Category: Summerville

Hellooo 2020! As we wrap up 2019, we are happy to report that thanks to continued low mortgage rates, low unemployment, and wage growth, we anticipate home buyer activity to remain healthy into the new year. While inventory remains low (-23.1%), it is important to note that new construction has been on the rise in the past year, and is expected to continue into 2020 as well.

Closed Sales +19.6% | Median Sales Price -.07% |  Months Supply -23.1%

Market Statistics by Area

• Downtown Charleston
• Upper Charleston Peninsula
• Upper Mount Pleasant
• Lower Mount Pleasant
• Daniel Island
• Folly Beach
• Isle of Palms/Wild Dunes
• Sullivans Island
• Kiawah Island
• Seabrook Island
• James Island
• West Ashley
• Johns Island
• North Charleston
• Summerville
• Goose Creek

From the Blog

Featured Listing

Located in James Island’s prestigious White Point Estates, this beautifully appointed 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home boasts 11 ft ceilings, hardwood floors throughout, a stunning new kitchen and large covered porch that overlooks the salt-water pool and marsh below. Live oaks line the marsh and provide beautiful views and privacy all year long, while a dock provides access to the waterway beyond. For more information, visit: bit.ly/882WhitePointBlvd

It’s Almost Summer, Which Means…

There’s still time to book your summer vacay! Check out our newest rentals, search by location and book direct at CharlestonCoastVacations.com.

Upcoming Events

2020 Jazz Festival | January 25th
Don’t miss the 6th Annual Charleston Jazz Festival as it presents The World of Regina Carter, widely considered the finest jazz violinist of her generation. For more info, CLICK HERE.

Lowcountry Oyster Festival | January 26th
Join us at Boone Hall Plantation for the world’s largest oyster festival and has been named one of the “top 20 events in the southeast” by Southeastern Tourism Society. For more info, CLICK HERE.

Charleston Coffee Fest | February 9th
Join us at LoFi Brewing to celebrate Charleston’s burgeoning coffee culture, featuring local and non-local coffee roasters, artisans, coffee competitors, and kids activities. For more info, CLICK HERE.

After a widely anticipated benchmark rate reduction by the Federal Reserve in November, home buyers and sellers are eager to see what the new year holds. Although inventory is still low (down 21.4%), the economy remains strong and new construction activity continues to rise nationally with new housing permits up 5% in October.

Closed Sales +2.4% | Median Sales Price -0.2% |  Months Supply -21.4%

Market Statistics by Area

• Downtown Charleston
• Upper Charleston Peninsula
• Upper Mount Pleasant
• Lower Mount Pleasant
• Daniel Island
• Folly Beach
• Isle of Palms/Wild Dunes
• Sullivans Island
• Kiawah Island
• Seabrook Island
• James Island
• West Ashley
• Johns Island
• North Charleston
• Summerville
• Goose Creek

Featured Property

Welcome to 507 Carolina Boulevard, your perfectly situated island retreat,
just 2 short blocks to the beach! This 5 bedroom, 4 bath home features a modern, open floor plan with state-of-the-art kitchen, multiple porches and a beautiful family room that opens to the stunning open air deck.

30 for 30 Year-End Update

Throughout 2019, we’ve been donating to a varied list of 30 worthy charities and non-profit organizations to celebrate our 30th anniversary as a company. Here are some of the groups we’ve supported this year…

One 80 Place
Begin with Books
Dewees Island Conservancy
Green Heart Project
Heart Artist Community
Lowcountry Orphan Relief
Ronald McDonald House
Habitat for Humanity
Camp Happy Days
Meals on Wheels
Doors to Freedom
Fresh Future Farms
Tri-County Veterans Support Network
Charleston Waterkeepers
Genesis Project through Parkland Foundation
Pet Helpers
Friends of the Library
Palmetto Paws
Florence Crittenton Programs of SC
Preservation Society of Charleston
Charleston Parks Conservancy
Lowcountry Food Bank
Abaco Connect
American Red Cross

Top 9 Social Media Posts of 2019

As we approach the end of the year, we are starting to see a more balanced market, with continued low inventory levels and mortgage rates increasing slightly from the three-year lows seen in September. It is hard to say what the new year will bring, but most anticipate continued low rates in 2020.

Closed Sales -0.1% | Median Sales Price +4.8% |  Months Supply -19%

Market Statistics by Area

• Downtown Charleston
• Upper Charleston Peninsula
• Upper Mount Pleasant
• Lower Mount Pleasant
• Daniel Island
• Folly Beach
• Isle of Palms/Wild Dunes
• Sullivans Island
• Kiawah Island
• Seabrook Island
• James Island
• West Ashley
• Johns Island
• North Charleston
• Summerville
• Goose Creek

Featured Property

Located in The Pointe in Rivertowne Country Club, this custom home boasts a 3 car garage, gourmet kitchen with high-end stainless-steel appliances and granite countertops, and large great room which opens to the screened porch and deck. Plus, owners can enjoy use of all amenities including a dock, pool, tennis courts, basketball, and clubhouse!

