Folly Beach Real Estate

Subway Congratulates Healthy Students

By Ashley Thiesen Caldwell | January 17, 2010

One in four of South Carolina’s youth are obese, with one in three high school aged kids being the same. That being said, educating our children on healthy living is a rising trend here in the Lowcountry.

Subway recently announced the grand prize winners in the Subway Fresh Fit Video and Poster Competition. The competition involved nearly 400 students in the Charleston, SC area. Participants showed how they stay healthy and fit by making a poster or video of their daily activities or fitness ideas.

The program is designed to educate students and increase awareness about the nation’s current childhood obesity problem.

Jared Fogle, Subway’s national spokesperson, recently visited Charleston’s winning schools to present the students with their awards.

Logan DiTullio, a freshman at James Island Charter High School (JICHS), and Osbaldo Duarte, a 3rd grader at St. Andrew’s School of Math and Science, were the grand-prize winners! Both students received an awards package, including $1,000 SUBWAY Card and $1,000 fitness grant for their school.

Runners up in the contest, each receiving a $100 SUBWAY Card, are: Brandon DiTullio, a junior at JICHS; Hannah McDermett, a junior at Wando High School; Maddie Granger, a 5th grader at Harborview Elementary School; and a group of 5th graders: Mayra Lomeli-Garcia, Joshua Bailey, DaeQwan Haynes, Destiny Roberts and Victoria Wrighten, attending North Charleston Elementary School.

Subway is the world’s largest sub sandwich franchise with more than 31,000 locations in 91 countries, including over 360 Subway locations in South Carolina.

Topics: General Charleston News, Why Move to Folly Beach? | No Comments »

4th Quarter 2009 Home Sales for Folly Beach

By Ashley Thiesen Caldwell | January 3, 2010

Watch a video on Folly Beach, SC home sales for the 4thQ of 2009. You can search for homes on Folly Beach and get a no obligation tour of the area by calling Bob Brennaman at 843-345-6074.

Folly Beach, SC Real Estate-4thQ 2009- Home Sales @ Yahoo! Video

Topics: Events, Folly Beach Real Estate Market Reports, Folly Beach Town Council, General Charleston News, General--Folly Beach, Home Prices Folly Beach Real Estate, Why Move to Folly Beach? | No Comments »

Folly’s Plan For New Bridges Unveiled

By Ashley Thiesen Caldwell | November 15, 2009

S.C. Department of Transportation officials are now focusing on Folly Road bridge replacement plans, which include the replacement of two key bridges near the entrance to Folly Beach. The new bridges over Folly River and Folly Creek will replace spans more than 50 years old and considered functionally obsolete and structurally deficient.

Like the current bridges, the new bridges will be two lanes each. Additionally, the new bridges will be wider and higher and will include a bike and walking lane. Both new bridges will sit slightly north of the existing bridges. Plans are being developed to include the least possible impact on adjacent areas as well as the surrounding environment.

Many surrounding businesses and complexes have various concerns regarding the new construction. Dozens of people have commented on SCDOT’s plans and have inquired as to the plans for lighting and traffic flow.

SCDOT is still in the development phase and plans have yet to be finalized for general bridge construction.

Topics: Folly Beach Town Council, General Charleston News, General--Folly Beach | No Comments »

Positive Changes at Folly Beach

By Ashley Thiesen Caldwell | September 11, 2009

A few changes are taking place at Folly Beach—all to improve the area for residents and visitors. There’s a new limit on leashed pets, a change to the towing ordinance and a Styrofoam restriction. The changes are very timely and appropriate, considering the residents of Folly Beach are constantly working to improve and maintain their beautiful neighborhood.

Along with the other beaches in the Charleston area, Folly Beach typically allows leashed pets. However, there is a new restriction in place regarding the northeastern end of Folly Beach, an undeveloped area commonly known as a former Coast Guard base. All animals are banned from this area effective immediately.

The property is owned by the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission and is not open to the public. The area is officially zoned as a “protected area for birdlife in general and particularly for all shorebirds,” according to the city.

The official rule: “There shall be no domestic animals whatsoever allowed starting at the gate on the east end of Folly Beach and continuing on the entire parcel known as the Old Coast Guard Base and below and above the high tide line.”

In addition to the new animal restriction, the city of Folly Beach is working to pass an ordinance to prohibit the use of Styrofoam at the beach. The reasoning, according to a city rep, “These products break into tiny pieces all over the beach and make it difficult to pick up and when said Styrofoam is washed into the ocean, it poisons the fish; and … it takes Styrofoam a million years to decompose, which is not good for our environment.”

