The Beaufort Blog.com

I had two listing appointments over the weekend that had me pleasantly surprised.  Usually, when I visit a seller’s home, I go room by room suggesting changes that they can make to improve the way their home is viewed by potential buyers.  Sometimes this advice falls on deaf ears or leaves sellers wondering why this is even important.  I was pleasantly relieved that both of these potential clients seemed to be keenly aware of the necessity of certain staging tricks to help sell their home. With the proliferation of HGTV shows that focus on home buying and selling I guess I should not be so surprised.  I am writing this blog entry to help those who are wondering what to do to prepare their homes for sale. 

1) Get a storage unit!!!!!  You want to maximize floor space in your home.  Buyers need to see every square foot of your house and if they feel like it is too small, they won’t buy it.  If the recliner in the guest bedroom takes up too much of that floor space, it needs to go.  I say get a storage unit because I do not want to see it shoved in the garage.  You will also need this storage unit to store all of the other things I am going to suggest that you pare down. 

2)  Clean off the bookcases and shelves.   Family photos are ok, if they are kept to a minimum and as long as the photos are not too distracting.  Potential buyers will stop and look at every photo hanging on the wall and we want them to look at your home.  Pack up the collectibles and the knick knacks. 

3)  Clean off the counters.  Remove virtually everything off of the kitchen counters and bathroom vanities.  Buyers want to see how much work space they will have in your kitchen and in your bathroom they do not need to see all of your toiletries. 

4)  Organize the closets.  Sellers often ask me what to do about the closets.  In the master bedroom closet, you should thin out majorly and organize what you leave behind.  The larger the closet appears, the better.  In all of the other closets, do the same.  You do not need to remove everything from the closet. but it should be neat and organized. 

5) Clean the carpets, windows, and the front door.  You only get one chance to make a first impression.  Buyers need to be wowed at the door.  The front entrance to your home should be clean and inviting.  If there are bugs galore, a buyer will think that is what they are likely to find inside as well.  Buyers don’t know how much it actually costs to replace the carpeting if they should choose to do so.  If your carpets are in disrepair or beyond cleaning, you should consider replacing them.  Buyers cannot visualize what new carpets will look like, they want to see them already replaced.  Don’t wait to get an offer to do so. 

6)  CURB APPEAL, curb appeal, curb appeal.  Finally, all of the above recommendations are good ones, but the one that will matter more than most is to take the time to make the outside of your home a reflection of what a buyer will find inside.  Remember, most buyers start their home shopping online so that exterior photo of your home might be the only thing that makes them want to make an appointment to come see it.  Fresh flowers, fresh mulch, planters with color, clean gutters and rooftops, shrubbery that is trimmed, and grass that is green and well maintained will sure to impress picky buyers. 

7)  Check your paint colors.  I had a seller once tell me that paint colors do not matter.  After years of showing thousands of homes to potential clients, I can tell you with absolute certainty that paint colors do matter.  Your color palette should be neutral.  That means stay away from the bright blues and yellows.  Red is not neutral and neither is orange.  Tans, beiges, light creams are neutral colors that are not offensive to potential buyers.  Again, buyers are not good at estimating costs and they ALWAYS over estimate.  You do not want a buyer not to chose your home because they do not want to spend the money nor the time repainting every room to their taste.  They may repaint to their taste later, but we want them to do so because they want to, not because they HAVE to.  Ask your real estate agent for advice about the right color. 

8)  Check the placement of your furniture.  Do you have too much?  Do you have too little?  Are buyers walking into your living room and staring at the back of your couch?  Is the focus on the TV or on the fireplace?  Is my bedroom furniture too big for the room?  Do I really need 4 chairs in my living room. Can I collapse my dinette table to make the room a little larger?  You do not need to buy all new furniture, but you can assess what you have and whether or not it appeals to most buyers.  I do realize that buyers are not necessarily buying your furniture, but if they can’t see past it, will they buy your home?  Slip covers and cushions make a big improvement. 

Stay tuned in the future for more staging advice.  Call your real estate professional for room by room tips and tricks to help your home sell faster. 

As Spongebob and my sons proclaimed on Sunday, “this is the best day ever!”  Sunday, our church mentioned a fund raiser to help the Anderson’s who are adopting two little deaf boys from Ethiopia.  A local favorite, Berry Island Cafe offered to help the Anderson’s in an awesome way.  They had an all you can eat ice cream special for $5 a person or $20 a family.  I won’t say exactly how much I consumed, but I certainly got my money’s worth.  I don’t know if you have ever had the pleasure of tasting Berry Isand’s ice cream, but I would go so far as to say that it is AMAZING!  My husband, my sons, and I sampled just a few flavors including mint chocolate chip, frangelico, butter pecan, italian caramel brownie, rum raisin, and peanut butter cup.  The restaurant was packed and I am thankful for my friend Charlie for offering his yummy ice cream and restaurant for such a great cause. 

