April in Charleston

I apologize for the lateness of this post but it's been a busy April so far. 

April is here and the azaleas are in bloom! The Masters is in Augusta and the Volvo WTA tennis tournament is here in Charleston the first week in April.  The Tennis Channel is having full coverage all week and they are making a big deal out of this.  It’s come to be a very respected tournament and the start of the clay season.  Of course, the Cooper River Bridge Run is also April 1 and the Summerville Flowertown Festival is also the first weekend.  What a great month to be in Charleston.  Here is your April calendar of events:

1: 40th Cooper River Bridge Run

1: Harlem Globetrotters, N Chas Coliseum

1: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Music Hall

1,2: Flowertown Festival, Summerville

2: Earth, Wind, & Fire, N Chas PAC

3-9: Volvo WTA Tennis Tournament, Daniel Island

4: Buddy Guy, Gaillard

6: Pippen Gaillard

7-9: World Grits Festival, St George

8: Marion Square Farmers Market Re-Opens

7,8: Charleston Bluegrass Festival, Middleton

8: 27th Folly Beach Sea and Sand Festival

8: Loretta Lynn, Gaillard

8: Keller Williams and Leo Kottke, Music Hall

8: Steeplechase of Charleston, Stono Ferry

9: Bruce Hornsby, Music Hall

9: Blues by the Sea, FreshFields

13: Hops and Vines, MacLeod Plantation

18: Chicago Musical, Gaillard

20-23: Lowcountry Strawberry Festival, Boone Hall

20: Jonny Lang, Music Hall

20: Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, N Chas Coliseum

21: R Kelly, N Chas Coliseum

21-23: Outdoor Festival at James Island County Park

24,25: Big Brothers and Big Sisters Golf Tournament, Bulls Bay

26: Blink-182, N Chas Coliseum

26,27: Mama Mia!, N Chas PAC

29: Cirque de la Symphonie, N Chas PAC

30: 30th Annual Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival, Mt Pleasant Waterfront Park

Real estate in Charleston had its 2nd busiest year ever in 2016 and it looks like 2017 is setting up to be the even better.  Buying activity has been the strongest ever during the first 3 months of the year.  Though February, we are up 12.4% in transactions over the same time from 2016.  And we are up about 4% in median sales price to $244k.  We are getting a ton of good publicity.  Top Chef just finished airing the season that was filmed here.  The Tennis Channel is making a huge deal out of their first ever full week coverage of the WTA tournament here next week on Daniel Island.  They are calling it the premier clay tournament in America. Of course, Volvo is the sponsor and they are busy getting their new plant built in the Summerville/Goose Creek area.  Apartments are being built all over town to house all the new people moving here.  Housing inventory is low and prices are starting to ratchet upward.  We are seeing a boom in the 2nd home market here as well.  We have many more homes each week going under contract for over $1M than we have ever seen in the past.  What a tremendous time for Charleston.

One with the Edisto

Did I become one with the river during our 2 day adventure down the small slice of heaven known as the Edisto River? I like to think so! The Edisto can brag about being one of the longest, free-flowing blackwater rivers in the country but don't be fooled - it's not really dirty water. At a length of 250 miles the Edisto is important for our ecosystem but also is one of, if not, my favorite places to paddle. It's known as blackwater because the water leaches tannin's from the decaying vegetation so it appears black but honestly it's a very clean river. We even drank it!

My friends and I decided to venture up to the small town of St. George where Carolina Heritage Outfitters (http://www.canoesc.com/) is headquartered (it's actually in Canadys, SC).  Now, you may not have heard of them but I'm sure you have heard about their trips.  CHO has been reviewed many times online (sources all over the country) and the owners, Scott and Anne, even said Oprah's photographers showed up one day to photograph the 23 miles kayak and tree-house trip. The owners were very accommodating, were well organized and seemed to know and understand the Edisto better than the river itself. They offer canoes with all the gear but my friends and I decided to take our own kayaks which they were more than happy to drive up to our drop-in spot.  For our trip all we took was our kayaks, food, and beverages (I'd recommend taking more water than you think to wash dishes and for coffee).  We actually boiled water out of the river for our morning coffee and we are still alive today to write this (we coined the term "Edisto Coffee").

Day 1: Scott drove us all up in a van to our arrival spot where we would embark upon our journey. Upon arriving at our destination, 23 miles up the river, we unloaded our gear and set off down-river, with the current, which made this trip easy and relaxing.  The only challenge (which really would only apply to new paddlers) would be all the fallen trees you must paddle around but it was easy.  Our group had two 12' kayaks and one 14' kayak and we had no issues at all.  It took us about 5 hours to go the first 13 miles but we took our time, stopped to eat lunch and stopped a few other times just to stretch and enjoy the sandy edges of the river. There are a ton of spots on the Edisto that resemble small beaches which was fun to get out and play around on. On our trip we spotted turtles (even a baby one), fish and a lot of birds (no gators). Upon our arrival to the large tree-house (there is also a small and medium size) we unloaded and relaxed. The tree-house comes fully furnished, including a grill, inside propane cook-top, plates/cups/silverware, pillows and futons.  There is no water or electricity but just a short walk away is an outhouse. For dinner we brought corn on the cob and shish-ka-bobs that we grilled and for dessert we made peach cobbler using a dutch oven we brought. It tasted great! After dinner we hung around the fire and enjoyed the starry night. The weather was perfect and cool enough for us to sleep comfortably but I think this trip in July/August would be very warm and make it more challenging. After a long day on the water and cooking/eating dinner we crashed about 11:00 and rose with the sun around 7:30.

