What you can get for $100,000 in the Charleston Real Estate market

Charleston South Carolina has many real estate opportunities available for a home buyer. If you wanted to spend up to 100,000 on your new home, Where would you be able to live and what type of property could you buy?

Starting in Charleston County:

In the West Ashley area, there are several properties currently for sale ranging from 55,000-100,000. These properties are mostly 1 bedrooms condos and town homes and a few manufactured homes.

View all West Ashley Home under 100,000.

On James Island there are fewer choices in this price range. You can find a few boarded up "handyman" specials and some one bedroom town homes/condos. Prices range from 85,000-99,000. View all James Island Homes under 100,000.

On Johns Island, The choices are even fewer. As I am writing this blog you are able to only find one property, a manufactured home, for sale. View all John's Island Homes under 100,000.

In the Edisto Beach area and on Folly Beach there are no properties for sale for less than 100,000. You will be able to find time shares in Edisto and boat slips in Folly.

North Charleston has many properties available for less than 100,000. For less than 50,000 you can find single family homes with less than 1,000 square feet, condo's and town homes. Many of these properties need work, however might be a great investment opportunity.

View all North Charleston Homes for sale on MLS.

In Mount Pleasant , you can find a boat slip for less than 100,000. On Isle Of Palms and Sullivan's Island you can find an Island time share in the high 80,000.

On the historical Charleston peninsula, there are a few investment opportunities for less than 100,000. These properties range from a total tear down to a duplex needing lots of work.

View all Charleston Properties on MLS.

In Dorchester County, there are a several different real estate options. Town homes, manufactures homes, single family homes are available for less than 100,000. Some of these properties are in more rural areas. View all Dorchester County properties on MLS.

In Berkeley County, which includes, Monks Corner, Daniel Island, Goose Creek and Hanahan has many options in the less than 100,000 price range. In Northern Berkeley County, there are older single family homes most built before 1986 and manufactures homes in rural areas available for less than 100,000. View all Northern Berkeley County Homes on MLS.

Southern Berkeley county has fewer properties in the under 100,000 range.There are a few manufactured homes and handy man special type single family homes.

View all Berkeley County properties on MLS.

Charleston SC Top 10 Credit Do's & Don'ts

By Gary Gugliotti

Good Faith Mortgage

Don’t apply for new credit of any kind. Including those” You have been pre-approved” for credit card invitations that you receive in the mail. Every time that you have your credit pulled by a potential creditor or lender, you lose points from your credit score immediately. Depending on the elements in your current credit report, you could lose anywhere from 2-50 points for one hard inquiry.

Don’t pay off collections or charge offs during the loan process. Paying collections will decrease the credit score immediately due to the date of the last activity becoming recent. If you want to pay off old accounts, do it through escrow, and make sure that 1) you validate that the debt is yours, and 2) that the creditor agrees to give you a deletion letter.

Don’t close credit card accounts. If you close a credit card account it will appear to the FICO that your debt ratio has gone up. Also, closing a card will affect other factors in the score such as length of credit history. If you have to close a credit card account, do it after closing, and make sure it is a more recent account.

Don’t max out or over charge on your credit card accounts. This is the fastest way to bring your score down 50-100 points immediately. Try to keep your credit card balances below 30% of their available limit at all times during the loan process. If you decide to pay down balances, do it across the board. Meaning, make an extra payment on all your cards at the same time.

Don’t consolidate your debt onto 1 or 2 cards. It seems like it would be a smart thing to do, however, when you consolidate all of your debt onto one card, it appears that you are maxed out on that card, and the system will penalize you as mentioned above in. If you want to save money on your credit card interest rates, wait until after closing.

Don’t do anything that will cause a red flag to be raised by the scoring system. This would include adding new accounts, co-signing on a loan, changing your name and address with the bureaus. The less activity on your reports, the better.

Don’t change your job. Job stability is very important during the loan process. Lenders will almost always call to verify employment just before closing. If you must change jobs or are transferring to a new position, make sure your mortgage consultant is aware of the change, and that the job is in the same field or you can show a benefit for the change such as better pay, benefits, ect. Changing from a salary job to a commission job is a sure way to cause problems for your loan. If you are in doubt, call me at 843-478-6119 0r 843-207-8100.

Do stay current on existing accounts. Like your mortgage and car payments. One 30-day late can cost you anywhere from 30-75 points.

Do continue to use your credit as normal. Red flags are raised easily with the scoring system. If it appears that you are changing your pattern, it will raise a red flag, and your score could go down.

Do call me if you receive something in the mail from a creditor or collection agency that you believe may affect your credit score during the loan process. I may be able to supply you with the resources you need to stop derogatory reporting to the bureaus.

