Charleston area • June 20, 2022

Fathers day brunch Cruise with Charleston Harbor Tours

by Alison Goheen

This Fathers day I decided (after seeing multiple posts about it on Facebook) to book this newly offered cruise for my husband and myself.

Charleston Harbor tours & events offers boat tours, bus tours, day trips and private events. Even if you live in the Charleston area it is still enjoyable going on these tours. Each tour is different and you can learn new things about Charleston.

This cruise was two hours around the harbor and offered scrambled eggs, cheese grits, biscuits, bacon, sausage, fruit and yogurt and pastries. Coffee, orange and cranberry juice was offered included and a cash bar was available as well.

We arrived early and roamed the 3 floors of the ship after eating brunch. Each deck offers indoor and outdoor seating, level two is air conditioned. It was a terrific day for the cruise. Not too hot and there was hardly a cloud in the sky.

This tour went into the Charleston harbor and the captain pointed out the following sights as we went:

Fort Sumter: One of Charleston’s most popular landmarks, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired

Confederate and Union army Forts Moultrie and Johnson

USS Yorktown: the famous World War II “Fighting Lady”

St. Michael’s Church: A survivor of both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, whose steeple was painted black so as not to be an easy target

Stately homes on the Battery: Symbols of Southern elegance and perseverance

Cooper River Bridges, including the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge: A state of the art span that accommodates the largest ships in the world

Dolphins skimming the surface of the water and pelicans diving for food

If you come to visit and possibly want to move the Charleston area I can let you know about other touristy things to do!

Looking to buy in the Charleston area? Do you know anyone that is looking to buy or sell real estate? Contact me for homes in the Charleston area or I can refer you to a great agent anywhere in the world that can show you all the great tools Coldwell Banker Realty offers Buyers and Sellers.

Charleston area • June 16, 2022

Charleston beaches

by Alison Goheen

One of the things I looked forward to when I moved to South Carolina in 2017 is visiting the many beaches. There are five beaches in the area: Folly Beach , Sullivan’s Island Beach, Isle of Palms Beach, Kiawah Island Beach, and Edisto Beach.

Folly Island Beach

On the west end of the island, situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Folly River, beach goers will find Folly Beach County Park. It’s the closest beach to where I live and it has plenty of parking in a lot off the beach. Folly Beach offers a Boardwalk and accessible ramps as well as Dressing area, drink vending, and picnic area with grills, Boardwalk and handicap-accessible ramp, Restrooms. Seasonal Amenities: Beach chair and umbrella rentals, Snack bar, Lifeguards, Outdoor showers, Beach-accessible wheelchairs.

Sullivan’s Island Beach

Is located about 20 minutes from downtown Charleston. The island also doesn’t have public restrooms, showers, or public parking lots. The small island does however boast over three miles of pristine, smooth sand beaches and great views of Fort Sumter, The Morris Island Lighthouse, and The Battery. Sullivan island is more secluded than some of the other area beaches and the best way to find it is to look for the Sullivan Island lighthouse.

Kiawah Island Beach

This beach boasts 10 miles of pristine beach and comprises two areas commonly referred to as East Beach and West Beach. West beach is for tourists and East Beach for residents. West Beach has a dressing area, drink vending, and picnic area with grills, Boardwalk and handicap-accessible ramp, and restrooms. Seasonal Amenities: Beach chair and umbrella rentals, Snack bar, Lifeguards, Outdoor showers, Beach-accessible wheelchairs. It is farther from my home buy it has a very Hawaiian feel.

Edisto Beach

It is family-oriented with gently developed beaches on the eastern coastline of South Carolina. Located in Colleton County where the Edisto River completes its 206-mile journey to the Atlantic Ocean. Also nearby is Edisto Beach State Park, which features trails for hiking and biking. The park’s environmental education center is a “green” building with exhibits that highlight the natural history of Edisto Island and the surrounding ACE Basin

Isle of Palms Beach

One of my favorite beaches and located about 25 minutes from Charleston. The beach is popular with families because of the strict “no alcohol” policy, the calm waters, and the cleanliness of the beach. Restaurants, shops and bars are within walking distance of the beach, and there are public restrooms and showers at the Isle of Palm County Park. You will also find a picnic area, grills, a boardwalk and vending machines. It is the only beach where you can see the ocean driving in and the view is breathtaking!