The final change is aimed at protecting people from “unscrupulous” towing companies. When a person’s car is towed off private property, without the owners’ knowledge, the process of getting their car back is often more than a challenge. There’s apparently been a problem with the towing companies acting in “price gouging and other overly stringent requirements for the return of their vehicles.”

The ordinance lays out six pages of regulations that include a requirement that towing companies have city permits and sets a maximum towing charge of $150. A similar ordinance deals with companies that immobilize vehicles with a “boot” device, also requiring permits and setting top charges.

For more information, contact the City of Folly Beach through their Web site or at 843-708-9474.

Topics: Folly Beach Town Council, General Charleston News, General--Folly Beach, Tourism News Folly Beach South Carolina, Why Move to Folly Beach? | No Comments »

First-Time Home Buyer Credit to Increase?

By Ashley Thiesen Caldwell | August 30, 2009

Good news for prospective homeowners across the country: it’s possible that the first-time home buyer credit will increase from $8,000 to $15,000.

As the housing market continues to struggle, new housing bills have been submitted to the House and Senate. These bills would create the following homebuyer benefits:

* Increase the first-time home buyer tax credit from $8,000 to $15,000.
* Expand the tax credit’s eligibility to apply to any buyer.
* Eliminate the $75,000/$150,000 income cap.
* Extend the tax credit for one year from the date of enactment.

Prime mortgage foreclosures and delinquencies are quickly approaching 20 percent. Many experts feel that now is the right time to increase the tax credit and that it should be available to a wider spectrum of people.

The recent 7.2 percent surge in existing home sales is almost entirely due to sales from the first-time home buyer tax credit and real estate investors feeding off of foreclosures. Hundreds of thousands of Realtors have left the business, shrinking membership in the National Association of Realtors by a double-digit rate.

If you look closer into the existing home sale numbers, it is apparent that even with home prices falling dramatically, sales of higher-priced homes are dwindling. Many home sellers aren’t trading up – they’re either trading even or buying down or just renting.

These facts are not indicative of a successful real estate market. And what has brought this country (and the world) out of our last several recessions? Real estate. Our economy could not exist without it.

So what does all of this mean for you, the prospective buyer? Now is the best time to buy! With the real estate market festering, especially in the higher-priced tier, YOU have an opportunity to benefit. When these bills pass, the $15,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit will be available to you, regardless of your current income.

Not a first time home-buyer? Despite missing out on tax credits, you’ll still be able to profit from the situation. Sales are slow and people are anxious to sell, making this the perfect opportunity for you to put those bargaining skills to the test. You dream house is waiting for you… Carpe Diem!

Topics: Folly Beach Real Estate Market Reports, Home Prices Folly Beach Real Estate, Low Country Real Estate | No Comments »

Rip Currents: A True Threat to Surfers

By Ashley Thiesen Caldwell | August 22, 2009

If you’ve ever visited one of the Lowcountry beaches, you understand their appeal. The beautiful scenery, sunny shores and pristine beach homes mixed with usually perfect weather is hard to resist. As relaxing as the beach may be, the ocean water is very dangerous this time of year.

It’s important to be cognizant of the possible dangers when swimming in the ocean at anytime, but especially with a hurricane off shore. Given the right weather conditions, the tide can be very tough and the currents very strong.

Hurricane Bill is affecting Charleston beaches, and lifeguards are currently debating on whether or not to allow swimmers in the water.

Avid Folly Beach surfers, of course, are excited about the recent wave increase. This time of year, mid-hurricane season, is a favorite among surfers. They enjoy the thrills of high waves, strong rip currents and a moody ocean.

But for the average swimmer, these conditions are deadly.

Surface wind can help create narrow, fast moving channels of water. These channels flowing out to sea are known as rip currents. Being caught in a rip current could potentially be fatal. Knowing what to do if you find yourself in a similar situation can save your life.

Lifeguards at the Isle of Palms, along with local fire rescue teams on jet skis have saved over a dozen lives in the past couple weeks. The situations were a direct result of rip currents. Most swimmers caught in rip currents generally are not aware of the subtle, but strong forces pulling them out to sea.

Due to the geography of Sullivan’s Island, the rip currents are generally much stronger than most beaches. The safest place to swim at one of the island beaches is in the water near the middle. The water coming around the ends of the island tend to have the stronger currents. Other places to avoid swimming are areas near jetties, inlets and sandbars.

