Real estate is on many people's minds these days, whether you're selling or buying. There's plenty to select from if you're in the market to buy a second home or are ready to retire. Here you'll find spectacular Charleston SC Real Estate with Southern character and charm that you just won't find anywhere else. Charleston, located on the coast of South Carolina, is midway between Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island.

Charleston SC Real Estate available varies from residential homes, condos, and land to commercial real estate properties. If you've been contemplating making a purchase but just aren't sure, give me a call and let's discuss the market.

The Post & Courier recently reported that local home sales rose by double digits in May, according to newly released figures, just as mortgage rates fell to an almost record low and federal lawmakers talked about extending home-buying tax incentives.

The Charleston Trident Association of Realtors said the 878 closings last was a 29 percent increase over Mat 2009. Berkeley County led the region with 46 percent increase in homes sold and a 10 percent increase in median price year over year, according to the association. Most of those sales went to Goose Creek and Moncks Corner, with a strong market on Daniel Island as well.  

Greenville News - The Charleston, Myrtle Beach and Greenville metropolitan areas are expected to be among the nation's " front-runners " in the housing recovery this year, according to a trade magazine report.

Builders magazine's online version ranked Charleston 5th, Myrtle Beach 15th and Greenville 19th in its listing of top 20 healthiest markets in the nation. The rankings were based on building permits, resale values and job and income growth from 2009 data and 2010 projections. 

Mark Nix, executive officer of the Home Builders of South Carolina, said getting people happy and thriving is tied to jobs, quality of life and affordable housing. Charleston has done a good job at bringing jobs to the market. For example the new Boeing 787 plant in North Charleston.   

(Money Magazine) -- If you've been holding off on a real estate purchase, glimmers of the turnaround in the housing market may have you wondering if it's finally time to make your move. While home prices remain low, they're no longer free falling in most markets. Mortgages are historically cheap. And the sweet tax credit that was offered to new buyers last year has been extended to April 30 and expanded to include some current homeowners. 

Current homeowners who sign a contract to buy a home on or before April 30th get a dollar-for-dollar reduction on their taxes of 10% of the purchase price of the house, up to a maximum of $6,500 (first-time buyers get up to $8,000)

HOW MUCH COULD YOU LOSE BY WAITING.....

Besides the loss of the tax credit, the biggest game-changer facing buyers is a potencial jump in mortgage rates. If the Fed moves ahead with it's plan to stop buying mortgage backed securities at the end of March, the rate on the 30 year fixed mortgage is expected to increase nearly a full percentage point from today's 5.1% to 6.1% by the end of 2010, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. On a $300,000 fixed rate mortgage,  that's  an extra $174.00 a month!

CNBC reports that baby bommers are willing to move farther than previous generations and choosing places unlike stereotypical retirement hotspots.

Top places listed bt AARP are:

1. Loveland/Ft. Collins, Colorado

2. Las Cruces, New Mexico

3. Rehoboth Beach, Deleware

4. Portland, Oregon

5. Greenville, South Carolina*

6. Sarasota, Florida

7. Ann Arbor, Michigan

8. Tucson, Arizona

9. Montpelier, Vermont

10. Honolulu, Hi.

11. Santa Fe, New Mexico

12. Atlanta, Ga.

13. CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA* 

First-time home buyers not only account for the largest share of home sales in many markets, but represent the fastest-growing segment of home sales in nearly half of those markets, brokers surveyed by Inman News report.

Second homes and move-up homes, on the other hand, are the most rapidly shrinking segment of their business, brokers responding to the survey said.

Homes sold to first-time buyers made up the largest share of home sales for 37% of brokers.  

- Great place to raise a family!

Charleston is a relatively small and very friendly Southern city. Many good private and public schools. Many home buyers looking for new schools move to Mt. Plesant. Other areas of Charleston also offer great schools such as the Charleston School of Arts in North Charleston. Local college options would be the College of Charleston in historic downtown Charleston and MUSC - Medical University of South Carolina.

Charleston Beaches.....

Charleston offers a great selection of beaches, such as, Sullivans Island, Isle of Palms, Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island. 

Excellent year-around weather....

Charleston enjoys a semitropical climate with four seasons! Summers are warm and humid and winters are short and mild. Spring & fall are my favorite seasons with low-humidity and temps in the low 70s.

Real estate prices are low for all you get....

Even during the top of the market boom, sales prices have never greatly exceeded the actual home values. The home values have adjusted down approx. 20%. Single family homes start in the mid $100,000, condos, and town homes.

Stable and growing economy....

Charleston's economy is created from many privately owned businesses and some new large corporations. Boeing Commercial Aircraft is now building a new 787 plant which will be completed in 2011. The Boeing plant is expecting to hire 3,700 new employees. This should bring in additional Boeing subcontractors.

Charleston is a culinary and art destination.....

Charleston is well-known for it's many great restaurants offering Lowcountry cuisine. Historic downtown boasts many art galleries, antiques, and museums.

City of history....

From the battery, Fort Multrie, Fort Sumter, and the many plantations around the city. 

Boating.... 

If you do not have a boat you make sure a friend has one! Boating and fishing/shrimping are two activities that draw so many to live in the southeast coast. Charleston is a boating city with many rivers, creeks, and of course the harbor and Atlantic. Come visit soon!