Housing and the Holiday

As hard as it is to believe it is Labor Day weekend – the unofficial end to summer.

This Labor Day, AAA is predicting that 34.1 million Americans will hit the road and travel at least 50 miles this weekend, making it the busiest Labor Day in the last four years.

Part of the reason for this increase in travel is actually – housing.

According to the AAA study, consumer confidence is increasing as their home values increase. With the improvement in the housing market, consumers feel that their largest asset, their home, is more valuable. This increase in confidence leads to more spending and this weekend – more travel. 

This is just another piece of evidence that points to the importance of the housing market in our overall economic recovery.

Will you be traveling this Labor Day?

New Photos!

Cooper Floorplan - 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, 2 Car Garage - Located at Fosters Glenn

Contact Barry Cunningham to find out more!
 843.416.8342

Housing Market Improving

According to a report by the South Carolina Realtors based on July 2013 figures, sales across the state of South Carolina increased by 21%. Home prices increased by 5% to a median price of $163,063.

The number of available homes and standing inventory has dropped to a 9 month supply of single family homes and 9.5 month supply of condos. A six month supply of homes is considered normal.

As the economy improves and consumer confidence increases home sales continue to rise. This bodes well for the future of the SC economy and housing industry.

Available Home

3020 Fosters Glenn Drive, Johns Island
 
3 Bedrooms
2.5 Baths
2,388 Square Feet

$377,925

Standard features include, stainless steel appliances, cement plank siding, raised foundation, oil rubbed bronze lighting and plumbing, granite counters, custom built-ins, fully cased windows and doors and much, much more! This plan has a lower level master bedroom, kitchen island, open plan with lots of natural light.

Contact Barry Cunningham
Carolina One Real Estate
(843) 530-0755
 

Buying Power

If you've done any research into buying a home you've probably come across the term "buying power". Simply put, "buying power" is your ability to maximize your money when purchasing a new home.

Interest rates greatly affect your buying power. Historically speaking, today's interest rates are extremely low. This means that the money you pay in order to
borrow money for your home is much less than it was in the past. With lower interest rates your monthly payment is lower and you can afford a more expensive home than you could before - thus your buying power has increased.

Interest rates are going to slowly rise and as they do it will erode some of your buying power. Now is the time to buy, before rates go higher!  You'll be able to afford more home than you thought possible while the interest rates remain low.  They won't be this low forever so don't miss this opportunity to maximize your buying power!

Cooper Model Home

Lowcountry Residential Builders has a new staged model home in Foster's Glenn.

The Cooper floor plan features has over 2000 square feet, 3 or 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a 2-car garage.

Come visit us this weekend in Foster's Glenn! Sneak peek below.

Directions: From James Island take Maybank left on River Rd. approximately 4.8 miles on the right. Model Address will be located at 3032 Foster’s Glenn Dr. Johns Island, SC 29455

Contact Barry Cunningham
bcunningham@carolinaoneplus.com
Office: 843.416.8342
Cell: 843.530.0755

Some Grilling Favorites

Grilling is a great way to keep your kitchen area cool and cut down on those high summer utility bills. To help out all the summer grill masters here are some easy and quick recipes to keep the heat out of the kitchen this summer. Click on each recipe header to view the full recipe and instructions.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilled Pork Chops

Honey Glazed Grilled Pineapple

SC Economy Continues to Grow

According to a report by the South Carolina Department of Commerce, the leading economic indicators in South Carolina increased for the 4th month in a row.

The combination of an increase in new-home construction and a drop in unemployment claims contributed to the leading index numbers.

Below are some relevant statistics that attribute to these positive numbers.

• Residential construction permits rose 26.3% in May compared with April.
• The median sales price for a single-family home rose by 5.6% in May
• The overall volume of home sales in May rose 21% compared to the same time last year.

For a look at the overall economic indicators in the report visit the Charleston Regional Business Journal HERE.

Home Safety

It's the time of year when many Americans hit the road for a well deserved summer vacation.  Before you go, it's important to prepare your home for your absence. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind before getting out of town.

1. If possible have someone come by while you're gone. Ask a trusted friend to peek their head in the neighborhood when possible, maybe water a few plants and just walk through the home every few days.

2. Make sure to stop your mail. This is a free service provided by the post office and in most areas the request can be submitted online.

3. Like above, if you receive the newspaper, make sure to stop delivery while you're gone. You don't want a stack of newspapers piling up while you're gone.

4. Unplug your coffee maker, computer and any other small appliances that won't be making the trip. Don't leave the washing machine or dishwasher running before you go.

5. It seems simple, but make sure all the doors are locked and blinds are closed. Double and even triple check. Especially those doors that aren't used as often.

What are some tips you have on keeping your home safe while you're away?

Foster's Glenn E-Brochure

We've created an e-brochure you can view online or download as a PDF with detailed information about Foster's Glenn.

Barry Cunningham from Carolina One Real Estate is our new contact and his information can be found in the brochure.

Take a look at let us know what you think!

Flip through our new E-Brochure!

First Day of Summer!

Happy First Day of Summer!

The Lowcountry is full of summer activities in addition to our natural opportunities for fun in the sun!

