Dataw Island Home Sales Better than Expected in 2009

Today I thought we could take a look at the 2009 Dataw Island housing market.  This subdivision is the most popular retirement community in the Beaufort area.  I looked at this area because while the remainder of Beaufort Country was hit very hard in 2008 by the real estate slump, Dataw bucked that trend.  In 2008, no community in the local MLS witnessed more closings than Dataw Island.  The island saw 34 houses change hands which was extraordinary considering the state of our market.  What's even more impressive is that twelve of the fore mentioned transactions were above $500,000.  I am certainly not saying sales were not down from the glory years of 2005 and 2006.  What I am saying is while affected, this neighborhood hasn't seen the decline that virtually all others have experienced.

For the current year, five residences have sold, and there are currently 5 more under contract.  You might say, "But that's only 10 sales this year?"  Please understand we still have the most active summer sales months ahead.  At this time last year, only 14 homes had sold on Dataw.  I expect 2009 sales to parellel 2008 closely, and considering the Beaufort real estate market as a whole is at a 24% decline from last year, Dataw continues to buck the housing catastrophe we have experienced.  To Dataw Island realtors and home sellers, that is great news.  So if you are looking for a semi-recession proof place to buy a home, look no farther than Dataw Island.