charlestonrealestateinsider.com

Charleston Comparison Market Analysis

Working on a CMA for a listing lead.   I really enjoy doing the research so that I can make sure that my clients are aware of our market conditions.   There are some very active areas in the Charleston market right now.

Top Rated Water

Filofax
There was an article in the Telegraph yesterday about the return of the Filofax. Information from Selfridges suggested that personal organizers are flying off the shelves, and sales of Filofaxes have increased 25 per cent over the last year.   Personally I have never stopped using an organizer and a Rolodex.   I enjoy writing with my favorite pens, like the feel of paper and anyone that has had a computer hard drive crash (without having a recent backup, I know, I know….) knows the horror of losing all your contact information and your life’s upcoming activities.   I rely on a contact management program and paper.   What about you?

Piggly Wiggly

For those of you outside of the South, the Piggly Wiggly grocery stores (affectionally known as The Pig) are a southern staple.   Going through an old booklet called “Charleston … City of Charm” that looks as though it was printed in the 60′s or 70′s, and came across an ad for the Pig.   The ad stated “Visit the Fabulous World Famous Piggly Wiggly” and they had two Charleston locations “ one on Broad Street and one on Meeting Street.   They were very progressive for the times because they had Le Petit Cafe and Le Wine Cellar!!!   A cafe….how about that!!!

A Beach Life
I’ve always felt that Charleston is the happiness and most wonderful place in the world and now recent data reinforces my feelings.   Data released from the Gallup-Heathways Well-Being Index, which ranks how we feel about work, health, life, emotions, basic access to things we need and life in general.   The index reported that the coasts of South Carolina, Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia rank high on the happy scale, indicating that being by the beach might be good for your well-being.   For the full report, click here.

Showings

Preparing to show houses today and in going over the MLS, there are really solid homes available for a good price.   It’s true, now is the time to buy.   So much so, that I’m thinking of looking for an investment property for my husband and I.   Interest rates couldn’t be better and the tax credit is available if you qualify.

Are thank you notes still appreciated?

We were talking about sending “thank yous” in the office the other day and if a tweet is as significant as putting a note in the mail.   I appreciate receiving and enjoy writing notes of appreciation.   I like to choose the right notecard for the occasion and for the person.   It can vary from cream colored embossed notecards to watercolor dog images to Andy Warhol letterhead and stickers.   I have received thank you notes from clients and friends that I treasure.   I don’t think it’s a generational thing because I receive beautiful notes from people in their 20′s and 30′s+.

Are thank you notes still relevant?

e-PRO ® course
I’m thrilled that I passed my e-PRO ® test today!
The course includes the most current technology information for real estate professionals.
What this means is that it helps me become a better agent for my buyers and sellers.   Now I’m going to get to work
combining my current marketing plan with a technology plan of action!

To all my clients, fellow agents and friends…

I wish you and your family a happy and safe New Year’s!