Everything Charleston

Here is a web designer for missionaries and small churches that I met the other day. He offers a service that is really cool for small organizations that can’t pay a permanent webmaster or don’t have a qualified volunteer to help them.

When he believes in a cause he offers design, maintenance, and updating services. Check his site out sometime if you get a chance.

I just created a site for discounted NOS Dodge parts because I am a fanatic.  The site takes feeds using a BANS script.  It then organizes those feeds into easy to navigate categories so that you can find the Dodge part that you are looking for.

Distinctive Events is one of the great ones as far as Charleston Wedding Planners go. Sha and Tiffany design events rather than just plan them. They are truly awesome at taking a couple’s vision and turning it into one of those moments that defines life. An unforgettable event where everything is just stunning. That is their passion and their gift. The site is not done yet, but getting there.

For about 4 years, residents enjoyed double-digit appreciation in their Charleston real estate purchases; not anymore. The real estate market here in Charleston and the surrounding area has started to turn downward. Prices fell about 12% from last year to this and will continue to fall. In my opinion, they still have a long way to go.

You see, when the median home price far exceeds the median income and corresponding debt to income ratios, then home ownership become out of reach for most Charlestonians. The problem is that the dream of home ownership is alive and well and people still want to purchase even though prices are exceeding their means to pay. So, mortgage lenders come up with some creative ways to get them financed - helped along by the government and lower lending rates.

People get into a home for too much money and when (not “if”) it comes time to sell, the owner has to get a certain return so that the mortgage can be paid in full. It is a tough position to be in for sure.

Who is not in trouble?

There are people who are not in trouble with the housing bubble burst. Those who don’t want to or have to sell their homes are perfectly fine. These are the ones who easily make their mortgage payment or who have lived in their home prior to the crazy price increases over the last few years. They are fine because they don’t have to sell.

Now is the time to make some aggressive bids on home to help bring prices down. The housing market is really an auction. Whatever someone will take for the home is the selling price and there are some who will take less now than they would have a year ago. Wanna find a Charleston real estate agent to help you with your offers?

Kelli Nixon is a wonderful photojournalist and Charleston Photographer. Check out her site when you can.

Have you seen this Kiawah Island Developer yet? Check them out. I just finished building their website.

Plan your SC Wedding