Coach Bags, Manolo Blahnik shoes, Chanel Fragrance, the latest boots and the coolest jeans will NOT be found on every corner in Beaufort, SC. I know, I know, don't cry. I was once that girl. Before living in Beaufort, I lived in downtown Atlanta. Atlanta...ahhh, the nightlife, the endless shopping extravaganza, the latest gadgets and gifts, the aroma of Starbucks at every turn and did I mention the shopping???         Those were the days... I thought Now instead of Coach Bags, Ihave Seagrass Baskets. Instead of Manolo Blahnik strappy heels, I have Palmetto Flip Flops. Chanel Fragrance is replaced by the smell of Jamaica Joe sunscreen and tutti-frutty sno cones. The latest fashion is almost always comfy cotton, sun kissed skin, and a read more than once southern novel. The nightlife is a... 02/02/2012

As a Mississippi girl, sharks were nothing more than a looming memory of the ominous music played before a massive creature attacked some unsuspecting characters dressed in a most unforgettable and somewhat unforgiving wardrobe from the late 70's. So now I am in beautiful Beaufort and what do I catch while attempting to hook a trout or two.....Mr. Bonnethead himself. Now, please, before anyone fusses about our mistreatment of the wonderful marine life, you should know Mr. Bonnethead is swimming happily in the saltwater estuaries of the lowcountry. This was my first experience with this type shark. He was quite the fighter...we had no idea what awaited us on the end of our shrimp baited "stopper" (now, let me explain....in Mississippi we refer to the so called cork as a stopper, understa... 01/31/2012

Each morning begins with a balancing act that consists of basic necessity, socially accepted behavior, missing keys, matted make up and the attempt to make it out the front door with all necessary clothing. Certainly there is a long list of pro's of being a woman; many of which can be used at the drop of a hat when needed, conjured up to perfection when pushed into a corner, and delivered with a powerful punch in moments; however, it is without a doubt a power that comes with great responsibility and even greater challenges.    Early training of these fine female faculties began with the simple understanding that my father could, in fact, be swayed. His firm stance on no pigs in the house was one deserving of debate. Porky was my friend, my pet and most times better behaved than my sibl... 01/27/2012

New Construction Selling in Beaufort!The new year is bringing lots of sales in the new construction segment of the Beaufort South Carolina market!Somerset Point is leading the way with at least 4 closings and several more slated to close soon.  Price ranges there are falling between $199,900 and $259,900.  There is also some great in fill construction in the Nickles Place subdivision just off Holly Hall Road like this house at 6 Katelyn's Way.  This new home will be done in early February, has great schools, and sits on a pond front lot.  Coming in at $205,000, it will probably be under contract before it's finished.Getting off the island, Librety Point probably leads the way with at least 3 closed and 10- yes 10!!- under contract!  The prices in Librety Point start at just $149,000- a ... 01/25/2012

Facebook has turned upside down with the new timeline feature. Our local MLS has changed so many templates my head is spinning. My coffee pot is now a manual-necessary Keurig and in keeping with the constant confusion Active Rain has gone all fancy. How can this be? I do my best to keep up, truly I do. It seems that the good things scramble to make themselves better and the bad revolve to worse. My tennis shoes are even technical these days. I sound like my grandmother, I realize; however, does anything really stay the same? I suppose I will enjoy a moment of vivacious venting then buckle up to take the learning curve. Such is our job, our industry and our lives; it is a fast paced fury we live in and learning to adapt is a requirement loved or not. With a pout that could rival the Quee... 01/24/2012

One pig chose straw, one chose sticks, one chose a solid foundation. Painful lesson after painful, expensive lesson paves the way to a house built strong enough to withstand the threat of even the scariest of wolves. Building a home and a community is no longer black and white, it can't be drawn on plats or surveyed through systems. It can be imitated but never replicated. The world of new construction is no longer the box planned community of late. There is a psychology, a calculated approach, and a required versatility that many can't muster. The big builders have teams working around the clock to break the code of new construction. Marketing and statistical teams scurry around as if joined in a scavenger hunt looking for clues and markings that will gain access to the treasure that i... 01/12/2012

Ladys Island offers tremendous schools, lush landscaping, wonderful proximity to public boat landings and beaches. It also enjoys the lowest property taxes and some of the most breathtaking views, all just moments from historic downtown Beaufort. Somerset Point compliments the already desirable area of Ladys Islands and invites those searching for larger yards, natural surroundings, and a fabulous family atmosphere. Without a doubt, Somerset Point is one of Beaufort's most popular new communities.  With six gorgeous floorplans, new home owners combine impressive included features with excellent craftsmanship and detail. Somerset Point offers 4, even 5 bedroom homes. We now have three homes that will be ready for new owners in just a few weeks.  Visit Somerset Point to View 3 Homes set f... 01/10/2012

