Living the Charleston Coast Lifestyle with Jennifer O'Brien

View the Video version of this Episode at: https://www.jenniferobrienhomes.com/2022/05/10/340-pelican-flight-drive/

Hey, y'all we are standing right outside of lot 61, which is 340 Pelican Flight Drive. It's directly across the street from beach access and it's listed for only $54,000. It's 1.72 acres. Let's take a look at it. 

So y'all lot 61 has a lot of tree coverage. You've got some amazing Oaks. You can see this one behind me. I'll show you a few here again, but you also get this great marsh view on the backside of the lot, and a great buffer from the trees. Y’all so we are at the back of the property, overlooking the marsh, and you get an idea of what this marsh view would be like. And obviously when you're up higher in your home, the view is even that much more expansive.

You also have this great little drainage easement that borders your property. So it's really gonna help you to find your property line. And as you can see, as the egret comes soaring in, you're gonna get a lot of birds that come through here and really just get the opportunity to enjoy and watch nature. 

And y'all this home site is right across the street from the beach access path at marshmallow walk. So let's take a look at that.

Well, y'all, there you have it, lot 61, 1.7 acres with a great, amazing wooded lot, marsh views in the back and directly across the street from this awesome beach. Give me a call, if you'd like a tour.

View the Video version of this Episode at: https://www.jenniferobrienhomes.com/2022/05/03/what-is-an-escalation-clause/

What is an escalation clause and can it help you beat the competition in a multiple offer situation? Stay tuned and let me tell you all about it!

An Escalation Clause is one tool we can use to help you win in a multiple offer situation. This clause states that you, as a buyer, are willing to raise your offer on a home should the seller receive a higher competing offer. The clause will state how much more you are willing to pay than the highest offer and your spending limit. Essentially, escalation clauses offer you protection if other potential buyers outbid you.

For example, suppose you submit an offer of $500,000; you could include an escalation clause that precisely states the amount you are willing to offer above other buyers, up to the maximum you’re willing to spend. If there is a $505,000 offer submitted by another buyer, an escalation clause makes it conceivable to beat the competing offer by a preset amount, say $510,000.

An escalation clause is triggered when the seller has proof of a bona fide offer from another buyer. This means that the offer is legitimate and enforceable. Essentially, a seller cannot make up another offer.

Keep in mind, escalation clauses are not foolproof and may not make sense for your unique situation. Therefore, it’s wise for us to develop the best plan that meets your needs and gets you into your home!

If you want to learn more about what makes you stand out in a multiple offer situation, give me a call!

View the Video version of this Episode at: https://www.jenniferobrienhomes.com/2022/04/26/1300-park-west-blvd-614/

Hey, y'all I have a top floor condo in Mount pleasant for under 350,000. Let's take a look. 

Y’all, the sellers have updated everything here. You have fresh paint on the wall, brand new carpet, brand new appliances, new light fixtures, new fans, new bathroom fixtures. All you have to do is come right on in and move your stuff. Well y'all, as you can see, this is an open concept, which is great for entertaining your family, your friends, your guest, you have this great living room space, which opens up to your private balcony. So out here on your private balcony, this tree provides a very serene setting. So you can just kick back with your coffee, your book, and just enjoy the low country. So back on in the condo, you can see again, what the angle looks like from the living room, looking towards the dining room and the kitchen, great dining space here. As I mentioned, the flooring is all brand new. So we have brand new carpet, brand new kitchen floor, now let's check out all the new appliances. So in the kitchen, you have a brand new range, brand new microwave, brand new refrigerator and a brand new dishwasher. So you shouldn't have to do anything with a appliances for many years.

Y'all this is the generously sized guest bedroom. Well, let's check out the master, another really great size ample space in here. This could be your own private little Sanctuary, And we have a giant walk-in closet. So this is a one bathroom condo, but the master has its own vanity. So you have your own space here for everything that you would use in your bathroom. Here is the bathroom. Again, you have the new flooring, new sink, fixtures, new lights, and a great soaking tub here in the shower. You can just imagine having a nice soak after a long day. One of the cool storage features of this condo is that you have a closet out in the common area in the hallway, which is perfect for keeping beach chairs, bicycles, anything that would have dirt or sand that you don't wanna bring into your house. Y'all the Madison community in park west has tons of great amenities. You have a pool, you have a fitness center, media center, car wash, and some really great little spots around the neighborhood where you can just enjoy the low country setting. Let's go check those out.

 Y'all. Here is the clubhouse, which has a pool, fitness center and a media center. Here is this great community pool, which they just recently updated with all new furniture. And one thing that I noticed is this is a really good size for the amount of condos that are in this complex. Some places have a pool that's half the size of this and double the number of residents. So this is definitely a great place to hang out in the summertime. This is the fitness center. You can see there's lots of cardio equipment, lots of weights. We have some free weights over here. Great opportunity so that you don't have to join a gym separately. 

