Sullivan Island and Isle of Palms Real Etate Blog

The City of Isle of Palms has been certified for the 2007-2008 by Blue Wave. The certification is was given to Isle of Palms for the sixth year in a row. The honor is given to beaches based on cleanliness, safety and public access. Isle of Palms is the only beach in South Carolina to be certified.

The certification is given by Clean Beaches Council out of Washington, DC. For more information visit http://www.cleanbeaches.org

The 31st Annual Cooper River Bridge Run is almost here. It starts at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 5th on Coleman Boulevard in Mount Pleasant. The 10K run and walk will finish on King Street in Charleston near Marion Square. The registration fee is $30 and if you have not registered and want to participate you can do so at the Bridge Run Headquarters on 360 Concord Street and then pick up your packets at the Gaillard Auditorium either Thursday or Friday before the race. You can also register online at www.active.com until 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, April 1st.

According to assistant race director Tami Varn said 31,320 people have signed up for the event thus far. That’s more than last year’s count of 30,600.

Also included in the event is the Kids Run held this Friday. Race day registration will be noon to 3 p.m., warm-up with T-Bone 3-4 p.m., and running events 4-5 p.m. Registration fee is $8 in advance and $10 on the day of the event.

There are shuttles that start leaving Gaillard Auditorium at 5am and they will run until 6:45 a.m. Saturday. Those using the shuttles will be dropperd off at near Sea Island Shopping Center in Mount Pleasant. Return buses also leave from Gaillard 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Cooper River Bridge Run is one of the most popular races in the Southeast and is frequently featured in Runner’s World and Running Times magazines. This year also look out for the new mascots of the Bridge Run, K the Rabbit and Ten the Turtle. Its gonna be a great run this year!
Here’s to perfect weather!

There are over 10,000 homes on the market in the Charleston Area and most of them stay on the market for an average of four months. But the buyers are starting to come out of the woodwork. According to many Real estate agents from all over the Lowcountry open houses are full and things are really starting to pick up. Plus its Spring, the busiest season for the real estate business.

According to Kyle Stock of the Post and Courier, “the Charleston Metro Area Chamber of Commerce expects almost 13,000 homes to change hands this year, a 6 percent increase from 2007. ” One reason is better mortgage rates, demand from out-of-town buyers and a fairly decent local economy.

The Charleston area’s real estate market is doing wonderfully in comparison to other regions in the nation

The segments of the market that are doing particulary well are the higher-end homes and empty lots. Almost 60 properties on Kiawah Island sold for more than $2.5 million last year. Many of the buyers are purchasing second homes in the area.

Another good sign that the Lowcountry’s real estate market is doing better is due to the fact that sellers are starting to turn down low offers.
Jan Turner , a Prudential Carolina Real Estate broker who has sold homes near Park Circle for eight years told the Post and Courier, “The sellers are willing to discount, but they are not willing to give their houses away,’ .

However, dont be misled. The bargains are still there.

According to the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors, Charleston area home sales are picking up.

In February, home sales increased almost 10%. 636 homes were sold in February up from 579 in January. There were 1,144 under contract last month, showing an increase in the number of homes under contract as compared with 1,006 homes under contract in January. That’s an increase of almost 14%.

Spring is usually a busy season for real estate transactions. However, year-over-year numbers have fallen despite the month-to-month increases. For example in Februaryof last year home sales totaled 881, a difference of almost 28% from this February.

On March 10 the Mulitple Listing Service for the TriCounty area had a total of 10,672 homes available for purchase. This included single family homes and condominiums.

Charleston County saw the most homes sold in February, although many of these homes also spent more days on the market. Of the 311 homes sold in Charleston County last month with a median sales price was $240,000. The average amount of days on the market was 139. In Berkeley County, 187 homes sold last month at a median price of $170,000 and at an average of 111 days on the market. And last month in Dorchestor County there were 126 homes sold at a median price of $176,934 and at an average of 121 days on the market.

