February 2011

Activity breeds activity, and nowhere is that more evident in real estate. New construction is a sign of a healthy development. When you ride through a neighborhood with lots of vacant homesites, but no ongoing construction, watch out. Certainly, Beaufort has seen some developments flame out since 2006, when our real estate market began to slow.

However, several developers are in the process of trying to spark new life into some of these communities, and that's a very healthy sign.

Hamilton Village, an upscale condo complex on Lady's Island, overlooks Factory Creek and downtown Beaufort, and is another example of a developer who has changed priced point in an effort to move property. Originally priced in the $700,000-plus range, these beautiful

…

One of the best friends a Beaufort, SC Realtor has is Hunting Island State Park. Talk about a sales tool. Located about 20 minutes east of downtown Beaufort, SC, Hunting Island sports three miles of some of the most unique beach you'll find anywhere in the world.  The maritime forest extends all the way to the beach area. In fact, the terrain of the park is so  unique that it has doubled for Asian jungle scenery in films such as "Forrest Gump" and "The Jungle Book."

So, we Realtors are very happy to be able to offer this incredible amenity to anyone thinking of either moving to the Beaufort area, or just in town for a visit.

There are miles of walking trails, which can also be used for bicycle use, and one of the top camp grounds in the state.

Most

…

Battery Point is one of the terrific neighborhoods in Beaufort, SC. Developed in the mid-1990s, Battery Point is one of the "neo-traditional" neighborhoods which flourished in Beaufort during this time period. Newpoint, Habersham, and Broad Street are other examples of this type of development, which captures the cultural rhythm and architectural style of early 20th Century coastal towns like Beaufort and Charleston.

Battery Point is a well-thought out community. Mail pickup is located at centralized locations, to encourage interaction among residents, and Battery Point front porch allows residents to visit each other from their own property.

I noted to the homeowner that foreclosures and short sales have impacted Battery Point, as they have just about

…

If a home design team were to try and create a camellia-studded mini-estate, with a French flair, in the heart of a charming coastal town, SC,  they might do something like 760 Ribaut Road, a fantastic home in downtown Beaufort, SC. The home was just listed for $649,000.

This four-bedroom, three bath home was built in 1950, and almost totally renovated in 2003. 760 Ribaut Road is located on Ribaut Road, one of downtown Beaufort's best residential addresses. The 1.2 acre homesite explodes with hundreds of camellias in the spring time. The trees are spectacular, and the landscaping is among the best you'll find in downtown Beaufort.

With more than 2500-square feet, the home was designed for both outdoor and indoor living.

With its floor to ceiling

…

While researching land opportunities for a buyer-client, we have really been turning up some 5-star opportunities. In addition to our own research, we solicited ideas from members of the Beaufort Country Association of Realtors, and were really blown away with some of the opportunities which have surfaced.

Take Lady's Island, for instance. Waterfront homesites overlooking Factory Creek and the Intracoastal Waterway sold in the $300,000 just a few years ago. Now, there is one available which can be had for $199,000, and this would include 53 feet of slip space at the Lady's Island Marina, right across the Intracoastal Waterway from downtown Beaufort. Although located on Lady's Island, this property is a leisurely walk to Bay Street in downtown

…

Port Royal, Beaufort, SC's sister town, has been one of the true real estate dynamos of Northern Beaufort County in recent years.

With plans in place to redevelopment about 50 acres of property along the deepwater of Battery Creek, Port Royal seems like an area ready to launch a real estate renaissance.

In 2010, a Charleston developer signed a deal to purchase the Port or Port Royal, a deal which real estate observers believe could will help reignite excitement and urgency in the local real estate market. The Beaufort Gazette recently named this deal as the top news story of 2010.

In terms of real estate, the Town of Port Royal has been in growth mode in recent years, annexing it's way out of its old downtown corridor along Paris Avenue, and…