While it’s no fun to be paranoid when enjoying Charleston’s beaches, it is important to be educated. Be safe while you’re having fun so you can be sure to come back year after year.

Topics: Boating, General--Folly Beach, Hurricanes, Surfing | No Comments »

Therapeutic Surfing at Folly Beach

By Ashley Thiesen Caldwell | August 16, 2009

Folly beach is known for its beautiful scenery, tranquil setting and often-perfect conditions. Some even believe that the ocean provides an excellent source of therapy. One individual in particular is Izzy Paskowitz. Izzy is a professional surfer who loves taking his family to the beach and to his surfing events.

Izzy created “Surfers Healing”, an organization dedicated to providing therapy to autistic children to surfing. Izzy, himself, is the father of an autistic child. Izzy’s family spends a lot of time at the beach and in the water. He noticed changes in his son’s behavior when he brought him in the water. Izzy’s son was a lot calmer when he was occupied with learning to hang ten.

For the past 11 year, Izzy Paskowitz has been traveling the country along with other professional surfers teaching kids with autism to surf.

Last week, Izzy and his generous team of surfers made a stop at Folly Beach. There they spent the day with over 150 kids. The event was a free and rewarding experience for the children.

One father took the time to blog about the even and how amazing the event was for his autistic child. Read his story, “Surf’s Up!!! How a day at the beach changes lives…”

Topics: Events, Folly Beach Real Estate Market Reports, General--Folly Beach, Recreation, Surfing, Why Move to Folly Beach? | 7 Comments »

Vacation Packages to Folly Beach

By Ashley Thiesen Caldwell | August 16, 2009

Labor Day is right around the corner but that does not mean your summer has to come to an end. If you’re thinking about moving to the Charleston area or simply want to take a first class vacation, there are still numerous vacation packages available to the Charleston area.

If you are planning on flying to Charleston, check into Air Tran’s rates from Atlanta to the Charleston airport. They’re known to be extremely low, and I would recommend booking them separate from your ticket to Atlanta. Of course, if you’re in the mood for a mini-road trip, the drive from Atlanta to Charleston is about 6 hours.

I took the following package information from the Atlantic Journal Constitution:

On one of the region’s most beautiful beaches, Folly Beach Holiday Inn Oceanfront provides families the chance to experience all things summer. The three-day, two-night “Water, Water Everywhere” package starts from $495 weekdays or $575 weekends on stays through Aug. 30 Included are accommodations for two nights in an oceanfront room, a beach bag loaded with summer must-haves such as a beach towel, bottled water and trail mix, tickets to the South Carolina Aquarium or Splash Zone Water Park, and ice cream for the entire family. Call to book, 843-588-6464;

For travelers who like to saddle-up for a bit of adventure, the “Blazin’ Saddles” package with ResortQuest is a perfect fit for a ride into the summer sunset. Guests can explore the beautiful barrier island of Seabrook on horseback along the beach or on trails through a maritime forest. The package starts from $180 per person, per night. Included is a three-night stay in a one-bedroom villa through resortquestcharleston.com (a collection of more than 800 villas, cottages, private homes in the region), an advanced-level trail ride and beach ride and a one-hour Swedish massage. Call to book at 1-866-468-0762 and mention promo code 7013.

Perfect for families looking to make the most out of the season’s final days, the Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina offers the “”Sullivan’s Island Beach Experience” package with all that’s necessary to enjoy the city of Charleston and the nearby historic beach town of Sullivan’s Island. With room rates from $129 per night, guests enjoy accommodations, transportation to and from Sullivan’s Island (9 a.m., 1 p.m., 5 p.m.), a tote bag full of beach toys, a boxed lunch and beverages and Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina cooler and koozies.

While you’re in the area, be sure to give Bob Brennaman a call at 843-345-6074. He offers complimentary tours of all the Charleston areas and is the leading area expert on all things real estate.

Topics: Boating, Events, General Charleston News, General--Folly Beach, Recreation, Surfing, Tourism News Folly Beach South Carolina, Why Move to Folly Beach? | No Comments »

Homebuyers Have Several Options to Maximize Tax Credit

By Ashley Thiesen Caldwell | August 2, 2009

The homebuyer tax credit is one of 10 key provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act signed by President Obama into law on Feb. 17, 2009.

First-time homebuyers represent a significant portion of existing single-family home sales. The expansion in the first-time homebuyer credit will make it easier for first-time homebuyers to enter the housing market this year.