An article by Blanche Evans posted on Realtor.org gives helpful insight to those seeking to buy a home and are not sure if now is a good time. The article reads:

It’s high time we told buyers (and sellers, for that matter) the truth
about whether a home is a good investment.

Despite what Wall Street wants you to believe, owning a home isn’t the
same kind of investment as stocks or bonds. What you get is a USE asset
that depreciates over time while it grows in market value. All you have
to do is keep the home in good repair to maximize your investment.

Here are five reasons why you get more for your money with a house than
the stock market:

1. Leverage. With stocks, you put in all your money for a little piece
of a company. With a house, you put in a little money to get the entire
house.

2. Tax benefits. Uncle Sam knows that owning a home is a pain in the
neck; that’s why you get tax incentives. These are basically government
bribes to get you to buy.

Think about it, with what other investment can you put in 5 percent of
the cost of the asset, reap all the appreciation, and pay no capital
gains? That’s right: live in your home for at least two years, and you
don’t have to pay capital gains tax on up to $250,000 in appreciation
if
you’re single and a combined $500,000 if you’re a married couple.

And that’s not all - consider the benefits of fixed-rate mortgages,
property tax write-offs, interest rate deductions, and depreciation. Is
this a great country or what?

3. Control. When you buy stocks, you’re paying some CEO 500 times the
average worker’s salary for company performance that most other workers
would lose their job over. With a home, you have control - what you
buy,
how much you pay, and where you live. You can improve the value with
repairs and updates. Try comparing that to getting heard at the next
shareholders’ meeting!

4. Lifestyle. Do you want to look at a concrete jungle or your children
playing in your own back yard? With a home, you’re purchasing a vantage
point for yourself and your family. The neighborhood you want to be in,
and the size and style of a home that fits your needs.

5. Value. Unlike some stocks, your house will seldom become worthless.
Barring a catastrophe, your home will retain a major portion of its
value, even in the worst of times. So don’t freak out about slight
fluctuations in the value of your home in any given year. You’ll make
it
up. Housing has lost value only one year out of the last 35. It’s more
normal to beat inflation by 1 percent to 2 percent.

Take Stock in This
So let’s add a little perspective here. You lost a greater percentage
on
the stock market this past year than if you owned a house. You lost
more
on your SUV. And you sure lost more on your iPhone.

And keep this in mind: When it rains, which would you rather have over
your head - a roof or a stock certificate?

For more information visit http://www.realtor.org/rmomag.nsf/pages/BlancheEvans200802?

The 26th Annual Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) will be held all over downtown Charleston this weekend. It is the largest wildlife art and nature event in the nation. The events will be held at the Gaillard Auditorium, Charleston Place, the Riviera Theater on King Street, the Mills House Hotel, the Charleston Marriott, the Charleston Museum, the South Carolina Aquarium, the Visitors Center on Meeting Street, Brittlebank Park, Marion Square and many other venues throughout the city. SEWE attracts 35,000+ attendees to beautiful Charleston, SC, to enjoy world-class original art, diverse exhibits, interesting presentations and lectures, not to mention Southern hospitality and lots of fun! Some of the events and other attractions from the Expo include dockdogs where people can bring their dogs in to participate. Jack Hanna, world renown animal specialist will be in attendance and there are all types of animal artists displaying their artwork throughout the city. Other fun things include the International Center for Birds of Prey, Retriever Demonstrations and Children’s Square. There is something for everyone and tickets are $15 per day or $35 for a three day pass. For more information visit www.sewe.com.

A $3 million land near has been approved on more than 700 acres near McClellanville known as Two Pines. The land would be purchased by the Park and Recreation Commission’s fourth purchase using funds from the 1/2 cent sales tax. The current owner, the Nature Conservancy purchased the 813 acres for $4.5 million in 2005 and now the county may get 300 acres for only $3 million.

