Residential real estate market strengthens through September Strong sales, consistent price growth and declining inventory strengthen the recovering market According to preliminary data released by the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors (CTAR) 876 homes sold in September, surpassing last September’s mark by more than 100 sales. Pricing in the Charleston area has made positive
gains throughout the year, with September’s closings resulting in a median sale price of $190,000. The year-to-date and inventory figures show the Charleston area market’s continued progression back to a healthy, balanced and sustainable market. Year-to-date, Multiple Listing Service data shows a 10.5 percent increase in sales and a 5.6 percent increase in median price for the region. In 2012, 7,879 homes have sold at a median price of $190,000. At this point last year, 7,125 homes had sold at a median price of $179,850. While it is common for inventory to decline heading into the fall and winter months, it is significant that tri-county inventory has dropped below the 6,000 benchmark, with
5,878 homes listed as actively for sale with the Charleston Trident Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Multiple Listing Service data shows 6.7 months of residential inventory - most experts consider five to six months a mark of a healthy and balanced market. “The available inventory is pushing our market not only toward balance, but slowly back toward the seller’s favor. “We’ve been squarely in ‘buyer’s market’ territory for several years now. “The market has made its corrections and we’re well-positioned for sustainable positive progress going forward,” said Herb Koger, 2012 president of the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors. Average days on market has declined significantly as well, with all three coun-
ties reporting 100 days or less to sale, and Charleston County averaging a speedy 87 days in September. The faster pace of buying activity is being encouraged by a significant number of investor buyers in the Charleston market, who deal largely in cash, negating the wait time for lender approval.
tember; with an average of 92 days on market. Year-to-date, sales volume has increased about one percent and prices have grown by six percent compared to last year, with 1,689 sales in the county at a median price of $164,300.
August Adjustment
Preliminary data shows 502 residential transactions in Charleston County in September, at a median price of $216,768. Days on market dropped to a year-low of 87 days. Year-to-date, sales have increased 17 percent and pricing has made a healthy two percent gain over 2011 data. Thus far in 2012, 4,494 homes have sold at a median price of $225,000 in Charleston County.
Preliminary data reported for August 2012 indicated 1,014 homes sold at a median price of $198,757. Adjusted numbers now show 1,025 sales at a median price of $199,900.
Berkeley County Preliminary data shows 197 homes sold at a median price of $175,000 in Berkeley County in Sep-
Charleston County
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Dorchester County Preliminary data shows that 153 homes sold at a median price of $175,000 in September in Dorchester County, in an average of 100 days on market. Year-to-date, sales volume has grown by three percent and prices have increased by nearly four percent, county-wide, compared to last year. In 2012, 1,428 homes have sold at a median price of $167,222. With approximately 3,400 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. To learn more, visit www.CharlestonRealtors.com.
Make your style your own
PHOTOS PROVIDED
Don’t forget about your outdoor area. It can be designed as an extension of your home with furniture and accessories like these from Lowcountry Consignments in Mount Pleasant. They are located at 1214 Fairmont Ave, Mount Pleasant. For more information, call 843-216-0056.
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Nursery: Themes add whimsy to baby’s room
STAFF PHOTOS BY PENNY PARKER
Continued from page 6 shop for Young America and highlights that company’s nursery and youth furniture. Query says her store offers pricing to fit every level, not just high end. Once new parents purchase the musthave items, then it’s time to have fun and get creative with the bedding and accessories.
