REALTOR® of Distinction

I am so grateful to all of my wonderful clients that continue to call on me for their real estate needs and honored to have been awarded the REALTOR® of Distinction award again for 2013.

If I can assist you with your real estate needs please feel free to call me directly at (843) 224-5398 or e-mail me at Owen@OwenTyler.com .

January 2014 Sales By Area - Residential

Curious what the residential median sales price was in your area of the Lowcountry during January 2014?  Find your area in the list below!

For specific questions regarding your property, please don't hesitate to call or email.

Information below is compiled from the Charleston Trident Assoc of REALTORS MLS and while the number of sales & dollar value may change slightly as late sales are entered into the MLS, median & average are not expected to change significantly

Lowcountry Homes Sales Continue To Be Strong

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Year-to-Date Real Estate Sales Up 23%, Median Price up 8.5% in Charleston Region

 

CHARLESTON, SC—(November 18, 2013)  According to preliminary data released today by the Charleston Trident Association of REALTORS® (CTAR), 1,020 homes sold at a median price of $190,000 in October. Last October, 920 homes sold at a median price of $185,000 in the region.

Year-to-date 10,897 homes have sold at a median price of $203,947 in an average of 86 days. Compared to this point in 2012, sales have increased by 23% and median price has risen by 8.5%. Year-to-date figures in 2012 showed 8,842 sales at a median price of $187,894.  Inventory rose very slightly, with 5,836 homes listed as ‘active’ for sale in the Charleston Trident Multiple Listing Service (CTMLS).

“As we expected, we didn’t see much, if any impact from the government shutdown during October. Sales progressed at a normal pace and any transactions that were delayed by the temporary shutdown have likely closed. However, changes to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) are impacting real estate in the Lowcountry, as rates adjusted for many residential and commercial property owners on October 1, who purchased or are purchasing pre-FIRM properties.  This has affected the ability to buy and/or sell some properties classified as high risk, since the premiums on some properties increased significantly” said 2013 CTAR President, Owen Tyler.

CTAR continues to work with our state and national counterparts to ensure this issue is properly addressed by our legislators.  NAR Past President Moe Veissi is scheduled to testify at a Congressional hearing sponsored by the House Financial Services Committee, Housing and Insurance Subcommittee, on Tuesday, November 19.  His testimony will include several examples of high premiums and sales being delayed form the Charleston area.  Sens. Tim Scott and Lindsey Graham and Congressman Mark Sanford have co-sponsored “Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act” H.R. 3370 and S. 1610, which would delay the flood insurance rate hikes until FEMA concludes its affordability study and can have time to propose and implement revisions to Biggert-Waters.

 

SEPTEMBER ADJUSTMENTPreliminary data reported for September 2013 indicated that 1,133 homes sold at a median price of $209,000. Adjusted figures now show 1,138 homes sold at a median price of $207,060.

 

BERKELEY COUNTY227 homes sold at a median price of $171,090 in Berkeley County in October. The most active area in the county was the area bordered by Jedburg Road, Highway 17A and College Park, with 60 sales at a median price of $160,915.
CHARLESTON COUNTYIn Charleston County in October, 566 homes sold at a median price of $288,147.  West Ashley (outside I-526) was the most active area during the month with 80 sales at a median price of $197,219.

DORCHESTER COUNTY188 homes sold at a median price of $162,500 in October in Dorchester County. The most active area was Summerville/Ridgeville, where 80 homes sold at a median price of $163,750.

 

# # #

 

With 3,700 members, CTAR’s mission is to promote the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, education and technology, and to ensure that its members are the primary source for real estate services in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Only those who are members of the Association of REALTORS® and its parent organizations are called REALTORS®.

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Charleston School Rankings Released

 

(information below compiled for CCSD & Chris Winston, Editor of the online Patch.com) 

The Charleston County School District saw its federal accountability grade fall 6 points in 2013.

The district scored 83.2 on the 100-point scale, for a B grade, in 2013. In 2012, the Charleston County School District scored 89.2, also a B.

The grade, posted for each school and district statewide and released by the S.C. Department of Education on Thursday morning, is part of the federal No Child Left Behind legislation.

