Michael Johnson's Blog

Flowertown Festival 2011

Summerville, SC

April 1st-3rd

photo compliments of www.greatersummerville.com

One of the sure signs that spring is upon us here in the Metro Charleston SC area is the blossoming of the many azalea flowers and the festival that celebrates this - The Flowertown Festival.  The Flowertown Festival is held every year in Summerville, SC and has been for nearly 40 years.  The festival was started to raise money for the local YWCO (Young Women's Christian Organization).  The festival has expanded from its humble beginning back in 1973 to a large and much anticipated event that is now considered among the top 20 events in the southeast. Today the festival is sponsored by the Summerville chapter of the YMCA and features games, rides, food, crafts, and other various booths.

This year the festival will begin on Friday April 1, 2011 with hours of 9am-5pm.  The festival will continue on Saturday from 9am-5pm and then conclude on Sunday with hours of 9am-4pm.  The Flowertown festival is held on South Main Street in downtown Summerville and Azalea Park.  The street is closed to traffic during that time.

For more on the Flowertown Festival, visit their website by clicking this link.

Search Summerville Homes Under $300K

Other Blogs:

The Ponds - Summerville SC

Wescott Plantation - Summerville, SC - Market Report

Crowfield Plantation Goose Creek SC

If you have a home anywhere in the Charleston Metro Area and would like to get more information about selling your home, please contact me for a free home evaluation. 

I also work with buyers.  If you are interested in more information about buying a home please contact me and I would be glad to meet with you or email you a list of homes.

Michael J. Johnson, Realtor, ABR

www.metrocharlestonhomes.com

843-817-5299

michaeljohnson@carolinaone.com

"Providing the Light to Guide You Home"

Why a HAFA Short Sale?

Once you understand what a HAFA Short Sale is,  you next questions should be "Why should I use a HAFA Short Sale."  What are the advantages to me?  

Advantages - If you qualify for a HAFA short sale on your home, the advantages over a conventional short sale are many.  These include:

1. Seller's receive $3,000 toward relocation assistance.
2. Sellers are released of all liability on 1st and subordinate liens.
3. The Short Sale is Pre-Approved.  This is important because now you no longer have to feel like you are shooting in the dark. 
4. Purchase agreements are approved or denied within 10 business days (10-30 days realistically).  The short sale must be approved if it meets the pre-approved terms.
5. The foreclosure sale must be suspended a)while eligibility is determined, b)the property is marketed, or c)closing is pending.
6. Sellers cannot be required to sign a note or pay any additional amounts to satisfy liens.  

What banks are participating in HAFA?  Home loans owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac are eligible to participate in the HAFA program (other eligibility requirements are involved).  Click Here to find out if your home is owned by either Fannie or Freddie.

For more information on the HAFA program visit. www.makinghomesaffordable.gov

Other Recent Blogs:

What is a HAFA Short Sale

Charleston SC Homes Sold Statistics Jan 2011

Crowfield Plantation Real Estate 2010

Mount Pleasant SC Homes Sold Stats 2010

If you have a home anywhere in the Charleston Metro Area and would like to get more information about selling your home, please contact me for a free home evaluation. 

I also work with buyers.  If you are interested in more information about buying a home please contact me and I would be glad to meet with you or email you a list of homes.

Michael J. Johnson, Realtor, ABR

www.metrocharlestonhomes.com

843-817-5299

michaeljohnson@carolinaone.com

"Providing the Light to Guide You Home"

In today's market price is king when selling your home.  A home should absolutely be in top notch condition to attract the most buyer candidates, but if the home is overpriced when compared to other homes in your area you have very little chance of getting your home sold in this today's market.  

Today during our office sales meeting our Broker in Charge showed us a video put together by Russ May, a Real Estate Agent from Wilmington, NC.  In this well thought out video, Russ demonstrates the importance of pricing a home in a manner that is not just competitive, but rather pricing the home so that it is compelling to the potential buyer. 

