Tag: The Real Estate Studio

Every 6 weeks local artists showcase their work in our office The Real Estate Studio.  It is always a busy day when artists are hanging.  Much was going on today as 4 local artists and friends; Marty Biernbaum, Patricia Huff, Brenda Orcutt, and Mary Sayas hung art for their show entitled “Dawn and Dusk, a Group Interpretation”.  Their art will be featured at The Real Estate Studio from May 22, 2013 through July 2, 2013.  Their art opening will be Friday May 24th from 5-8pm.

Mary, Brenda, Patricia and Marty have developed an “artist circle” similar to historical artist groups that traveled together to paint and support each other.  Artistic and creative strength created by the generation of ideas and positive critiquing, encouragement and, of course, just plain fun in the painting together, have forged the basis of this show’s work.

Join us on Friday May 24th for a festive art party.

Our planters are HAPPY!

You will never leave Charleston in want or need of something beautiful or something delicious.  We offer both in abundance.  Today, when I looked out the front window at The Real Estate Studio, I noticed in our planters something small, orange, beautiful, and delicious.  Our Calamondin orange bushes have begun to fruit!  This is particularly exciting since it was only recently that I tasted the most amazing local marmalade, crafted from this species of orange.

The Calamondin is most likely of Chinese origin, and is thought to be introduced in Florida in 1899.  It is believed to be a cross between Citrus reticulata (Mandarin orange group) and Fortunella japonica (Kumquat group). It’s particularly interesting because as a hybrid, it does not naturally occur in the wild. It is now quite prevalent in the Philippines and other area of Southeast Asia. The peel is thin and smooth, yellow to yellow-orange and easily separable.  The small oranges make amazing marmalade or (my personal favorite) they can be frozen whole and used as ice cubes in beverages such as tea, water, and cocktails.

Our friends at The Local Palate recently featured the a recipe for Calamondin Marmalade.  Check it out HERE.

If you’re hankering for some of this delicious citrus spread and don’t fancy making your own, read up on Charleston local Laura Wichmann Hipp in this Charleston Magazine Article. Hipp not only gives amazing tours of some of our fine city’s homes and gardens (complete with a tea party!) but she also sells the marmalade she makes from her own personal Calamondin mini-grove.

Here at The Real Estate Studio, we are proud to offer our beautiful space to local artists.  In fact, we allow a new artist to hang work every 6 weeks.  Shar Duffy took down her lush oil landscapes yesterday, and today Frank Peabody’s group is hanging his collection of colorful, dreamy watercolors.  You can check out the progress of the works going up below. He will join us for a reception on November 2 from 6-8pm.  We would love it if you’d join us too.

Peabody is a 1956 graduate of Princeton University and spent most of his life as a busy executive in the professional services industry in Louisville, Kentucky, and later in New York. His talent as an artist did not emerge until after his retirement. Since then, he has aggressively studied and painted locally throughout Vermont, South Carolina, and in a wide range of locations from Burma to Corsica to Venice, throughout Italy, Spain, the South Pacific, and many places in between.

Frank’s inspiration comes from places he travels or the simple beauties he witnesses in nature. His landscapes, still lifes and figures are realistic, yet sometimes possess a humorous, loose quality that reflects his emotions. Other times they simply represent the serenity he experiences while creating. He finds peace in the contemplative process of painting and those around him find joy and wonder in the results.

Frank paints in watercolors constantly exploring new techniques to master this medium. He lives in Vermont in the summer months with his wife, Juliet, and they spend their winters here in Charleston, South Carolina.

Peabody says, “Painting is an adventure for me, having spent my entire career in the business world. In painting, I find peace and serenity. I am drawn by everyday subjects in my life from people to places to things. My challenge is to capture the beauty of these subjects in my paintings and infuse them with emotion, mystery and a dash of drama.”

Stop by the Real Estate Studio at 214 King Street to see Frank Peabody’s show October 24 – December 4, 2012.  Or meet Frank and share a cocktail at his artist reception on Friday, November 2, 6-8pm.

It’s going to be one BEAUTIFUL weekend with only the slightest possibility of some showers on Sunday.  Still, it shouldn’t put a damper on the fun that always accompanies Second Sundays on King. And if it does start to sprinkle, just duck into The Real Estate Studio at 214 King Street, where we’ll have plenty of sweet tea or hot coffee waiting for you.

Check out the fun stuff that will be going on all up and down the street HERE

I was reading this article recently that was on marketwatch.com about how being a nosy neighbor and going to open houses near your home can help you out in the long run.

I immediately thought of my mother in law in New Jersey who recently admitted attending a party so she could “see what they’ve done to the house”  and hits almost every open house in her neighborhood. My husband and I sort of laughed at her fondly for that. But after reading this article, she’s a smart cookie apparently. 

According to the article, attending nearby open houses is smart if you’re putting your home on the market soon, but also smart if you’re planning on staying for awhile.  The article points out that those homes are going to be your home’s competition. 

Take a look at what has and hasn’t been upgraded and make comparisons to your own home and be aware of where your home “falls short.”  Their upgrades may help you prioritize your own.  You should also be aware of not over improving your home, though because you want to make sure you get a good return on your investment.  Seeing what your neighbors are doing can help you make those decisions. 