If purchased by the Parks and Recreation Commission it would be turned into a county park. All that is needed is the approval of Charleston County. However, even if they do get approval it would be many years before the land is developed into a park.

Other purchases made by the PRC include a 420-acre Harmony Hall tract in Meggett, 1,568 acres of the Long Savannah property in West Ashley and uninhabited northern tip of Morris Island, known as Cummings Point.

For more information go to www.charleston.net

Charleston in general has a great night life but check out what this fair city has to offer for one of the biggest party nights of the year!

Charleston Events for Ringing in the New Year 2008

Club NY

Where: Gaillard Auditorium

When: 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m.

Cost: $40 advance/$45 day of

Charleston’s biggest nightclub is opening for one night only: New Year’s Eve.

The Gaillard Auditorium Expo Hall will be transformed into a posh lounge with a Manhattan feel. Big-screen projections of Times Square at midnight will give the full effect of being in New York City and a confetti blast and champagne toast will help ring in the new year right. Dance to the house music from DJ Moo Moo and DJ Wendell. Entertainment will also include professional dancers on platform stages, video projections by local artist Kevin Harrison, and other live performances.

Doors open at 9 p.m., and the night continues on until 1:30 a.m.

Tickets, which include heavy hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast at midnight, are $40 in advance and $45 the day of the event. (Drinks are sold separately.) Tickets can be purchased at www.clubnycharleston.com, the Gaillard Auditorium, any Publix location or at www.ticketmaster.com. For more info, visit www.clubnycharleston.com.

Farewell to Cumberland’s

Where: Cumberland’s, 301 King St.

When: 10 p.m.

Cost: $10

Live Oak will be bidding Cumberland’s farewell on New Year’s Eve.

After serving for more than 20 years as one of Charleston’s most stable rock clubs, Cumberland’s is shutting down for good. The night will start at 10 p.m. with The Modern Day Monks playing an hourlong set, followed at 11 p.m. by local band Live Oak. Former bass player Joel Bunn, trumpet player Kevin Hackler and many other special guests will join the group as it sends Cumberland’s off in style.

Tickets are $10.

The Grand Ball

Where: S.C. Aquarium

When: 8 p.m.-1 a.m.

Cost: $125

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with exotic fish and help raise money for the aquarium’s education programs, as well as Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding. Dance to the sounds of the Heather Hayes Band. Heather is daughter of the fabulous Isaac Hayes. The party runs 8 p.m.-1 a.m. at the South Carolina Aquarium, 100 Aquarium Wharf.

Tickets are $125 and include open bar, hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast.

Happy New Year, Charleston!

Where: Marion Square

When: 4-10:30 p.m.

Cost: Free

This community celebration offers nonalcoholic and family-oriented ways to celebrate the New Year. This citywide, admission-free event includes comedy, African dancing, classical, gospel and jazz music, children’s activities and more. For more information, call 724-7305.

2008 New Year’s Ball

Where: The Plex, 2390 West Aviation Ave., North Charleston

When: 8 p.m.

Cost: $39.95 advance/$49.95 day of

Guests are invited to be a part of what is being billed as the largest dance party in the Lowcountry. Doors open at 8 p.m., and admission will get you access to an open bar all evening, a balloon drop at midnight, champagne toast at midnight, shuttle service to ensure guests get home safely, a DJ spinning music and a live satellite feed from Times Square in NYC. Must be 18 or older to attend, 21 to drink. Tickets are $39.95 in advance and $49.95 the day of the party. To purchase or for more info, call 225-PLEX or visit www.theplexonline.com.

Red’s Ice House

WHERE: 98 Church St., Mount Pleasant

WHEN: Starts around 9 p.m.

COST: $50.

INFO: Your ticket to this party gets you all-you-can-drink house liquors, house wines and domestic beers. There also will be a large seafood buffet. The evening is complemented by live music by the Secrets.

Tonik Nightclub and Lounge

WHERE: 479 King St.

WHEN: Doors open at 9 p.m.