Good Faith Mortgage - A Reputable Lender - Gary Gugliotti

Shopping for a home loan can be stressful and grueling process, especially making sure you get not only the best interest rate available, but also that you find the best interest rate available, but also that you find a reputable lender. Good Faith Mortgage , a Charleston-based company with additional offices in Spartanburg, S.C., and Clearwater, Fla., takes care of both issues for you by finding the best rate and loan while remaining dependable and dedicated at every turn.

“ We try to find the solutions that are best for the customer, not what’s best for us,” says Gary Gugliotti, mortgage loan consultant. “We value integrity and honesty above all else.” Good Faith Mortgage makes a point of getting to know clients, presenting several options to fit the clients’ needs and letting them make the best decision, instead of pressuring them to choose a particular loan.

The company focuses on creative thinking and has in-depth knowledge of the loans available from the many lenders they work with, allowing the company to find a product that works for you no matter what your stage in life or situation. While the company is especially knowledgeable in loans ranging from $125,000 to $500,000, it also offers a wide range of products like FHA, VA, South Carolina Housing, first-time homebuyers, jumbo products, reverse mortgages, and commercial loans. “We are going to give our clients the best deal –hands down,” Gugliotti says.

The company works hard to ensure on-time and problem-free closings and guarantees lender closings costs will not change from the original quote. And its dedication to service seems to be working thus far, as the company experienced a 20% increase in closed applications over the last year despite a downturn in the industry as a whole. “If you treat people honestly, and with respect,” says Gugliotti “not only will they come back for all their mortgage needs, but they will tell all their friends and neighbors as well.” If you have any questions about mortgage programs, and guidelines e-mail Gary Gugliotti at Good Faith Mortgage gary.gugliotti@goodfaithusa.com or call directly at 843-207-8100office or 843-478-6119mobile.

Charleston SC Top 100 Restaurants

Creaturo & Associates knows that food is an important part of our daily lives so we put together a list of our top 100 Restaurants in the Charleston Area.
Basil - The Best Thai food in Charleston
Cypress- Fine Dining with an excellent wine selection
Carolinas-Elegant Fine Dining
Benitos - Casual Italian family Dining
Mills House - Our favorite for Sunday Brunch
Melvins -Fast Food Style BBQ and Great Burgers too
Boat House -Waterfront Fine Dining
Fleet Landing -Casual Waterfront dining Downtown Charleston
Langdons-Fine Dining In Mount Pleasant
Mustard Seed -casual and healthy
Hymans Seafood- Famous For Their She-Crab Soup a Downtown landmark
Boulevard Dinner-Excellent food at affordable price in Mount Pleasant
Red Drum- Food With a Southwest Flair
Tsunami- Japanese Sushi
5 Guys - Zagat rated chain with awesome burgers
Hanks-Seafood Restaurant
Fish - Fresh Seafood
Sticky Fingers- BBQ Restaurant with Great Wings
Mannys- Neighborhood Grill with a Greek Flair
Sette - Casual Italian
Peninsula Grill -Fine Dining/excellent service
Wasabi - Great Sushi or Hibachi place
Chai's Lounge and Tapas -Excellent Tapas place
Just Chill Grill -Great Local Lunch Spot In Park West
The Kickin Chicken -Great hang out Sports Bar
Med Bistro -Great West Ashley Restaurant
Poes Tavern -Sullivan's Island Burger Joint and more
Wild Wings Cafe -Great Wings and Sports Bar
East Bay Deli -Great Deli
Five Loaves Cafe - Great soups and sandwiches
Blossom- Great cafe Downtown
Dog and Duck -Great Sandwiches
Jacks Cosmic Dog -A Plethora of Hot Dog choices
Capriccios -Italian Good Home cooking
Sienna - Daniel Island Italian Dining
La Hacienda -Authentic Mexican-great margaritas
The Ocean Room -Well worth the drive to Kiawah Great for Sunday Brunch
FIG-Great Gourmet food
Tristans-Great Food and Ambiance
Andolini's -Pizza Almost like NYC
Seels Fish Camp- Great local fish casual dining
Gilligans -Fresh Seafood local Chain
The Sprout -Eco Friendly Vegetarian Cafe
Morgan Creek Grill -Unbeatable water views
Dragon Palace -Daniel island Great Chinese Restaurant
Hominy Grill -Great Breakfast place
High Cotton -Great Steaks
SNOB -low country flavor
California Dreaming - Great America food and waterfront viewsPoogans Porch - Southern Cuisine
82 Queen -Fine Dining
Genes Haufbrau -Great Craw fish
Grill 225- Great Prime Rib
King Street Grill- Great Sports Bar and Good Food
Oak -Steakhouse
39 Rue De Jean -French Cuisine
Coast -Bar and Seafood restaurant
Vickerys -Shem Creek hang out and excellent food
Shem Creek Bar and Grill - seafood and Fun Bar
Jestines Kitchen -Low country cookin Shrimp and Grits specialty
Barbara Jeans - Great inexpensive fresh fish
Sea Biscuit -Great Breakfast on Isle of Palms
Coconut Joes -Beachfront Restaurant
One Eyed Parrot -Beachfront Restaurant
Banana Cabana - Isle Of Palms Beachfront restaurant
Acme Cantina -Isle of Palms Restaurant
Reds Ice House - Great Atmosphere
The Break Room - Great Bar and Restaurant
Al Di La -West Ashley Italian Restaurant
Boccis - Italian Restaurant
Soda Water Cafe - Daniel Island Lunch spot
Sunfire Grill - West Ashley favorite
Circa 1886 - Located downtown in the Wentworth Mansion
McCradys -Downtown dining
Mytho- Asian Fusion Downtown
Queen Ann's Revenge -Steak and Seafood Restaurant on Daniel Island
Swamp Fox - Casual Southern Dining at The Francis Marion Hotel
Tommy Condons - Irish Pub
Atlanticville- Sullivans Island Restaurant
Ansons -Fine Dining
Charleston Crab House - Great Local Seafood
J Bistro - Southern style
Middleton Place Restaurant -Low Country Plantation fare
Station 22-Excellent Food and Atmosphere
Sullivans Restaurant-Great Seafood
Pho Bac - Vietnamese
Kims - Korean and Japanese Steakhouse
Woodlands- 5 star Dining
Jim & Nicks BBQ - Great BBQ Place
Giuseppes- Italian Restaurant close Sullivan's Island
Fisherman's Quarters - Summerville Seafood Restaurant
Crave - American Fusion
Hatchells - Town Center Restaurant and Bar
Locklears - Seafood
Seewee Restaurant - Fresh Local Seafood in Awendaw
Miyabi - West Ashley Japanese Hitachi
TailGators - Great Place on Clements Ferry
Alex's Restaurant - Great Breakfast Place
Juanita Greenbergs - Downtown Mexican Restaurant
Little Thai Two - Great Thai Place on King
Marias- Mexican Restaurant on Johns Island