Jungle themes were popular in years past, but Query isn’t seeing as many themes in decorating lately. She sees many parents using the color blue for girls, and aqua is another popular hue for both sexes. Query adds that about 60 percent of her shoppers find out whether they’re expecting a boy or girl ahead of time, while surprisingly many choose not to know. Her
Left, furniture that grows with the child is a good investment. Above, University of South Carolina and Clemson Team Squeaks can help get a baby walking. store offers a service where parents can pick out a boy’s nursery and a girl’s nursery ahead of time. The doctor will send the results of the sonogram to Baby Bloomers and the store will deliver the corresponding nursery items. Baby Bloomers offers a registry service,
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and out-of-towners can get in on the action too. The store doesn’t offer online sales, but Query says that many people call and salespeople help them over the phone. Query adds that she really enjoys shopping for the items her store carries as her own children are all now in their 20’s. The store offers a military discount and a twin discount. (Query knows from personal experience the cost of outfitting nurseries for twins.) The store carries lamps, picture frames, art work, bassinets, stuffed animals, strollers, car seats, clothes up to 24months, bibs and toys. The MamaRoo takes the baby swing to a whole new level. This baby seat looks similar to a swivel seat and offers five different motions, plays music or white noise and can even be hooked up to an IPod. It was invented by four mothers. A popular item is the Team Squeaks tennis shoes featuring a Gamecock or a Tiger design on the toe area that encourage a child to walk by squeaking with each step. (Parents who have been driven over the edge by the squeaking can remove the squeak device.)
Bringing up baby without busting the bank BY PENNY PARKER THE MOULTRIE NEWS
Bringing up baby can be expensive, but Marie Bourdon of Strictly Kids Consignment Furniture, wants to help parents keep those costs down without skimping on design. The Mount Pleasant mother of two opened her baby and child furniture and decor store in the Ben Sawyer Plaza in early September. She carries a mix of consignment and new items. She sees her shop as a way for new parents to make an attractive nursery on a budget. “A lot of new moms want to get something nice and not spend a whole lot of money on it,” she says. She also sees consignment as being a way to be eco-friendly. “The nursery stage is such a short-lived cycle in a child’s life,” she adds. “Most baby items are barely used.” Bourdon offers parents who consign items at her shop a 50-50 split. “This lets people re-coup some of their cost.” On display in the shop, Bourdon offers a dresser that originally sold for $6,000 which she has priced at $2,500.
A teddy bear waits patiently for its new owner to choose him. Strictly Kids Consignment Furniture carries a variety of items for families. A crib in the store only lasted a week before it was picked up by a new mom, she says. “I had a customer in her 40’s come in who was expecting a baby.” Some of the new items Bourdon carries in her store are from the Pkolino line of wooden toys, and for Christmas, she will be offering decor items from a company
STAFF PHOTOS BY PENNY PARKER
Marie Bourdon opened Strictly Kids Consignment Furniture in the Ben Sawyer Plaza in early September. The store carries a mix of new and consignment items. called Two’s Company. While devoting most of her showroom to baby furnishings, Bourdon also tries to carry some items for the teenage bed-
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room, such as a bedspread that looks like a bear skin and some fun lamps. As the mother of teenagers, Bourdon says her store is a lot of fun for her.
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Don’t be afraid of color when it comes to ooring BY KATHERINE KNIGHT SPECIAL TO THE MOULTRIE NEWS
PHOTO BY METRO CREATIVE
Colors are more adaptable than you might think and they don’t just disappear after a season.
What do I want my home to feel like? Ask yourself this: “What do I want my home to feel like when I walk into the door?” Do I want it to be a quiet oasis with soothing color palettes? This can be achieved by layering multiple patterns in fabrics and soft luscious carpets. The soft surfaces not only absorb irritating noise, but also insulate the interior space. Carpet and area rugs aren’t just stylish choices,
they’re a sound one. More than just soft to the touch - it means soft acoustics; great for homes with children or grandchildren or aging parents. Rule No. 1: There are no rules. Colors are more adaptable than you might think and they don’t just disappear after a season. Gradually lighter or darker over time, color can give your room the flexibility you need to express the style you love. Listen to your heart. Don’t be afraid of your favorite color. If it makes you feel good when you use it in a room, then use it on your floor,
the largest area. Go for color. Need another reason to stay away from white and other neutrals? Go for color and you’ll have a floor that shows better because it’s more forgiving of your busy lifestyle. (Katherine Knight is a sales manager for McGrew’s Flooring at 1346 Chuck Dawley Blvd. Reach her at 843-8845700 or view the website at www.mcgrewsflooring.com. Did you know McGrew’s offers six and 12 month financing with deferred interest? Call for more details.)