Day 2: Upon arising we cooked a gourmet breakfast using the propane cook-top inside. Breakfast consisted of eggs, sausage, potatoes and peppers which we mixed all together for a delicious breakfast casserole.  We hung around for a bit drinking our "edisto coffee" as we now call it and started to clean up. We had to be out of the tree-house by 11:00.  We loaded up our gear and headed back out on the water around 10:30.  Paddling was easier this day due to our understanding of the river, how it bends around the outside curve and how to play the current so it takes us right into our next turn. Day 2 was only a 10 mile paddle back to the car.  Carolina Heritage provided us with a map which had mileage markers on it that told us how far we had gone each day and was quite helpful. We arrived to the car around 2:00, backed the cars right up to the river and unloaded very easily. After we got our kayaks tied down we headed home and made a stop at Boxcar Betty's in Summerville for a chicken sandwich.

Yes, I would absolutely do this again.  The cost was a bit steep for a night "roughing" it in a tree-house but it makes sense. We were right around $200/night for the large house. The owners own about 160 acres, built 3 great tree-stands in a forest, constructed an outhouse and provided us the essentials for a night in the woods. I give this trip a 5-star experience and hope to make it an annual tradition. Check out of some of our pics below

As always - I'm here to help you buy, sell or invest in Real Estate. If you, or someone you know, is looking to move please have them reach out to me. All my clients are like family!

-Jason

Check out the tiki torches - great touch at night

One of our beach stops on the Edisto

the large treehouse that we stayed in

Here is me (Jason) taking a selfie

one view from our treehouse

Loaded up for the trip

Our private bridge across the creek

What aren't you doing this weekend?

Azalea Park in Summerville, SC

Could there be any more activities this weekend in the Lowcountry? The answer is NO. We have 40k runners in the 3rd largest 10k run in the country going on. That's impressive that we can boast that many runners and the 3rd largest.  We have the Cajun Festival at James Island County Park. You can go to https://ccprc.com/137/Lowcountry-Cajun-Festival for more information and although I have never personally attended I hear it's pretty amazing. The last event is my favorite - Flowertown Festival. I am drawn to this out of default because I'm not a runner and I don't like spicy food.  Seriously, how many crawfish can one person eat at the Cajun festival?  They are just so much work for such a small payoff. It's like eating blue crabs - super tasty buy just too much work. Flowertown festival information can be found at https://summervilleymca.org/flowertown-festival/. If your middle name is arts and crafts, food, or people galore you need to check this festival out. Some of their bragging rights include the following:

• Over 200 jury-selected artists from throughout the country who display their work for sale

• Delicious foods from restaurants at The Taste

• Fun activities and rides for children at the Children’s Jubilee/Kids Fest

• Farmer’s Market (Saturday & Sunday ONLY)

• Free admission

• Free Parking

• Voted 2016 Top 20 Events by Southeast Tourism

If you're out and about stop by 206 W. Richardson and sign up for an opportunity to win a free Yeti Cooler. We hope to see you there.


Jason

Know anyone looking to buy, sell or invest....go to Palmettodreamhomes.com or call us at 843.696.8627

March 2017 Newsletter

March Newsletter

March is here but it felt like spring all through February.  The azalea’s are already in bloom with the camellias. Temps were in the 70’s all month. March features the Wine and Food Festival, Fashion Week, and the beginning of Flowertown Festival in Summerville.  Also, the 70th Festival of House and Gardens begins on the 16th and runs until April 22.  And don’t forget the Cooper River Bridge Run on April 1.  Here’s your March calendar of events:

