of our chosen career. In polite conversation, even the most stoic will lend an empathetic ear to our rants and tirades. The press talks about us daily, if not hourly. Truth is, everyone is experiencing the same market. I am not too sure that any business has remained untouched by the sting of the economic wasp. In Beaufort, we have so many privately owned businesses full of life, love, and family ties. In doing my running about yesterday, I spoke with many small business owners who showed concern. The one that had the most lasting impact was a local florist. Carolina Jasmine Florist has always been my go to floris... 02/02/2009

Mornin everyone! I  asked for pro's and con's for the TREO and Blackerry smartphones and the majority that replied back didn't know the Blackberry (certain models) is supported by GE Security for use as an EKey. I thought this was a huge issue since I know a lot of Realtors that use the Blackberry and want the additional feature. I for one didn't want a phone without it, so now I'm happy :) I provided the link to GE Security for you to check out. Smart Phones and EKeys Have a great day!! Mike Sackman   02/02/2009

Often sited as a pure retirement community, Dataw Island was featured in the January/February edition of Travel and Leisure Magazine's Top 100 Golf Communities.  Local Beaufort SC Real Estate agent Todd Covington, says Dataw Island as "Amenities Heaven".  Todd Covington, a real estate agent at ERA Evergreen real estate company, attributes the great sports and recreational opportunities at Dataw, as a large reason most potential buyers ultimately decide to buy on Dataw Island to buy their home.  Travel and Leisure's naming of Dataw Island as a Top 100 only confirms what a great job the Dataw Island Club has done with their amenities.  Covington says the Golfing at Dataw is second to none in the Beaufort area.  When retirees start looking for real estate in Beaufort South Carolina, the fi... 02/02/2009

OK, here it goes...I have had my TREO now for 3 or 4 years and REALLY want to try the Blackberry, just don't know if it's worth it. I use my TREO as a lock box key, all my email is set up, contacts stored, blahblahblah....but it's getting old. I know the Blackberry can now be used as a lockbox key which is new, and it obviously has all the other cool stuff I  need. The problem is it took me forever to learn the TREO and don't know if I want to go through the hassle again. There is the Storm and the Curve, both have good write ups...I download music which is a plus for the Storm, I like to rock out in the M35! Any pro's and con's would be most appreciated. I can get them for the same price through Sprint.     02/02/2009

I am proud of the effort put forth in my latest "under contract". I worked really hard to make absolutely certain this home was at the fore front of every Realtor's, purchaser's, and prospective purchaser's mind. At the onset my sellers and I both knew it would take about 9-12 months, based on market data, to reach our goal. It has been exactly 8 months. This couple found me through a Localism Post. They contacted me and asked me to list their home. There was no awkward first-time meeting, no doubt about my professionalism, and actually no question as to whether or not I had the listing. I didn't present them with my usual listing presentation or my portfolio of testimonials. They asked for my advice and counsel, and followed every suggestion. It was, for lack of a better word, a partne... 02/01/2009