So let's go check out some of the other really great amenities here in the Madison. Y'all one of the biggest benefits to living here is the location. You are four minutes to Costco, 20 minutes to the beach, and less than 30 minutes to downtown Charleston, right across the street from the Madison. There is a ginormous park in Mount pleasant that has sports field, lots of walking trails and an indoor lap pool. That's open all year round. So if you are looking for some livable space in Mount pleasant, that's under 350,000. Give me a call. Let's schedule a tour.

View the Video version of this Episode at: https://www.jenniferobrienhomes.com/2022/04/19/260-pelican-flight-drive/

Hey, y'all I am on lot 76, which is currently for sale for $250,000. It's just a little more than one and a half acres. It's already prepped, ready to go with the house. We have plans that have been approved by the ARB. The only thing you're missing is the permit from the county.

So this would be your view from ground level. You've got this great pond here, and then just over this ridge is the impalment. We are gonna get expansive water views. Now the house designed for this lot is about 2,600 square feet, three bedrooms, two bath rooms with a separate space for an office. We'll go over and check out where your kitchen area would be. So y'all, this was designed so that on the second livable floor, you get above the tree line and we're standing in the area of what would be the kitchen.

So you get above these trees and you'll look out that way over the impalment and to the west for amazing sunset views. You can see that the footprint of the home has already been staked. These yellow markers here indicate where your decking will be. And then the red indicates where the house starts. So the home is positioned to face out over the pond. So your master bedroom will have views out in that direction. And then the living room and the expansive porches will look out over the Impalment. The house is designed with 2,400 square feet of decking. So it's really gonna be built to take advantage of your indoor and outdoor living space. You have an amazing wooded buffer front between your home and the road, and a great driveway that winds you through the trees. Let's take a look at that.

So there's already homes on either side of this property, and I have to tell you, you know, both neighbors, they are absolutely fantastic. What's great, again, with having this wooded lot, you have a great buffer between you and your neighbor.

You are right across the street from Willow walk, which is a community beach access path. Let's take a look at that.

Here is the beach right across the street from your new home at lot 76, again, it was about 2,600 square feet of indoor space. 2,400 square feet of outdoor living space. Whole construction cost is about 1.5 and you can be in it in about 12 months. So if you're interested give me a call.

View the Video version of this Episode at: https://www.jenniferobrienhomes.com/2022/04/12/four-corners-of-law/

Do you know where to find the 4 Corners of Law in Charleston?

Stay tuned and I’ll tell you where it’s located!

The intersection of Meeting and Broad St. was coined the “Four Corners of Law” by Robert Ripley – of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! – in the 1930s. The four corner buildings represent God’s law (St. Michael’s Episcopal Church), State Law (Charleston County Courthouse), City Law (Charleston City Hall), and Federal Law (Federal Courthouse).

God’s law is represented in the southeast corner, at the famous St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. Constructed in 1751. 

Today the church is open for tours and still holds services every Sunday.

Charleston’s City Hall, which represents city law, rests upon the northeast corner of the intersection.

Today, it is the second oldest still-in-use city hall building in the nation. Its history shows through the gallery on the second floor, which features commissioned works of famous visitors – including George Washington + James Monroe.

On the northwest corner is state law – the Charleston County Courthouse, first constructed in 1753 and used as the South Carolina State House. Overlooking Meeting Street, the first reading of the Declaration of Independence in South Carolina was conducted from the balcony of the second floor.

The United States Post Office and Federal Courthouse rests on the southeast corner, representing federal law. 

It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and still functions as a post office and courthouse.

There you have it, the only place in Charleston where you can get hitched, ditched, taxed, and imprisoned all in one intersection.

View the Video version of this Episode at: https://www.jenniferobrienhomes.com/2022/04/08/320-pelican-flight-drive/

320 Pelican Flight Drive, where you can listen to the waves and enjoy the ocean breeze from the double porches on the front and back of the house. A short 15-minute ferry ride to the Isle of Palms, this fully furnished 4-bedroom 3.5-bath home features a recently updated kitchen, fresh interior and exterior paint, and new custom-built bookcases in the great room. The open floor plan is ideal for entertaining family and friends, and the Andersen sliding glass doors to the oversized, back screened-in porch can be opened to create an indoor/outdoor living space. This special home includes an elevator that goes to the main level, where the common areas and primary bedroom are conveniently located.

With the kitchen at your fingertips, it’s easy to grab your morning coffee then sneak back into bed or step right outside your bedroom onto your porch to enjoy the morning song birds. Three guest rooms and a flex room that can be used as a den, home office, or home gym, are comfortably tucked away on the second floor with their own balcony.

The furniture is less than two years old and includes pieces from West Elm, Pottery Barn, and Hampton Bay.

Kitchen renovation includes stainless steel KitchenAid and LG appliances, honed granite countertops, and subway tile backsplash. Throughout the home, there are also all new and modern bathroom fixtures, light fixtures, ceiling fans, and gutters.

