Hello everyone. I just returned from Charlotte from an exciting 2-day seminar by Hobbs & Herder Advertising. The seminar was a new version of a similar seminar that I had attended in 2002 when I was just getting started in real estate. It was awesome to have the values, systems and ideas re-enforced at this wonderful event. I was a winner of a free DVD series. My wife tells me I must have a 4 leaf clover hidden in my pocket all of the time. I think I am just always in the right place at the right time — blessed! We are staying quite busy between several new listings and buyers coming in for the Memorial Day weekend. I pray that each of you had a wonderful Monday in observance of Memorial Day. Remember to thank a veteran or a current serviceman. Also we just received a ratified contract from our latest addition to our team, Andrea Parler. Way to go Andrea! Yesterday was our second in the series of two Homebuyer Workshops that we sponsored at the Goose Creek Recreation Center. The “Credit Cents” workshop allowed people to pull their credit report and review each tradeline. I will have more on this seminar along with some great GRADUATION photos in my next blog. Stay tuned. Happy Sunday. Be Blessed!

Charlotte – I have just completed day 1 of a two-day marketing seminar in Charlotte, NC hosted by the advertising firm of Hobbs/Herder. This wonderful event focuses on productive strategies used by real estate agents in today’s market. I had completed a similar event in 2002 and a much more in-depth seminar in 2007 by Hobbs/Herder. Each time learning more ways to become a better real estate professional. I like the fact that H/H promotes lifestyle. The firm understands, while real estate is important, that life is much more important — that building relationships is VERY important. I have used this event to, not only, sharpen my professional skills, but to also grow my real estate agent referral network. I am getting the chance to meet some very productive, high octane agents that are also looking to grow their business! This increase in agents to our database will only go to enhance our reciprocating links to other sites which should help drive traffic up on our website. We will also be able to establish some key relationships with fabulous agents who may have clients moving to the Charleston, SC area. I have enjoyed meeting, not only, great agents, but also fabulous people! Each person I met has a story to share! I look forward to completing the seminar tomorrow and heading back home to the family! Talk with you soon. Please be sure to visit www.DrewSineath.com often for the latest blogs or to retrieve blog archives. Also register for our Automated Email Listing Service program that enables you to keep track of listings in your neighborhood or of listings that match your search criteria. Let us know how we can be your real estate agent of choice! Till next time.

Seriously it is a valid question: What slow market? Every night I watch the news and I’m astonished at how the media is portraying the housing market. With all this doom and gloom, I wanted to share some success stories with you on just how the Charleston area market is rising above the media and the national average. What better way to demonstrate this statement than personal experience: since March Drew Sineath & Associates, Inc, has had 15 ratified contracts, 13 new listings, and 14 closings, and we have not even begun the “busy season” yet.

Need a better perspective, we listed a home in Willowbrook in Goose Creek on a Friday and had it under contract by the following Monday! This is not the first home to sell within days for Drew Sineath. We had a similar situation a few months ago with a home in Crowfield. Not only did it sell in mere days, but it also had multiple offers! In fact our average days on the market for the past year has been only 90 days.

2008 was the best year ever for Drew Sineath & Associates and 2009 is looking to be even better. Not only are we growing in profits, but in numbers as well. This week we welcomed a new team member, Andrea Parler. Andrea comes to us with many years experience and will work as another buyer’s representative. Click here to learn more about Andrea and how she can work for you.

Still need some convincing? Check out this article from Realty Times written by Micheal Reneau. “April 2009 is showing signs of stabilization. Inventory levels have been maintained although we still need to reduce them. There are more and more stories of multiple offers on well priced property. There are 9853 active listing on the market in the Tri County area. There were 1617 new listings in April. There were 466 sold properties with an average sold price of $282,277. Sold properties were on the market for 123 days and received 92% of list price. Compared to December 2008: There were 856 new SFR listings and 441 sold SFR properties with an average price of $268,344. Average days on market were 96 days with a 94% list to sale ratio. ”

If you are looking for your own success story or to take advantage of this fantastic buyer’s market, check out Drew’s newest listings:

126 N. Pembroke Drive in Pembroke of Crowfield Plantation, Goose Creek

4 Bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2,453 Square Feet

Totally renovated kitchen with new counter tops, 42″ cabinets, a center island and new stainless steel appliances including a new smooth top range.

