Why Selling Now Makes Sense

Home owners who are reluctant to sell because prices have fallen, should do the math, and realize that the market downturn could work in their favor, say practitioners in hard-hit, but still pricey Boston.

Their reasoning may work in many other parts of the country as well.

"People are finding houses at prices they thought they'd never see again," says David W. O'Neil of Century 21 Spindler & O'Neil Associates in suburban Boston.

O’Neil points out to potential sellers that if the house a buyer covets used to be $500,000 but its price has fallen 20 percent to $400,000, it is a deal, even if the buyer’s own home also has lost 20 percent of its value.

In general, the toughest sell is people who bought about four years ago at the height of the market, says Zur Attias of The Attias Group at Barrett & Co. in Concord, Mass. But even for these home owners, selling now may make sense as long as they can at least break even.

He argues that almost everyone forgoes something, and probably several things, that he or she wanted when buying a house. For instance, the home may be in the right school district, but on a busy street. Or it may in a great neighborhood, but it's a Cape, not a Colonial. These are things Attias calls "unchangeables."

He says it’s a good time to sell if a seller can get rid of the most negative unchangeables in his current home, and replace them with better unchangeables in a new home. Once the market really turns around, the growth will be bigger in the better house, he predicts.

Spacious Home in Wagener Terrace

76 Darlington Avenue

Wagener Terrace

Asking Price $649,000

Fantastic Wagener Terrace Bungalow. This home has been well cared for and maintined, attention to detail and the time period the home was built has been preserved. Hardwood floors and crown moulding throughout home. Brick walkway leads to front screen porch to sit and enjoy morning coffee. Living Room is bright with original fixture, built in display cabinet with lighting, and a coat closet. Original Dining Room offers 4 built in display cabinets, two of them are lighted, and a ceiling fan. Spacious Kitchen has ceramic tile floor, Heart of Pine 19th Century Wood Counters, island with granite top and extra storage, stainless gas stove and hood is close to brand new, recessed lighting, double bowl porcelain sink with two drying stations, solid wood cabinets, ceramic backsplash, original closet ironing board. Archway leads to huge pantry with built in shelves and washer and dryer connection. Bright and Sunny Sunroom was recently added and wraps around the back of the home. Sunroom features lots of storage space and the spot for all of your plants, a corner cabinet with a Lazy Susan, three ceiling fans, seperate heating and cooling system is one year old. Two sets of French doors lead to third bedroom that is currently used as the Dining Room which features a period light fixture. Block glass transom above both French doors. Front bedroom is quite large, has two closets and a ceiling fan. All of the closets have lights. All of the doors are original and most have original glass handles as well. High baseboards throughout. Middle Bedroom has access to the sunporch, a ceiling fan, and a nice size closet. Hallway offers a large storage closet under the stairs, an archway to match the kitchen, and built in shelves to store and display your china. Downstairs Bathroom has been redone with black & white flooring to match the original floor and the original wall tile, linen closet, tub and shower combo, newer pedestal sink looks like it is from 1945, built in medicine cabinet, and mirror lined doors. Upstairs has been opened up and is currently being used as library, but could be a terrific Master Suite or two seperate bedrooms. Upstairs has storage galore. Attached bookcases will convey. Heart of pine flooring, built in daybeds over the airducts, and a cedar lined closet. Upstairs bathroom has glass block window, ceramic floor, claw foot tub with handheld shower, and medicine cabinet that is original to the home. Attic fan is upstairs and is used to cool the home most of the year. Wrap around deck is off of the second floor to enjoy your afternoons reading. Backyard features a 200 year old pecan tree, azaleas, gardenia, oleander, rose bushes, elephant ears, cannas, hydrangeas, and amarylis. Outside pavilion with a ceramic tile floor will soon be covered with Carolina Jasmine. Backyard border is old ship ballast that were found in the yard. Home has gutters, a carport, and under the house storage. Front yard has a new picket fence with an antique wrought iron gate, rose of sharon, crepe myrtle, oleander, azaleas, gardenias, large oak, hydrangeas, and a tulip tree. Two sets of workable hurricane shutters. Home was rewired in 1996, 30 year Architecture Shingle roof put on in 2002. Buyer to verify square footage, schools, taxes, and anything else deemed important.