Here are just a few items to get on your calendar this summer:

• Pirates of Charleston at the Charleston Museum - June 22
• Pool Party and Beach Club @ the Charleston Harbor - Sundays through July 14th
• Party in the Park at Mount Pleasant - Tuesday evenings 
• Music on the Green Summer Concert Series at Freshfields Village - Fridays through the end of July
• Starlight Cinema Series Movies Under the Stars at Freshfields Village - Wednesdays at 8:30
• Splash Day at Memorial Waterfront Park in Mt. Pleasant - July 10

What are you looking forward to this summer?

Good news for Charleston!

The National Association of Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index increased again in June to now include more than 70% of the U.S. metro areas.

The Improving Markets Index or IMI is a list of metropolitan areas that have shown improvement through the areas of housing permits, employment and house prices for at least the past six months.

Twenty-nine new markets were added to the list while twenty-four previously listed markets were removed. This fluctuation is a product of a slow recovery and confirmation that the housing industry still has challenges to face.  However the IMI list is three times larger this year than last year according to the NAHB.

We're pleased to see Charleston, SC included on this list!

For a full list of improving markets visit the NAHB's website HERE.

The Sweet Side of Summer

Since it is the season for back yard BBQ's and summer pot lucks, we thought you might enjoy some classic southern summer dessert ideas.  Here are some quick and tasty recipes for your next get together.

Frozen Lemonade Pie from Taste of Home

Banana Pudding from Southern Living

 

Peach-Blueberry Cobbler from Martha Stewart

 

 What are some of your favorite summertime desserts?

Customer Incentive

New Home Sales Rise in April

There's more good news for the housing market and new homes in particular.

According to HUD and the US Census Bureau, sales of new, single-family homes rose by 2.3 percent in April. Regionally, new home sales rose 3 percent in the South.

A quote from an article by the National Association of Home Builders reinforces this positive message. “Today’s report is further evidence of the gradual, consistent improvement we have been seeing in housing market conditions over the past year,” noted NAHB Senior Economist Robert Denk. “We’re now about half-way back to what could be considered a full recovery, and we do expect to see continual, solid gains in both starts and sales of new homes going forward.”

Interest rates remain low and house prices are trending upwards and inventory remains tight.  Now is the time to buy!

To read the full article from the National Association of Home Builders please click HERE. 

Home Appreciation

New research from Zillow suggests that home values will continue to appreciate, on average up to 5% through 2013.

This result is based on a survey conducted by Zillow and distributed to economists, market and investment researches and real estate experts.

With interest rates still low and home prices remaining stead, this is a great time to buy a new home from Lowcountry Residential Builders.

To see the full results of Zillow's survey visit their research website. 

In the News!

Foster's Glenn, Lowcountry's new home community located on Johns Island was featured in the Post and Courier this past week.

The write-up highlights Foster's Glenn unique location on Johns Island and it's proximity to Downotwn, the size of the homesites, spacious flooplans and included luxury features.

To read the whole article click here.  Then come see for yourself this weekend!

Directions: From downtown Charleston, head west over the Ashley River Bridge and veer left to Folly Road. Follow Folly over the Wappoo Bridge and turn right on Maybank Highway. Continue on Maybank over the Stono River bridge to Johns Island. At the River Road intersection, turn left. Go 4.8 miles and on the right is Foster’s Glenn.

Choosing a New Home

When buyers set out to buy a "new" home, it may not always mean a home that's never been lived in before. The home may just be new to them. But what are the benefits of buying a home that's completely new?  That question is the inspiration behind a recently launched website called "Start Fresh. Buy New".

Since the site launched in March of this year, it's received about 10,000 visitors a day. The goal of the site is to educate homeowners on the benefits of buying a newly constructed home and to help them find new homes in their area.

Some of the highlighted benefits to buying new vs. used are:

• Increased energy efficiency
• New home warranties
• Modern construction techniques and materials
• Higher ceilings
• More closet space
• Modern safety features
• Open floor plan design
• Follows latest trends in flooring, finishes, colors, and cabinetry
• Time/Money saved on home repairs and updates

To visit the site and learn more about the benefits of buying a newly constructed home
CLICK HERE.

What are some of the benefits you see to buying a newly constructed home?

Eating Out?

It's Friday and we thought that would be a great time to highlight a restaurant located near our new neighborhood Foster's Glenn on Johns Island.

Our pick today is Fat Hen Restaurant - a place that prides itself on it's Lowcountry inspired French cuisine and fresh, local ingredients.

The Fat Hen is located at 3140 Maybank Hwy. Chef and Owner Fred Neuville is the founding chef and partner of several favorite Charleston restaurants.  He and his wife decided to go out on their own and open The Fat Hen Restaurant and catering company.

Featured menu items include: Shrimp and Grits, Coq Au Vin, Salmon Bearnaise, Braised Short Trib and Flounder Nicoise. The restaurant also prides itself on an extensive wine list.

To find out more visit: www.thefathen.com

Charleston Farmer's Market

This Saturday kicks off the 2013 season of the Charleston Farmers Market.  The market will be held in Marion Square every Saturday until December 21st.

This year's market features 29 farmers and growers from the Lowcountry with their offerings of vegetables, fruit, seafood, meat, herbs and plants. 

The market is open this Saturday from 8am-2pm. Special guest local bluegrass band, Yeehaw Junction will be performing. For more information visit: http://www.charlestonfarmersmarket.com/