The economic downturn of the last year has caused a great many heartaches.  But, perhaps those most unfairly hit are our nation's military.  They come and go not on a whim but rather by the orders of good ole Uncle Sam.  That means that the average military member who was not fortunate enough to get on base housing a few years ago, and who went out and bought a home, probably is in a very difficult situation if they now have to sell because of PCS (permanent change of station) orders.

Many have had no recourse but to utilize the option of short sale or foreclosure.  Short sale is an industry term which simply means that the market will not allow the person to sale their home for what they now owe the lender.  The house is essentially upside down.  If the lender allows for a short sale they will accept a fair market price and often forgive the home owner for the dept.  This is not without consequence as this will be reported on the seller's credit report and could remain there from 2-7 years depending on the bank.  For the military member who has little choice in when and where he is stationed, the short sale can be a horrible alternative.

The American Investment and Recovery Act of 2009 passed by Congress and signed by President Obama in February hopes to address this issue.  This "stimulus package" has $555 million dedicated to expanding the Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP).  HAP is a program administered by the US Army Corp of Engineers and was initially designed in 1966 to "provide some monetary relief to eligible service member (including Coast Guard) and federal employee (including non-appropriated fund) homeowners who suffer financial loss on the sale of their primary residences when a base closure or realignment announcement causes a decline in the residential real estate market and they are not able to sell their homes under reasonable terms or conditions." 

The stimulus package will expand the HAP to "provide assistance to relocating military service members, civilian employees, and their families who face financial loss due to the ongoing housing crisis."  The Corp of Engineers website has stated that "the Directorate of Real Estate is developing policy guidance for implementing new authorities provided in the recovery act."

The HAP website has stated on the website that the "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding policy has yet to be determined. While potential applicants are free to submit application paperwork, we will process the applications based on the implementation guidance, which we expect to receive in the next few weeks." 

If you are a military member assigned to Charleston AFB, the Navy Weapons Station, or anywhere else in the Charleston SC Area and would like assistance selling or buying a home please contact me, a U.S. Air Force Veteran:

Michael J. Johnson, Realtor

843-817-5299

www.providingthelight.com

www.metrocharlestonhomes.com

Recent Blogs

1. Crowfield Plantation Real Estate

2. Goose Creek SC Real Estate

3.  Things to Do in Charleston

4.  Real Estate Gumbo

5.  History of Charleston AFB

On April 18th 2009 Carolina One Real Estate will host the first annual Crowfield Appreciation Day.  This is an event open to the public and designed for those that both live in Crowfield Plantation or those that are interested in living in Crowfield Plantation.  The event will me held at the Carolina One Real Estate Campus located in Goose Creek SC on 567 Crowfield Blvd.

We encourage all to bring their entire family for food, fun, and local vendors.  There will be a free moon bounce, face painting, and various games, music, as well as giveaways and drawings.  We will have Popcorn, Hot Dogs, and Cold Drinks for sale with all proceeds going to the charities of "Helping Hands of Goose Creek," and "The Lord's Ladle."  There will also be an abundance of information on Foreclosures, Short sales, and the new $8000 first time home buyer tax credit. 

In addition to all of this, there will be a vast array of local vendors which will provide valuable information and prizes.  These include homes stagers, moving services, cleaning services, landscaping, software classes and much more. Radio station 105.5, The Bridge, will be broadcasting live on location.

And if this wasn't enough, we are also partnering with "Shred-It" to provide FREE shredding for the Crowfield community during the event.  All we ask is that you bring a non-perishable food donation for Helping Hands of Goose Creek.   

We appreciate the special relationship and trust we have with Crowfield Plantation.  This is our way of saying thanks to our neighbors.  Come out and enjoy the party from 11am to 2pm on April 18th.

Michael J. Johnson

843-817-5299

www.providingthelight.com

www.metrocharlestonhomes.com

Charleston SC is an amazing city.  It is consistently voted in the Top 5 in tourists locations in the U.S. and nearly always voted as the nation's friendliest city.  That which makes up Charleston is not just the downtown area that many are familiar with, but also the surrounding towns and city that make up the metropolitan.  I've compiled a list of things to do that may be helpful if you should have the fortune of visiting our beautiful city.

10.  Carriage Tours - One of the best ways to see and hear the sights and sounds  of downtown Charleston is to take a Carriage Tour.  There is something about riding in a horse drawn carriage down a cobblestone road that makes learning that much more enjoyable.  

9.  Beaches - being a coastal city, Charleston is surrounded by barrier islands with beaches.  These barrier islands each have distinct characteristics.  The islands include  Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island,  Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, & Edisto Beach.   

8.  Charles Towne Landing - this is a park to commemorate the first permanent settlement in Charleston in 1670.  The park is a living testament of life in that settlement.