Join a local garden club Mount Pleasant Garden Club What: The Mount Pleasant Garden Club will host their membership meeting When: Second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. Where: Members’ homes Details: The Mount Pleasant Garden Club has entered its 77th year as an organization and has
openings for a few new members. Requirements: A keen interest in gardening and a commitment to club membership. Knowledge/expertise is not required. Call Carol Miller, secretary - 843-849-8742, if interested, or e-mail to miller-241@comcast.net.
Isle Of Palms Garden club What: The Isle of Palms
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Garden Club will host their next meeting When: Thursday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m. Where: Hidden Ponds Nursery Details: Spruce up for the holidays with ideas from Hidden Ponds Nursery. There will be lunch afterwards at the Sewee Restaurant. Call Janice Ashley at 843-833-9016 for more information or to become a member.
Make home, garden friendly for pets TYLER HEFFERNAN MOULTRIE NEWS
Where you live is often called your safe haven, a place where you can relax. Your pets, though, need the proper training before they can safely enjoy your home. Dangerous, and sometimes life-threatening, hazards are scattered throughout homes. Dr. Brittany Watson Tisa, of the Charleston Animal Society, is the veterinary director of continuing education iniatives. She sees animals in the shelter, performs surgery and educates pet owners about potential risks to their animals. Nylons, strings and corn cobs are a few things that have caused animals to go into surgery with Tisa. “All those things are not toxic themselves,” Tisa said. “But, when they eat them, they can become obstructed.” Rather than sheltering your pets from everything in your household out of fear for the worst, Tisa offers a simple solution: “I recommend crate training. It provides them somewhere safe, even when you’re not there.” Your furry friends need to be trained to recognize crates as their home within
AP PHOTO
A newly adopted puppy kisses its new owner in an animal services shelter. your home. “You want to reward them for going into there. Feed them in the crate,” she said. “You leave it open and in an area where they want to be.” Can’t spell ‘danger’ without ‘garden’ If you’re growing onions in the backyard, it’d be best to keep any pets away fro m t h e a r e a . T h a t
See Danger, page 12
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Danger: Plants can be poisonous to animals
STAFF PHOTOS BY TYLER HEFFERNAN
Meet Charlie, reporter Tyler Heffernan’s new puppy. He’s a 10-week old miniature dachshund.
Continued from page 11
and garlic are common plant hazards dangerous to animals. “A lot of your plants are very poisonous,” Tisa said. “Poinsettias are poisonous. Lilies are poisonous. STAFF PHOTO BY SULLY WITTE Even the normal things in your backyard, the Olean- Darby, 18 years old, has survived her entire life der - which is popular here as an outside cat due to owner Sully Witte taking proper safety precautions. - is poisonous.” Some are worse than others, and the Oleander “can cause cardiac effects In some scenarios, inBasic and specific trainof the heart,” she said. ducing vomiting may be ing courses are offered All these health risks in necessary, but in others, throughout East Cooper at everyday situations in and it could be the wrong deci- pet stores, animal shelters around your home can be sion. and at veterinary clinics. overwhelming, but devel“You can make a decision Use those resources to oping an educational re- that could be life-threaten- keep your pets safe. lationship with your local ing,” Tisa said. “Accidents always hapveterinarian can alleviate “There’s not one easy pen, and they will continue stress. rule for that. You should to happen,” Tisa said. If Fido eats something call your local vet, and they “Mistakes do happen. dangerous, it’s important can see what they ate and Don’t try to manage it on to know how react. see what should be done.” your own.”