I have not been able to post as regularly as I would like and feeling a little guilty because I know I should.  So, as I think about what topic I would like to write about this morning all I could come up with is what I have been consumed with for 2 weeks.  First, I had wonderful clients from Cincinnati Ohio that were looking for waterfront property.  We spent 4 great days together but I can honestly say I think I have seen every piece of waterfront property priced between 300-800K in Beaufort.  Some needed to have the “house” bulldozed and others showed great potential.  Others even made me want to go get a book and stay all day.  Anyway, spending 4 days out of the office hitting the streets is tiring.  Then along came Easter with the mandatory Easter egg hunts, church, and Easter Brunch at the British Open Pub.  YUM-O.  Complimentary mimosas, a buffet of bacon, eggs, the best biscuits you have ever tasted and of couse grits made for a party in my belly as my son Owen says.  Grandma and Granddaddy arrived Sunday night and have been visiting all week.  I am thankful because it is spring break for my oldest son Zachary and he could use a little attention.  In the middle of this chaos is the fact that it is Owen’s 4th birthday.  I forgot to mention that he was invited to one of his classmate’s birthday party too the day before Easter and another party this Sunday.  So his birthday falls smack in the  middle of those two and quite frankly I am tired.  We decide to forgo the traditional birthday party and instead deliver Chick-Fil-A lunch to his classmates along with ice cream sundaes.  He couldn’t be happier and mom is delighted.  Last night we had a few friends over for a ham dinner, cake and presents.  I think it was in fact his best birthday ever!  Did I mention too that I had to take him for a hearing test on Wednesday?  He did not pass with flying colors and therefore we are off to the ENT today.  So, if you are wondering why I have been unable to post as regularly as I would like, I guess I have a good excuse.  My life has been a little hectic for 2 weeks.  Is anyone else tired?

If you have been waking up every day, reading the newspaper, or watching the news wondering how the real estate market in Beaufort South Carolina is doing, then I have some GREAT news for you!

I have personally closed the following homes so far in 2008!

These are in no particular order by the way.

Having moved here from Norfolk, Virginia and not necessarily having chosen Beaufort on our own (Thank you U.S. Navy!), we came to Beaufort completely mesmerized by its beauty and charm.  As most people do, we were instantly smitten with the lowcountry charm and picturesque scenery that was to be our new home.  What I have compiled here are a few of my favorite things that I have grown to absolutely LOVE about Beaufort South Carolina.  As I was compiling this list, I discovered there was no way I could chose only 10 things that I love about Beaufort so I imagine I will have to amend this post to include future parts along the way.  So here it goes….

1) NO STARBUCKS ALLOWED!  I know many of you readers will ask yourselves “How can anyone live without Starbucks and who would want to?”  Well, I for one can and I do.  I used to frequent Starbucks frequently and like many sit and read and drink my one cup of coffee.  When we moved here, I could not believe that there was no Starbucks.  To my amazement, I love the fact that all of the coffee shops we have are independently owned mom and pop kind of shops and I wouldn’t want it any other way.  You can sit in any of these coffee shops (my personal favorite is The Coffee Haus in Port Royal) and watch a community come and go and the interactions that take place in a small town where everyone greets each other and finds out the happenings of the previous day.  I hear that someone has tried a few different times to bring Starbucks to Beaufort.  My only hope is that enough people frequent the mom and pops enough to stay open and keep warding off the little green circle with the girl.

2)  SHRIMP AND OYSTERS FROM THE CREEK FRESH OFF THE BOAT THAT DAY!   I personally have not yet had the pleasure of throwing a cast net or filling a bucket up with fresh oysters in Beaufort, but I have friends who bring me these treasured goods.  Growing up so close to the Chesapeake Bay I have certainly had my share of oysters and shrimp, but they taste differently when they come straight out of the river that day.  I also never bought shrimp with the heads on until I moved here.  Some may think that the heads are disgusting, but I think they are YUM-O!

3)  SALTUS RIVER GRILL!    This is by far my most favorite restaurant on Bay Street.  The atmosphere is comfortable but elegant.  When you dine here, you will find locals in flip flops bellied up to the active bar next to women in semi formal wear.  Locals and tourists alike seem to navigate towards Saltus.  One can see why when you taste their Hilo Maki sushi or the Black Cherry martinis.  A must try! 