Price Your Home Right

Other Related Blogs:

10 Reasons Why Your Home Did Not Sell (2010)

Seven Reasons to Sell Your Home, For Sale By Owner (FSBO)!?

Is Now the Right Time?

Crowfield Plantation Real Estate 2010

If you have a home anywhere in the Charleston Metro Area and would like to get more information about selling your home, please contact me for a free home evaluation. 

I also work with buyers.  If you are interested in more information about buying a home please contact me and I would be glad to meet with you or email you a list of homes.

Michael J. Johnson, Realtor, ABR

www.metrocharlestonhomes.com

843-817-5299

michaeljohnson@carolinaone.com

"Providing the Light to Guide You Home"

Charleston Holiday Events 2010

The Christmas holiday season is quickly approaching.  In Charleston there are quite a few festivities to enjoy to get into the holiday spirit.  Here are just a handful of things you can enjoy with the whole family:

• 24th Annual City of Charleston Tree Lighting Ceremony - December 4th at Marion Square from 4:30-6:30.  The lighting of the 60-foot Tree of Lights, the official Charleston Holiday centerpiece in Marion Square.

• 30th Annual Holiday Parade of Boats - December 4th (Parade begins along Mt.Pleasant waterfront at 5:30pm; viewing from downtown Charleston starts around 6:30) - this annual holiday tradition displays lighted and festive boats that proceed through the Charleston Harbor.  You can choose to either enjoy the beautiful spectacle, or decorate your own boat and join the parade.

• 30th Annual Charleston Christmas Parade - December 5th in Downtown Charleston from 2-4pm.  The parade features bands, floats, marchers and performers.  According to the city website, "The parade begins at the intersection of Calhoun and Meeting Streets, proceeds down King Street to Broad Street to Lockwood Blvd."

• Happy New Year, Charleston - December 31st at Marion Square and surrounding locations from 4-10:30pm.  This is a family friendly event (no alcohol) featuring concerts and various presentations to mark the New Year.

The City of Charleston is also providing parking vouchers to anyone who comes out to the events at participating area garages.  Here is a link to print out the voucher.  Charleston Holiday Parking Voucher

Other Notable Blogs:

Charleston, SC Housing Report

Crowfield Plantation Real Estate, Goose Creek SC

Foxbank Plantation, Moncks Corner SC

Seven Reasons to do a For Sale By Owner (FSBO)!?

Is Now the Right Time?

If you have a home anywhere in the Charleston Metro Area and would like to get more information about selling your home, please contact me for a free home evaluation. 

I also work with buyers.  If you are interested in more information about buying a home please contact me and I would be glad to meet with you or email you a list of homes.

Michael J. Johnson, Realtor, ABR

www.metrocharlestonhomes.com

843-817-5299

michaeljohnson@carolinaone.com

"Providing the Light to Guide You Home"

Today I was looking over some old blog posts that I wrote two years ago.  This one jumped out as me and is still relevant today!

As most everyone knows, today's real estate market is a buyer's market. This means that the number of homes for sale in a given area outweigh the number of ready, able, and willing buyers in that same market. Although we've been in a buyer's market for quite some time many sellers have yet to adjust their mindset and expectations to reflect this change in the market. These same people are upset when after 6 months their home is still on the market.

Below is a list of ten reasons why I find homes do not sell along with possible remedies to these problems. These are in no way in any sort of order, although depending on the property and situation some have more relevance than others.

10. Layout of the Home - Quite often there is nothing that you can do about this. It is called functional obsolescence of the floor plan. If your home is awkward you will have to make the home appealing in some other way. Some of the hardest homes to sell at market price are "custom built homes" with layouts that very few others beside the current owners will enjoy.

9. Incentives - every good real estate agent knows you have to sell the home twice: once to the Realtor to convince he/she to show it, and once to the actual buyers. Offering a lower than normal Co-Op to the buyer's agent just gives them a reason not to show you home. Find out the average and offer at least that. Also, be ready to offer the buyer closing costs, a home warranty, and appliances at a minimum.