1-5: 12th Annual Charleston Wine and Food Festival

3: Artwalk, 10 downtown art galleries

3: Ron White, N Chas PAC

3: Los Lonely Boys, Music Hall

4: IOP Beach Festival

8: Anne Selleck, Kiawah Turtle Point

10: Rickie Lee Jones, Gaillard

10: Nora Jones, N Chas PAC

11: Celtic Women 2017 Tour, Gaillard

11: 3rd Annual St Paddy’s Pawlooza, Wannamaker Park

11: 13th Annual St Paddy’s Day Party and Parade, Olde Village N Charleston

12: Amos Lee, N Chas PAC

12: Swan Lake Ballet, Kiawah

14-15: Cinderella Musical, N Chas PAC

14-18: Lexus Charleston Fashion Week

16: Charleston Antiques Show, Gaillard

17: Charleston St Patrick’s Day Parade

18-19: Pet Fest, Mt Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park

19: Gospel Music Series, Circular Congregational Church

25: Kiawah Cup

25: Price is Right w/Jerry Springer, N Chas PAC

25: 3 Dog Night, Music Hall

31-2: YMCA Flowertown Festival, Summerville

While 2016 was our 2nd busiest year ever for Charleston Real Estate, 2017 has really started off with a bang.  January was the busiest January we ever had.  Inventory is on the low side and demand is very high.  This could lead to prices going up even more.  Currently, we are still below the trend line back to 1991, but that may change soon if the inventory stays this low.  Fortunately, they are building lots of new construction all over the area. No one wants to leave and lots of people want to move to our great economy and lifestyle. They are finishing construction on the new I-26 exit near Jedburg for the new Volvo plant.  Volvo has started taking applications. Employees at Boeing just voted down the union and President Trump made a planned visit the next day.  The remodeling of the airport is finished and it’s fantastic.  The have a Caviar and Bananas, Golden Bear Grill, Charleston Beer Works, Harvest and Grounds and others. Top Chef finally had its season in Charleston and it was a huge success.  The culinary life is thriving here.  At this rate, we may soon be BBQ capital of the US.  I’ve never seen so many BBQ places and they are all exceptional.

What is my home worth?

TGIF.  I know you are all excited it's Friday and despite our slight cool down here in the Palmetto State and in Summerville I'm sure many of you are out and about enjoying the sunshine. Today, I thought I'd discuss home values. Home values are the one thing I encounter as a Realtor that start arguments.  Husbands and wives disagree, agents and clients disagree and sellers/buyers disagree.  Because of the opportunity for all these disagreements it's imperative you have a good agent that knows how to properly price your home based on Market Value. Recently, I saw a FSBO (For Sale By Owner) home on the market and I realized it was priced $50K over the market and I realized this by checking the comps (comparisons or other nearby similar homes that sold recently). 

So, what truly creates the value of your home? There are 5 things in particular that establish a list price and believe me when I tell you we (Realtors) don't just guess on this.  It takes time and experience to do this properly and a solid understanding of the market. You should ask your agent, before hiring, "Have you ever sold a home around here?"  Market knowledge is crucial.

5 Things that establish Value:

1. Recent Sales - these are the comps I mentioned. If you price your home too high it probabbly will not appraise and you're back to market value.  Appraisers will go back 90 days for a comp and if there aren't any they'll go back 6 months. 

2. Location-  We've all heard Location, Location, Location.

3. Condition - Buyers will immediatly compare your home to the past 5 they've seen and guess what.  If  your home is not clean, up to date, has too much stuff, not staged and the 3 of the other homes were guess where they're going?  Last year I had one house that never sold and it still haunts me and I know it's because of condition. The owners were very nice but did not want to listen to me when I told them they have too much stuff and it needed all new flooring.  I honestly believe if they would have followed my advice it would have sold.

4. Competition - This goes with the condition. Think about it - if there are 4 homes for sale on your street we're going to have to price it differently than if you are the only home listed.

5. Timing - The market will dictate price and I do not dictate the market. I read the market, I understand it and I pass that information on to you but I do not establish market value. and neither do you.

Research shows you have 15 seconds to impress a buyer or they move on without a second thought. Think about that....15 seconds from the moment they walk on your property and in your house. This means you better make a great first impression. Next time I'll talk about how to make that great first impression.

As Always, I'd love your business or your referrals.

Jason Gregg, Realtor
843.696.8627
Jason.Gregg@kw.com

Nexton

If you have not taken a Sunday drive or stroll through Nexton you should. I call it "Nexton - the next generation" because at times it seems so forward thinking and next generation type of stuff.  Plus, it's beautiful out there.  There are some pretty cool things going on in Nexton and so let me tell you about a few of them. It's South Carolina's first  gigabit/gifafi community. Now, I'm no technical person but I do know that a gigabit is very, very fast.  I have Comcast and I'm assuming the speed I have compared to gigabit is similar to a tortoise and cougar.  Another great feature is you never really need to leave.  You can work, shop, exercise, eat and live all in the same spot. How convenient is that?   Nexton is currently working on becoming the third largest job center in Charleston which will include 6 million square feet of commercial space.  Half of the 4,500 acres is dedicated green space so after that crazy stressful day you can walk on over to the local Starbucks, grab a coffee and then walk on home. After that last sentence I'm thinking I should move to here. Currently, the Nexton fee that upkeep's the pools, parks, landscaping, etc for only $50.22/month.  At Nexton you have a variety of options for your home choice. They range from apartments, townhomes to lovely Southern charm type homes. Some residents can look out there windows and enjoy the summer concert series. I went last year and saw Honey Smoke there and had a great time. The new Nexton Elementary is right next door for the kiddos to walk or ride their bikes to school if they choose. For your choice in homes click HERE to see what they are offering but then call me to represent you as a buyer's agent. It cost you nothing but gives you an added sense of security and peace knowing I have your back. It's always a good idea to have a Realtor represent you with new construction and it cost you nothing. 

Time to check out Nexton in Summerville, SC

Call Jason at 843.696.8627 or go to LiveinSummerville.com for more information on us representing you in buying or selling your home. We also love referrals. 

-Jason Gregg, Realtor
843.696.86278
Jason.Gregg@kw.com