Minutes to Sullivans Island

1481 Center St. Extension, # 1102

Bay Club Sea Lofts

Asking Price $155,000

Enjoy the convenience of this bright and cheery 1st floor unit. There is a wood burning fireplace in the living room, just off the living room is the covered porch. Dining area is large enough for a table and chairs. The kitchen was recently updated, with new countertops and appliances. The master is a good size with ceiling fan and walk-in closet. The bathroom has 2 entrances so that guests will have no need to enter through the bedroom. Sit on the deck and enjoy a great view of the pond. The club house with swimming pool, barbecue and exercise room are a few steps from your front door. Just minutes to the beach or Shem Creek and easy acess to downtown Charleston. You can't beat this location or price.

Live Close to Folly Beach

1710 Lotus Lane
Ocean Neighbors
Asking Price $310,000

MINUTES FROM FOLLY BEACH AND DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON. THIS VERY ATTRACTIVE HOME AWAITS YOU IN ONE OF JAMES ISLAND'S MOST POPULAR NEIGHBORHOODS. SPACIOUS, OPEN AND BRIGHT DESCRIBE THIS HOME BEST. HARDWOOD FLOORS IN ENTRY, LIVING ROOM, AND KITCHEN. UPON ENTERING THE HOME, YOU'LL FIND THE FORMAL LIVING ROOM IS OFF TO YOUR RIGHT, YOU'LL CONTINUE INTO THE VERY INVITING FAMILY ROOM, FEATURING A GAS BURNING FIREPLACE AND TONS OF NATURAL LIGHT. THE SCREEN PORCH IS JUST OFF THE FAMILY ROOM, THE SCREEN PORCH IS LARGE ENOUGH FOR A TABLE AND CHAIRS OR ANY OUTDOOR FURNITURE, IT'S A PERFECT LOCATION TO RELAX AFTER A LONG DAY. ONLY A FEW STEPS DOWN AND YOU'RE IN A HUGE PRIVATE BACKYARD, YARD IS A GREAT SIZE FOR CHILDREN TO PLAY OR FOR YOUR SUMMERTIME COOKOUTS. KITCHEN IS BRIGHT AND OPEN TO THE FAMILY ROOM, IT'S PERFECT FOR THOSE WHO LIKE TO ENTERTAIN, BUT DON'T WANT TO BE AWAY FROM THEIR GUESTS IN A CLOSED OFF KITCHEN. THE KITCHEN FEATURES SOLID SURFACE COUNTERTOPS AND WHITE CABINETS. THE LAUNDRY ROOM IS OFF THE KITCHEN ON THE WAY TO THE 2 CAR GARAGE. ALL BEDROOMS ARE UPSTAIRS. THE MASTER IS LARGE WITH A TRAY CEILING, CEILING FAN, WALK-IN CLOSET, PRIVATE BATH WITH JETTED TUB AND SEPARATE SHOWER. THERE'S ALSO A GLASS BLOCK WINDOW TO ALLOW LIGHT BUT MAINTAIN PRIVAICY. THE BATHROOM FLOORS ARE CERAMIC TILE. THE OTHER 2 BEDROOMS ARE AMPLE IN SIZE WITH GOOD SIZED CLOSETS. THE 4TH BEDROOM IS THE FROG, AND COULD BE USED AS A BONUS ROOM. THE HOME IS NICELY LANDSCAPED AND A SHORT WALK TO THE PLAY PARK. DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS ONE! A ONE YEAR HOME WARRANTY IS BEING OFFERED WITH THIS HOME.

Charming Home in Wagener Terrace

897 Ashley Avenue

Wagener Terrace

Asking Price $299,900

SELLER MUST SELL! BRING ALL OFFERS! Move right into this wonderful three bedroom, one bath bungalow in sought after Wagener Terrace. Wagener Terrace is a quiet neighborhood just minutes to Downtown restaurants, Historic sites, MUSC, and walking distance to Hampton Park and The Citadel. Roomy front porch is the perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee. This home has been completely redone and features refinished hardwood floors throughout, fresh paint, highbaseboards, and beautifully landscaped yard with fruit bearing trees. This home is bright and sunny with many windows and a well proportioned layout. Living and Dining Rooms both have crown molding and a traditional archway for seperation. All of the light fixtures are new. Kitchen offers 42" white cabinets, new pulls, electric range, dishwasher, new built in microwave, crown molding, and a huge pantry. All of the bedrooms are spacious and offer great closet space. Bathroom is a nice size and has a brand new sink and cultured marble countertop. Private deck and backyard for entertaining. Laundry room is off of the deck. Attic has tons of floored storage space. Transferable termite bond. Buyer to verify schools, taxes, square footage, and anything else deemed important.