So you can't put it off any longer. It is time to de-clutter, repaint, redo, clean like a crazy person, but Sellers, don't forget to Ask The Important Questions! I know the information is coming at you at the speed of light, but few things are as crucial as the brief list below. When you meet with prospective Realtors make sure you get answers to the following: 1. How many listings do you have? Ok, (before listing gurus come to lynch me) having many listings IS NOT necessarily a bad thing; however, having too many for too long IS a bad thing. There are some Realtors who are listing junkies. They crave it, need it, can't wait to get it....then they forget it. Obviously the average days on the market has increased recently. and good Realtor will quickly update you on those stats as well. ... 01/07/2012

There's truly something for everyone in Beaufort, South Carolina. Whether your choice is gated communities, close knit neighborhoods, or open rural fields; Beaufort has it all. Here's some information about just a few of the popular communities nestled within our coastal gem.   Battery Point Beautiful southern-style architecture and lovely streetscape combine to make a community that is uniquely Beaufort. All homes have front and back porches to capture the ever-present breezes from Battery Creek. Amenities include the community dock, pool, tennis courts, and the water views from many streets. This is all-inclusive for about $575 per year. Couple this with low property taxes, and it's one of the most prestigious, yet affordable, neighborhoods in Beaufort. Any given day, you're likely to... 01/07/2012

Finding the best neighborhoods in Beaufort South Carolina is somewhat like finding the prettiest girl in the beauty pageant. We are so fortunate to have so many charming neighborhoods that picking just a few can be a challenge. The list below are just some of our favorites and the reasons why! If you are considering a move to Beaufort South Carolina and need information on the best communities, most popular neighborhoods, and homes near our award winning schools; just browse our list below and give us a call. Somerset Point We LOVE this community. We love the natural lush landscaping, the backdrop of the Coosaw River, the large size yards, the southern architecture, the open space parks and so much more. We love that this new community has broken record after record in the new construct... 01/07/2012

3 Bedroom 2 bath home in Salem Point for $165,000 Beaufort South Carolina This Ain't Your Grandma's House! Well, OK, maybe it could have been, but it sure isn't now!  BeaufortHomeTeam is proud to offer this 3 bedroom 2 bath brick ranch sits on just about 2/3rds of an acre in stately Salem Point Plantation.  This brick and vinyl home has been updated with a lot of big ticket items, but there is plenty of room for your personal touch. All the original windows have been replaced with new, high quality vinyl insulated windows, lots of the flooring has been updated to a pine shade laminate, and the kitchen has new counter tops and appliances.  Can you say MOVE IN READY?? One of my favorite features is the covered front porch with brick arch.  Not only are you not going to find that on a newe... 01/06/2012

You have put it off long enough. It is time to sell your property. Maybe you have outgrown the small three bedrooms, possibly your five large bedrooms have outgrown you; whatever the circumstance it is time to slide down from the fence, contact a Realtor and begin your selling journey. There is no need for a psychiatrist on retainer, your boxing gloves can remain in the attic, and unlike two years ago, you may not even have to give your property away wrapped in a bright red bow! Times have changed, yet again. Realtors are not running from listing to listing with a fanny pack full of full priced offers but sellers are feeling a subtle rattle from the long awaited shift. It isn’t earth shattering, and dreams of striking the property pot of gold may be a bit far-fetched, but the slow rumbl... 01/06/2012

More and more time is spent communicating, socializng, shopping, and researching on social media sites. It is only logical that real estate be included in the vast world of Facebook fun. I am able to keep up with friends, clients, colleagues, and news reports just by logging in a taking a quick glance at the day's updates. It is my intention to keep my personal Facebook page, well as personal as Facebook can be while maintaining a public profile for my business on my business page. I doubt that my clients care to see photos of me fishing, kayaking or those lovely little flashback kindergarten photos my mother so enjoys posting. My business page allows me to send out short informative posts, helpful hints, tips and even market udpates without interferring with my clients' day. Now I can ... 01/03/2012

