Defense One Termite and Pest Control

I recently worked with Defense One Termite & Pest Control, and I was so impressed! Locally owned and very professional, I highly recommend them for all of your pest control services!

A note from Defense One: It’s not easy to control pests in Charleston, considering the warmth, humidity, and other environmental factors. It really does require true professionals, and that’s where Defense One Termite & Pest Control comes in! Defense One Termite & Pest Control handles Charleston pest control efficiently so that you don’t have to worry anymore about insects or rodents. We offer a variety of services, including our Total Encapsulation Solution which is one of the most effective moisture regulation systems on the market today. This will help to control pests, improve overall indoor air quality, protect your home against structural damage caused by moisture, and reduce your energy bills. Whether your home is in Goose Creek, West Ashley or downtown Charleston, our goal is to keep your home safe from all of the little pests that can cause major damage to your home and health. Click here to learn more, and you can request a quote or call 843-760-9291

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Market Trends for 2021

MARKET TRENDS FROM 2020 THAT WILL BE THE NORM IN 2021!

I am basing these predictions on what I see every day in this business.  As most of these new trends locked into place towards the middle of 2020, it is probable they will remain in 2021.   

LOW INVENTORY:  Inventory data shows 71% fewer homes for sale over the last 12-month period.  This is a new record low!  This means buyers need to put their best foot forward, as it is common to compete with multiple offers.  Successful buyers are pre-qualified and educated on market value.  They are teamed up with a licensed REALTOR® and ready to pounce!

PRICES ARE STILL ON THE RISE:  With low inventory and high buyer demand, prices are still on the rise making this a strong market for sellers.

INTEREST RATES ARE SUPER LOW:  With low rates, buyers are able to afford more house, a true advantage to buying in this market.

VIRTUAL SHOWINGS ARE A REAL THING:  Many homes are being purchased by buyers off of virtual videos and FaceTime calls.  For sellers, proper marketing is key in this market and although it is a good time to sell, it is not a good time to skimp on marketing.  This can make all of the difference for a quick turn-around from listing to going under contract.

IN SUMMARY:  The market is tough, and now more than ever, you will want your transaction managed by an experienced REALTOR®, who is trained to maneuver through multiple offers and works full-time.  Most importantly, you want someone who will abide by the  REALTOR® Code of Ethics, which requires protecting our client’s best interest at all times.  If I can assist, please contact                             Jackie@TheCassinaGroup.com.    

Meet Interior Designer Dara Rosenfeld!

As we are spending more time at home, I am often being asked if it is worth it to hire an interior designer.  My answer?  YES! 

For obvious reasons, investing in your home is always important!  Whether you are considering making changes to your living space, or buying a new home, teaming up with a trained professional is a great way to not only transform the way your home makes you ‘feel” but also “how you live!” 

Dara Rosenfeld has been helping her clients create functional, innovative and welcoming spaces for over twenty-five years. She provides comprehensive interior design and interior architecture services.  She will help implement your unique vision in a timeless and elegant style.   

Dara began her career at Christie’s New York where she was responsible for valuating interiors with distinguished histories. She went on to senior design positions at two AD 100 firms: Peter Marino in New York and The Wiseman Group in San Francisco. In 2007, Dara started her own firm Dara Rosenfeld Design.  Dara has designed city and vacation homes in Hawaii, France, England, Northern and Southern California, New York, Texas and now Charleston where she lives with her family and two toy fox terriers.

Feel free to check out her services and work by visiting her website at www.dararosenfelddesign.com or contact her at (415) 522-1616 or by email, dara@dararosenfelddesign.com

Market Activity Report- Charleston Trident Area

July 2020:

Strong buyer demand and low inventory equate to solid growth when compared to 2018.  And with such low inventory, buyer’s are experiencing a competitive market.

According to the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors: New Listings were up 17.6 percent to 2,562. Pending Sales increased 49.4 percent to 2,596. Inventory shrank 38.4 percent to 3,890 units.Prices moved higher as Median Sales Price was up 9.5 percent to $305,000. Days on Market decreased 1.9 percent to 51 days. Months Supply of Inventory was down 45.2 percent to 2.3 months, indicating that demand increased relative to supply.

Closed Sales were up (year to date) as of June 2020 close to 5% since 2018.

The average Days On Market is up in July of 2020 vs 2018, but not by much.  The average increased from 48 to 56, which is still relatively low.

The key to selling at the highest price in the quickest time frame comes down to knowledge and experience.  If you are considering selling and would like a review of the market specific to your home, please let me know how I can help!

Please note:  Current as of August 7, 2020. All data from the Charleston Trident Multiple Listing Service. Report © 2020 ShowingTime. Data deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Consult your agent for market specifics.