COST: $40 for guys, $30 for ladies and $60 per couple.

INFO: Must be 18 or older to enter, 21 to drink. Admission gets you access to an open bar all night, a balloon drop, a cab ride home, party favors and City Bar’s DJ Symphony spinning top 40 and dance music all night. For more info, call 412-0362.

Music Farm

WHERE: 32 Ann St.

WHEN: Starts at 7 p.m.

COST: $25 in advance.

INFO: Will Hoge will be back for a special New Year’s Eve show as a part of his co-headlining tour with Jason Isbell (formerly of the Drive-By Truckers) & The 400 Unit.

Mad River

WHERE: 32B North Market St.

WHEN: 9 p.m.-2 a.m.

COST: $100 per person.

INFO: Admission gets you an open bar, dinner buffet, live DJ, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. For information, call Laura Deaton at 723-0032.

The Windjammer

WHERE: 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms, 886-8948

WHEN: Music starts around 9 p.m.

COST: $30.

INFO: The Blue Dogs will fire things up around 9 p.m. Tickets available at www.etix.com or at the door.

The Rooftop Bar

WHERE: 19 Vendue Range, 414-2341.

WHEN: The fun starts around 7 p.m.

COST: $25 per person.

INFO: There will be lots of giveaways, live music by several local bands starting at 8:30 p.m. and a champagne toast at midnight.

Half-Moon Outfitters will hold the seventh annual Island Giant Kayak Race at 10 a.m. Oct. 27 at the Isle of Palms Marina to benefit the Coastal Conservation League.

There are two races. One is the Giant Kayak race that will run 6 miles and the Little Giant Kayak race which will run 3 miles. All are invited to participate.

Rentals are available with pre-race reservations as a requirement.

Food and refreshments will be provided before and after the race.

For more information, call Katherine at 853-3338, ext. 14, or Amy at 881-9472.

Visit www.halfmoonoutfitters.com and click the “happenings” link.

At 12:01 a.m. Saturday, bars and restaurants in Mount Pleasant officially become smoke-free, but town officials say they will give smokers some leeway the first week.

The town plans random inspections of bars and restaurants beginning sometime Saturday. And it will respond to complaints about smoking according to officials.
Only those who flagrantly disregard the ordinance with be ticketed, Police Chief Harry Sewell said. Business owners and managers will be responsible for compliance, he said.

“As long as businesses work to meet the spirit and intent of the law, our police department will do everything possible to meet them halfway,” Sewell said.

The new ordinance bans lighting up in indoor workplaces. Designated smoking rooms at hotels, motels and inns are exempt.

Violators face a ticket for up to $250, $100 of which is the city fine. The rest is state fees. Town Council adopted the ordinance because of the demonstrated health effects of secondhand smoke.

On Saturday, businesses are required to have a “No Smoking” sign at their entrance. “Healthwise, yes, it’s a good thing,” said manager Patti MacDonald, though smokers tend to spend more and tip better, she added. She said a smoking section would have been a good compromise, and that patrons will have to be educated about the new law.

“Bummer. I’ll be doing a lot more take-outs,” said Rick Swirtz, who ate lunch in the smoking section. “I think it should be up to the restaurant owner.” Swirtz said he can’t imagine bars without smoking.

“Show me a dead body from secondhand smoke,” said waitress Linda Poirier. “I just don’t think it’s the government’s business to tell private business what to do.”

Charleston went smoke-free July 23 amd Sullivan’s Island banned smoking in July 2006. Both Sullivan’s Island and Charleston have a maximum fine of $500 and/or 30 days in jail per violation of their smoking ordinances. With state fees added, the potential fine is up to $1,087.

Sullivan’s Island has issued at least one citation to Bert’s Bar. Charleston and Sullivan’s Island are being sued by businesses challenging their bans. Mount Pleasant has not yet faced litigation over its ordinance. The state Supreme Court is expected to decide the issue of municipal smoking bans.