3348 Miller Drive in Ridgewood, Ladson

4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, 2,440 Square Feet, and .5 acres!!

This is truly country style living with all the modern conveniences with half a acre of pure privacy.

106 Newington Rd in Riley, Summerville

4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, 2,700 Square Feet

This all brick ranchers complete with mother-in-law suite is move in ready with new wall to wall carpet, newly refinished hardwood floors, and fresh paint.

108 Cayman in Liberty Hall Plantation, Goose Creek

3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, 1,589 Square Feet

Like new and move in ready home in new Liberty Hall Plantation on cul-de-sac with an extra large backyard.

202 Gippy Drive in Okatee, Summerville

3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, 1,300 Square Feet

This all brick rancher features fresh paint and new wall to wall carpet, ceramic tile in the kitchen, plantation blinds throughout, bonus room, and a two car garage.

Click here to view all of Drew’s listings or click here to search the entire Charleston MLS.

We would like to thank everyone who attended our first Homebuyer Workshop and remind you to register for our next workshop on the 30th. The Credit Cents workshop will be held at the Goose Creek Recreation Center from 11 am to 5 pm. Click here to register..

Drew Sineath – A Familar Face…And a Rich Lowcountry Hertiage Drew Sineath & Associates, Inc., is located in the heart of Goose Creek where Drew grew up and where he has chosen to rear his own family. Berkeley County is one of the fastest growing areas in South Carolina and Drew is pleased to be able to serve his clients in helping with all their real estate and mortgage needs. So when you have any real estate needs, whether you’re looking to buy, sell, finance or refinance, Drew Sineath & Associates is now a local one-stop location with excellent service. 

Check out Drew Sineath & Associates’ new listing in Pembroke of Crowfield Plantation in Goose Creek, SC. This is a great home with great curb appeal in a great neighborhood! 126 N Pembroke is a beautiful ready to move in home in Crowfield Plantation. This home features ceramic tile, wall to wall carpet and ceiling fans throughout. The eat-in kitchen has been totally renovated and updated. You will enjoy NEW counter tops, NEW 42″ cabinets, NEW center island, New stainless steel appliances including a smooth top range. If there are too many guests for the meal, move into the formal dining room. Relax with family and friends in the family room with wood burning fireplace. Enjoy the outdoors on the tiled patio with the privacy fenced back yard. Upstairs are four “true “bedrooms including the extra large master suite. The master suite has a full master bath with dual vanities, walk-in closet and separate tub and shower. Round out this home with the double car garage and you have everything needed for the family in the lovely Pembroke community.

Pembroke is a subsection of desirable Crowfield Plantation in Goose Creek, with its miles of hiker/biker trails, acres of lake, golf course, pools, great parks and other recreation amenities. Annual HOA fee of $304.83. This community is convienently located in the heart of Goose Creek and only minutes from shopping, entertainment, and dinning.

Drew Sineath – A Familar Face…And a Rich Lowcountry Hertiage Drew Sineath & Associates, Inc., is located in the heart of Goose Creek where Drew grew up and where he has chosen to rear his own family. Berkeley County is one of the fastest growing areas in South Carolina and Drew is pleased to be able to serve his clients in helping with all their real estate and mortgage needs. So when you have any real estate needs, whether you’re looking to buy, sell, finance or refinance, Drew Sineath & Associates is now a local one-stop location with excellent service. 

Drew Sineath and Associates’ first homebuyer workshop held at the Goose Creek Recreation Center in Goose Creek, SC was a huge success with over 40 people in attendance! This workshop was intended to educate homebuyers about the home buying process and what to expect with the purchase of their new home.

