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Dear friends, clients, and colleagues,
In Charleston where there is rarely any discernible "winter," February marks the start of the spring event season, kicked off with the Southeastern Wildlife Expo mid-month.
As the area events calendar revs up, so goes the real estate market! Inventory (and prices) are on the rise, and buyers are ready and able, thanks to interest rates holding strong. It's been a great start to the year, and I look forward to helping more of you buy and sell in 2015.
Best wishes,
Leize Gaillard
William Means Real Estate
leize@williammeans.com
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In last month's newsletter, I offered some suggestions for would-be buyers in 2015. What about the potential sellers out there? This month, let's take a look at some of the ways you, a potential seller, can prepare to put your home on the market this year.
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1. Know why you want to sell
Need more space? Want LESS space? Hoping for a financial gain? There are many reasons people decide to sell their home, and having a good handle on why you are considering this major transaction can help guide the listing and selling process.
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Photo/graphic credit: William Means Real Estate
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2. Know when you want to sell... and consider moving up your timeline
Ultimately, the timing of when you put your house on the market
should depend on your specific situation; however, if your timeline is flexible, consider listing earlier in the year. Interest rates are still very low, and buyers are ready to go. Putting your home on the market this spring may give your home the chance to stand out to ready-and-able buyers who are feeling frustrated with current low inventories.
3. Know your "product" better than anyone--Consider a Pre-listing Inspection
To prepare for the listing and selling process, some sellers choose to invest in a Pre-listing Inspection, a home inspection ordered and paid for by the seller before the home goes on the market. A Pre-listing Inspection gives the seller the opportunity the get ahead of potential issues with the home, helping the seller determine what (if any) repairs or maintenance they wish to do before listing. A pre-listing inspection can also help the seller determine a realistic asking price or even substantiate a higher asking price if the Inspection comes back and shows that the home is in top shape.
4. Declutter... and then declutter some more
Stuff. We all have it. But if we want to sell our home, it's gotta go. Too much stuff can be a major distraction (and a turn off) to prospective buyers. So... if you're thinking about selling this year, why not get a jump on your spring cleaning?
5. Don't forget the emotional "stuff"
Before you commit to selling your home, consider the emotional side of the process. Once on the market, many sellers are caught off-guard by the reality of parting with a property that holds memories and personal or family history. Not being ready can result in sellers inadvertently sabotaging the showing or selling process. It's normal to have mixed emotions about selling a home--just be sure you're prepared.
6. When you are ready to go... Choose and agent and a company you trust
While there's no "standard" fee in real estate, real estate fees don't tend vary dramatically from company to company. So, make sure you are getting the high level of service that you deserve. Learn more about William Means' approach to listing and selling, and contact me if you'd like to talk confidentially about listing your home for sale. I would be honored to serve you.
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LISTINGS TO LOVE: THREE FAVORITES UNDER $300k, $1m, & $2m
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No matter your price point, William Means Real Estate consistently has a docket of notable listings worth considering as you search for your Lowcountry home. Here are some of my favorites currently offered by a few colleagues at William Means. These won't last long, so doesn't hesitate to contact me if you'd like to take a look at these or any other available homes.
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Under 300k
Renovated & affordable
in central West Ashley
 | 1237 Charlestowne Drive, Charleston, SC
Exclusively listed by Sarah Vineyard Brush, William Means Real Estate
Offered at $259,900
Photo credit: William Means
Click for more photos and info. |
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Long-time Charleston residents know just how central and this West Ashley location is. Minutes from Downtown and North Charleston, Charlestowne Estates II neighborhood is a great option for those looking for an easy commute at a more reasonable price.
This brick home sits on a corner lot and features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a spacious office area. Upgrades include refinished floors, new roof, HVAC, bathrooms, an updated kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, finished garage, and a new deck.
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Under $1m
Historic home on 26 acres in the heart of the Ace Basin
 | 2711 Possum Corner Road, Walterboro, SC
Listed by Etta Connelly, William Means Real Estate
Offered at $975,000
Photo credit: William Means
Click for more photos and info. |
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Just 50 minutes from Charleston and and hour from Beaufort/Bluffton/Hilton Head, Pineland Plantation includes 26 acres of mature hardwood forest, manicured grounds, horse barn and fenced pasture, and a restored main house (built in 1900).
The 3,925 home includes original heart pine flooring, updated kitchen and bathrooms, all new appliances, new HVAC, and updated electrical wiring. Out buildings include a detached 4 car garage, work shop, enclosed cook shed and 1.5 acre fully stocked pond.
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Under $2m
Casual elegance, just minutes from downtown
 | 221 Country Club Lane, Charleston, SC
Exclusively listed by Michelle McQuilllan, William Means Real Estate
Offered at $1,875,000
Photo credit: William Means
Click for more photos and info. |
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This Country Club home overlooking the golf course offers easy one-story living and a quiet atmosphere along with the convenience of being just minutes from downtown Charleston.
Elegantly renovated in 2003 by previous owners, this home offers 3600 sqft on the first floor, a second floor addition with two more bedrooms and bathrooms, formal and casual living spaces, and a large, top-of-the-line kitchen. Outside, you'll find a two-tiered patio and a large backyard with views of the Country Club of Charleston's golf course.
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BE MY VALENTINE: IDEAS FOR YOUR NEXT CHARLESTON DATE
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I've never been one to make a big fuss out of Valentine's Day, so when February 14 rolls around, you're most likely to find me cooking at home. But... that doesn't mean I'm not up for a creative date during the rest of the month! Here are some ideas for enjoying our special city with your special someone, February and beyond.
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Winter in Charleston: Camelias are just some of the blooms typical of January & February at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens.
Photo credit: Magnolia Plantation & Gardens.
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ENJOY LOWCOUNTRY BEAUTY & HISTORY ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON
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AN ALTERNATIVE TO FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER & A MOVIE
Charleston's oldest streets, take in the energy of Charleston's French Quarter, and check out the latest at many of Charleston's most loved visual art galleries. With restaurants bordering all sides of the French Quarter (East Bay, Broad, King, and the Market), it's easy to grab a bite after your stroll.
Art Walks are free and open to the public on the first Friday of March, May, October, and December (5 pm - 8 pm)... but you can get a jump of the season by attending the opening of the Gibbes Museum's Art on Paper exhibition on Friday, February 6, 2015, hosted by The Vendue, Charleston's Art Hotel, at 26 Vendue Range.
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The Vendue, located in Charleston's French Quarter, will be the host for the Gibbes Museum's 2015 Art on Paper Exhibition. The opening reception on Friday, February 6 (free and open to the public) would make for a great prelude to dinner in the neighborhood.
Photo credit: The Vendue, Charleston's Art Hotel.
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A LOVINGLY PREPARED MEAL FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION
With all of the world-class restaurants in our city, a romantic dinner out tops the list for a a special-occasion date in Charleston. One of the most intimate and warm restaurants to pop up in the last year to two has got to be Chez Nous, a self-described "pint-sized, convivial neighborhood restaurant" offering southern French and northern Italian cuisine and wine.
At this off-the-beaten path spot, the menu changes daily--each day, they offer just 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, and 2 desserts featuring fresh, local ingredients. With so little guesswork in the menu, the focus can be on enjoying your good company and the inevitably memorable meal. To see the menu of the day, visit Chez Nous on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.
 | | Visit Chez Nous on Instagram to see what's on the menu today. |
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