I recommend trying to make it to each of the area’s beaches at least one once as each has its unique charms and my favorite may not be the same for you.

Local Businesses • June 6, 2022

Planet Fitness

by Alison Goheen

Last month I finally did a thing. I joined a gym!

I chose Planet Fitness because it’s the no Judgement gym. This model was an effort to provide a fitness hub for everyday people. There are seven in the Charleston area and so far I’ve been to five of them.

I try to go at least 5 days a week and stick to the treadmill, the stationery bike and the rowing machine. I usually do two machines each time and add in a Hydro massage or a tan to relax afterwards. All are included in the Black Card membership which I have. The Hydro massage is a therapeutic technique involving the use of water and pressurized jets to help massage muscles and other soft tissues in the body. It feels like someone is spraying a hose directly on your body! You also can adjust the pressure and speed of the massage. I’ve used the standard massage chair too and it’s great as well. I usually tan once or twice a week so I am not pasty white and do not burn when I’m out in the Charleston heat. I’ve used both the normal lie down tanning bed and I’ve tried the stand up version too.

Going to the gym is a great way to relax in the crazy real estate market. You never know what the next change will be.

Are you or do you know anyone that is looking to buy or sell real estate? I’d love to work with you or I can refer them to a great agent with Coldwell Banker Realty.

Cane Bay News • June 2, 2022

Chick-fil-A coming to the Bay

by Alison Goheen

Here in Cane Bay Plantation we are excited about getting Chick-fil-A!

One of the nicest parts of living in Cane Bay Plantation is Cane Bay Market and it keeps growing! Chick-fil-A (located between Parkers and AT&T off 176 and Cane Bay Boulevard) is currently in development. And it should open by the end of September 2022.

When Covid-19 1st started closing restaurants Chick-fil-A already had a plan perfected! The drive thru at every Chick-fil-A I’ve drive past has always been full and is run like clockwork. In 2019 Chick-fil-A became the third largest fast food chain in the United States.

Coming September 2022

Chick fil-A will join:

Gas and Convenience: Parker’s Kitchen

Shopping: Publix, Infinite Creations, Creekville Spirits, Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming

Restaurants: Starbucks, Rio Chico Mexican Restaurant, Tokyo Express, Famulari’s Pizzeria, Eggs Up Grill, Smoothie King

Personal Services: Famous Hair, Cane Bay Nails & Spa

Financial Services: CresCom Bank, State Farm Insurance, Edward Jones, South Carolina Federal Credit Union

Professional Services: Sangaree Animal Hospital, Japan Karate Institute, AT&T, Firestone Complete Auto Care

Preschool and Childcare: Cane Bay Academy

Healthcare: Cane Bay Primary Care – Roper St. Francis Physicians Network, Cane Bay Family Dentistry, Reagin Orthodontics, ATI Physical Therapy, Cane Bay Chiropractic & Wellness, Lowcountry Eye Care

And there is still room for more businesses in the future!

If you are thinking about buying, selling or renting I’d love to show you what I and Coldwell Banker Realty can offer to make the process easier! And I keep up to date with everything coming to Nexton and Cane Bay Plantation.

Neighborhoods • Nexton • May 20, 2022

Rock the Block Part 3

by Alison Goheen

Dave and Jenny Marrs The third Rock the Block home is under contract! This home was the winning kitchen design during episode one.

Jenny and Dave Marrs designed this home and it includes Many of the features inside were hand crafted by Dave Marrs himself during the filming of the show. Such as the master suit sauna, cabinets, rock climbing wall and dog friendly pet station made from an small old boat.

The home has mostly neutral colors which give the home a very homey vibe.