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Squirrels no reason to stop feeding the birds Songbirds and squirrels have similar tastes in food, so it’s no surprise that they are constant companions to backyard bird feeding. However, there are a variety of ways people can feed and enjoy the birds, even when there are squirrels around. “People tend to react to squirrels in one of two ways,” explained Danielle Motley, owner of the Mount Pleasant, Wild Birds Unlimited. “Either they see them as cute and entertaining, or they make it a lifelong quest to keep the critters out of their bird feeders.” Squirrels can be accommodated by setting up a few feeders that are strictly for the birds and then having a separate feeder for the squirrels. These feeders can be filled with less expensive food such as peanuts or corn.
This approach helps pull squirrels away from bird feeders and gives them an area of their own. “When you watch them bounce up and down or perform like a circus act for a single kernel of corn, you’ll laugh out loud,” Danielle notes. “It shows just how well squirrels have adapted to seeking the food they need.” The simplest way to prevent squirrels from overeating is to offer safflower seed in your bird feeders. Quality squirrel-proof feeders have come a long way and are also very effective. Many of these feeders feature weightsensitive feeding ports that close when heavier animals, like squirrels, try to get seed. If you already have a feeder that is not squirrel-proof, adding a baffle or dome can help keep
them away. Baffles are mounted on a bird feeding station to prevent squirrels from climbing up the pole to reach the feeder, and domes are hung above feeders. Domes are typically used when feeders are hung in an area close to an object from which squirrels can jump. Squirrels can jump up to about five feet vertically, and they can leap eight to 10 feet between objects so just be sure to put your baffle or dome in the proper location. “We know how much more enjoyable feeding the birds is when you don’t have to compete with the squirrels,” notes Danielle. For more information on squirrel proofing you can stop by Wild Birds Unlimited on Coleman Boulevard or visit them online for ideas at www.wbu. com/mtpleasant.
PHOTO BY METRO CREATIVE
Many songbirds love to eat safflower, but squirrels typically do not.
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Think outside the container Cold-tolerant flowers and plants have hit the shelves at local plant nurseries, and of course, local favorite AbideA-While is blooming with beautiful ideas. Known for their custom-order arrangements, the store’s staff is busily mocking up container gardening ideas. Lori Eastwick, annuals manager of Abide-A-While explained that most anything can serve as a plant container. For example, a hot new trend is gutters. Hung beautifully on an outside wall, the gutters overflow with flowering pansies and violas. Customers can bring in their own containers and have them filled, or even consult with an expert staff member for a quick do-it-yourself lesson. In fact, Abide-A-While offers lectures and demonstrations on a monthly basis for techniques such as container gardening. Container gardening has been a steady trend, said Eastwisk, particularly among those with small screened porches and patios. Many locals love them on their front porches and terraces. She said that container gardens are easy to maintain and whether custom-made or done by a customer, the staff can offer maintenance and care guidelines before you even leave the store. By evaluating the customer’s container and light source, the type of plant is easy to recommend. For the fall holidays, Eastwick says, “get creative.” For example, using a plastic pumpkin as a planter, fill it with beautiful fall flowers. A cornucopia is a beautiful way to grow herbs for cooking.
STAFF PHOTOS BY SULLY WITTE
Fall mums look gorgeous in a planter or container and come in a variety of colors. A large container garden goes perfect with outdoor furniture and can be updated seasonally. Get hooked on hanging basket containers. Place a perennial in the middle of the container, and switch the flowers and greenery with the changing months. Fall flowers are cold tolerant and will last until at least the first frost. Containers are easy to bring inside to help prolong their beauty. Abide-A-While Garden center is located at 1460 U.S. 17 in Mount Pleasant. Call 843-884-9738 or visit their website, http://www.abideawhilegardencenter.com/, for inspiration, tips or to get a list of scheduled workshops.