State Education Superintendent Mick Zais was granted a waiver to change from the federal Annual Yearly Progress scorecard (Met/Not Met) to a new scoring system that he believed provided more depth to districts and parents.

According to SCDE spokesman Jay Ragley, every district, school (charter, magnet or traditional) and subgroup (race, gender, etc.) was given the same targets for 2013 in reading/language arts and math. And those goals represented an improvement, or increase, over 2012.

Here are the individual 2013 results for Charleston County schools:
MT PLEASANT ACADEMY A 100.0
SULLIVANS ISLAND ELEMENTARY A 100.0
BUIST ACADEMY A 100.0
CHARLESTON SCHOOL OF THE ARTS A 100.0
ACADEMIC MAGNET HIGH A 100.0
FT JOHNSON MIDDLE A 99.9
STILES POINT ELEMENTARY A 99.8
DRAYTON HALL ELEMENTARY A 99.3
ASHLEY RIVER CREATIVE ARTS A 99.2
JENNIE MOORE ELEMENTARY A 98.8
ST ANDREWS SCHOOL OF MATH & SCIE A 98.7
BELLE HALL ELEMENTARY A 98.6
JANE EDWARDS ELEMENTARY A 98.5
LAING MIDDLE A 98.5
EAST COOPER MONTESSORI CHARTER A 98.5
CHARLESTON CHARTER SCHOOL FOR MA A 98.5
ORANGE GROVE CHARTER A 98.3
HAUT GAP MIDDLE A 97.5
MINNIE HUGHES ELEMENTARY A 95.5
SPRINGFIELD ELEMENTARY A 95.5
MILITARY MAGNET ACADEMY A 95.2
CHARLESTON DEVELOPMENTAL ACADEMY A 95.2
STONO PARK ELEMENTARY A 95.0
LINCOLN HIGH A 93.2
WANDO HIGH A 93.2
MATILDA F DUNSTON ELEMENTARY A 93.0
HARBOR VIEW ELEMENTARY A 92.5
THOMAS C. CARIO MIDDLE A 92.3
MAMIE WHITESIDES ELEMENTARY A 90.8
MURRAY-LASAINE ELEMENTARY A 90.1
CHARLES PINCKNEY ELEMENTARY A 90.0
OAKLAND ELEMENTARY B 89.6
JAMES ISLAND CHARTER HIGH B 89.6
MALCOLM C HURSEY ELEMENTARY B 87.8
MOULTRIE MIDDLE B 87.3
JAMES ISLAND MIDDLE B 87.2
C E WILLIAMS MIDDLE SCHOOL FOR C B 87.1
MORNINGSIDE MIDDLE B 85.3
JAMES B EDWARDS ELEMENTARY B 84.9
JAMES ISLAND ELEMENTARY B 83.4
MITCHELL ELEMENTARY B 82.5
E B ELLINGTON ELEMENTARY B 81.2
PEPPERHILL ELEMENTARY C 77.0
MARY FORD ELEMENTARY C 74.4
CLYDE SANDERS ELEMENTARY C 74.0
HUNLEY PARK ELEMENTARY C 72.2
ST ANDREWS MIDDLE C 71.9
LADSON ELEMENTARY D 69.9
W B GOODWIN ELEMENTARY D 66.5 B
BURKE HIGH D 66.2
CHARLESTON PROGRESSIVE D 63.2
WEST ASHLEY HIGH D 62.2
MT. ZION ELEMENTARY D 62.0
C C BLANEY ELEMENTARY D 61.2
A C CORCORAN ELEMENTARY D 60.4
NORTH CHARLESTON ELEMENTARY F 59.6
JERRY ZUCKER MIDDLE SCHOOL OF SC F 59.6
EDITH L FRIERSON ELEMENTARY F 57.5
NORTHWOODS MIDDLE F 57.1
EDMUND A BURNS ELEMENTARY F 54.9
PINEHURST ELEMENTARY F 54.9
LAMBS ELEMENTARY F 53.7
JAMES SIMONS ELEMENTARY F 52.8
GARRETT ACADEMY OF TECHNOLOGY F 52.5
ST JOHNS HIGH F 50.4
ANGEL OAK ELEMENTARY F 47.8
BAPTIST HILL HIGH F 47.6
APPLE CHARTER SCHOOL F 47.2
MEMMINGER ELEMENTARY F 46.8
NORTH CHARLESTON HIGH F 46.2
WEST ASHLEY MIDDLE F 43.9
R B STALL HIGH F 38.9
CHICORA ELEMENTARY F 34.0
ST JAMES-SANTEE ELEMENTARY F 20.0

Also on Thursday, the state released figures on high school exit exams.

