Get the latest information on Summerville, SC Real Estate. Local news, listings, community information and much more! Check out www.SummervilleRealEstateOnline.com for more information as well or to search the MLS for free with no registration required.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
102 Garden Ln - Summerville SC Real Estate
The home was completely renovated about 10 years ago. Those updates included some lovely custom kitchen cabinets which are still in fabulous condition. The eat-in kitchen has french doors which lead to a really large, fenced-in yard. No "postage stamp" sized lot here! Plus there is a large shed out back that is only about a year old.
One of the best features in this home is the den or bonus room. It has fabulous floor to ceiling built-ins around a window seat and crown molding throughout the room. The room is a really nice size and there is a storage area off this room as well.
The master bedroom has a large closet and it's own bath. The other two bedrooms each have a large window for plenty of natural light.
This home is within the sought after Dorchester 2 School District. Summerville High School is within walking distance and other schools are very close by. There is a grocery store and shopping center up the street. Downtown Summerville with more shopping and access to I26 are less than 15 minutes away.
This is a possible short sale, but we are working with a professional short sale negotiator to help expedite the process. For questions or to schedule a showing please feel free to contact me!
Maria Pettis, Realtor
mpettis@century21properties.com
(843) 860-3901
107 Essex Drive Update - Summerville SC Real Estate
I've blogged about this great home before. I just wanted to let everyone know that we just finished installing all new carpet in the four bedrooms upstairs. It looks fabulous!
The price was also reduced to $194,777 making it one of the best prices per square foot in the Irongate neighborhood and a really great deal. We have a very motivated seller who is willing to consider all offers.
There is a transferrable termite bond and a 1 year home warranty that goes with this home. And remember that the plumbing and water heater are all only a few years old.
This home has the traditional living/dining rooms, but has a family room open to the kitchen for that more "open" style of living that people love. Four true bedrooms and a large master allow for plenty of space.
The neighborhood is wonderful with larger lots, sidewalks and a community pool, plus mature trees and plantings.
The home needs some cosmetic updates, but that will just allow the new owner to put their own special touch on the place while increasing the value of the home.
Call me to schedule a showing today!
Maria Pettis, Realtor
Century 21 Properties Plus
mpettis@century21properties.com
(843) 860-3901
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Summerville Home for Sale, Open House Today!
If you missed last week's open house at 107 Essex Drive, here's your chance to swing by. Held open today, Saturday, September 29 from 11-4.
I've blogged about this home before, but just to let you know it's been freshly painted throughout and the price has been reduced to $194,777. It's one of the best priced homes in Irongate.
This is not another cookie cutter house. It has a fabulous floorplan, plenty of space and a great big fenced in yard. Not something you can find in newer neighborhoods. While it does need some updating, it provides and opportunity to move right in to a freshly painted home which is a blank slate to put your own stamp on.
Even if you can't make the open house today, please feel free to contact me for your own personal showing. The seller is motivated and we are ready for offers!
For more info check out the video on one of the previous posts here or contact me directly!
Maria Pettis
REALTOR, e-PRO
(843) 860-3901
mpettis@century21properties.com
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Summerville SC Real Estate Market on the Upswing
June Home Sales Rise 11%[1]
July's Home Sales Up 9.6%[1]
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
107 Essex Dr. - Summerville Real Estate - UPDATED!
Hi Everyone! Here's the updated video of this beautiful traditional home located in Irongate!
Freshly painted and ready to move in. This home can close quickly as it's not a short sale or foreclosure. The homeower will also consider a carpet/decorating allowance with acceptable offer! Recently reduced this home is now priced at $199,977.
The large yard, wonderful layout and great neighborhood with mature trees and sidewalks mean you won't be stuck in another cookie cutter house in a cookie cutter neighborhood.
Contact me to schedule a showing or find out more information.
mpettis@century21properties.com or (843) 860-3901
Thanks for looking!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Summerville, SC Rental/Real Estate Scam...Beware!