Modern Condo in Downtown Charleston

204 Sans Souci, # 4A

Wagener Terrace

Asking Price $375,000

Enjoy the Ashley River sunset every night from this stunning one of a kind condo. Breathtaking views of the Ashley River abound from almost every room. This home has gleaming hardwood floors throughout and is filled with light. Living room is open and has built in display shelves and a ceiling fan. Dining area has a built in china cabinet. Galley style kitchen with plenty of cabinets including some with glass fronts, electric range, refrigerator, dishwasher, double sinks, recessed lighting and a ceiling fan. Downstairs study could be closed in to become true third bedroom again. Upstairs and downstairs bath with original wall tile, cabinet sink, pewter fixtures, and a lattice work medicine cabinet. Small patio off the dining room. Laundry closet is downstairs. Both bedrooms upstairs offer multiple closets, molding, ceiling fans, and a view of the river from the back bedroom. Upstairs den features built in display shelves, ceiling fan, wall to wall closets, and wonderful views. This home is filled with closet space. Seperate loft area is perfect for your office with its built in bookcases. Condo comes with two assigned parking spots. One year Global Home Warranty to buyer at closing. New Muller windows installed in 2002. Regime covers water bill, pool and lawn maintenance, exterior maintenance, termite bond, some insurance, and this unit gets 2 votes. Buyer to verify schools, square footage, taxes, and HOA fees. The average electric bill during the summer months is less than $175; during the the other months the bill averages around $75 per month.

Great Home on James Island

1149 Clearspring Drive

Ocean Neighbors

Asking Price $305,000

This attractive home is ready for you to move in. The entrance has crown molding, wood floors, and coat closet. The spacious living area offers beautiful hardwood floors, cathedral ceiling, gas fireplace with granite surround and a white mantle, TV cutout over fireplace. Galley style Kitchen has wood floors, white cabinets, corian counters, double sink, smooth top stove, built in microwave, dishwasher, and pantry. Dining area has a large picture window and brass chandelier. Living area offers access to screen porch and large backyard. The backyard also has privacy fence and a patio for your grill. Master Bedroom is spacious with a huge walk in closet, tray ceiling, recessed lighting, crown molding, a jetted garden tub, and block window for privacy, separate shower, and dual vanities. All of the bedrooms have Berber carpet. Two guest bedrooms have ceiling fans, good closet space, and are split from master for added privacy. Fourth bedroom is quite large with a good size closet and ceiling fan. Laundry closet is off of the Kitchen. Buyer to verify schools, taxes, square footage, HOA fees, and anything else deemed important. A One-Year Global Home Warranty to Buyer at closing.

Completely Restored Home in Wagener Terrace

60 Devereaux

Wagener Terrace

Asking Price $499,000

This Beautiful Home is priced to sell. It has been completely renovated and is just across the street from the Ashley River. Every attention to detail was made in this restoration. The floors, roof, HVAC, driveway, wiring, sheetrock, and plumbing are all new. Entry way has original beveled glass sidelight, flagstone flooring, and an oil rubbed bronze fixture which you will find throughout this home. There is also crown molding and hardwood floors throughout the home. Bright and sunny living room and dining room has a large picture window for Ashley River views, recessed lighting, a beautiful hand carved marble mantle around the gas fireplace, a spot for your TV, and a lovely chandelier over the dining table. The kitchen is a cook's delight with plenty of maple cabinets finished with a pewter glaze, granite counters, Jenn Air Stainless Micro Gas Range, built in microwave, dishwasher, "French Door" refrigerator, pantry, and enough room for a bistro table. Laundry closet is perfect for a nice sized stackable. You will also find a large coat closet and a linen closet. The Master Bedroom is quite spacious with an incredible walk in closet, recess lighting, ceiling fan, double vanity, with stand up tiled shower, and 14" tile flooring in the bath. The other two bedrooms are a nice size with ample closet space. Buyer to verify schools, taxes, square footage, and anything else deemed important. One year Global Home Warranty provided to buyer at closing.

