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?