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| The www.MarshallWalker.com Group Newsletter | Warmer Days Ahead!
February 2014 | |
I hope this newsletter finds you well as we begin our recovery from the recent "snow days," the bridge closings, the falling ice daggers and the over-indulgences of Valentines Day.
Hopefully you were able to take part in some of the many activities offered through the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition that took place this past weekend.
I am extremely pleased to announce my inclusion into the President's Circle of the 2013 class of REALTORS� of Distinction. The REALTORS� of Distinction award recognizes the top 10% of sales producing Charleston REALTORS� who apply for the award, complete additional education requirements in the award year, and adhere to the REALTOR� Code of Ethics.
Please enjoy the contents of this newsletter and do not hesitate to contact me if you have property specific questions or if you are just curious about the market, in general. Check out www.MarshallWho.com to find out what our clients are saying.
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Charleston-Area Residential Real Estate Sales off to a Strong Start in 2014
CHARLESTON, SC-(February 10, 2013) According to preliminary data released today by the Charleston Trident Association of REALTORS� (CTAR), 748 homes sold at a median price of $211,750 in January. Last January, 648 homes sold at a median price of $183,425 in the region.
Inventory increased slightly from December, with 5,420 listed as 'active' for sale in the Charleston Trident Multiple Listing Service (CTMLS). Throughout the last 12 months, inventory remained consistent, with approximately 5,600 homes on the market in an average month. Lower inventory levels are typical coming out of the holiday season, and it is expected to continue increasing as we move closer to the spring.
Sales activity is off to a strong start in 2014, about 15% ahead of January 2013. Median price has also increased 15% over last January. However, as expected, the pace of growth in our market has slowed a bit. Last year began with 20% year-over-year increases and held steady throughout the year. This year, growth is expected to progress at a more modest, but healthy pace.
"This year, sustainability is the key" said 2014 CTAR President, Corwyn Melette. "We fully expect both sales and home prices to continue growing throughout the year, but at a more relaxed pace than last year-15% is right on target with what we anticipated. Right now, buyers are moving quickly, but inventory is low. The options for many first-time buyers and young professionals are limited, and they are going to wait for the home they really want. But once they see something they like-they take action" said Melette. "As some of this new construction comes on the market throughout the year, inventory will increase a bit and areas like Summerville, (what used to be rural) West Ashley and James Island will be attractive areas for a wide range of buyers" Melette continued.
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The Charleston Peninsula
Founded by English Settlers in 1670, Charleston has played a major part in American history since its founding. The peninsular city is what most people think of when they hear "Charleston" and it is brimming with historic buildings and places to shop, dine and visit.
Charleston has had its share of natural disasters, including an earthquake that shook the city in 1886 and Hurricane Hugo in 1989. Through it all, the downtown district has been a symbol for the enduring strength of the city.
The Historic Downtown District has stood throughout Charleston's history as a cultural capital of the South and the cultural heart of the city. Many consider it a "living museum."
The downtown district also boasts numerous art galleries that display the city's impressive appreciation for the visual arts.
Settings downtown include the Battery, with views of Charleston Harbor and Mt. Pleasant beyond, the neighborhoods of Wraggborough, Radcliffeborough and Ansonborough, and the cobblestone streets of the French Quarter. Quiet garden courtyards form the "backyards" of single houses whose front doors open onto porches perpendicular with the sidewalks, and many a tourist-filled horse-drawn carriage can be spotted in traffic.
The main shopping districts are along Market and King Streets, but businesses and eateries are sprinkled throughout the peninsula. The busy main arteries are surrounded by street after street of quiet, stately residences, lush with Crepe Myrtles, Wisteria and the garden landscapes that put Charleston on the map.
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Charleston Wine + Food Festival
March 6-9,2014
The annual BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival� is a celebration of Charleston's culinary excellence and renowned culture, which benefits scholarship programs for the culinary and hospitality workplace. The Culinary Village is truly the heart of the BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival� and is buzzing with activities and excitement all weekend long! The Culinary Village is home to the Baker Motor Company Grand Tasting Tent with over 40 food and beverage vendors from across the country, SCE&G Celebrity Kitchen and Southern Foodways Alliance Culinary Hub with interactive demonstrations and panels, Outdoor Living + Grilling Area with tastings and demos, Whole Foods Market Wine Shop and the all new Open Air Artisan Market. Don't forget to support our local chefs, especially Graham Dailey with Peninsula Grill at his Book Signing "Peninsula Grill: Served with Style" on Sunday March 8 from 12:30-1:00. Graham Dailey is the Executive Chef of the Mobil Four-Star and AAA Four-Diamond Peninsula Grill at Planters Inn, the acclaimed Relais & Ch�teaux property located in the heart of Historic Charleston, South Carolina. As a lead member of the team that opened Peninsula Grill in 1997 and Chef de Cuisine for eight years prior to being named Executive Chef, Dailey has played an integral role in the remarkable success of the restaurant, which was heralded by Esquire magazine as one of America's best new restaurants and has earned recognition from a host of other esteemed publications, including The New York Times, Southern Living, Travel + Leisure, Wine Spectator and Food & Wine, which named it one of America's Top 50 Hotel Restaurants. Dailey's first professional cooking experience was in New York City, where he worked under Chef Anthony Bourdain, who also credits a youthful experience on a fishing boat as an igniting force in his desire to have a culinary career. Dailey spent two years with Bourdain, whom he considers a mentor, before enrolling in Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. Upon graduation, Dailey became the first American student to work in the three-star, Michelin-rated Hotel Lutetia in Paris, where the exacting level of excellence and attention to detail rounded out his refined style.
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Have a fantastic week and remember that I am just a phone call away!
Warmest Regards,
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