Welcome to all of you that will be coming here from Seattle!  Are you afraid of culture shock?  I’ve been amused and yes, a little offended, by the Seattle blogs, that describe us as third world, uneducated, toothless, racist, …….. To those that make these comments, I say that if you have lived here, then [...]

The Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is giving away week long vacations to 24 people, including prepaid activities, dining, tours and attractions.   They want tourists to “Rediscover the Family Vacation”. 
You can apply by submitting a three minute video stating why your family should win, but they have specifically said “No sob stories please!”.  Families [...]

by Jaymes Song, AP 
HANALEI, Hawaii — If life is a beach, Hanalei Bay must be heaven.
This remote, two-mile crescent-shaped beach on Kauai where the emerald mountains meet the sparkling sea was selected No. 1 on “Dr. Beach” Stephen P. Leatherman’s 2009 list of top 10 beaches, which was released Friday.
Hanalei beat out other shores stretching [...]

Looking for vacation property that’s a good investment as well? These communities offer weather, scenery and active real estate markets. Plus: 10 more up-and-comers.
By Liz Pulliam Weston
 Popularity is a mixed bag when you’re looking for vacation property.
A hot destination means more crowds, more traffic, longer lines. But if you’re keeping an eye on investment potential [...]

Every once in awhile, you’ll see recommendations for local businesses on my website and blog.  Today I would like to recommend European Road and Racing- Whether you have a Lamborghini or Ferrari and if you drive for pleasure or in races, they can take care of you.  They also repair Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, VW and [...]

Sales in the Tri-County area are down 37% in the number of homes sold and down 13% in price.  There is a little window of good news.  There are quite a few sales contingent or pending, so sales numbers in May and June may be up.
The bad news is the number of short sales and [...]

Source: National Association of Realtors 
Outlook Favorable for Second-Home Market
Despite weakening second home purchases in 2008, the long-term demand looks favorable for the second-home market because there are large numbers of people in the prime years for buying a second home.
Currently, 39.2 million people in the United States are ages 50 to 59—a group that [...]

WALKER JACKSON MORTGAGE RATES Monday, March 30th!!!
 
Conforming (under $417,000)
30 year fixed 4.625%
15 year fixed 4.25%
5/1 arm 4.75%
7/1 arm 5.125%
10/1 arm 5.25%
 
FHA/VA (up to $335,000 in Charleston, Dorchester and Berkeley Counties)
30 year fixed 4.875%
15 year fixed 4.50%
 
Jumbo (over $417,000)
30 year fixed 6.50%
15 year fixed 5.50%
5/1 arm 4.875%
7/1 arm 5.25%
10/1 arm 5.375%
 
For more information, please contact Jennifer [...]

Have you been getting in shape and ready to run the bridge?  The 32nd Annual Cooper River Bridge Run takes place on April 4th at 8am.  The event is capped at 40,000 participants, and as of 3/25, there were just over 31,000 people signed up. 
Visit www.bridgerun.com to get more information on registration, travel info, etc.  [...]

There are two events happening this weekend to benefit very worthy causes:
On Sunday, there is a Chef’s Feast at the Embassy Suites Charleston Area Convention Center. This benefits the Lowcountry Food Bank,  in particular fighting childhood hunger.  Chefs include Brett McKee of Oak Steakhouse,  Robert Carter of Peninsula Grill,  Sean Brock of McCradys, Mike Lata [...]