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

James Island & Folly Beach April Real Estate Update

The market seems to be picking up a bit with an increase in showings over the last few months. The combination of lots of homes to choose from, low interest rates and the $8000 tax credit for first time home buyers seems to be getting people to finally jump off that fence.  

Actual closed sales are down from 4th quarter 08 to 1st quarter 09 in the James Island and Folly Beach areas. When you factor in houses under contract, James Island seems to be picking up.  

In 4th quarter 2008, a total of 87 properties sold with 77 sold on James Island and 10 sold on Folly Beach. In 1st quarter 2009, a total of 62 properties sold with 56 being sold on James Island and 6 sold on Folly Beach. However, there are currently 62 homes under contract on James Island and 24 under contract on Folly Beach as of 4/2/09. The Folly beach number is off since 21 are proposed new construction that have been under contract for some time, so in reality, 3 have recently gone under contract at Folly Beach. This is showing an increase on James Island and about the same on the beach.  

I have been to a number of presentations recently which suggest that interest rates will be heading up in the future unless the goverment continues to pressure the banking industry to keep them down. Lending seems to be getting a little easier to find but condos are still very tough to get financing. Individuals with 640 credit scores and above can still get FHA financing and those rates are in the 5-5.5% range as of today. Those will the gold standard score of 720 and above can still get financing with little difficulty on single family homes.  

If you need further information on rates or for your specific area, please let me know. You can reach Randall Sandin at 843-209-9667 or email at rsandin@carolinaone.com

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WORLD GRITS FESTIVAL - St. George

Friday (4/17/2009) - Sunday (4/19/2009)

Upon learning that they consume more grits per capita than people in any other place in the world, the residents of St. George organized the first World Grits Festival in 1986. Today, the event draws crowds of 45,000 to enjoy grit grinding and sampling, grit rolling and eating, live entertainment on three stages, and plenty of the delicious Southern specialty. Hwy. 15, St. George. Friday, 3-10:30pm; Saturday, 7am-6pm; Sunday, noon-5pm. Free. WORLD GRITS FESTIVAL

For info on Charleston SC Real Estate, call Randall Sandin at 843-209-8667 or email at rsandin@carolinaone.com - Search the Charleston MLS at SEARCH CHARLESTON REAL ESTATE

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Watch out for a new Rental Scam on Craigslist

I recently had my personal rental property, 2128 Edisto Avenue, and all of a sudden, I got five calls yesterday about it being for rent at $700 per month when the rent is $1200 per month. Someone had taken the pictures off my post and reposted for $700 a month and created a fake yahoo email address that was similar to my name. Looks like if you email them, you can get a great deal as the tell the renter to overnight a deposit check and they will overnight back the keys. The person has left town and needs to rent the place right away. This is a scam!

For info on Charleston, South Carolina, please call Randall Sandin at 843-209-9667 or email rsandin@carolinaone.com

Get daily updates on James Island, SC - JAMES ISLAND SC REAL ESTATE & MORE

Lowcountry Cajun Fest - Sunday, April 5th, 2009, noon-6pm

If you are looking for a great time this Sunday, make sure you check out the Lowcountry Cajun Fest at the James Island County Park.

Celebrate Louisiana living and Charleston charm during the Lowcountry Cajun Festival at James Island County Park.   Enjoy a full-day of Zydeco music, Cajun and Creole foods, children's activities and all around ragin' Cajun entertainment!

Full-bellied fun is what this festival is all about as local and regional chefs cook up a variety of mouth-watering foods.  Savor the tastes of the South with authentic Cajun and Creole faire.  Non-stop music throughout the day will keep your hips swingin' and toes tappin'.  No outside food or beverages allowed.  Pets are not permitted.

Tickets are $10 with gold pass holders and kids under 12 in for FREE.

For more info go to http://www.ccprc.com

For info on Charleston, South Carolina, please call Randall Sandin at 843-209-9667 or email rsandin@carolinaone.com

Search Charleston real estate at CHARLESTON SC REAL ESTATE 

Get daily updates on James Island, SC - JAMES ISLAND SC REAL ESTATE & MORE

April Calendar of Events for Charleston, South Carolina

Cooper River Bridge Run
04/04/2009
A local tradition that stretches back to 1978, this 10-K race draws more than 30,000 participants every year.

YMCA Flowertown Festival
04/03/2009 - 04/05/2009
This nationally acclaimed festival is South Carolina's largest Arts & Crafts festival and has been named one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society.

The Family Circle Cup
04/11/2009 - 04/19/2009
With an incredible 36-year history as a premier women's tennis event, the Family Circle Cup boasts a roster of superstar champions featuring many of the biggest names in professional tennis such as Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova & Tracy Austin.

East Coast Canoe and Kayak Festival
04/17/2009 - 04/19/2009
Immerse yourself in a full weekend of the history, technique, hands-on experience, and fun of canoeing and kayaking.

23rd Annual World Grits Festival
04/17/2009 - 04/19/2009
Good gawd, ya'll, grits have gone Up Town.That's right! Each Spring, St. George hosts the one and only World Grits Festival!

Fleet Week Activities
04/22/2009 - 04/25/2009
This year, for the first time ever, the week leading up to Sunday's Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival will hold a number of other "fleet" related activities.

Charleston's Second Annual Film Festival
04/23/2009 - 04/26/2009
The 2nd Annual Charleston International Film Festival will Host Film Premieres, Parties and Panels.

For info on Charleston SC real estate contact Randall Sandin at 843-209-9667 or rsandin@carolinaone.com.

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