Keith and Evans designed home is still available for sale and has been price improved to $1,050,000.00 from the original list price of $1,250,000.00. The accent wall feature was removed and the room repainted to a more neutral color. (this is the original feature that was removed)

I will be watching to see when this home sells and what the final sale price is.

UPDATE: Keith and Evans home closed 9/15/2022!

Lyndsey and Leslie’s designed home sold 06/24/2022 for $1,100,000.00.

Jenny and Dave Marrs designed home sold 07/01/2022 for $1,1oo,ooo.oo

Can you do things like this to your home prior to sale to get the best return? Sure! We have a program called RealVitalize that allows you to do updates and repairs and pay the costs at closing

I’ve worked with plenty of out of state clients and I am happy to take care of the details you are unable to. If you are looking to buy and sell in the Charleston area contact me!

Maintenance • May 10, 2022

What you need to know about Termites

by Alison Goheen

The saying in the Charleston area is -It’s not a matter of if, it’s when you’ll have termite issues.

As a realtor I know this. New construction homes come with some termite protection. Some previously owned homes will have a termite bond which is transferable. You should make sure your realtor checks to see whether the termite bond is transferable and whether there is a fee.

We did not get a termite bond when we bought our home in 2017. We did use a lawn care service for termite protection. Luckily we have not had any issues with termites. The problem is that the wonderful Charleston weather is the perfect environment for bugs to fester.

Recently a sales person from Vinx Pest Control visited our home. I patiently listened to his pitch and we decided to use them to install a bait system using the original bait stations used when our home was built in 2007. (vinxpestcontrol.com)

The installation took a little over 30 minutes. So in addition to termite protection: pest control in Charleston isn’t just a want, it’s a need. When you are overrun with fire ants, cockroaches, termites, and more, you don’t want to deal with it. These are pests not pets!

You need an agent who thinks of any and all possible potential problems with you new home and the resources you need.

I’ve worked with plenty of out of state clients and I am happy to take care of the details you are unable to. If you are looking to buy and sell in the Charleston area contact me!

Neighborhoods • Nexton • May 5, 2022

Rock The Block Part 2

by Alison Goheen

Another of the Rock the Block homes is under contract!

Lyndsey and Leslie Lamb

Lyndsey and Leslie Lambs design was my favorite of the four homes. Of the four it is the one that most represents Charleston. It had great features such as the tea station, vintage maps of Charleston at the entryway, tea station, wall garden, outdoor dog wash and oyster bar!

The dog wash was not received warmly by the judges but if you own a dog you know how having one is beneficial. I also like to walk around barefoot and it would be nice to enter the house with clean feet. The rocks are for drainage. The wall garden was much nicer in the show but since it was filmed months ago the herbs were removed. It would have been amazing to see thriving plants growing! The Oyster bar and tea station are very southern specific. There are many Oyster roast events in the area and The Sweet Tea Festival is a celebration of the birthplace of sweet tea, right here in Summerville SC.

The home was done in multiple colors, rich blue in the kitchen, blue and teal accents throughout and very relaxing homework room in the loft.

Can you do things like this to your home prior to sale to get the best return? Sure! We have a program called RealVitalize that allows you to do updates and repairs and pay the costs at closing. If you do not plan to sell your home you probably have enough equity to get the job done.

If you are looking to buy or sell or would like information on RealVitalize feel free to contact me via call, text or email!

Alison Goheen • April 27, 2022

Pet Friendly Realtor

by Alison Goheen

What does it mean when I tell you I am the Pet Friendly Realtor? One, I have some! I have three cats and one dog.

Dukoo

Gus

Turbo

The cats have a room for themselves which was supposed to be my office. Only one associates with the dog so a place they feel safe is important. That’s Turbo on the right. Dukoo and Gus have not tried to make friends with Dyno and its been two years!

Anyone can help you buy or sell a house, really. But do they ask you in detail about what you need in a home? Sure the number of bedrooms, bathrooms and location are important but how do your pets fit in? Have you thought about where you’ll put the litter box for your cats? Is there room for one? Do you want carpets only in the bedrooms? Cat and dog hair can make having carpets in common areas high maintenance. Is the yard large enough for your dogs to run and exercise?