The confetti settles, the resolutions resolve, and anxiously we begin the year we shall rush to bid farewell. Change is exciting, it brings about a certain energy to begin, to end, and to improve things within our lives that gave us such fits in 2011. January 1, everyone is a winner, a saint, a fitness pro, and basically a better person all around.   Each has his or her own battle. Although mine falls in line with the usual suspects; it is slightly different. A few months ago, my favorite little escape closed its doors. It was my heaven, my sanity, my alternative to a life of crime. No matter how difficult the day, regardless of the barrage of real estate rocks hurled fiercely in my direction, I found solace in Celadon.   Crawling, stumbling, or skipping through the doors was my bandag... 01/01/2012

cherimie | Ballenger Realty | (843) 812-2090 13 OSPREY, Beaufort, SC Brand New Construction Beaufort South Carolina 4BR/3+1BA Single Family House offered at $265,310 Year Built Unspecified Sq Footage 2,246 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size .38 acres HOA/Maint $440 per month DESCRIPTION Manorhouse Builders of South Carolina are so excited to offer exquisite, brand new homes for those seeking the convenience of Ladys Island. New homesare available on or near the water or close by in the wooded interior. The community consists of 120-acres of land with available homesites overlooking theCoosaw River. This particular floorplan has a beautiful 20ft vaulted foyer, granite countertops, kitchen island, two master suites (one upstairs one down), a scr... 12/28/2011

Whilst many are buried in black-eyed peas, covered in collards, and reflecting on revolving resolutions, I spend this crucial time of year reshaping, re-evaluating, and even removing aspects of my business. With new tools, technology, and information coming at us at the speed of twinkling light, it is imperative to carefully select those that are both productive and practical. Just as important to weed through the time wasters, and bid them farewell. How simple it becomes to get quite comfy with success. In the past three years my group has been substantially fortunate (that coincides with substantially exhausted as well) to be at the top. Even in the dire straits of 2009 we found ways to succeed. I am most proud of those times. In the midst of serving our clients, we became somewhat st... 12/27/2011

Like a clean kitchen, a blank piece of paper, and sheets from the dryer, the New Year lends a sense of potential seasoned perfectly with hope and intention. We began 2011 with a cautionary step inherited from the difficulty of 2010. Instead of shock and awe of the destructive path of the economy or the disbelief that one may need to reconsider a budget founded on frivolous frolics, we met 2011 with a Monday mentality of getting the job done or even getting through the day. In 2011 we accepted the challenges begrudgingly but accepted nonetheless. No longer crying in our cappuccinos, moaning in our mochas; we pulled up our well-worn bootstraps and ran through the mine field dodging and swaying the shrapnel from years of indulgence. We laughed at the scrapes, bandaged the wounds, and roare... 12/26/2011

        We now have The Water View Collection that offers over 2900sqft homes with breathtaking views of the Coosaw River. Starting at $359,900! (We are happy to deliver a complete information package!)   When buyers choose our preferred lender/attorney they receive $4500 in closing cost assistance.  Somerset Point is located near the award winning Coosaw Point Elementary.   We have homes that will be ready to move in January 30, February 25, and March 15!   Somerset Point offers a 1% Beaufort's Best (police, firefighters, teachers, military, nurses...) incentive off the purchase price? As well as $2500 in options for new residents!     12/12/2011

As Christmas approaches at the speed of light, I realize my since of humor (and egg nog) will be my saving grace yet again:) On the first day of Christmas my buyers gave to me....a list of a million homes to see   On the second day of Christmas my buyers gave to me...two scores below 500 and a list of a million homes to see. On the third day of Christmas my buyers gave to me..three french words Two scores below 500, ~and a list of a million homes to see.     On the fourth day of Christmas my buyers gave to me...four decisions to rent Three french words Two scores below 500 ~and a list of a million homes to see. On the fifth day of Christmas my buyers gave to me..Five new short sales Four decisions to rent Three french words Two scores below 500 ~and a list of a million homes to see On t... 12/12/2011

As I rush to the mailbox in search of the red and green nuggets of holiday humor, check-ins and cheer it occurred to me that every single person I know has had an absolutely fabulous year. It is astonishing really. The letters are full of seamless perfection, everyone’s kids have been angels straight from heaven, relationships are right out of The Notebook, jobs are sweet moments of magic, and the family pet might as well run for president. I just get all warm and fuzzy inside reading the joyous notes from so many of my friends, family, and even a few people I may or may not know. It is nothing short of a Christmas miracle. Stacking the cards, notes, and novels of nobility I couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if I wrote my own Christmas letter. After all it has been quite a year... 12/07/2011