4)  HENRY C. CHAMBERS WATERFRONT PARK!   One of my favorite things to do is to go downtown sit on a swinging bench and look out over the Beaufort River.  I love to sit and watch the sailboats come in and out under the Woods Memorial Bridge and listen to the children play at the waterfront park.  You can sit on one of these benches and enjoy a coffee from Common Ground coffee shop or eat Gelato from Paninis or just watch the traffic come and go over that bridge and imagine where all of the people are going.  It almost seems as though time stops when I am sitting on one of these swings and I can’t imagine Beaufort without this space.

5)  PARRIS ISLAND, MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT AND NAVAL HOSPITAL BEAUFORT!  We are so very fortunate to have these three military commands here.  The economic impact alone is so vital to Beaufort.  More importantly to me though, I am a Navy spouse and many of my friends and neighbors work at one of these bases and I am glad that we have so many military people here as I think it gives Beaufort an opportunity to learn and grow from individuals with vast experiences and knowledge of other places.  At Parris Island they make Marines and it is fascinating to see how they take a 17 or 18 year old kid and mold him into a man his Mom and Dad are so proud of.  Every Friday you can watch this transformation take place and even if you don’t know any of the recruits becoming Marines, it is emotional to watch the growth of these young men and women that takes place on that drill field on any given Friday.  Along with making Marines we are blessed to have Fightertown USA at MCAS Beaufort.  I have had the privilege of working with or becoming friends with some of the best Marine Corps pilots right here.  Lastly, my husband works at Naval Hospital Beaufort (this week he does anyway).  We are fortunate to have a staff of highly training medical professionals to take care of our service members and their families. 

6)  STEVE BROWN’S COOKIES!   Sometimes when I have had a hard day or just need a pick me up I head over to Steve Brown’s catering on Ribault Road.  If you have never had one of these cookies you must get there soon and try some.  They are pricey at a little over $1 a piece, but oh so worth it!  He usually offers a chocolate cookie filled with peanut butter that puts a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup to shame.  I also love the Toffee Crunch and the Oatmeal Raisin.  These cookies will definitely cheer you up no matter how bad it is.    I highly recommend buying at least a dozen at a time and share them with someone in the park.   Yeah, this is that kind of town. 

7)  HUNTING ISLAND STATE PARK!  Have you seen the part of the movie Forrest Gump where Forrest runs back into the trees to save Bubba and Lt. Dan?  Well that was filmed at Hunting Island State Park.  This state park is one of the most fascinating places I have ever seen.  When you enter the state park it appears as though you are entering a jungle complete with thick foliage and palms.  As you wind to and fro through the road eventually the trees break and the Atlantic Ocean appears.  It is amazing to stand on the beach and look back at the park and see the large palm trees lined up along the sand line.  I love to come here with my children all year long and walk on the beach, collect shells, and just watch the dolphins, seagulls and pelicans.  This is truly an amazing spot to get away to. 

8)  SUNSETS OVER THE BEAUFORT RIVER!  Now, I am quite aware that there are many places in the world that some claim have the most gorgeous sunsets, but until you have seen the sun set over the Beaufort River, you haven’t seen the best there is to offer.  God mixes the most delightful palette of orange, reds, and yellows and paints a picture in the sky that is often reproduced in one of many art galleries on Bay Street.  When you see the sun shine on the tidal creeks and marshes and you get to watch the Blue Heron fly over the Beaufort River just as the sun is resting on a blanket of water, you too will be amazed. 

9)  PRINCE OF TIDES ICE CREAM FROM BERRY ISLAND CAFE!  Yes that movie was filmed here too!  Obviously Hollywood thinks this is a pretty awesome place too!  Prince of Tides ice cream is the most delectable flavor of ice cream imaginable.  It is a wonderful collection of coffee ice cream w/ almonds and fudge swirl.  Two scoops please!  Berry Island is also run by my good friend Charlie Nolette.  This is not only a great place to stop for ice cream, but a great little place to have lunch or coffee too! 

10)  GOLF, GOLF, AND MORE GOLF!  If you have ever looked at a topographical map of the lowcountry you will see lots and lots of green.  That green would be the beautifully landscaped golf courses where many Beaufort golfers spend their free time.  I am quite fond of Legends on Parris Island.  It is a great course with pure beauty.  I also am a fan of Lady’s Island Country Club in Royal Pines.  This course is long and narrow (not too forgiving for amateur golfers), but great neighborhood golf course.  South Carolina National is a favorite of many locals as well as visitors. 

As you can tell, I love Beaufort and am very fortunate that this is my home.  I will be back soon to give you part 2 of 10 more things I love about Beaufort.   

A recent news story revealed many active duty Marines and Sailors reporting to and currently residing in the Beaufort County area will be pleased to see that BAH rates are going up for our area.  Last year, BAH rates actually went down almost $100 so to see that they have actually caught up with market prices and rental rates for the Beaufort area is a blessing.  With many area BAH rates rising an average 7.3% next month, many Marine families will now recognize that their BAH is actually more than a modest house payment in our area.  You can view the new BAH rate table here:  http://perdiem.hqda.pentagon.mil/perdiem/bah.html.  If you know of an active duty Marine or Sailor relocating to the Beaufort area, send them to Advanced Real Estate Company where our military relocation specialists can help.   

