Charleston, South Carolina Realtors Anticipate Busy Spring
by Blanche Evans
Year over year, prices are rising in Charleston, South Carolina, and after a record-breaking 2004, Realtors in the area believe the spring buying season will really heat up. "Surrounded by the Ashley and Cooper Rivers, and the Atlantic Ocean," says Realtor Cheryll Woods-Flowers, "Charleston is a beautiful historic city rich with history, culture, and business opportunities." Woods-Flowers predicts, "The Real Estate market in Charleston, SC, will soon be heating up again with the spring season soon upon us. Fortunately, interest rates continue to remain near 6 percent, giving more people the opportunity to become homeowners, and homeowners the opportunity to move up." Say Realtors Franne and Mark Schwarb, "Dreaming of living close to the ocean? Charleston, SC, and it's metro area are within minutes." About the market, the Schwarbs explain, "Charleston's housing market broke records in 2004 with 12,639 units sold in the Charleston area, up 17 percent from 10,778 units sold in 2003. Sales in South Carolina were up 37 percent for January 2005 compared to the same time last year. Sales prices also have been on the upswing. The average price rose from $227,865 in 2003 to $259,313 in 2004. Listing inventories were only up slightly from 1,458 each month in 2004 to 1,300 in 2003. The U.S. census estimates the Charleston metropolitan statistical population was 549,000 in 2003, making us the 76th largest city in the United States. A mix of expanding companies and new entrants have kept the unemployment rate lower than South Carolina as a whole. In December 2004 for example, the local rate was 4.3 percent, compared with a state rate of 6.4 percent." "Who wouldn't love Charleston?," asks Realtor Carrie Hughes. "With its horse-drawn carriages, the Citadel, history dating back to the origins of our country, magnolia and palm trees, this city has everything anyone could possibly want. Whether you want to live downtown in a modern condo or in a renovated mansion on the Battery, the life in Charleston is truly an experience. This city will take you back in time if you let it, and you will never lack things to do. You must experience the ambiance of a true Southern setting." |
