Randall Sandin, 843-209-9667 ~ Search for Charleston SC Real Estate~

The short sales and foreclosures listings have become more and more difficult and more and more frustrating for some of my clients. I am recommending a different approach when now making offers - do it without an inspection contingency. Yes, I said WITHOUT an inspection contingent. I am recommending that we get the inspection done before we put in an offer on the home. This way we can find out everything and make one offer and justify where our price is coming from on the home. It also shows the bank that they only have to deal with the one offer price, we will not be coming back for a second round of negotiations regarding what we find in the inspection. This also shows if your buyer is serious or not about the property and can take out a lot of long term headaches for just the price of an inspection.

If you are looking to buy or sell a home in the Charleston, SC area, please call Randall Sandin at 843-209-9667 or email him at rsandin@carolinaone.com Search homes for FREE at http://www.Charlestonpierpartners.com

Come by to view this like new condo in the Grove Park section of Grand Oaks in West Ashley

1502 Whitby Lane, Charleston, SC 29414

$147,500 ~ 2 Large Bedrooms ~ 2 full bathrooms ~ huge master bath with garden tub & shower ~ large master closet ~ 1320 sq. ft ~ original owners who have kept the home in wonderful conditions ~ super clean, no children or pets have even lived in the home

Come by from 1-3pm on Sat., Aug. 15th to view this property.

If you have not checked out the Riverdogs this year, they are in Charleston for 11 home games in June. Our personal favorite is Family Night on Sunday games- general admission tickets are just $5, game starts at 5:05 so you make it home for bedtime, kids get in for FREE and get a FREE hot dog, chips & soda and FREE parking - how can you beat that deal?  

Here is the Riverdogs schedule for June:  

6/6, 7:05pm: Baseball Card Trade-Away

6/7, 5:05pm: Family Night 6/8, 7:05pm: Dogs with a Cause

6/9, 7:05pm: Two-for-Tuesday

6/10, 7:05pm: All You Can Eat Night

6/11, 7:05pm: Thirsty Thursday

6/18, 7:05pm: Thristy Thursday

6/19, 7:05pm: Fireworks Night

6/20, 7:05pm: Youth Bat Giveaway

6/21, 5:05pm: Family Night

6/30, 7:05pm: Two-for-Tuesday  

For complete details on the above promotions as there were more things going on that we could list here, ticket costs and more, go to RIVERDOGS WEBSITE 

FREE Charleston MLS home search - go to SEARCH CHARLESTON SC HOMES

For info on buying or selling real estate in Charleston, SC, please call Randall Sandin at 843-209-9667 or email at rsandin@carolinaone.com

Is it time to finally make that purchase you have always dreamed about? Is it time to finally be a few feet or a short walk to the feel of sandy beaches…listening the sounds of the ocean? If this is the time for you to purchase that beach home you have always dreamed about, make sure you take a look at Folly Beach, South Carolina.

Folly Beach is referred to as the “Edge of America” due to it being the most Eastern part of the United States. Folly is a barrier island with miles of sandy beaches on one side and marsh views and tidal creek access on the other side. There is a quaint downtown section with numerous restaurants and shopping options for just about any taste. The newly renovated Holiday Inn is right beside the Folly Beach Pier which are right in the heart of the town. This is the focal point during the tourist season and just a block from the dining and shopping area.

The Folly Beach real estate market experienced a rapid increase in home values and property sales during the 2004-2006 years. A total of 438 properties changed hands over that two year time period. This number includes only single family homes and condos. Since January 1^st, 2007 only 187 properties have been sold. So more than a 50% decrease in sales over a similar two year time period. What does this mean to you? Simple, there is a large inventory of homes with relatively few buyers; this equals an opportunity to get the home of your dreams at a discounted price compared to a few years back.

Folly Beach has many options in regards to real estate with prices ranged from $250,000 condos on Folly Creek to beach front homes at $3 million and above. Here is a brief overview of the some of the condo options for those wishing to live the “Folly Life”.

Mariners Cay – An older development with 2 story condos overlooking Folly Creek and the Marsh View Villa units that look out over the beautiful marsh. This is a gated community and has its own personal marina. Boat slips are available for purchase in the $60,000 - $150,000 range. There are also tennis courts and a community pool available for residents. Mariners Cay is located right before you reach the downtown area and is a short walk or bike ride into town. Prices range from $250,000 to $500,000 depending on unit size and location.

Palmetto Pointe Villas – Recently constructed elevated 2 story units with private parking underneath each unit with enough room for a boat and car. All units have great views of the river or marsh from a screened porch off the living area and an open porch off the master bedroom. This gated community has its own pool and clubhouse along with a private boat landing for residents. There are three large docks and boat slips are available for purchase. Price for these 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath units range from $439,000 - $650,000.

The Clam Farm at the Preserve – This development has just begun construction and residents will begin moving in over the next few months. Pre-construction pricing is still available on many of these units that all have incredible marsh and river views. Upscale features in the home are standard at this development and larger than average condos are available.

Charleston Oceanfront Villas – This ocean front development is located right next door to the recently renovated Holiday Inn. With direct access to the beach, these units provide amazing beach views from living areas and master bedrooms. The development is gated with plenty of parking underneath the building. These are the choice of many people for second homes as they can generate very solid rental income on weeks the property is not being used by the owners. A one block walk puts your right in the middle of the downtown area. There are also two private pools for resident and guest use only. Prices are $700,000 and up.

These are just a few of many condo and townhouse options on Folly Beach, South Carolina. One of the first big decisions in choosing that dream property at the beach is if you plan to use it solely for your personal use or you plan on generating rental income from the property when you are not using it. Make sure you use an experience agent who knows beach properties. There are many other items that make a beach purchase more complicated than a regular house including insurances, inspections and more. 

Common Home-Selling Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common things to make sure you avoid when selling your home. Buyers have the upper hand in today's market and sellers need to avoid common mistakes to get their home sold

1. Do not think your home is the exception - we are all emotionally attached to our homes and usually think they have special qualities but in most cases, all homes have something special which in the end, makes them all equal
2. Do not forget to scout out your competition - ask your agent to show you some competing homes before listing yours so you really know what is on the market and at what price that is similiar to your home.
3. Do not forget to check out your agent's references - a quality, professional listing agent is more important than ever during these times. Do not be afriaf to ask what they have accomplished in the last 30, 90 and 120 day time periods.
4. Do not forget to stage your home - even little things such as reducing the number of personal pictures can be the key to getting your home sold. Listen to your agent or bring in a professional stager to make sure your place looks its best.
5. Being present at open houses - DO NOT DO THIS PERIOD! Buyers do not want owners around during open houses or showings - they cannot speak freely and makes them very uncomfortable.
6. Do not take things personally - try not to take things personally about your house, people are going to insult it and make it look worse so they can get the price. At this point, try to just focus on the numbers.
7. Do not sneer at any offers - just getting an offer is like winning the lottery in today's market. Some lowball offers are just that but others can be a starting point to meaningful dialog. Always make a counter offer no matter how insulted you feel.

If you are looking to buy or sell real estate in Charleston, SC or Folly Beach, SC contact Randall Sandin today at 843-209-9667. Search for Charleston SC homes at CHARLESTON SC HOME SEARCH or search for Folly Beach SC homes at FOLLY BEACH SC HOME SEARCH