Tag: Real Estate

The Annex at Toler’s Cove boasts new, custom built 2 and 3 bedroom condos in Mount Pleasant’s Marsh Harbor. The condos were listed this week by dunes properties agent and developer John Hassell.

Throughout all residences, the finest finishes, features, and appliances bring comfort and finesse to every room. From generous closet space and the convenience of a full-size laundry room to custom mill work and luxurious quartzite counter tops, every last detail has been thoughtfully considered. Quality, beauty, and comfort were the criteria behind each and every selection. With 10′ ceilings, 8′ doors, and large porches these residences offer over the top luxury.

The Annex is perfectly located at Toler’s Cove Marina- it’s only one mile to reach the Beach at Sullivan’s Island. It’s only minutes away from local restaurants, entertainment, shopping, and only 19 minutes away from Downtown Charleston’s finest restaurants, parks, museums, and renowned historic sites. For more information, check out The Annex at Toler’s Cove.

The explosive growth of Charleston, S.C., has heated up the real-estate market on nearby Sullivans Island, a laid-back beach town.

Photo Credit: Donnie Whitaker

The Wall Street Journal recently published an article about the enduring popularity of Sullivans Island.  This historic beach town has long been a well-kept secret among South Carolinians, but with the growth of nearby Charleston, the quaint community has become exceedingly popular.  Homes sales in 2015 have already hit historic numbers catching the eyes of international buyers.  The island’s allure is due, in large part, to a handful of ordinances passed over the past 30 years that have blocked the development of high-rise condos and the kind of spring break-style debauchery that has plagued other East Coast beach towns.  Sullivans Island still posses the calm, cozy lifestyle so many enjoy.  “Mayberry by the Sea” does not come cheap , however, the median sale price for this area is $1.4 million.

Whether you are looking for a simple life by the sea or simply a fantastic getaway home, Sullivans Island is the place for you!  Stop by our Isle of Palms office to find out more about this sleepy beach town and what properties are currently available. Below are some of our current listings, or you can view what’s for sale on the entire island with our map module at the bottom of the post.

1738 Ion Ave | 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 4,000 sq ft | $2,375,000

Listed by Tim Reese

Click for More Photos and Interactive Floorplan

1608 Atlantic Ave | 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3807 sq ft | $1,789,000

Listed by Mark Mitchell

Click for More Photos and Interactive Floorplan

2618 Middle Street | 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, 3148 sq ft | $2,449,000

Listed by Tim Reese

Click For More Photos and Interactive Floorplan

1741 Atlantic Avenue | 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2969 sq ft | $1,025,000

Listed by Betty Poore

Click For More Photos and Interactive Floorplan

Map of Sullivans Island Properties Currently For Sale:

Discover 59 Anson in the heart of Ansonborough

Located in the beautiful Ansonborough district in Historic Charleston, 59 Anson Street is just steps from the City Market and newly renovated Gaillard Auditorium. Being just two blocks from King Street shopping and dining, 59 Anson Street is the perfect location for someone looking for a luxurious, urban lifestyle.

The quiet, shaded streets of Ansonborough offer an array of grand homes built during the 18th and 19 centuries, and includes the oldest house in Charleston, the Col. William Rhett House, built in 1712. Ansonborough is renowned for Historic Charleston elegance and its atmosphere of sweet serenity, and is one of the most sought out neighborhoods on the Charleston Peninsula. In Ansonborough you will find homes with grand columns and piazzas, roof terraces, wrought iron gates, and intricate gardens.

59 Anson Street is no exception when it comes to the grandeur and elegance of the homes in Ansonborough. There are sweeping city and harbor views from the roof top, as well as the double piazza. The home boasts a generous 4378 square feet and has five bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and two half bathrooms. The gourmet kitchen is a chef’s dream and features new stainless appliances and rich dark cabinets. The master suite features a large walk in closet and an en suite with a soaking tub and walk in shower. This house is completely turn-key ready with a complete interior and exterior renovation in 2010. 59 Anson Street has all new HVAC, electrical, plumbing, flooring, interior and exterior paint, appliances, and bathrooms.

A gourmet kitchen, beautiful fireplace in the living area, and a stunning master suite.