More than 83 percent of the 2,820 Charleston County students who took the exit exam for the first time passed.

Here are Charleston County schools, the number who took the test for the first time and the percent who passed:

Academic Magnet High 160 100.0
Baptist Hill High 59 91.5
Burke High 79 59.5
Charleston Charter School for Math and Science 54 90.7
Charleston School Of The Arts 153 99.3
Garrett Academy of Technology 157 73.2
Gregg Mathis Charter High (Youthbuild) 11 45.5
James Island Charter High 336 85.1
Lincoln High 24 66.7
Military Magnet Academy 57 91.2
North Charleston High 101 57.4
R. B. Stall High 240 58.3
St. Johns High 65 80.0
Wando High 897 94.2
West Ashley High 427 74.0

To read the original article visit http://mountpleasant-sc.patch.com/groups/schools/p/federal-standards-charleston-county-schools-remain-a-b_3ef2712e?ncid=newsltuspatc00000001&evar4=picks-1-post&newsRef=true

Double-digit trends in midyear home reports

June's E-Newsletter Has Arrived

Don't miss my E-Newsletter for June 2013

 

 

This edition includes --

3 Reasons to Refinance Now

Essentials for a Relaxing Outdoor
Living Space

5 Reasons Your Home Isn't Selling

 

 





1573 Longview Road in Mount Pleasant

Very nicely updated in centrally located Candlewood subdivision in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

May's E-Newsletter is Out

Don't miss my E-Newsletter for May 2013 with great helpful articles.  If you aren't currently receiving my monthly E-Newsletter just send me your name and e-mail and I will add you to the list.

Some of the May topics included are:

Is It Time to Replace Your Roof or Windows?
5 Ideas for Landscaping that Will Increase the Value of Your Home
A Strong Rental Market Makes It A Good Time to Buy
A Strategy to Keep Your Home Organized In 15 Minutes Per Day

Learn about 5 Ideas for Landscaping that Will Increase the Value of Your Home in the link.




 

1334 River Otter Court in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Lovely elevated home with five bedrooms on a tidal creek marsh lot in the waterfront community of Horlbeck Creek, this is a must see in Mount Pleasant.

2080 Somerton Court in Mount Pleasant

A Rare Find in Rice Hope at Longpoint

 

 



2922 Marsh Breeze Lane

Great home in Saltwood at Rivertowne

1.23 Acres in the Heart of Mount Pleasant

Opportunity to purchase 1.23 acres in Mount Pleasant. Road frontage of 104 ft that opens on to larger parcel that is 309 ft by 139 ft. Good location for commercial or mixed use on heavily traveled road in central Mt. Pleasant. Property currently has 969 square foot home in good condition, listed for $1,100,000.

 

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 

Charleston Real Estate Market Continues Positive Progress

 

 

Charleston Real Estate Market Continues Positive Progress

Year-to-date figures show 12% sales growth, 4% increase in prices

CHARLESTON, SC—(November 13, 2012) According to preliminary data released today by the Charleston Trident Association of REALTORS® (CTAR), 898 homes sold at a median price of $185,112 in October. These figures, representative of all homes sold through the Charleston Trident Multiple Listing Service (CTMLS), show a 34% increase in sales volume and a slight 2% decline in prices when compared to preliminary figures from October 2011.

Year-to-date figures demonstrate continued positive progress for the local real estate market: 8,794 homes have sold at a median price of $187,597 thus far in 2012. At this point last year, 7,827 homes had sold at a median price of $179,925. This year’s figures show 12% growth in sales volume and a healthy, sustainable 4% growth in median price.