The scam artist takes information about homes that are listed for sale and posts it on Craigs List as being for rent. They provide their own contact information and when someone calls about the "rental", the scammer gives an excuse of why the owner is out of town and all dealings must be handled remotely. They ask the prospective renter to fill out an application and send it along with first and last months rent. Once they receive the money, the scammer disappears and leaves the victim to find out that the property was never for rent in the first place and the scammer had no actual connection to the property.
If you are looking to rent be sure you are dealing with a reputable real estate firm, property management company or agent. This is easy enough to check with a few phone calls and/or internet search. If the person posting the property represents themselves to be the owner or someone assisting the owner, then you must proceed with caution.
Always be sure to visit and tour the home in person before sending any money. Asking for pictures is not enough because the scammer steals pictures and information off of whatever listing forum they found the property.
If you really must sign a lease before you make your move and cannot view properties in person (for example if you are moving to another state), contact a reputable real estate firm or property management company to assist you. It may eliminate some homes that are being offered for rent privately, but at least you can be sure that you will not be scammed out of your security deposit.
I personally know two fellow agents whose listings were the subject of this scam so this is no joke. Right now, it seems that these criminals are targeting Craigs List, but be aware when inquiring about rentals through the newspaper or other sites where anyone can post an advertisement.
The following link provides additional information about this story as well as where to report any suspected criminal activity.
http://www.popdecay.com/2009/07/real-estate-scam-uses-craigslist-to-lure-victims/
Kind Regards,
Maria Pettis, Realtor/e-PRO
Century 21 Properties Plus, Inc.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Time is Running Out On the First Time Buyer Tax Credit!
Who exactly is eligible and what does "First Time Homebuyer" mean? If you have never owned a home before or have not owned your own home within the last three years, you qualify as a "First Time Buyer". Your adjusted gross income should be no more than $75,000 for single or $150,000 if you file jointly. The home being purchased needs to be your primary residence, but it can be a single family home, condo or townhouse.
Unlike the previous tax incentive of $7500 enacted in 2008, this one does not need to be paid back. Unfortunately for those folks who purchased and received that original tax incentive, this new one is not retroactive, so you are stuck having to pay back that $7500.
So you qualify for the new incentive...should you get off the fence and start looking for your new home? That's only a question you can answer, but keep in mind the following points:
Interest rates are still at historic lows - The days of interest rates under 5% may be gone, but you can still get an amazing rate! If your credit is good, you will probably qualify for a great rate. And the rate can make a huge difference on your monthly payments and how much you pay over the life of the loan even more so than having the seller take a few thousand dollars off the purchase price.
There is an Abundance of Inventory - This means you have lots to choose from and sellers are much more willing to negotiate to get you to purchase their home rather than the competition's. So yes, it's still very much a buyer's market!
Prices Have Dropped - In some parts of the country home prices have declined significantly and are still declining. Don't let this scare you away! For a buyer, this means you can probably find a great deal. Just plan on being in your home for at least 5-7 years. If you are in it for the short term, it may not be the time for you to purchase, but it's great for anyone looking for a primary residence who plans to stay a while.
Still not convinced? Do some homework...
Talk to a lender or two to find out what you qualify for, what kind of rate you can get, etc. Most lenders will help you with this information with no obligation so I am surprised at the number of people who don't bother to make the call. This is key information in helping you decide whether or not you are ready to purchase!
Pull your credit report. You are entitled to one free credit report each year. Make sure you get reports from all three reporting companies: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Be sure to get your FICO score as well. Check your report over carefully and start working to either resolve any problems or improving your credit score.
Search the MLS. Either speak with an agent or do your own online search. For example you can search at www.Century21.com or if you live in the Charleston area try my website at www.SummervilleRealEstateOnline.com. Get a feel for what your money can buy you at various price points.
If your credit is good, your job is stable and you plan on living in your new home several years, then this may be the time to make the move! There is no crystal ball to predict the future, but chances are that the bottom of the housing decline is here or near. If you wait too long, you may find yourself looking at prices and interests rates that are on the rise and remember that the tax credit is only good until November 30, 2009!
So do your research and get going!
For additional information about the tax incentive talk to your lender or tax advisor. You can also visit:
http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/
Maria Pettis
Realtor, e-PRO
Century 21 Properties Plus, Inc.
Summerville, SC 29483
843-860-3901