59 Anson has recently returned to the market at $2,199,000.  Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to live in the heart of Historic Charleston. Contact Jennifer Snowden for more information on this gorgeous property.

It’s beach season and there is no doubt that each one of Charleston’s beaches has it’s own charm. I would say that all are worth a visit, and you can pick one that suites your mood! If you’re looking for surf and are feeling adventurous, Folly is for you. If you’re looking for a great beach to take the kids to, Isle of Palms is where you should be. Want to go kiteboarding? Head on over to Sullivan’s. Each week we will be featuring a different local beach, and this week it’s all about Isle of Palms! Read on to see some rules, guidelines, and what to expect at Charleston’s most family-friendly beach.

Isle of Palms

Out of all the beaches in Charleston, Isle of Palms offers the most family-friendly shores (and is my personal favorite!). Because this beach has a bucket of rules and a ton of tourists, there are a few things you should know before packing up the family and heading out for a day of fun in the sun. Isle of Palms beach doesn’t allow alcohol, glass bottles, bonfires, camping, fireworks, or, of course, littering. So if you’re a college kid looking for a party, this beach probably isn’t for you. Dogs are allowed on the Isle of Palms beach as long as they are kept on a leash at all times (even when they are in the water) except from 5 am to 8 am, making it able to get your morning walk with your pooch in.

Holes that your children may dig while making mystical castles must be filled in when they are done. This keeps baby sea turtles from getting stuck on their way to the water and grandma from falling in and breaking a hip. Isle of Palms safety officers and lifeguards also need to be able to get around on their beach carts without breaking an axel.

The beaches on Isle of Palms are open and windy, making this the perfect place for kitesurfing. There aren’t many surfers here, since the waves are pretty small. You will occasionally see surfers here, although usually beginners. If you do want to take a crack at surfing, make sure you stay 100 feet from swimmers and 200 feet from the pier if you don’t want a hefty fine.

If you’re looking for a beach with a lifeguard, head to the Isle of Palms County Park on 14^th Street. You can park here for $5 and you will find restrooms, showers, picnic tables, ice cream, and chair and umbrella rentals (although I recommend you bring your own – it’s rather pricey). Make sure you pop into our dunes properties office right there on the corner and say hi!

There are plenty of things to do on Isle of Palms if laying in the sun and playing in the sand isn’t for you. Aside from kitesurfing, you could make your way to the back side of the Island where you will find the IOP Marina and you can rent wave runners, go parasailing, or go on a fishing charter. If you’re in need of any beach gear, pop in to Isle Surf Co.

For lunch, check out Windjammer, where you can eat, drink, listen to live music, and even sing a little. Banana Cabana has great seasonal food and a beachfront bar, and Coconut Joe’s offers Island-inspired dishes and a rooftop bar. If you’re looking for pizza, ice cream, or some cute shops to browse in, stroll around The Front Beach Area.

Overall, the Isle of Palms beach is a family-friendly, clean, pleasant beach where you don’t need to worry about alcohol, rowdiness, or parties. Get ready for a day full of relaxation or adventure, whatever you choose! If you decide that Isle of Palms beach isn’t for you, check out the blog post we did last week on Folly Beach and make sure you stay tuned, next week we are featuring Sullivan’s Island.

dunes properties vacation rental guest’s grandchildren

Last night, City Council members deliberated on the proposal of a 4,500 residential development in the Bees Ferry area of West Ashley. According to William Joy of WCSC, The Long Savannah Project was approved and will cover 3,000 acres, 1,200 of which will be used for homes and 400,000 square feet will be used for retail and office space. 

The approval of this major residential project is great news for the people who live in West Ashley, myself being one of them. The community is really hoping this area is going to be revamped and this project should show everyone that West Ashley is on track to developing for people that are moving to the area.

Traffic studies done on this project show that the entire area will be gridlocked, along Bees Ferry and Glenn McConnell (didn’t the Bees Ferry construction just end?!), but this should be a small price to pay for the major development.The project was originally approved in 2007, but was foreclosed on. We should expect to see around 500 homes in the next two years and the entire project to be complete in the next 20.