Participants gained a better understanding about the homeownership process first hand by professionals in the homebuying industry. Speakers at the workshop included: Debbie Kidd from Family Services, Howard Payne from State Farm Insurance, James Sineath from South Carolina Mortgage Company, Diana Skinner from H&R Block, REALTOR (R) Drew Sineath, Mark Kerce from Harbor Homes, Rodney Whitehouse from Cardinal Home Inspections, and Linnea Davis from 2-10 Home Warranty. Participants were able to talk one on one with these professionals and ask personal questions about their involvement with the homebuying experience such as applying for a mortgage, viewing new construction homes, learning about the $8,000 tax credit, and why it is important to have a home inspection.

This was a great experience for all who participated, the professional speakers, and especially Drew Sineath and Associates. We are so thrilled about the turn out and opportunity to educate buyers about the home buying process. With the market in its current state, we could not think of a better time to host such an event and we hope that everyone who attended had just as much fun as we did. I think everyone’s favorite part was Drew doing the worm!!

Mark your calendars for the second workshop, Credit Cents, to be held on Saturday, May 30th, at the Goose Creek Recreation Center.

Visit our website, http://www.drewsineath.com/index.php, or click here to register now for this class and remember that completion of both workshops may qualify you for downpayment assistance and grants.

Drew Sineath – A Familar Face…And a Rich Lowcountry Hertiage Drew Sineath & Associates, Inc., is located in the heart of Goose Creek where Drew grew up and where he has chosen to rear his own family. Berkeley County is one of the fastest growing areas in South Carolina and Drew is pleased to be able to serve his clients in helping with all their real estate and mortgage needs. So when you have any real estate needs, whether you’re looking to buy, sell, finance or refinance, Drew Sineath & Associates is now a local one-stop location with excellent service. 

Hey guys! I just wanted to share with you what we heard last Thursday from syndicated radio talk show host Dave Ramsey. Dave had a webcast Town Hall For Hope that was heard by over a million people. Dave described fear as False Evidence Appreaing Real. He reminded us that fear is NOT the fruit of the spirit! My, how we have forgotten this.

Our world is caught up in a world system that is negative self talk. We need to wake up and take responsibility for what has happened. It isn’t the banker’s fault for giving me that loan on that home that I NEEDED. It isn’t the government’s fault that it didn’t regulate Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac properly (although the Bush administration tried to and was over powered by the liberal folks in congress. Barney Frank are you hearing me!) It’s everyones fault for buying into the system.

Dave went onto say that we have forgotten how to say NO! And he is right. We need to learn how to say no more. I know for myself I have personally gotten more sensible with my finances. I finally realized that this isn’t my money but God’s. And I personally want to make sure that I am a good money manager for God.

Dave also shared some amazing stats with his audience that put home foreclosures into perspective. He said that 60% of all foreclosures are occuring in just five states and that an amazing 50% of all foreclosures are happening in only 35 counties!

He concluded his message with three things people need to do if they are struggling with hope. The first is to get up, take action and get moving! The second is to quit participating in loser talk! Make sure to read more and educate yourself to what is really going on in the country and the world around us. Study! And the third action is to learn how to give again. I took this one personally. He isn’t just talking about giving of your money but also of your time. Take time to volunteer on the playground, at your local soup kitchen, at your church or anywhere else in your community.

It was the people of this great country that lead us out of the Great Depression and it will be the people of this great country that will lead us out of this turn down, Dave said. I am a true beliver in this wonderful country. Let’s start working together and put an end to this negative self talk. Get off the fence and start acting. Now is a wonderful time to buy a home, whether it is your first or you are looking to up size or down size. Let us know how we can help.

Remember to come out this weekend to our first ever Homebuyer Workshop at the Goose Creek Community Center beginning at 11 am. We are having a second workshop May 30 at 11 am. You can download the flyer and register for either or both classes at our website www.DrewSineath.com. Hope to see you there!

Drew Sineath – A Familar Face…And a Rich Lowcountry Hertiage Drew Sineath & Associates, Inc., is located in the heart of Goose Creek where Drew grew up and where he has chosen to rear his own family. Berkeley County is one of the fastest growing areas in South Carolina and Drew is pleased to be able to serve his clients in helping with all their real estate and mortgage needs. So when you have any real estate needs, whether you’re looking to buy, sell, finance or refinance, Drew Sineath & Associates is now a local one-stop location with excellent service.