7.  Ft. Sumter - On April 12, 1861 Confederate artillery fired from Charleston onto the federal stronghold of Ft. Sumter.  Those shots fired were the beginning of the American Civil War.  Take a short boat ride and explore this historical island fort. 

6.  Cypress Gardens - Located in Moncks Corner, about 45 minutes from downtown, the garden is centered around a blackwater swamp.  Much of the movie The Patriot was filmed here. 

5.  Charleston Harbour Boat Tours & Dinner Tours - A great way to spend an evening in Charleston is to book a boat dinner tour.  Spend two or three hours touring the harbor while have a delicious meal.

4.  Fishing Tours - see Charleston from a different perspective.  Charter a fishing tour company to show your where the "big ones" are located in either fresh water  along the various rivers, or in the deep waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

3.  Charleston County Waterparks - Charleston County Parks have many features that one would enjoy but perhaps what most people like the best are the waterparks.  Nothing beats a hot summers day like splashing in the water and sliding down the water slides.

2.  Middleton Place - located on historic Hwy 61, Middleton Place is one of the many historic plantations (National Historic Landmark).  Step back in time and see what life was like in 18th century America.  Visit the gardens, house museum, and plantation stable yards for an experience you'll never forget.

1.  Boone Hall Plantation -  Visit the place that NBC daytime television has called "a must see stop on any trip to Charleston SC."  The Oaks planted over 250 years ago greet you and paint a picturesque scene.  You can tour the plantation house located on the property and also take various seasonal tours.

If you fall in love with the city and decide, like many others, that you would like to call this your beautiful city your home, please contact me for free home buying services and information:

Michael J. Johnson, Realtor

843-817-5299

www.providingthelight.com

www.metrocharlestonhomes.com

North Charleston SC is a suburb of Charleston SC and makes up a large portion of the Charleston Metropolitan.  North Charleston is home to many of the area's business and industries.  Perhaps the most noticable of these are the Charleston Air Force Base, Bosch, & Trident Hospital & Health Systems. 

Many people call North Charleston home because in most areas it is considerable more inexpensive than in other neighboring towns.  As you can see in the graph below, most homes sell for 200K and below.  There has been a considerable difference in real estate sales from 2007 to 2008.  For buyers this is good news as you will most likely get more for you money than if you decided to buy last year.  Note that this will not last.  Real Estate always rebounds.  Now is the time to buy!

For sellers, my advice to most is to hold off selling if you are in no hurry and do not need to sell.  Unfortunately circumstances dictate that many people must sell.  If you are in that situation contact me for a free home consultation that will explain the process of selling a home and the strategies to getting in sold for the most money in the least amount of time.

Michael J. Johnson

843-817-5299

michaeljohnson@carolinaone.com

Home with Deep Water Access

• 2,172 sq. ft., 2 bath, 4 bdrm single story - MLS® $275,000 - Great Price

Pimlico Plantation, Moncks Corner  -  This is your chance to own a wonderful home just steps away from the Cooper River in the highly desirable neighborhood of Pimlico Plantation. The neighborhood has a public boat ramp and dock which gives you access to the river that leads to the Charleston Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. The large home is on a spacious corner lot that is just over a quarter of an acre. Note that the lot behind and to the side are empty and owned by neighbors.

Enter the home and you will notice a sizeable formal living room perfect for entertaining guests. From here enter the fully equipped kitchen that features an electric range, refrigerator, and dishwasher (all which convey with the property). The kitchen also features an abundance of cabinet space and a pantry. There is an allotted space for a dinning room table in the eat-in-kitchen area. From here stroll to the family room/den and notice the beautiful real wood bead-board paneling. This would be a great reading room or TV room for the family. On to the master suite located downstairs. The master suite is a generous size and has a full bathroom attached.

Head upstairs to the three remaining bedrooms. All three extra bedrooms have an abundance of space and character, especially when compared to newer homes being built today. There is also a full bathroom upstairs. Note: The fourth bedroom is over the garage (FROG). The only access to the room is by walking through one of the extra bedrooms, but the room is enclosed and has a closet.

Other property features include a huge two car garage, two workshops/storage buildings (one of which has a huge sink and running water - good for cleaning the fish you catch in the river), an above ground pool, and two covered sheds for large boats, RV's, or Campers. The owners speak very highly of the neighborhood and love their neighbors. Stop by and sit on the old country style swing in the front yard. Feel the breeze and experience the quiet joys of living in Pimlico Plantation.

Property information

Oakley Pointe, Moncks Corner  -  Announcing a price reduction on 563 English Oak Circle, a 2,684 sq. ft., 3 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story "Traditional". Now MLS® $185,000 - Price Reduction-$69 SqFt.

Property information

Oakley Pointe, Moncks Corner  -  Announcing a price reduction on 563 English Oak Circle, a 2,684 sq. ft., 3 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story "Traditional". Now MLS® $200,000 - Price Reduction-$74 SqFt.