At the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) annual conference in Orlando this week, chief economist Lawrence Yun forecasted that nationwide, both home sales and prices will continue to trend upward over the next two years, predicting that the national median home price will have risen by 15% by 2015.

However, Yun warned of looming inflation, which could double in the coming years. Recent inflation has increased by about 2% per year. 2012 CTAR President Herb Koger agrees with Yun's concerns, saying “Mortgage rates have remained at historic lows for so long, they will have to go back up at some point. The combination of rising home prices, the inevitable increase in mortgage rates and a declining inventory will make it tougher in the coming years for those who are currently renting but hope to buy" Koger said. Strict lending qualifications continue to be an issue for many prospective homeowners, as well. Many credit markets are too tight to accommodate those who want to take advantage of today's prime buying environment.

While the region's overall inventory remains in a healthy decline, there are subsets of the market with more than enough property to go around. "Areas like James Island, West Ashley and parts of Mount Pleasant have overall, very low inventory that at a glance, puts them clearly in seller's market territory. However, when you look at more expensive homes, in the $400,000 and up range, for example, there is significantly more, even double, the rate of inventory" said Koger. As of October 31, 2012 there were 6,030 homes listed as actively for sale with the CTMLS.

“Overall, the Charleston region has performed incredibly well in 2012, and we expect this progress will continue. We live in a highly desirable area which is becoming increasingly attractive to businesses and corporations as well as homeowners” said Koger.

SEPTEMBER ADJUSTMENTPreliminary data reported for September 2012 indicated that 876 homes sold at a median price of $190,000. Adjusted numbers now show 885 homes sold at the same median price.

BERKELEY COUNTY

206 homes sold at a median price of $157,495 in October. Last October, 166 homes sold at a median price of $168,217. The most active area of the County is bordered by Jedburg Road, Highway 17A and College Park, where 68 transactions closed at a median price of $150,620. Year-to-date, the County’s sales volume has increased a healthy 3% and prices 4%. Thus far in 2012, 1,898 homes have sold at a median price of $163,443 in Berkeley County.

CHARLESTON COUNTY

489 homes sold in Charleston County in October, at a median price of $225,000. This represents an increase of more than 100 sales when compared to last October, when 346 homes sold at a price of $227,000. Outside of the County’s largest geographic area of Mount Pleasant, the most active areas were West Ashley (outside of I-526) and James Island. 61 homes sold at a median price of $205,475 in the outermost part of West Ashley, while 54 sales on James Island resulted in a median price of $223,250. Year-to-date, the County is leading the local market recovery, with a 19% increase in sales volume and a 2% increase in median price. Nearly 5,000 homes have sold in Charleston County in 2012, at a median price of $225,000.

DORCHESTER COUNTY

173 homes sold in Dorchester County at a median price of $167,500 in October. Last October, 140 homes sold at a median price of $155,950. The most active area of Dorchester County in October was the Summerville/Ridgeville area, where 71 sales resulted in a median price of $201,575. Year-to-date, Dorchester County is showing stability, with 5% and 6% increases in sales and median price, respectively. 1,596 homes have sold at a median price of $167,361 in 2012.

 

With approximately 3,600 members, CTAR’s mission is to promote the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, education and technology, and to ensure that its members are the primary source for real estate services in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Only those who are members of the Association of REALTORS® and its parent organizations are called REALTORS®. To learn more, visit www.CharlestonRealtors.com.

64 On The Harbor Dr, Mount Pleasant, SC

1279 Appling Drive in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

 

Mount Pleasant Tops for DUI Arrests

Agency recognized for 411 arrests in 2011.

By Adam Crisp April 6, 2012

The Mount Pleasant Police Department has received state recognition for its high number of DUI arrests


The South Carolina Department of Public Safety recognized law enforcement officers and agencies Tuesday for their efforts in 2011 to enforce the state’s DUI laws and remove impaired drivers from South Carolina roadways.

Mount Pleasant, which made 411 DUI arrests in 2011, led the state in arrests for departments with 101 or more officers.