As for the reason my mother in law goes- to see the furnishings and layouts in spaces that are similar to yours- that’s a good thing to see to0.  You can possibly steal some decorating ideas.

Another benefit of attending those local open houses- meet the real estate agents and start forging a relationship early so when the time does come to sell, you’ll have someone to work with you are comfortable with and who you know is familiar with your market. 

Many people don’t realize that your local real estate agents love to chat with you- even if you are not selling or buying a home right now or in the near future.  Your local agent is a font of information.  They work with area vendors everyday and have great recommendations for- minor repairs, plumbers, HVAC repair, painters, decorators, lawn care, irrigation systems, cleaners, pressure washers, you name it, they probably know a reputable, trustworthy person to refer you to. 

So what are you waiting for? Before or after taking in a Spoleto event, go visit some local open houses, be inspired and start a new relationship with your local real estate agent.

Once again our agents make headlines for their involvement in charitable causes.

Jack Hurley recently spent some time getting into the spirit of children’s literature (check out the awesome hat) and reading to area school children

Through his business Jack’s Cosmic Dog, he sponsors 50 area school children in the program Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.  Jack makes sure these low income childrent are provided with age appropriate reading materials. 

Jack’s a fascinating guywith some great stories, if you ever meet him definitely take the time to strike up a conversation.

Click here for the Post and Courier story.

Perhaps you’ve seen this logo on the doors or windows of area businesses.

Have you ever wondered what it means? Lowcountry Local First is a group that advocates and promotes the benefits of a local living economy by strengthening community support of local independent businesses and farms.  Put simply, area businesses and residents are encouraged to “Shop local and buy local.”

As proud members and supports of Lowcountry Local First, the Dunes Properties Real Estate Studio hosted the Lowcountry Local First membership meeting last week.  The theme for the meeting was  “Show Your Local Love”  in honor of Valentine’s Day and the love was being spread around for sure!

Much lauded and nationally praised  O-Ku  provided various selections of their signature sushi while ICE BOX catering dished out their local love beverages.  Mount Pleasant’s very own YesUmay cookies were also a huge hit!  To keep with the valentines theme, LLF held their version of speed dating…. speed networking.

As a member ourself, it was an absolute pleasure to host LLF and all their guests.  For more information on how to make the shift to a local lifestyle, please visit www.lowcountrylocalfirst.org or find them on Facebook .

Check out the great fun courtesy of Lowcountry Local First’s Facebook page- thanks for sharing the photos!

We are hosting the opening reception of of our new artist/photographer, Brian Francis Koury.
There are events happening up and down King Street tonight for SEWE so dowtown should be THE place to go tonight.

Everyone is invited to drop in between 6-9pm to meet the artist.  Mr. Koury will be providing food, beverages and…… wait for it….. LIVE MUSIC!

Click here for a full preview The Calling

But here are a few pieces to tempt you from his official website http://www.briankouryphotography.com/

M. Koury is a Charleston based photographer whose work inspires us to reinterpret our relationship to the natural world.  His works making up The Calling will take you from the sea, land and the water’s edge.  If you do happen to miss this incredible event at The Real Estate Studio, Brian’s work can always be found at Charleston Artist’s Guild Gallery, 160 East Bay Charleston, SC 29401.

All here at 214 King St.  The Real Estate Studio

I hope to see you all this evening!
Thanks,
Austin

Evan Thompson, the new Director of the Charleston Preservation Society, will be speaking with Charleston Peninsula residents about exciting new programs and initiatives at the Society.  Enjoy a Q&A session and cocktails at the Real Estate Studio of Dunes Properties, 214 King St.  Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served, and you’ll get a chance to mix and mingle with the downtown real estate team as well.

Date: Wednesday November, 10th
Time: 6:00PM
Place: 214 King St.

All downtown residents are welcome!
*Please RSVP to rsvp@dunesproperties.com or call 843-722-5618

Check out this article from the Post and Courier about Evan joining the Preservation Society of Charleston back in August, 2010.

Rick Fain and Kristin Walker have just listed a charming little cottage in the Old Village section of Mount Pleasant, 426 Bank Street. 

426 Bank St. is a classic Old Village cottage and is a virtually new construction as almost everything is new down to the studs.   This 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1340 square foot  home features a new kitchen, master bedroom and bath, the entire exterior and much more. The location is perfectly situated within walking distance to Charleston Harbor, the Old Village parks of Alhambra Hall, Mount Pleasant Farmers’ Market, community tennis courts, and the restaurants at Shem Creek. You will be only a short bike ride to the Pitt St. Bridge, a few blocks from Mount Pleasant Academy. The beaches of Sullivan’s Island and the Isle of Palms are just a short drive away and it’s just a 10 minutes to downtown Charleston. Kitchen renovation includes all new cabinetry, granite countertops and stainless appliances. The baths are all new with furniture grade cabinets and all new tile and fixtures. The home boasts newly sanded hardwood floors and the exterior has new hardiplank siding, new windows and a new roof. As all the bedrooms and living areas are on one floor, you will not have to contend with any steps. This home and its location will afford you the lifestyle and amenities that make living in the Old Village so very special. It is a rare opportunity to find such a move-in ready home in one of the best neighborhoods in Mount Pleasant.

For more information contact Rick Fain (843) 412-0189, rfain@dunesproperties.com [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6T5t2y533lA]