2021 Color Trends from BEHR®

More than ever, homeowners are looking to change up their space with all kinds of DIY Projects!  But nothing makes your home feel more clean and new than a fresh coat of paint!  So why not check out the newest trends?  Behr Paint Company recently unveiled its BEHR^® Color Trends 2021 Palette. This color palette consists of 21 versatile shades spanning from essential neutrals to lavish bolds, which enable people to create energizing yet comforting new focal points in the home. “This has been a year of unpredictability and 2020 has significantly changed our relationship with our home. When our color team began exploring a palette for the coming year, we knew it needed to be grounded in what we’ve been craving: comfort and personalization,” said Erika Woelfel, vice president of color at Behr. The BEHR^® Color Trends 2021 Palette is organized into six color themes: Casual Comfort, Subtle Focus, Optimistic View, Quiet Haven, Calm Zone, and Outdoor Escape.

Click here to see the 2021 color themes!  Enjoy!

(photo credit:  BEHR® Color Trends 2021)

Mortgage Rate Update- low rates = $ saved

This chart is helpful to see how a lower mortgage rate can equate to dollars saved.   So while inventory is low, sellers are benefiting by being able to command a higher sales price, but buyers are benefiting with historically low interest rates.  Give this some thought if you are considering the pros of selling and buying in today’s market!   And feel free to contact me if I can provide any additional information.  I’m confident I can help!

530 Speights St- Old Village

Charming Old Village cottage on a rare, half acre lot! This light-filled home has been fully renovated with a coastal feel, and features ample outdoor space for entertainment. You will love embracing the Lowcountry lifestyle and all that makes this fabulous neighborhood so special! Home features include: *Tabby Shell circular driveway with adorable wooden picket fence and brick pillars *Full front porch flanked with lush landscaping *Open living/ kitchen with tons of natural light and beautiful heart pine flooring *Granite island and counter tops, with white and glass-front cabinetry, subway tile, and stainless appliances *Gas range with pot filler *Separate family room with wet bar and access to the fantastic covered outdoor entertainment area  *Large Laundry room *Custom mahogany doors, high-impact windows, new roof *Detached 2-car garage *Fully fenced back yard *No flood insurance required

Available for $1,199,000.  Contact me for more information, or visit www.SearchOldVillage.com

Old Village/ Old Mt. P Market Update

The real estate market looks pretty solid in Mt. Pleasant as a whole, so I thought I would drill down on our neighborhood and take a look at how Quarter 1 of 2020 is faring compared to the past few years.  Here are some interesting stats, according to the Charleston Trident Association of REALTORS and reflect single family homes in the Old Village/ Old Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood.

No real surprise that sales were down in Quarter 1, but homes in the Old Village/ Old Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood are still selling!  In Quarter 1 of 2020, 24 homes closed, compared to 41 sales in Q1 of 2019 (wow), 37 sales in 2018, 32 sales in 2017, and 30 sales in 2016.  So, although the 2020 number is off compared to last year, it is with in the zone of previous years…. and that’s not too bad considering most buyers are shopping primarily online through virtual tours.

Sales prices are holding steady and this is some really good news.  For homes sold in the Old Village/ Old Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood in Q1 of 2020, the average price per square foot was $385, compared to $395 in 2019, $365 in 2018, $371 in 2017 and $329 in 2016.

What about the length of time it takes to sell?  Q1 of 2020 stats do indicate that, although homes are selling for a solid price per square foot, it is taking a bit longer than usual.  Homes in Q1 of 2020 averaged 133 days on the market, compared to 88 days in 2019, 58 days in 2018, 93 days in 2017, and 76 days in 2016.

In summary, things are selling, prices are holding steady, but it may take a bit more time to find your buyer making it more important than ever to chose a full time, professional Realtor who has the experience to help you achieve your goal!  f you are thinking of buying or selling, I specialize in this area, and I have been selling here for over 17 years.  If I can help, please let me know.

Stats are provided by the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors, and reflect the time frame of Jan 1- Apr 30, for single family homes in the Old Village/ Old Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood.

 

 

 

 

Mt. Pleasant Real Estate Market Review

The stats for the month of March look pretty impressive when comparing 2020 to 2019.

According to the Charleston Trident Association Of REALTORS, home sales in Lower Mt. Pleasant (South of the IOP Connector) held steady in March of 2020 with 70 single family homes sold vs 73 homes sold in March of 2019.  The median sales price was $592,000, up about 10% from 2019.  Home sales took slightly longer, with the days on the market averaging 75 days in 2020, vs. 59 days in 2019.

And home sales in Upper Mt. Pleasant looked even stronger!  In March of 2020, there were 100 single family homes sold vs 79 homes sold in March of 2019.  The median sales price was $545,000, up about 7% from 2019.  Days on the market averaged 69 days in 2020, vs. 75 days in 2019.

People are still buying and inventory is still low.  If you would like to explore the real estate market, please let me know.  I am happy to help!

What’s up with the real estate mkt? Today’s New Normal!

Today’s new normal seems oddly familiar… In between doing laundry and making breakfast for my boys, I am here… like normal…WATCHING THE REAL ESTATE MARKET… staying laser focused on what’s happening.

And you know what? It’s not new to me! I watched the market climb in 2008 and correct itself in 2010. Experience tells me that we will make it through this! Let’s face it, folks still want to call Charleston their home! If I can help you navigate through, please let me know. i am happy to talk in detail and answer any questions you may have.

And end the meantime, hoping you are well and surrounded by the love of family.