Agency of the Year (five categories based on size of agency):

1-10 officers: Bonneau Police Department, 33 DUI arrests

11-25 officers: Surfside Beach Police Department, 131 DUI arrests

26-50 officers: Clemson University Police Department, 66 DUI arrests

51-100 officers: Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office, 69 DUI arrests

101 or more officers: Mount Pleasant Police Department, 411 DUI arrests

Additionally, officers were given "DUI Angel" awards for their high number of DUI arrests.

BRONZE (10 to 24 DUI arrests)

Officer Kirill Misyuchenko

Officer Jacqui Pastick

Officer Ben Wells

Officer Mark Lamb

Officer William Decker

Officer Jason Brandon

GOLD (50 or more DUI arrests)

Officer A. J. Santos

Officer Joseph Zeitner

SCDPS presented awards to officers and agencies in several categories and held drawings for agencies to win equipment and vehicles during a ceremony that combined its 7th Annual DUI Enforcement and 2011 Law Enforcement DUI Challenge recognitions in Columbia.

DECEMBER RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE FIGURES CLOSE OUT A STRONG 2011

DECEMBER RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE FIGURES CLOSE OUT A STRONG 2011

Year to date numbers show sales growth, relative stability in median price

CHARLESTON, SC—(January 10, 2012) Posting the strongest December sales figures since 2006, the Charleston-area residential real estate market closes out a year of steady sales growth and celebrates the arrival of several positive indicators.
According to preliminary figures released by the Charleston Trident Association of REALTORS® (CTAR), 785 homes sold at a median price of $186,050 in December. This represents an increase of more than 100 sales and median price growth of just over 2% when compared to last December.

However, the best news lies in the year-to-date figures. The Charleston area will close out 2011 with at least a 6% increase in closed sales and a difference of just 3% in median price from 2010. “We anticipated the slight decline in median price, with the amount of distressed inventory in our market” said 2012 CTAR President Herb Koger. “However, seeing sales growth at a sustainable and healthy level—that was not encouraged by tax incentives—clearly demonstrates that there are buyers who understand the value of owning a home in the Charleston area” said Koger.

In 2011, 9,276 homes sold in the Charleston area, at a median price of $181,573. In 2010, 8,767 homes sold at a median price of $186,423.

“When we look at the positive indicators that developed throughout the year—growth in sales, relative stability in median price and a declining inventory—we see an extended period of positive movement and growth in our market, which leads me to believe we’ll see another year of slow, but healthy progression in 2012” said Koger. “While we’re on the right track, we may continue see some price softening as we keep working through our distressed inventory” he added.

Inventory continues to decline, with 6,904 homes listed as actively for sale in the MLS.

A final year in review report will be available next week on the Association’s website and Facebook page.

November Adjustment
Preliminary numbers reported for November 2011 indicated 648 homes sold at a median price of $191,500. Adjusted numbers now show 663 sales at an increased median price of $195,000.

BERKELEY COUNTY

With 194 sales at a median price of $169,702 in December, the residential real estate market in Berkeley County added to its impressive year-to-date totals.

2,219 homes sold in the County at a median price of $162,450 during the year—a 5% increase in sales and slight 2% decline in median price compared to 2010’s 2,112 sales at a median price of $165,457.In 2011, the most active area of the county was bordered by Jedburg Road-Highway 17A and College Park, with 523 sales at a median price of $156,290. The most affordable area of the county is Cross/St. Stephens/Bonneau, where 71 annual sales resulted in a median price of $69,000. The most expensive area continues to be Daniel Island, where 250 homes sold at a median price of $407,500.

CHARLESTON COUNTY
December figures completed a year of healthy sales growth and the ongoing correction of prices with 429 sales at a median price of $222,500.

Increasing affordability in Charleston County led to a market-leading 9% growth in sales during the year. 4,961 homes sold at a median price of $220,000 in 2011, as compared to 4,566 sales at a median price of $233,750 in 2010.

As the largest geographic area in the county, Mount Pleasant saw the largest number of closings in 2011, with 1,457 homes sold at a median price of $311,173. West Ashley (outside I-526 to Rantowles) was next, with 688 sales at a median price of $179,532. Sullivan’s Island is home to the most expensive property in the County, with 37 sales resulting in a median price of $1,335,000. The most affordable area of the County is North Charleston (inside I-526) where 199 homes sold at a median price of $57,000.