Toddy Poore Dock Dedication

The Isle of Palms Exchange Club  |  201 Palm Boulevard

Upcoming Events in Charleston

30th Annual Holiday Festival of Lights  |  November 15th – December 31st
The Holiday Festival of Lights is known for its three-mile driving tour of spectacular lights where visitors are encouraged to park the car and experience family attractions, shopping, dining and more. For more information, visit: www.holidayfestivaloflights.com
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Steeplechase of Charleston  |  Sunday, November 17th
Dust off those hats and head to Stono Ferry for a day full of big hats, colds drinks, and fast horses! The family-friendly event will feature five high-stakes races with coveted titles on the line. For more information, visit www.steeplechaseofcharleston.com
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42nd Annual Turkey Day Run  |  Thursday, November 28th
The annual Turkey Day Run & Gobble Wobble is a U.S. Track & Field certified five kilometer race that winds through historic downtown Charleston and out to the peninsula. For more information, visit: www.turkeydayrun.com

“The real estate market this fall is looking far from scary” (CTAR)

As the real estate market begins to cool with the changing of the seasons, buyers are beginning to see fewer listings, and less competition for homes. That being said, mortgage rates remain considerably low, and the economy strong as 2019 begins to come to a close.

Closed Sales +13% | Median Sales Price +3.1% |  Months Supply -10%

Market Statistics by Area

• Downtown Charleston
• Upper Charleston Peninsula
• Upper Mount Pleasant
• Lower Mount Pleasant
• Daniel Island
• Folly Beach
• Isle of Palms/Wild Dunes
• Sullivans Island
• Kiawah Island
• Seabrook Island
• James Island
• West Ashley
• Johns Island
• North Charleston
• Summerville
• Goose Creek

Featured Property

Don’t miss your chance to preview Sullivan’s House – a historic restoration yielding a collection of four bright, luxurious residences designed for the island lifestyle. With open floor plans, expansive master suites, guest bedrooms with ensuite baths and expertly designed kitchens, they are the perfect gathering places for friends and family. Only 2 units remain, so act fast! For more photos and information, visit www.SullivansHouse.com.

New Downtown Office Location!

SAY HELLO to our newest office location in historic Charleston, 11 Fulton Street. Centrally located one half block off of King and within walking distance to world-class shopping and dining, this fabulous (and yet cozy!) office space is steeped in history and will serve as our new hub in the heart of downtown Charleston.

The Real Estate Studio  |  11 Fulton Street, Historic Charleston

And speaking of new…

Carolina Blvd. on Isle of Palms

As a seller, you should have a good relationship with your listing agent. They should answer your questions in a timely manner, keep you updated on listing activity and feedback and what they are doing to sell your listing.

However, have you thought about how your listing agent answers questions from other agents representing potential buyers? Do they have the answers or try to find the answers or do they direct that agent to call someone else?

Working as part of the Dunes Properties real estate support team, I can’t begin to fathom how many times I have called for a rental history, elevation certificate, termite bond transfer information, HOA information and other items that a good listing agent will ask about to have on file, and I have been told by the listing agent who I can call to get those items. I certainly will call those other parties because everyone at Dunes is  working to help our buyers, but I can’t help but feel a little bit of disappointment and question “Does their seller know they pawn off potential buyer’s questions? Why don’t want as much information as they can get for their listing file to have on hand when the inevitable questions come in?”

So when you list your property with an agent you have chosen, don’t get annoyed when they start asking questions that may send you rifling through files in search of flood and homeowners insurance policies, or HOA fees and contacts, or recent utility bills. Instead, if they do not ask you those kinds of questions, ask them why they aren’t.

-Rebecca

If you are on the Charleston Coast, all kinds of beautiful!

The Charleston Coast has some of the best porches, patios and decks around. Why? Because of the extraordinary views of course. The ocean, the marsh, lagoon, pool, and palmettos.

Dr. Lawrence Yun, chief economist and senior vice president of research for the National Association of Realtors, delivered the keynote address and discussed the Charleston real estate market last Wednesday for area members of Charleston Trident Association of Realtors.  He had lots of good things to say about the Charleston market in general. Read the whole story and watch the videos HERE.

Now what does all this mean to you as a homeowner, Buyer, or Seller? Be sure to talk to your agent, they are there for you whenever you have a question about home ownership and the market in general,  not just if you are interested in buying or selling right now.  You can speak pressure and commitment free to a dunes properties agent any time by calling 800.476.8444 or stopping by one of our four offices at 214 King St. downtown, 31 Center St. on Folly, 1400 Palm Blvd. on the Isle of Palms, or at Bohicket Marina near Seabrook/Kiawah Islands.

Barbara gives real estate advice on the Today Show.  On December 13’s show a viewer from Pittsburgh,PA asked her advice on a southwest or southern town to relocate to.  Austin TX was the recommended southwestern town and Charleston, SC was her recommended southern city.  She discusses why Charleston is a great place to move right now at about 2 minutes and 33 seconds into the video.

http://video.tvguide.com/TODAY/Tech+–26+Money–3a+Your+real+estate+questions+answered/6741345

Charleston is great if you like polite, genteel southern charm, beautiful beaches and tremendous golf.  Prices are going up 8% this year she says.

If you are curious about retiring or relocating, give a thought to Charleston.  Call for a pressure-free discussion  with one of our professional agents.  They’ll be happy to answer your questions and see if Charleston is a possibility for you.

800.476.8444