I have seen how property prices have fluctuated over the last 10 years and am excited about the new opportunities unfolding in 2011. In this market, homes that have built-in equity(really great price) appear on the market daily. Because the inventory is high, it can be difficult to sift through all of these opportunities. If you had to look at them all, you might lose your motivation. So what I tell my clients is that your willingness to stick to the game plan and have a positive attitude is all you need. The amount of qualified buyers isn't what it used to be either, and some homes can be priced below the assessed value of the property. I know my clients want me to tell them about these opportunities as well.
My process is simple, I first send you a list of what I hear you want. You peruse these listings at leisure letting me know if anything appeals to you.When we are on the same page, I set up several searches based upon your specific needs. You will receive e-mails from the system when a new listing matches your criteria or I discover a property that might work for you. Even then, the quantity of listings can be great. I review listings throughout the day, every day, and stay on top of what is current. I compare the list price to the auditor assessed value, look at the sales of the home in the past, and determine if the property is priced correctly.
When I find a home that I think you will want, I'll suggest a showing. You will already have received the listing by e-mail, but it is my job to pick out the best ones for further analysis. Of course if you find a home that you like, I'll do the research before we go out, and I am happy to make the arrangements to go see it.
In the old days you could put things off to the weekend, or wait for an open house, but if you really want a house that is priced well below the market value, it is an entirely different matter. This requires a Realtor who is always ready to go show a property, and a Realtor who can deduce the value of a property in today's market. Open Houses are a tool of the past.
If you’ve ever clipped a coupon or submitted one for a rebate, or made a special trip to the store for a sale, now think about your home purchase. Imagine if all the sales you visited in all the stores in your entire life, you could now save 10 times that total amount with one single purchase, the home of your dreams with a significant price reduction. One recent listing was originally offered at 1.2 million, and re-listed at $695,000. That property went under contract within two days. I'm sure the bank was looking at several offers, but wouldn't you want to save a half-million dollars if you could?
Yes, it is always a rush to know you have saved money, but of course a home is more than just a commodity on the market. This is where you build your life, and sometimes the deal is just being able to obtain a property that is unobtainable. Rare opportunities are hitting the Charleston market like never before; they may not be at rockbottom prices but they are well worh the money offered. I can help provide information about these properties as well.
I am not a salesperson. I am not going to "sell" you a home. If anything, I will spend most of our time pointing out "why not." When it comes to buying a home, for most it is not a frequent occurrence, and I understand that it's your home, and that your decision needs to be a good one. I am here to help educate you about the home and its location.
There are so many variables with home appreciation, the changing market, and neighborhood circumstances that it makes sense to have an experienced agent. New proposed construction blocking your view, not seeing the rental property behind the subdivision, speed limit often exceeded, poor water pressure, declining tax base, reduced residential services, depreciating property values, etc. There is also a lot of history with certain neighborhood or condo communities that is useful to know before making a decision to buy.
My areas of expertise are in the luxury properties of the Charleston area. One of my hobbies is photographing and then writing about the areas of Charleston. I have spent over a decade driving the back road areas of Mount Pleasant, Charleston and the islands just to capture the perfect light or photo. I know the area well. I also know the agents of the area well, and if another agent is better suited to help you, I will ask for them. I am currently the assistant broker-in-charge of our Mt. Pleasant office where over a hundred agents hang their licenses. Our agents all have different specialty areas where they excel.
If you want a full-time Realtor who is looking out for you and your family, then either call or drop me an e-mail. My name is Marilynn and I love to shop for properties. Let's get started, it's simple, call 843.478.6287. m@classiccharlestonhomes.com
I live and breathe South Carolina real estate. My passion for the business makes it easy for me to make a full-time commitment to my clients. By combining personal, one-on-one attention with dynamic web and e-mail resources, I provide 24/7 market coverage for my clients.
Even though the real estate market in Charleston, South Carolina has been slow this past year, desirable waterfront and historic property, and homes with great views in desirable areas continue to be elusive. In many instances, I am aware of homes that aren't yet listed on the area Multiple Listings Service (MLS). Whether you are looking for a deepwater home on the Wando River in Mt. Pleasant, a classic historic home downtown Charleston, a condo or lot meeting your special requirements, I can help meet your need and budget.
Let's get together to talk about your home buying and/or selling plans. Call me on my cell phone (843) 478-6287, send me an e-mail m@ClassicCharlestonHomes.com
A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ME
My goal is to provide to you the most stress-free, highest quality professional service in real estate. Originally from the Midwest, I am from a family where integrity and honesty are quintessential. My love of people led me into the education field where I have used my teaching skills in different capacities all over the world. Upon arriving in Charleston, I qualified to teach golf with the United States Golf Teachers Federation (USGTF), and I have played most of the Charleston golf courses. Not teaching now, I would rather help you to find your dream home; I golf when I find a spare hour or two.
Marilynn and her dad above.
Once married to a diplomat, I lived in numerous countries over the years: Belgium, UK, Canada, Finland, Chile, Panama, Russia, and Switzerland. I speak French and Spanish, and understand various other languages. This experience has given me cultural sensitivity to understand and respect the different social customs found throughout the world. I constantly strive for better communication with everyone that I meet. Uprooting a family to move across the ocean or across the street can create some stress and emotional upheaval, and I will help smooth the way with my attention to details and understanding of your situation.
In the U.S., I was employed by Booz, Allen & Hamilton, Inc., one of the world's leading management consulting firms. Working in the training field, I learned how important it is to make sure that everyone is educated and armed with the details. I promise to keep you informed, and to provide all the essential information to help make your decision process confident and competent. Trained on the computer, I stay in constant touch with my clients throughout the working relationship.
Currently, I live in an upscale condominium community and enjoy the freedom it provides. When one wants to be out exploring the sights rather than doing lawn work, this is the solution. I am an expert on luxury condo offerings in the Charleston area, and I am always happy to share that knowledge.
My love of Charleston and golf, coupled with my education and experiences living abroad, provide me the foundation to work with clients from diverse backgrounds and with unique needs. Let me know what YOUR specific home needs are, and we will work together to meet them. I sincerely hope to be able to help you.
Marilynn's No Stress Resource Guide for Relocation in Charleston Includes:
A complete map of the area, including streets, highways, public transportation, schools, parks, public areas, shopping centers and major landmarks.
A breakdown of local neighborhoods, including average prices and types of homes as well as schools, parks and recreational areas found in each one.
A guide to popular restaurants, shops, attractions and entertainment around the Charleston area.
Referral listings of hand-selected and highly recommended team of local professionals, including loan officers, accountants, lawyers, decorators, remodeling and construction companies, financial planners, house cleaners, landscapers and more.
desirable areas continue to be elusive. In many instances, I am aware of homes that aren't yet listed on the area Multiple Listings Service (MLS). Whether you are looking for a deepwater home on the Wando River in Mt. Pleasant, a classic historic home downtown Charleston, a condo or lot meeting your special requirements, I can help meet your need and budget.
My goal is to provide to you the most stress-free, highest quality professional service in real estate. 
Originally from the Midwest, I am from a family where integrity and honesty are quintessential. My love of people led me into the education field where I have used my teaching skills in different capacities all over the world. Upon arriving in Charleston, I qualified to teach golf with the United States Golf Teachers Federation (USGTF), and I have played most of the Charleston golf courses. Not teaching now, I would rather help you to find your dream home; I golf when I find a spare hour or two.