See what I am talking about in this video of my dog Dyno in my yard. https://youtube.com/shorts/S_2xvPjC7hY

If you are looking to buy I know what your pets need. If you are selling you’ll need to know what to do for people that might not be crazy about the fact your home is pet friendly. You may need to make arrangements to crate or remove dogs from the home during showings. No one wants to think about what your pet may do if scared during viewings. You also need to make sure anyone viewing your home does not instantly know you have a cat(s) Sure some buyers might be excited about how their pets will fit in the home. You should have your home ready to appeal to all buyers.

Let me know how I can help you.

Maintenance • April 20, 2022

Cleaning Your Airducts!

by Alison Goheen

Did you know you should have your air ducts cleaned every 2 to 3 years to prevent many maintenance and health problems before they start? However, homes with pets or children with allergies should have their air ducts professionally cleaned more frequently than the recommended average. I have three cats and a dog so we were advised to have the air ducts cleaned and sanitized once a year. Air duct cleaning should be a regular part of your ongoing home maintenance.

We moved into our home in 2017 and had not had this done. Oops! This is what the setup looks like. It did smell cleaner once they were done.

Air duct cleaning

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. These impurities present in the air recirculate throughout your household via air ducts, which can harm your home and family. In addition to regular duct work cleaning by a licensed HVAC and indoor air quality contractor, a more prompt appointment to get your ducts in a row may be required under the circumstances below

Visible Mold Or Musty Smell

Mold loves to grow in humid and damp, hard-to-reach places, like your air ducts. Hmm, I think if you live in South Carolina you might have noticed this smell. I have smelled that in a lot of older homes and businesses in the area. If you see physical mold, smell a mustiness in the air, or are experiencing symptoms from itchiness to coughing, a cleaning should be administered on the contaminated duct work.

Pest Infestation

Creepy crawlers can make themselves at home in your ducts and contaminate the air that is carried throughout the house with their debris and odor. If you see pests in or around duct work or notice a decline in your system’s performance, a proper cleaning can eradicate vermin and prevent them from bugging you any longer. Who knew?

Excess Dust or Debris

Another reason why to clean air ducts: dust, pet dander, dead skin cells, and dangerous allergens can build up over time in duct work. This excess debris can manifest visibly in poofs of dust that are released from air vents. Build up can put you and your family at risk for respiratory and other health issues, while decreasing the system’s air flow and performance. Good to know.

Excessive Cold Or Allergy-like Symptoms

If your ducts are dirty, they circulate contaminated air that can trigger or even cause allergy and cold-like symptoms for those living within the home. Dust mites that feed on human debris can reside within buildup in air ducts and cause asthmatic and allergic reactions. Eww!

If you are looking to buy a home this is also something to be mindful of. A home inspection will only point out areas of concern. Be sure to ask your realtor for advice.

If you are thinking about buying, selling or renting I’d love to show you what I and Coldwell Banker Realty can offer to make the process easier!

Neighborhoods • Nexton • April 11, 2022

Rock The Block!

by Alison Goheen

You may have seen the show “Rock the Block” on HGTV. This season they filmed in Summerville, SC at Nexton Midtown! Now that the show is over and the winner chosen the houses were available to view over the weekend at an open house. I decided to check them out.

The home are all the same basic layout with a base price of $500,000 built by Hunter Quinn Homes. The contestants were given $225,000 to spend to design the homes inside and out. After all the work and the judging was completed all five appraised over $900,000! I went back today and this sign is now gone.

The winning home was designed by Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson appraised for $931,000 and sold for $1,350,000 March 2,2022. Copy and paste this link (https://photos.app.goo.gl/fooqQfUQzfSqckVHA) to view the pictures of this home. That is a profit of $625,000! The other 3 homes were listed for $1,250,000. I can’t wait to see what they sell for! I’ll be posting a followup once they sell.

If you are looking to buy and sell in the Charleston area contact me!