http://culinaryinstituteofcharleston.blogspot.com/
The Culinary Institute of Charleston provides a wide array of both credit and continuing education offerings to meet the diverse training needs of the tourism industry. The Institute's credit programs include TTC's existing associate degree, diploma and certificate programs in culinary arts, hospitality and tourism, as well as other advanced certification opportunities. The continuing education programs vary with each semester and include community interest sessions, as well as specific industry training workshops.





http://www.charlestonfoodandwine.com/
MARCH 5-8 2009
This world-class culinary festival showcases the talents of local and nationally-recognized Southern chefs in a city widely acclaimed for its Lowcountry cuisine. This now annual must-attend event also features some of the country’s most renowned sommeliers. Seminars, food tastings, a dine-around and culinary village are highlights of the weekend.

The festival presents the unique flavors and cooking styles of the 'Lowcountry' at more than fifty events, held over four days. Most of the events take place in the Festival Culinary Village, located in downtown Charleston at Marion Square Park.

The Festival also promotes and supports a number of culinary interests and charities and is a recognized 501(c) 3 non-profit organization. The mission statement of the festival states that it wishes to establish a world class food and wine festival with the objective of supporting various culinary charities. The festival endeavors to preserve the unique culinary heritage of the 'Lowcountry' through various events held during the four days of the Charleston food and wine festival.

Building Green in Charleston SC - What does that mean?

So the hot thing now is to build green, but what does that mean? According to WIKIPEDIA, Green building is the practice of increasing the efficiency with which buildings use resources — energy, water, and materials — while reducing building impacts on human health and the environment, through better siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal — the complete building life cycle. If you build green you can reduce your home operating costs, reduce environmental effects and improve health in the environment. Some green builders try to build the new home to fit the environment using nature as it's guide.
One way to help the environment and be green is to use product with the Energy Star seal. Energy Star is a program created by the EPA in 1992 to reduce the effects of greenhouse gas emissions by power plants. The Energy Star label can be found on appliances, heat and cooling systems, lighting, home electronics and even buildings.