I know 2008 is going to be great!  We are off to a great start.  I have 3 closings this month and three more contracts to write before week end.  I just got an offer on one of my listings after 4 days on the market.  Things seem to be going as well as anyone can hope for.  When I reflect on these blessings, I am reminded by my husband that I haven’t had a day off in months and that I am working longer hours than he did during his residency.  I am hoping to implement a good scheduling balance this year between work and family.  I am hoping that I can afford to be more selective about the clients I work with this year.  I am hoping that I will be blessed with grateful and kind clients who recognize my efforts and are not quick to criticize.  I am hoping that my office will grow with other agents who share a similar work ethic.  Perhaps not the hours, but the desire to work hard.  I am hoping that I will grow professionally with additional knowledge that I will need to better serve my clients.  I am hoping that I will continue to grow spiritually this year.  I am hoping that I will take time to be healthy.  If I spent 1/3 of the time that I put into my business on exercising, I would be skinny!  I am hoping to develop better relationships with colleagues in my market.  I am hoping to get more involved in my local association of Realtors and contribute however I am needed.  I am hoping that I will continue to treat clients honestly and fairly,  I am hoping that my peers will take the time to get to know me and formulate their opinions of me based on knowing something about me rather than hating me because I am the new kid on the block.  I am hoping that I have another great year and that I can continue doing what I love without neglecting my family.  God willing, I know I can do all of these things.    

So I have this client who wrote an offer on a property and who was in mid process of getting a loan from Navy Federal Credit Union.  The bank orders an appraisal and the client is on the way to his 100% loan when we hit a major speed bump.  I receive a phone call from my client saying that because of some language in the appraisal that the lender is now requiring 3% down.  This home appraised for the sales price needed for the loan, but the appraiser decided that this particular neighborhood was “over saturated” and therefore NFCU initiated their policy in response to such language.  So I advised my client to call the lender back and contest the appraisal and if need be, offer to pay for another appraisal.  In the meantime, the processor said we could contest the appraisal by providing data to the contrary of this appraiser’s statement.  So I look up this particular neighborhood of over 271 homes only to find that there are are a total of 25 homes for sale ranging in price from 259,000 up to 2.8 million.  In my professional opinion less than 10% of homes in this neighborhood for sale is NOT over saturation.  I asked the lender, is there a magic number that constitutes over saturation?  The lender replied with no, it is a matter of opinion.  So a client who has EXCELLENT credit and along the way to his new home with his 100% loan is blindsided by an appraiser who happened to opine that this neighborhood is over saturated.  I won’t even get into the fact that when price ranges go from 259K to over 2 million, that there is clearly a diverse range of homes for sale.  I mention this situation in this blog because given the current status of the market, everyone is a little panicked about how the credit crisis is affecting real estate sales.  I am not sure that this appraiser is aware of the “power” he or she has, but I pass along a warning that if you are planning on getting a 100% loan, an appraiser’s personal opinion could derail that plan.  I am also certain that NFCU just lost a loan and a customer of over 20 plus years! 

I will work for food, and so will all the Realtors® working in my office. During the upcoming holiday season so many families in our beautiful town will be in need. In the spirit of celebrating the giving nature of the Lowcountry, allow us to work for you.

During the months of November, December and January, each agent at Advanced Real Estate Company will donate 5% of their commissions to the local food bank. If you list your home, your home will be advertised on www.realtorsforfood.com as a home that, once sold, 5% of the commission will be used to feed families in our local community.

If you purchase a home through buyer representation by an Advanced Real Estate Realtor, 5% of the commissioin will also be used to feed families in the Beaufort area.

We love our jobs and we love our community.

If you are in NEED of a Realtor®, choose a Realtor® who is willing to help those in NEED.

Call us today at 843-524-1617 for more information.

Are you tired of checking the open house map every week to see which houses are available to look at?  Then, you spend most of the day stumbling to find those homes on the map and end up driving all over town.  We are so excited about our newest addition to the already outstanding services we provide to our community! We have contracted a tour van and driver to offer buyers and sellers a complimentary caravan to Beaufort’s hottest listings. All you have to do is show up:). No charge, no hassle, no catch:)

Realtors are more than welcome to accompany their clients. All participants will receive valuable information about the area, the properties, and the market!

Our first tour is scheduled for November 3,2007, with two time slots, 11-1 and 2-4. Please visit www.advancearoundtown.com for more information or to RSVP.