Beautiful Home in Gated Community

2935 Riverwood Drive

Dunes West

Asking Price $479,900

Beautiful home on lovely pond lot in gated Dunes West neighborhood. Downstairs features wood floors and crown molding. Wide entry flanked with formal living room and formal dining room. Dining Room has a pretty chandelier, chair rail, and wainscoting. Powder room has upgraded fixtures and a pedestal sink. Family Room is open to the kitchen and has great views of the pond. Family Room also features a gas fireplace with built in bookcases on each side, a ceiling fan, recessed lighting and spot lighting on the fireplace. Spacious and bright Kitchen has plenty of upgraded maple cabinets, granite counters, sunken double sink, two pantries, black appliances include electric cook top, wall oven and microwave, dishwasher, disposal, recessed lighting, breakfast counter, and eat in breakfast area with pond views. Enjoy your morning coffee on the screen porch. All of the bedrooms are upstairs. Master Suite features a double door entry, tray ceiling, crown molding, a large bay window to enjoy the pond, double closets, 12" ceramic tile floor in bath, double vanity, jetted tub, separate stand up shower, and a private toilet closet. Laundry Room is upstairs for convenience. Second Bedroom is a good size with a large closet and offers a private entrance to the hall bath. Third bedroom is also a nice size with good closet space. Fourth Bedroom is sunken Bonus Room with a huge walk in closet and extra attic storage. Dunes West is filled with walking trails. Dunes West offers extra amenities for an extra charge such as golf, tennis, swimming pool, and an exercise area. Buyer to verify taxes, square footage, schools, HOA fees, and anything else deemed important.

Downtown River Front Condo Only $315,000

15 Fifth Avenue

Wagener Terrace

Asking Price $315,000

Back on the Market and Priced to Sell!!! Enjoy the Ashley River and the best sunset in town every evening from your screen porch. Fantastic two bedroom, one and a half bath townhome in sought after Wagener Terrace. Bright and sunny living room has parquet flooring and a huge picture window with a window seat. Brick area under staircase would be perfect for a fountain or all of your house plants. Dining area also has parquet flooring and is open to the kitchen. The kitchen is a galley style with lots of cabinets, refrigerator will convey in ASIS condition, electric range, double sink, garbage disposal, and eat at bar area. Powder room is downstairs. Large laundry room with washer and dryer that will convey in ASIS condition. Sliding glass door leads to covered patio and small yard with incredible views of the Ashley River. Master bedroom is quite spacious and has the magnificent Ashley River views plus the screen porch to enjoy year round. Both bedrooms share the bathroom. Master has a private sink, ceiling fan, and a walk in closet. Second bedroom is a great size with a large closet and a ceiling fan. Buyer to verify taxes, square footage, schools, and anything else they deem important. One year Global Home Warranty to buyer at closing.

Minutes to Folly Beach Under $300,000

1603 Angelfish Court
Ocean Neighbors
Asking Price $296,000




Move right into this beautiful home minutes to Folly Beach and an easy commute to Downtown Charleston. Downstairs has hardwood flooring. Living Room features a cathedral ceiling, ceiling fan, and a gas fireplace. Dining Room is has columned entrance with crown molding, chair rail, and an elegant chandelier. Spacious Kitchen has lots of white cabinets and counter space, electric range, built in microwave, tile backsplash, dishwasher, double sink, garbage disposal, large breakfast area, ceiling fan, a seperate room for the pantry and laundry. Huge deck is off the kitchen for all of your summer BBQ's. Powder room has extra cabinet space and a pocket door. All of the bedrooms are upstairs. Master Bedroom features a tray ceiling, large walk in closet, crown molding, bath with ceramic tile, double vanity, jetted tub with a block glass window, and seperate shower. Other two bedrooms are a nice size with great closet space, ceiling fans, crown molding, and a Jack and Jill bath. Neighborhood has a play park. Buyer to verify schools, taxes, square footage, HOA fees, and anything else deemed important. One year Global Home Warranty provided to Buyer at closing.

West Ashley Home For Sale Only $185,000

187 Briarwood Drive, Shadowmoss Plantation

Asking Price $185,000





This home is immaculate and ready for you to move right in. Living Room is carpeted, has a cathedral ceiling, fireplace with a pretty wood mantle and marble surround, ceiling fan, door to side yard, coat closet, and is open to the kitchen. Kitchen features pretty wood cabinets, black appliances, new stove, dishwasher, new garbage disposal, double sink, cathedral ceiling, and a dining area with a brass chandelier. Master Bedroom is a great size with a plant shelf, walk in closet, vaulted ceiling, ceiling fan, and a private entrance to the back yard. Other two bedrooms are both a good size. Home has new HVAC and hot water heater. Back yard offers a patio and a partially privacy fenced yard. Buyer to verify schools, taxes, square footage, and HOA.