Only accessible by owners’ boats or ferry, Dewees Island is an incredibly special place. Golf carts and mini-electric vehicles are the primary mode of transportation on the island, where you’ll find four miles of pristine beach. The privacy and natural surroundings are second to none and include an untouched maritime forest with towering pines, live oaks and Palmetto trees. Bald eagles, ospreys, egrets, and pelicans soar overhead. On Dewees, life slows down and you can soak in the present moment.

View the Video version of this Episode at: https://www.jenniferobrienhomes.com/2022/04/05/shopping-in-charleston/

Hey y'all! If you’re heading into Charleston the best place to shop is on Lower King Street. Check out some of my favorites. 

Lower King Street is going to be the area on King that is between Calhoun and Broad Street. My absolute favorite store here is a bookstore, Buxton Books! Locally-owned and they also do Haunted tours at night. They do tours on other stuff too but the haunted ones are a lot of fun. You can get any book you are looking for. If they don't have it, they will order it for you and ship it to you.

Croghan's Jewelry Box is my favorite jewelry store on King Street. It’s locally owned and they have a great selection of jewelry and some antiques that you can't find anywhere else. 

There's so many great boutiques, it's hard for me to pick my favorite. The one that I really enjoy shopping in is Joan Crosby. They have an outfit for any occasion. 

If you make the trip down to King Street and go shopping, let me know what store you like the best.

View the Video version of this Episode at: https://www.jenniferobrienhomes.com/2022/03/29/1st-quarter-market-update/

It’s the end of the 1st Quarter in 2022. What has happened in the Charleston Real estate market and where do I see it going? Stay tuned and I’ll tell you all about it!

Through the 1st Quarter in the Charleston area we have continued to experience a sellers market. The properties for sale in our MLS has averaged 1000 daily between 3 counties. The median sales price is up 14% over last year which is much higher than the national average of 6%. Our inventory has shrunk 49% since last year.

What does this mean for sellers? Generally, sellers are receiving multiple offers and over asking sales prices. Homes tend to sell within 1 - 2 days. Sellers also have the opportunity to ask for favors from their prospective buyers. For example, maybe you need to rent the home back for a period of time or an extended closing date.

What does this mean for buyers? You need to be ready. If you’re working with me, we will have already developed a plan for identifying properties, getting your proof of funds organized and getting you pre-qualified with a lender. The more tools in your belt when you make an offer, the more likely your offer will be accepted. 

Where do I see the market for the 2nd Quarter going? With the high buyer demand, I see the sellers marketing continuing through the 2nd quarter. Interest rates are rising, which affects the buyers purchasing power and their maximum budget. We still have a lot of buyers in the Charleston market and I do not see the rate increase affecting the home prices through June. It will affect how much a buyer can spend. I wouldn’t anticipate the market slowing down until the 3rd quarter of the year.  

Does this mean you should wait to buy? No, the prices are going to continue to climb. I have several ways to help you win your home in this market and relieve any stress and anxiety you may be feeling. 

What to do if you’re on the fence about selling? Give me a call. We will have a no commitment conversation tol discuss pricing strategy and what options work best for your family.

View the Video version of this Episode at: https://www.jenniferobrienhomes.com/2022/03/22/hamlin-plantation/

Hey Y’all, I am out in the Hamlin Plantation neighborhood in Mount Pleasant, it is a great location in Mount Pleasant. It's close to downtown. It's close to the school systems here. It's a fantastic neighborhood for all varieties of life. So you could have retirees in here in some of the smaller homes. There's townhomes, condos, there are definitely larger homes. Some big square footage that backs up to the Intercoastal Waterway and grand marsh views and then we've got got some smaller homes that might be better off for the family that is just looking for their first home. There are nature trails throughout the neighborhood sidewalks everywhere, and there's a great Community Center with a big pool.

Other fun fact about this neighborhood is they do a lot of community events to encourage you to meet your neighbors. Like there's a food truck event coming up this week. So they'll have several food trucks out for people to stop by and grab a bite to eat. 

So if you're interested in some of these properties, give me a call. 

View the Video version of this Episode at: https://www.jenniferobrienhomes.com/2022/03/08/what-is-a-1-2-address/

Have you walked through historic Charleston and come across a ½ address. How on earth do you have a ½ address? Well let me tell you!

Look down a cobblestone alley, or a small sideways street. Small houses are buried away. Historically, homes would have different buildings on the property. A main house, kitchen house or a carriage house.

Over time these additional buildings would get renovated and sold and then we would have to create a separate address. The main house might be 29 Pineapple Street and a kitchen or carriage house might 29 ½ Pineapple Street.

It’s a lot of fun to walk through the historic Charleston neighborhoods and find these homes with a ½ address.

Now there’s one more really rare address phenomenon in Charleston. Do you know what it is? If you do, shoot me a picture of your find. If you’re really curious and can’t wait for your next trip into town, send me a message and I’ll share the secret!