Energy Star buildings use at least 15% less energy than standard homes. They usually include properly installed insulation, high performance windows, tight construction and ducts, energy efficient cooling and heating systems, and Energy Star appliances, lighting, and water heaters.
In Charleston, South Carolina there are several new home builders that build Green. Sabal Homes recently built The Abbey at Wescott Plantation, a town home community in Summerville, SC using the Earthcraft certifications. Many of Brentwood Homes neighborhood's are now being built with Earthcraft homes energy efficient standards. EarthCraft homes are healthier to live in, more comfortable and substantially more energy efficient than standard construction. There are also several custom home builders that use green building standards. One of our partners, Chris Terry owner of CIA Inspections recently went back to his roots of Home Building. Chris saw a local need for a home builder that concentrated on the needs of building green.

CAROLINA ONE REAL ESTATE - PRUDENTIAL FRANCHISE OUT IN CHARLESTON- REAL ESTATE NEWS

With the recently annouced news of Prudential Carolina leaving their franchise and starting a new endevour it made me do some thinking. Does the company make an agent or does the agent make the company? You can have good and bad agents at any Real Estate Firm. What matters is that your agent is ethical, honest, diligent, professional and a person you feel you can relate to for your real estate needs. I believe you will start to see some of their agents leave and move back to a franchise company like Century 21 and Remax. Its hard to complete against a major francsises when it comes to TV, radio, print and online Marketing. You will notice when you search for Real Estate Century 21 remains up top. Even Locally in Charleston Century 21 has the dominent online market share.

Creaturo and Associates of Century 21 Beachside Real Estate, has helped many families over the last fifteen years relocate to our area, and local families move up or size down. We would love an opportunity to meet you and assist you with your real estate needs.

Darcy Creaturo has been a Realtor for Eight years and mother of three. By nature, I’m a caregiver, and I believe in the personal touch. I’ve met so many wonderful people, and I’ve made so many friends since I’ve become a Realtor. I understand the stress that relocating or trying to find the right home can have on a family. My experience and compassion for my job can greatly benefit you!

Dave Creaturo moved to the area, Isle of Palms, in August of 1995 with his family. My mother, a real estate agent for 20 years, is the one responsible for leading me towards a career in real estate. The real estate side of my life began nearly 3 years ago when Darlene Creaturo (my mother) and I decided to marry her strong real estate background with my marketing and internet skills. Darcy Creaturo, A power house leader in the real estate community, has taught me the fundamentals of the business. She also makes sure I treat each client as if they were part of the family. The partnership between the three of us has been successful and enjoyable. We believe that our team offers you, the prospective client, service that is a notch better than any of our competition.

Charleston, SC is the city of history, beaches, parks, museums, great schools, wonderful malls, great sports, many universities and colleges, live entertainment, lush trees, boating and swimming activities .The Falls are spectacular!! You are only minutes from the ocean, and a few hours from the mountains. You can not find a more wholesome place to raise your family. There are so many reasons you should live in Charleston that I can not name them all. You just have to see Charleston and experience it for yourself.

We would like to be your first point of contact for your home buying process. We can help you in the initial stage by providing you with active home listings and great information on Charleston and the surrounding areas including financial, business and school resources. Then, if you are not working with an agent already, our Team can represent you and your best interests in finding and closing on the home of your dreams. We specialize in the resale market and new homes.

What does .0076% mean to the Mortgage industry

Obviously, it is an extremely small number. It is 76 ten-thousandths of 1 percent, that’s tiny! It is also represents the percentage of sub-prime loans compared to all outstanding loans in the United States. It is time for some perspective!

There are currently $9.9 trillion dollars in mortgage loans in the United States. Of that $9.9 trillion, there is only $75 billion in sub-prime loans or .0076%. Is this .0076% really worth all of the negative attention the media is giving it? Absolutely not!

Why is the media giving the sub-prime “melt down” so much publicity? Obviously, the numbers above are probably a bit staggering to you compared to what the media is telling us. The true reason the media is harping on the sub-prime sector is that many Fortune 100 and 500 Companies have purchased financial products as assets that have sub-prime loans within the product. In years past, there has been a large rate of return on these products. However, these companies now have to write off some of the profits they have received and that is why the media is having a field day. What about the hundreds of billions of dollars they have made on sub prime loans over the last 6 years?

The market is great and I think these numbers will put into perspective the skewed representation from the media that the industry is receiving. Rates are great and this is the perfect time to buy up!!!

Other numbers to keep in mind:

99.9924% is the percentage of home loans that are NOT sub-prime loans

97.4% of all mortgages are current and being paid on time

6.9% is the average yearly rate of appreciation of homes since 1952

30% of all homes in the United States are paid off

This information was given to me by Steve Fisher of Century 21 Beachside real estate in charleston South Carolina