Charleston, SC Posts

You've heard, "You are what you eat."  But what about YOU are also what you THINK.  It's important to know what's going on in the world but it's time to fill your head - and your thoughts - with more than negative media.  I quit watching the news and reading the paper.  Now I just read the headlines and move on. 

Instead, I'm seeking positive and affirming messages... books, CDs, and people.  I heard many times that there are 3 things that will make the greatest impact in your life.

1. The books you read

2. The people you meet

3. The places you go    

There's plenty of good things to read that will help you improve yourself or your business. One of my recent favorite reads is QBQ: The Question Behind the Question.  I also like the 80/20 Principle. 

It's important to stay around positive people.  Get away from the Negative Nellies.  There are plenty of opportunities out there, but you are not going to find them if you are at a pity party.  The is one of the best times in a long time to make a real estate purchase in most markets.  There are folks out there that need your help. 

Dave Ramsey says, There's a good place to go when you are broke. TO WORK!  If you have down time, take a class and brush up on some rusty skills. Or help someone else. Give of yourself to someone less fortunate and the problems of your day will melt away as you encounter someone else whose problems are deeper.

If we are what we eat and we are what we think? What are you thinking about most these days?

I got a phone call from a client that liked a real estate listing I sent to her in North Charleston, SC.  See to the only photo in MLS below.

This 3 BR 2 BA 1575 sqft home was originally listed at $163,000, dropped to $153,000, then $145,900, then $139,000, and this week, it was just reduced to $129,900. This property is a bank owned property that has been on the market since November 2008.  My buyer wanted to see more pictures of the interior since there was only one photo (the exterior) which is the minimum required by our MLS.  Since the listing agent did not include them, the only way for this to happen was for me to preview this property, take photos and send them to her. 

As you can see, you really can't tell much from this photo. It's taken vertically which don't do this house any favors.  As a seller's agent, I view it my fiduciary duty to help a seller (regardless of whether is a a bank owner or resale) to maximize the sale in the shortest amount of time for the most amount of money. Most buyers and agents assume that if a property doesn't have multiple photos, it must be a dog inside--which is EXACTLY what I expected to find when I preview this foreclosure. 

To my surprise, this home is an absolute GEM for the price!! Check out these photos I took of this property. Why on earth would take a vertical photo of this house.  I can understand why someone might think to do so when a garage is a large part of the front of the house, but if you take the photo straight on, it does not focus on the garage.

In all seriousness, there was nothing wrong with this house that couldn't be fixed inexpensively!! The doorbell was broken and the carpet needed to be cleaned and stretched at the least, but replacement would be best. It showed very well, but most buyers will not go inside because they will make assumptions about it. 

I was floored to see what a great buying opportunity this is! The crazy thing is that I preview a lot of bank owned property to find this happens over and over. What I notice about the days on market and price history is very sad.  I really believe with multiple photos, this home would have gotten the exposure it deserves and would have sold at a higher price.  So seller, please ask your agent to send you a link to the MLS listing if they have not sent it to you and don't be afraid to ask for multiple photos.  It could cost you days on the market and thousands of dollars.

Contact Michele Reneau, Top Real Estate Agent, North Charleston, SC Relocation Expert, CRS, GRI, ABR. Licensed Realtor® in South Carolina at 843-572-0518 to list your property for sale or to purchase real estate in Charleston, Goose Creek, Summerville, North Charleston, Hanahan, Mount Pleasant and the surrounding areas in Charleston County, Berkeley County or Dorchester County, South Carolina.  Featured on HGTV's House Hunters. Publisher/Author for Charleston Real Estate Update  including featured listings and sold properties, and monthly statistics on Charleston Real Estate Market.  RESA 2009 Staging Realtor of the Year Nominee. The Charleston Relocation Expert specializes in military relocation, first time homebuyers and creating marketing exposure to sell your home in the Charleston SC Real Estate market.  I can also be contacted by email at mreneau@carolinaone.com. To view all Charleston Metro area houses for Sale Click Here and then click on Search for Homes.  With over 25 years of Lowcountry Living, I know the Charleston Metro area. I will help you get your home sold and/or help you buy your Charleston home or land.

Do your sellers and yourself a favor. If you have winter photos of your listing, take a new updated photo with green grass and spring flowers--and update the MLS and marketing photos.  It changes the complete feeling of the home and its curb appeal. Don't be surprised if it improves showing activity.  This is the least expensive way to freshen up winter listings for the least amount of money.  

Spring always brings a renewed feeling in the real estate market.  While many people may focus on the interior of the house with staging, curb appeal can't be overlooked! Alone in Charleston, we have seen the activity pick up in March 2009.  We saw inventory levels reduce from 27 months to 18 months from the previous month.  Huge progress that we are hoping will continue. In the mean time, updating your listings can only help in this market.

Contact Michele Reneau, Top Real Estate Agent, North Charleston, SC Relocation Expert, CRS, GRI, ABR. Licensed Realtor® in South Carolina at 843-572-0518 to list your property for sale or to purchase real estate in Charleston, Goose Creek, Summerville, North Charleston, Hanahan, Mount Pleasant and the surrounding areas in Charleston County, Berkeley County or Dorchester County, South Carolina.  Featured on HGTV's House Hunters. Publisher/Author for Charleston Real Estate Update  including featured listings and sold properties, and monthly statistics on Charleston Real Estate Market.  RESA 2009 Staging Realtor of the Year Nominee. The Charleston Relocation Expert specializes in military relocation, first time homebuyers and creating marketing exposure to sell your home in the Charleston SC Real Estate market.  I can also be contacted by email at mreneau@carolinaone.com. To view all Charleston Metro area houses for Sale Click Here and then click on Search for Homes.  With over 25 years of Lowcountry Living, I know the Charleston Metro area. I will help you get your home sold and/or help you buy your Charleston home or land.