I came across a provocative article in Bloomberg BusinessWeek, and, frankly, it struck at a question I’ve been wondering about myself- why hasn’t the internet replaced the Realtor ®. The internet has changed so many industries–the iTunes Store and music; Expedia and travel agents–what about real estate?

There have been a number of web players entering the space, from Trulia and Zillow to Redfin, all with slightly different models and a range of success and failure. Here are two things I highlighted in my reading: • 90% of consumers now begin searching for real estate on the web, but • The average commission rate to agents has actually gone up since 2008, from 5.0% to 5.4% in 2011

How has this industry defied what many might say is inevitable? Knowledge and service. It’s a major, major purchase, and lots can go wrong. No one, even the savvy and well-heeled, wants to make a mistake when so many commas are in the price.

The web is playing a role, but it’s largely shopping vs. buying.

Read more from Why can’t the internet replace real estate brokers, by Brad Stone, in Bloomberg BusinessWeek.

Betty Poore

(843) 442-1889 | bpoore@dunesproperties.com

Last Wednesday one of our agents participated in a neighborhood open house in the River Reach at Remley’s Point neighborhood. He  had the Dunes Properties  listing at  120 Wando Reach Ct.  open for viewing

The same day as that open house, I read a blog on the real estate site Active Rain written by an agent in another state about how open houses are a waste of time and don’t sell the homes . Of course her post got me thinking.

Honestly, yes, most of the time an open house does not sell the property that is “open.” However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t a good idea to have one.  I can think of several reasons why you may want to sit down with your listing agent and plan on having an open house.

1. It gives the curious neighbors a chance to be looky loos. And who knows, maybe one of them has a family member or friend they want to live nearby and will talk up your house to them.
2. There are many potential home buyers who may be unsure if they are interested and do not want to take up an agent’s time to show them a house they are waffling over. This gives them a chance to see the home firsthand without any pressure and decide if they want to proceed with making an offer or  setting up a second showing for the home.
3. Agents will do what we call a “caravan” and line up several nearby open houses over the span of a few hours and serve light food or offer a giveaway incentive (think gift card, gas card, cash drawing) to encourage other agents to view the home. This makes sure agents are familiar with the home and if they speak with a client who might be interested, they’ll be more inclined to remember the home and talk to their clients about it.
4. Showing appointments can be a drain on you and your family’s time. If you find you are getting too frequent showing requests (which really is a good thing if you want to sell!) an open house may be a chance to lessen the number of showings.
5. If your home has really unique features or word of mouth press in the community, there may be people who want to view it but have no interest in purchasing it or any other home. Having an open house may reduce those gratuitous showings.

Is an open house guaranteed to sell your home? No. Is an open house for every seller? Again, no. Have a conversation with your listing agent about the possible pros and cons for you.

Clements Ferry Road will receive a new middle and high school in Berkeley County.  Students from Daniel Island, Beresford Hall, St. Thomas Point, Martins Creek, and surrounding neighborhood students will no longer have to be bused across the Don Holt Bridge for school.  They will be able to stay close to home.  For many home buyers this will open up the possibility of moving to this area.  Real estate agents have faced this obstacle with buyers and I for one am very excited for this change.  Where else can you buy a home on deep water on the Wando River, with a floating dock on half an acre for under $600,000.00 and lots with access to the Wando for as low as $30,000.00?  There are mini mansions galore in the beautiful Beresford Hall and upon entering the gate you feel like you are a world away but the reality is fifteen minutes to downtown Charleston or to the beach.  I think this area is definitely one to watch.  We are already seeing homes go under contract that have been on the market for a while.  Three bank owned lots that once sold for $250,000 have gone under contract in the last thirty days.  Berkeley county taxes are known to be considerably less than Charleston or Dorchester County and they are only expected to rise $40.00 per $100,000 starting 2014.  Give Jennifer Burke a call at 843-251-5405 or email to learn more about the possibilities this area affords.
For more information read the entire article HERE

– Jennifer Burke – 843-251-5405

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.

The newest edition of the Charleston Coast Real Estate Buyer’s Guide has arrived!  We publish this magazine twice a year and distribute them from our four local offices.  You can check out the “digital flip” version of the magazine HERE