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Get creative in baby’s room
STAFF PHOTO BY PENNY PARKER
The MamaRoo takes the baby swing to a whole new level. BY PENNY PARKER THE MOULTRIE NEWS
Having a baby is one of the most exciting times in a couple’s life, and outfitting the baby’s nursery can be a whole lot of fun. There are so many cute items on the
market these days that should help ease parents into their new roles. A traditional nursery should contain a crib, a dresser and a changing table, according to most baby books. Decorating the room so that it’s useful and functional is key, but remember this room should also help parents connect with the baby and be a comfortable place for all, since they will be spending quite a bit of time there. Robin Query, who, with her husband Winn, is the owner of Baby Bloomers on Coleman Boulevard recommends that young parents-to-be look for quality furniture that can grow with the child. “Look for a crib that can convert to a bed,” she says. “Be sure to get a bureau at the right height to be used as a changing table and these items will last until the child leaves the house.” She stresses that parents look for the best quality items that they can so that the furniture will last. Baby Bloomers, which recently merged its Towne Centre location and its Coleman Boulevard location into a new, larger space in Moultrie Plaza, is a signature
See Nursery, page 7
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Inspect plumbing to prevent water damage During National Kitchen and Bath Month, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) urges property owners to inspect interior plumbing components and complete preventive maintenance measures to reduce chances of interior water damage. “Water damage in a kitchen or bathroom can lead to expensive repairs,” said Julie Rochman, IBHS president and CEO. “Inspecting plumbing and making any necessary repairs before small leaks become big ones will help avoid costly plumbing system failures.” IBHS conducted a study of closed water damage insurance claims, identified five leading causes of damage, and developed the solutions featured below. Look for additional home projects to reduce your risk of water damage throughout October on IBHS’ Facebook page. 1. Plumbing supply system failure The average cost of a plumbing supply system failure was more than $5,000 after the insurance deductible was paid, according to the IBHS study. Potential indicators of a plumbing problem include an increased monthly water bill, banging pipes, rust stains, moisture in the walls or on floors, and signs of wet soil erosion near the foundation. Setting the thermostat 60 degrees or higher in winter months, letting faucets drip and insulating pipes are all ways to reduce the risk of frozen pipes. As a backup, install a house leak detection sys-
!National Kitchen and Bath Month tem. 2. Toilet failure Toilet failures in the IBHS study cost more than $5,500 per incident after the deductible was paid. One-third of all toilet failures in the study resulted from an overflowing or clogged toilet. After you flush, wait for the valve to completely finish refilling the tank and bowl. If an overflow looks imminent, turn off the supply valve. Twice a year, inspect a toilet’s components, such as the fill, supply and flush valves and the supply line. Consider upgrading the toilet’s supply line to a sturdier braided steel hose. 3. Water heater failure The most common causes of water heater failures in the IBHS study were a slow leak or a sudden burst in the tank, followed by supply line failures. Check the life expectancy and warranty for the water heater and replace accordingly. Proper maintenance, such as flushing sediments and inspecting the heater’s anode rod, can increase life expectancy. Inspect valves to ensure proper operations, and use ball valves in place of gate valves whenever possible. 4. Plumbing system failure The IBHS study found more than half of plumbing system failures were the result of sewer backups. The problem was more common in southern states and on average cost
$4,000 per incident after the insurance deductible
was paid. If the home’s sewer system is connected to the city’s sewer system – a particular problem for older homes – or if you are located downhill or below street level, contact a plumbing professional to install a backflow prevention assembly into the home’s sewer system. Plant trees away from lateral drain lines to prevent roots from damaging piping. Never pour grease down the drain. 5. Washing machine failure More than half of the claims in the IBHS study were linked to washing machine hose failures. Washing machine claims in the study averaged more than $5,300 per incident after the deductible was paid. One burst inlet hose, and your laundry room is flooded in a matter of minutes. Replace rubber hoses every three years and consider upgrading to sturdier braided steel hoses. When leaving the house for an extended period of time, turn off the hot and cold water supply valve to reduce failure risks. Don’t try to cut corners by overloading the machine, and use it only while someone is at home. Visit the website at DisasterSafety.org for more information about how to make your buildings more resistant to of disasters. There you’ll find additional ways to reduce damage should distaster strike.
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