8. Curb Appeal - there is nothing worse than going to a house in a decent neighborhood and pulling into a driveway with poor curb appeal. The front of your house should be inviting. Spend some time, money, and/or energy on landscaping and a fresh coat of paint on the exterior of the home to brighten up the home. Also consider cleaning the driveway with a power washer if it is white cement.

7. Neighborhood Amenities - there is most likely little to nothing you can do about this. Just know that a family of four will choose a neighborhood which has a park and a pool over one that does not if all other things are equal. Keep this in mind when buying your next home for resale purposes.

6. Listing Real Estate Company - there are some who would have you believe that all real estate companies are the same. It is simply not true. When I choose to partner with my company I looked at the support being offered, as well as the core values of the company. When selecting a company find out the reputation of that company and also if they are a full service or a limited service company. My advice is to never trust you biggest investment with a limited service company.

5. Marketing - one of the primary responsibilities of an agent is to market your home to the masses. A principle way of doing this is by utilizing the Multiple Listing Service (Realtors sell nearly 92% of homes in my area). But, if all your agent does is put a sign in your yard and list it in the MLS, they are doing you a disservice. Today's buyers are looking on-line. Hire a Realtor that has an aggressive on-line marketing plan and one who gives you regular statistics of their on-line marketing results. Also ensure alot of really good pictures are taken and posted on MLS and the internet. Note: Newspaper ads rarely work.

4. Condition - the condition of the home is extremely important. Over time homes generally increase in value, but homes that are not maintained and kept up to date will not find the same increase. Focus on maintaining the kitchen (appliances included) and the master bedroom/bathroom. When your ready to sell de-clutter your home, depersonalize to a reasonable extend, and ensure the colors throughout the house are neutral. Remember most buyers do not have a good imagination. They can not always see the potential in a house. Make that as easy for them as you can. A home stager is a great source of advice on setting up your home for sale in an appealing way.

3. Agent/Realtor - All Realtors are not the same...even if they are in the same company. It is possible if your home did not sell that you did not choose the right agent. Different Realtors have different strengths. Some are extroverted while others are natural introverts. Some have great people skills while others are highly skilled in technology (some even both). When interviewing an agent find out which one best suits you the best. Never hire an agent based on the price they think they can sell your house for. Hire them on their integrity, knowledge, and marketing plan. This person will be representing your interest and it is important that you have confidence in their abilities and skills as well as their ability to communicate with you on a regular basis. An important question to ask is whether they are full time or part time. Are you willing to trust your biggest investment to someone who does real estate as a hobby.

2. Location - the first three rules or real estate are location, location, location. If you have the exact same house as someone 10 miles away from you, the two houses will most likely sell at different prices depending on the neighborhood. The number one question I am asked most by out of town buyers is, "What is the neighborhood like?" I am limited on what I can say but I can give them certain public statistics such as crime rate. I also give them information about traffic and area schools. Adjust your expectations based on the neighborhood you live in.

1. Price - In a buyers market, price can overcome just about anything mentioned above. You don't want to give your home away by pricing too low, but you also can not expect to sell the home for what you might have gotten 3-5 years ago in a seller's market. This is why many people are having to sell their home via a short sale. They can not get what they paid for it 3-5 years ago. A comparable market analysis is a good tool to start with, but in this market you must go a step further and be the best conditioned home with a top notch price. Otherwise you might be one of the people I call on a daily basis asking why you think your home expired off the market after 6 months of no offers.

Foxbank Plantation

Moncks Corner, SC

Foxbank Plantation is beautiful neighborhood on Hwy 52 between Goose Creek and Moncks Corner.  Foxbank Plantation is an 800 acre master planned community.  According to the builders in the neighborhood the residential area of Foxbank is a two phase development process.  They are currently still in the first phase of development.  In addition, there are plans for a Foxbank Towne Center giving residents access to shopping within the community.  There is also plans to build an elementary school within the community in the future.