DORCHESTER COUNTY
128 homes sold at a median price of $151,750 in December, closing out a year of stability in Dorchester County.

Year-to-date figures show a less than 1% variance in sales and median price. In 2011, 1,778 homes sold at a median price of $160,000. In 2010, 1,794 homes sold at a median price of $159,125.

The Summerville/Ridgeville area was the most active, as well as the most expensive area of the County in 2011, as 820 sales resulted in a median price of $168,395. St. George/Harleyville was the most affordable region—46 sales at a median price of $84,200.

Dec. 2 Nighttime Lane Closures in Preparation for Johnnie Dodds Boulevard Improvements Project

Traffic Alert: Dec. 2 Nighttime Lane Closures in Preparation for Johnnie Dodds Boulevard Improvements Project

Charleston County Government announces new, nighttime road work that will affect northbound traffic on Johnnie Dodds Boulevard (U.S. 17) this week. The work is being done in preparation for the Johnnie Dodds Boulevard Improvements Project in Mount Pleasant.

The following work is necessary to erect permanent construction signs across the Mt. Pleasant side of the Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge:

Thursday, Dec. 2 northbound lane closures one mile near the Ravenel Bridge:
• Drivers should expect northbound, outside lane closures on Johnnie Dodds Boulevard and one mile north bound of the Ravenel Bridge.
• The work will be done between 9 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 2 through 6 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 3.
• At no time will the entire roadway be blocked to traffic.
• If the weather is poor on this date, the work will be completed during the same timeframe on the next weather-permitting day.

All motorists traveling through the project area are asked to be aware of equipment and crews and to be prepared for delays beginning this week. Alternative routes are recommended if possible. The public is also asked to notice traffic control signs, reductions in speed limit and message board information, and to note that all road work is dependent on the weather.

The project, which is expected to be completed in the fall of 2012, is funded by the Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax and managed by Charleston County Government’s RoadWise Program, in close coordination with the Town of Mount Pleasant and the S.C. Department of Transportation. The goal of the project is to improve the traffic flow in and out of Mount Pleasant, especially before and after school and work hours.

Every effort is being made to schedule necessary lane closures for the project during off- peak, nighttime and weekend hours when possible.

Charleston County RoadWise is the name of Charleston County Government’s management program for the construction of roads, highways, resurfacing, paving and drainage projects that are funded by the Transportation Sales Tax. Visit the official Web site at www.ccroadwise.org for public meeting notices and up-to-date news and information about all Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax projects.

The public can get up-to-date project information, including construction status and traffic alerts, online HERE

Mount Pleasant named a Top 10 All-America City

Tuesday, 22 June 2010
By Daniel Brock

MT. PLEASANT -- It might technically be a town, but Mount Pleasant was named a Top 10 All-America City on Friday.

All-American Cities

Chandler, Ariz.

Lynwood, Calif.

Rancho Cordova, Calif.

North Miami, Fla.

Acworth, Ga.

Des Moines, Iowa

Salisbury, Md.

Gastonia, N.C.

Mount Pleasant

El Paso, Texas

The winners were announced by the National Civic League at the 61st annual All-America City awards in Kansas City, Mo. Town officials said the distinction can be used as a marketing tool.

To claim the title, each community had to demonstrate “innovation, inclusiveness, civic engagement, and cross-sector collaboration by describing successful efforts to address pressing local challenges,” according to league officials.

“These were communities who demonstrated good governance on a daily basis,” Deputy Town Administrator Eric DeMoura said of the winners.

In naming Mount Pleasant to the Top 10 list, the Denver-based National Civic League cited the town’s Johnnie Dodds Boulevard Mobility Study, Coleman Boulevard Revitalization Plan and the Weaving Aquatic Training with Education and Recreation program.

Mount Pleasant was one of 27 communities named in April as a finalist for the award. Mayor Billy Swails donated his $25,000 salary and local businesses and individuals raised more than $18,000 for the town’s campaign, according to Martine Wolfe-Miller, Mount Pleasant’s public information officer.

Part of that funding was used to pay for sending the delegation of 41 to Kansas City.

Mount Pleasant became the 11th All-America winner from South Carolina and the first since 2006.