Property information

Amazing Home on Pond and Wooded Lot

• 2,684 sq. ft., 3 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story "Traditional" - MLS® $210,000 - Great Deal - $78 SqFt.

Oakley Pointe, Moncks Corner  -  WOW! What a great deal in flourishing neighborhood equipped with several amenities including a neighborhood pool and playground. Seller is offering a home warranty and $3000 toward closing costs with an acceptable offer and approved lender.

This large home is move-in ready with many upgrades throughout. It sits on a great lot that backs up to a pond and woodlands. Enter the home and the open floor plan becomes immediately evident as you walk into the formal living room. Stylish columns separate the formal dining room and a tray ceiling accents the area. The spacious kitchen is equipped with an electric range, dishwasher, garbage disposal, extra large cabinets with under cabinet lighting, and an ample pantry. The eat-in kitchen area sits in a perfect location in front of the sliding glass door for mornings when you would like to have breakfast and take in the fantastic view of the pond. The family room is equipped with a gas fireplace that can be turned on with the flick of a switch. This room is a nice place to entertain guests and is adequately distanced from the formal living room.

Next, head up the stairs and behold the grand loft. This area is great as a second living room where a kids TV, toys, and games can be kept. The 3 extra bedrooms are all a generous size and two of them have a walk-in closet. There is a full bath in close proximity to all of the bedrooms. The laundry room is also conveniently located upstairs. The master bedroom is extensive in size and features a cathedral/vaulted ceiling and a decorative ledge that can be used for plants and other ornaments. The master bathroom features dual sinks, a garden tub, and a separate shower. There is also a substantial master closet attached to the master bathroom.

Property information

College Park, Ladson  -  We invite everyone to visit our open house at 200 Columbia Dr on July 12 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Property information

Fantastic Home/Large Screen Porch

• 1,384 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story - MLS® $150,000 - Great Price -$108 SqFt

College Park, Ladson  -  Fantastic home in the beautiful and well established neighborhood of College Park! Owner is offering a home warranty, major kitchen appliances, and the washer and dryer with an acceptable offer. This nearly all brick home is in move in condition. Most of the house has relatively new carpet. As you walk in the front door you will notice the large family room to the right where countless hours of entertainment can be had. Head toward the dining room where plenty of space has been allotted for the dining room table and then continue on to the kitchen. The kitchen is adorned with a tile floor and also has space for an eat-in-area if desired. There is an abundance of cabinet space throughout the kitchen area. Next to the kitchen is the laundry room and out the door to the spacious one car garage that has built in cabinets and workman's space. Head back through the house toward the dining room and down the hall with the bedrooms. The two extra bedrooms are a good size and both have ceiling fans. The master bedroom has a vaulted ceiling, ceiling fan, and walk-in closet. The master bathroom is equipped with a few handicap ready features. What really makes this house stand out is the large 319 square foot screened in porch. Entertain guests or enjoy a nice dinner outside on a nice cool evening. The screened porch also has a two ceiling fans for the not so cool days. There is also a covered patio area and detached storage shed in the nicely landscaped and fenced in back yard.
If square footage is important - MEASURE!!  For more information visit www.200columbiadrive.com

Property information

Note that this information is outdated.

On May 1st the company that most in the Charleston area have come to know and trust will be dropping the franchise tag of Prudential Carolina Real Estate and changing its name to Carolina One Real Estate. We are doing this to extend our marketing outreach as we will now be affiliated with "Leading Real Estate Companies of The World." This move will also enable us to continue growing beyond the restrictions of the Prudential franchise tag. The quality, service, and professionalism will remain the same! The only thing changing is our name and an increase in marketing exposure!

When/Where: May 1st 2008 / Charleston SC

Note that this information is outdated.

The men and women of the Charleston AFB will be hosting an Air Expo for all to enjoy on Saturday, 26 April, 2008. The gates will open at 9:00 AM. Events include shows by the US Army Golden Knights and the US Air Force Thunderbirds. For more information visit www.charlestonairexpo.com

When/Where: Charleston Air Force Base SC / 26 Apr 2008

Note that this information is outdated.

The annual festival of the arts that includes dances, drama, plays, art and much more is happening in Charleston once again and is fast approaching. The festival begins on May 23 and events last until June 8th. Visit http://www.spoletousa.org and www.piccolospoleto.com for more information such as dates and locations of shows.

When/Where: May 23 - June 8 2008

Willowbrook, Goose Creek  -  We invite everyone to visit our open house at 47 Oak Grove Rd on April 12 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

Property information

Willowbrook, Goose Creek  -  Announcing a price reduction on 47 Oak Grove Rd, a 1,130 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story. Now MLS® $118,000 - Price Reduction.

Property information