Charter One Realty Voted Best Real Estate Brokerage

We want to thank the community once again for naming Charter One Realty as the area's "Best Real Estate Company" for several years in a row. This recognition wouldn't be possible without your support! Many thanks to all who participated and cast their vote for us.

The agents at Charter One Realty are proud to call the Lowcountry home. Our Charter One Realty Agents live in the Lowcountry, raise their families here, work in our communities, and give back to those in need right here. Why is this important? We are proud to call our communities home and are dedicated to making the Lowcountry the very best that it can be.

Our dedication to the community and our clients has led us to be the #1 brokerage in the Lowcountry, conducting more business than…

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Winter Home Buying Season

Historically, real estate activity in the Lowcountry slows during the winter months. Between the cold weather and the holidays, the housing market typically goes into a hibernation of sorts, with both buyers and sellers shelving any major real estate moves until spring.

However, this winter's real estate market is shaping up to be unlike any other before it. Contrary to what some may have feared, the fall and winter are slated to be an excellent time to sell a home. In fact, Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors, predicts "it will be one of the best winter sales years ever."

What's driving these predictions for a strong winter market? Chalk it up to a perfect storm of low mortgage interest rates, sparse housing…

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Carol WilsonOriginally from Bowling Green, Kentucky, Carol Wilson received her bachelor’s degree from Western Kentucky University before moving to Hilton Head Island in 1975 where she raised her two sons. After two decades in property management and residential lending, Carol joins her son Jonathan to form The Wilson Group at Charter One Realty in Beaufort.

Known for her warm Lowcountry hospitality, Carol enjoys gardening and is an active member of St. Helena Parish Church in Beaufort.

 

Charter One Realty: When did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in real estate?

Carol Wilson: I have been in real estate related businesses for over 2 decades. The Lowcountry has the best there is to offer for lifestyle at any age and it is very fulfilling to see…

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Low Home Inventory
The number of houses for sale today is significantly lower than the high buyer activity in the current housing market. According to Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors (NAR):

"There is no shortage of hopeful, potential buyers, but inventory is historically low."

When the demand for homes is higher than what’s available for sale, it’s a great time for homeowners to sell their house. Here are three ways low inventory can help you win if you’re ready to make a move this fall.

1.  Higher Prices

With so many more buyers in the market than homes available for sale, homebuyers are frequently entering into bidding wars for the houses they want to purchase. This buyer competition drives home prices up. As a…

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Real Estate and the Economy

As the economy recovers from this year's health crisis, the housing market is playing a leading role in the turnaround. It's safe to say that what we call "home" is taking on a new meaning, causing many of us to consider buying or selling sooner rather than later. Housing, therefore, has thrived in an otherwise down year.

Today's high buyer demand combined with low housing inventory means we're seeing home prices appreciate at an above-average pace. This demand is being driven by those who want to take advantage of historically low mortgage rates. According to Freddie Mac:

"The record low mortgage rate environment is providing tangible support to the economy at a critical time, as housing continues to propel growth."

These factors are…

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Housing Market and the Election

Americans have spoken and the votes are still being tallied to decide who our President for the next four years. That decision will have a major impact on many aspects of life in this country, but the residential real estate market will not be one of them.


Analysts will try to measure the impact feasible changes in regulations might have on housing, the effect of a possible first-time buyer program, and any number of other situations based on who wins. The housing market, however, will remain strong for four reasons:

1.  Demand Is Strong among Millennials

The nation's largest generation began entering the housing market last year as they reached the age to marry and have children - two key drivers of homeownership. As the Wall Street…

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Let’s be honest - the holiday season looks a lot different this year. Not being able to gather the way we’d like to can put a damper on big thanksgiving plans. How do we make sure we still find the joys of the season, even when we can’t ALL be together? Well, we know one way: Food! 

We’re here to help you prepare for Thanksgiving with these classic recipes featuring delicious and unique twists.

Small gatherings with your immediate family and quarantine bubble may be the only option, but we still have lots to be thankful for when we gather around the table. Spice up your menu this year to add some fun to your season! 

Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole

We love this sweet potato dish because it has the flavors of fall, with an extra southern style…

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Jack MenzieJack Menzie has been in the real estate business for more than two decades, but in the relationship business for a lifetime! After several years with Realogy Corporating managing franchise sales for Coldwell Banker, Century 21, and ERA brands, the transition from corporate to general brokerage real estate sales was easy. Through his experiences, he realized the intricacies of the real estate transaction and the importance of exceeding client expectations.

Jack works closely with his clients as a trusted business partner and handles all the "heavy lifting" related to their real estate transaction. His clients have recognized Jack for his knowledge, transparency, creativity, understanding, and approach to finalizing the deal - to his client's…

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Halloween is on Saturday, and we can’t wait! But - what do you do with all of your pumpkins after Halloween? If you are like us, you’ve recently frequented a pumpkin patch. That means you may have quite a few of these popular, seasonal orange gourds just...sitting around come this Sunday. 

Rather than tossing them out, we have gathered a number of ways you can use your pumpkins well into November! While you can certainly let them hang around the porch for a while, we also know it’s fun to repurpose them

Firstly, if the wild animals and bugs have stayed away from your pumpkins until Halloween, consider bringing them inside to add some new fall flair indoors! For more ideas on interior fall decor, check out this article.

Back to pumpkins: from…

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Home Values in the Lowcountry

As temperatures move into the '70s and leaves begin to drop, it's clear that Fall has arrived in the Lowcountry. Don't tell the housing market, though. COVID-19 likely shifted some of the buying into later months, but in many ways, the market is still performing like it's the height of the spring and summer home buying season.

 

Real Estate Transactions Through Mid October

In terms of real estate transactions, 2019 was a banner year for real estate in Southern Beaufort County. Fast forward to October 2020, and the Lowcountry real estate market has already exceeded the 2019 total number of transactions by over 6%. With two months left in the year 2020 is on track to be a record-breaking year for real estate transactions in the Lowcountry.

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