How the tax credit works

The bill provides up to an $8,000 refundable tax credit (or up to 10% of the purchase price). If the property is $75,000, the credit is only $7,500.

* The credit is available to first-time buyers of a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. This is someone who did not own another main home at any time during the three years prior to the date of purchase.

* The credit does not require repayment. The credit will be claimed on a tax return to reduce the purchaser’s income tax liability.

* If the buyer’s tax liability in the given year is less than $8,000, the IRS will send a refund for the balance.

According to the 2008 IRS Tax Tables: A single filer would need $46,600 in taxable income to have $8,000 in tax liability. A couple would need $58,600 in taxable income to have $8,000 in tax liability.

* Taxpayers whose income is more than $75,000, or $150,000 for joint filers can claim 10 percent of the purchase price up to $8,000, or $4,000 for married individuals filing separately

Exceptions

If any of these conditions exists, the credit will not be available.

* Income exceeds the phase-out range. $95,000 for individuals, $170,000 for couples

* The home is purchased from a close relative. This includes spouse, parent, grandparent, child or grandchild.

* You stop using your home as your main home.

* If the home is sold prior to three years of ownership, the tax credit must be repaid.

* You are a nonresident alien.

How to file

(This information published by the Internal Revenue Service. IRS Newswire, March 18, 2009)

For people who recently purchased a home or are considering buying in the next few months, there are several different ways that they can get this tax credit even if they’ve already filed their tax return.

The credit may be claimed on 2008 tax returns due April 15 or on 2009 tax returns next year.

The Treasury Department encourages taxpayers to explore these options to maximize their credit and get their money back as fast as possible.

The filing options to consider are:

File an extension – Taxpayers who haven’t yet filed their 2008 returns but are buying a home soon can request a six-month extension to October 15. This step would be faster than waiting until next year to claim it on the 2009 tax return. Even with an extension, taxpayers could still file electronically, receiving their refund in as few as 10 days with direct deposit.

File now, amend later – Taxpayers due a sizable refund for their 2008 tax return but who also are considering buying a house in the next few months can file their return now and claim the credit later. Taxpayers would file their 2008 tax forms as usual, then follow up with an amended return later this year to claim the homebuyer credit.

Amend the 2008 tax return – Taxpayers buying a home in the near future who have already filed their 2008 tax return can consider filing an amended tax return. The amended tax return will allow them to claim the homebuyer credit on the 2008 return without waiting until next year to claim it on the 2009 return.

Claim the credit in 2009 rather than 2008 -This could benefit taxpayers who might qualify for a higher credit on the 2009 tax return. This could include people who have less income in 2009 than 2008 because of factors such as a job loss or drop in investment income.

**Information courtesy of the South Carolina Association of Realtors.

Topics: General Charleston News, General--Folly Beach, Low Country Real Estate | No Comments »

Folly Beach Captured Realistically

By Ashley Thiesen Caldwell | July 11, 2009

Honest, real and unique are the people who grace Folly Beach, and one local artist finds great pleasure in capturing those people and moments in their everyday lives. Photographer Frank Melvin Braden has been capturing the “Humours of Folly” for years and has just released a book and photographic exhibit titled just that.

“Folly for me is one of those great places that is very interesting, it has very interesting people and interesting things going on all the time,” Braden said to the Post and Courier. “Folly is that kind of off-beat place that I’ve always liked. This book is all the fun stuff that goes on at Folly and what makes Folly, Folly.”

Braden’s book, “Humours of Folly”, includes approximately 280 photos of Folly, 27 of which are on display for his exhibit. The photos range over all seasons and took two years to culminate into a book and gallery exhibit.

Plum Elements art exhibit in the Arts and Antiques District of downtown currently hosts Melvin’s photography exhibit through August. Their laid back yet very modern and posh exhibit is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the exception of Wednesday from Noon and Thursday until 7 p.m. Appointments can also be scheduled by calling (843) 727-3747.

“What I like about Folly more than anything else, is that it’s not pretentious by any means,” Braden said. “I don’t like people that put on airs. I like Folly the way it is. You don’t have to worry about impressing anyone. It’s just the kind of island that is very much carefree. It’s a good place to have a good time safely.”

Braden has a few more book signing events lined up:
July 12: Mt. Pleasant Barnes & Noble
July 16: Surf Bar
July 17: Blue Bicycle Books

Topics: Art and Photography, Events, General Charleston News, General--Folly Beach, Home Prices Folly Beach Real Estate, Recreation, Tourism News Folly Beach South Carolina, Why Move to Folly Beach? | No Comments »

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