Currently the three primary builders in the community are Sabal Homes, David Weekley Homes, and Lennar Homes.  There are currently 6 different subsection within Foxbank Plantation.  Unlike most new construction communities each builder is given a certain number of lots within each subsection instead of each subsection being built by one builder.  

Amenities - The developer has made efforts to leave a good number of trees up and there are several ponds, wetlands, and lakes in the community that give the neighborhood an nice tranquil feel.  The largest of the ponds allow a small boat with a small motor or even a canoe.  The community recently built a large pool on the lake that is open to the residents at no additional fee beyond the HOA fee.  There are also several walking trails throughout the community

Commute - Foxbank Plantation is located 10 minutes north of Goose Creek on Hwy 52 and about 10 minutes south of Moncks Corner.  The commute to the Charleston International Airport and Charleston Air Force Base is about 25 minutes.  The drive to downtown Charleston is 35-40 minutes (30 miles), while the drive to the nearest beach, Sullivan's Island, is about 40 minutes (32 miles).  

Schools - Currently school age children who live in Foxbank Plantation attend Whitesville Elementary (K-5th grade),  Berkeley Middle (6th-8th),  and Berkeley High (9th-12th).

If you are interested in more information about the community please contact Michael Johnson at 843-817-5299 or email at michaeljohnson@carolinaone.com

Liberty Hall Plantation, Goose Creek SC

North Charleston Neighborhoods - Cedar Grove

Crowfield Plantation, Goose Creek SC - Video

The Old Village in Mount Pleasant SC - A Brief History

Belle Hall - Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

If you have a home anywhere in the Charleston Metro Area and would like to get more information about selling your home, please contact me for a free home evaluation. 

I also work with buyers.  If you are interested in more information about buying a home please contact me and I would be glad to meet with you or email you a list of homes.

Michael J. Johnson, Realtor, ABR

www.metrocharlestonhomes.com

843-817-5299

michaeljohnson@carolinaone.com

"Providing the Light to Guide You Home"

 Belle Hall Plantation

Belle Hall Plantation is a beautiful modernly designed neighborhood located in Mount Pleasant just off of Long Point road near I-526.  The neighborhood has homes designed to meet a wide variety of price ranges and home styles.  Current housing prices range from the mid $200K and upward to 2 million dollars.  The homes styles range from the more contemporary 1400-2400 square foot homes to the traditional "Charleston" style homes with square footage ranging from around 1800 to nearly 6000 square feet. 

There are several subsections in Belle Hall that each have their own feel, design, and price range. 

• Rice Bay - current prices range from the mid $200s to the mid $300s
• The Courtyard - current prices range from the mid $200s to the mid $300s.
• The Veranda - current prices range from the mid $200s to the mid $300s.
• Battery Point - current prices ranges from the mid $300s to nearly $500K.
• Hibben - prices generally range from $500K- 1 million dollars.
• Evian - prices generally range from $500-$800K.
• The Island - prices generally range from $500K to 1 million dollars.  There is currently a home on the market for 2 million dollars.

The neighborhood also features an amenities center that includes a club house, large pool, vollyball court, tennis courts, children's playground area, and basketball courts.  In addition Belle Hall Plantation features a number of walking trails and sidewalks that connect the different subsections and create a great means for exercise via walking and running. 

Other Recent Blogs:

The Old Village in Mount Pleasant SC - A Brief History

Pickett Bridge Recreation Area - Mount Pleasant SC

Pickett Bridge - Mount Pleasant SC - Video

Mount Pleasant Real Estate - Sold Terms and Market Stats

If you have a home anywhere in the Charleston Metro Area and would like to get more information about selling your home, please contact me for a free home evaluation. 

I also work with buyers.  If you are interested in more information about buying a home please contact me and I would be glad to meet with you or email you a list of homes.

Michael J. Johnson, Realtor, ABR

www.metrocharlestonhomes.com

843-817-5299

michaeljohnson@carolinaone.com

"Providing the Light to Guide You Home"