My New Blog

We are approaching the end of another year and we are not out of the real estate doldrums but things are looking up and I face the new year with renewed optimism.  New industries continue to come to the Trident area which puts us on a path for further growth.

To find out how Charleston County faired in 2011 just follow this link http://www.pressomatic.com/ctar/upload/Charleston-County.pdf. The good news is there are fewer homes on the market but the bad news is prices continue to drop due to that pesky shadow inventory of foreclosed homes.  Unfortunately that will continue into next year.  So if you are giving any thought to purchasing a primary home, second home or investment property now is a great time especially since interest rates are still at all time lows.  For detailed information of a particular area of Charleston or the surrounding counties just contact me and I can email you the stats.

Downtown Charleston – To Be a Landlord or Not to Be?  That is the Question….

It’s a great time to invest in Downtown Charleston real estate, but the day to day responsibility of maintaining a rental property can be overwhelming for some owners.  For some, the solution is to hire a Professional Property Management group.  If you’re not certain if this is the right thing for you – here are some things to consider and some reasons why a Professional Downtown Charleston Property Management group may be a good solution for you.

How Much Rent Per Month? A Professional Property Manager has extensive knowledge about downtown Charleston rental rates and can determine the highest rental rate possible for your property. Today’s internet savvy tenants will know if your property is overpriced - and overpriced properties will sit empty.  A vacant property does not a good investment make…..

Marketing Expertise:  A Professional Property Manager and Licensed Real Estate Broker has invaluable experience in how to best market your downtown Charleston property and will maximize your property’s exposure – providing you with a qualified tenant FASTER! 

Choosing the Right Tenant:  A professional Downtown Charleston property management team will require detailed applications, along with photo ID from each potential tenant and will run criminal background checks as well.  They will also often check the tenant’s credit history and call past and present employers, landlords and other references.

Getting Paid:  Professional property management teams have proven methods in place to improve timely and consistent rent collection.  This means money in your pocket FASTER – and consistent cash flow is the difference between succeeding and failing as a downtown Charleston real estate investor.

Property Law and Regulations: A Downtown Charleston Expert has extensive and up-to-date knowledge of property laws and regulations and will assist you in making sure you are in compliance with Charleston, South Carolina and federal rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include complying with fair housing regulations, the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable local, state and federal laws.

Inspection Reports: A professional property manager will perform property inspections before, during and after a tenancy.  Faults in your downtown Charleston property that are found quickly can be resolved before they become expensive items of disrepair. 

Financial Records and Security Deposit Escrows: An experienced property management team will manage your security deposit escrow funds and make sure you are in compliance with Charleston and South Carolina regulations.

“My toilet is overflowing!” A professional property management team will handle the late night emergency maintenance calls and tenant headaches.  Imagine never again having to get the 1am phone call!

Ann Essig-Marconi, Real Estate Broker and Consultant for Charleston, SC

Specializing in downtown Charleston properties. Whether buying of selling a home I have the experience and knowledge of the area to help you achieve the goal of real estate ownership. Call or text Ann @ 843-568-0390

Downtown Charleston – Taking the Stress Out of Home Buying

Buying a home should be fun, not stressful. But as most of you know… this is not always the case!   Here are some tips to keep in mind as you look for your next home in downtown Charleston.

1. Find an agent you actually want to spend your weekends with!
Home buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one.  Looking for a home can be a long process….and often involves many weekends spent side by side with your agent.  Wouldn’t you rather spend this time with someone you actually like?  If you groan every time your agent’s number shows up on called ID – then you have the wrong agent!

2. Everyone you know doesn’t need to like the house!
It’s natural to want lots of reassurance for such a big decision….but you know what they say about opinions!

The ONLY opinion that truly matters is YOURS!  Only you know the wants and needs of your downtown Charleston family – not your neighbor, or your boss, or even dear old Mom……

3. Understand that your dream home may not be perfect!
Perfect location but hate the shag carpet?  Dream kitchen except for the pink floral wallpaper?  Great school district but not crazy about the landscaping?  Don’t despair….. Just figure out what your top priorities are and go for the things that are most important to you.  Don’t sweat the small stuff! 

4. Do you want the house or the last word?
Negotiation is definitely part of buying a home, but trying to “win” by getting an extra-low price or by refusing to budge on your offer may cost you the home you love.  You don’t need to be Gordon Gekko…..you need to be smart and logical and know when to say YES! 

5. Plan accordingly!
Don’t wait until you’ve found your dream home to get approved for a mortgage.   Getting pre-approved for a home mortgage should be the FIRST thing you do when you’re ready to buy a home in downtown Charleston…….Would you fill up your cart with groceries and wait until the check out line to figure out how much you can afford?  And how you’re going to pay?  I think not!

Bottom Line – Buying a home is a wonderful thing!  Whether you’re a property virgin or an old pro, there’s nothing that compares to the feeling of finding the right home for you and your family.  So keep that chin up!  Remember to enjoy it!

Ann Essig-Marconi, Real Estate Broker and Consultant for Charleston, SC

Specializing in downtown Charleston properties. Whether buying of selling a home I have the experience and knowledge of the area to help you achieve the goal of real estate ownership. Call or text Ann @ 843-568-0390

Rembert Rd. James Island Home For Sale

 Old Orchard Neighborhood

 Aaah, Peace and quiet. Located on a small, quiet, dead end street on James Island. AND A GREAT NEW PRICE?  We are now offering this great home for $155,000 and the seller is motivated.  This large lot has a very private backyard due to mature trees and bushes. The owner has added a fabulous screened porch (23.5 x 16.2) that could be easily enclosed for a very large sunroom or family room. The living room is spacious and the current owner uses a portion for a more formal dining area but the eating area in the kitchen has plenty of room for dining. The floors are ceramic tile throughout the living room, kitchen, baths and even the screened porch. There is a 1 car garage and 2 separate patio areas on either side of the screened porch. There is a separate side area of the yard that would make a great place for a dog that loves the outdoors and is shaded as well. The backyard is plenty big to keep your boat or mobile home no matter the size. Sit in the screened porch and feel like you are in the country but only minutes to downtown Charleston and Folly Beach.

Here is a new and easy way to search for properties in the Charleston, SC area from your phone.  It's a sign of the times.

Search all Charleston, SC listings from your mobile.

Courtesy of Ann Essig-Marconi  /  Exit Charleston Realty Group