REAL ESTATE NEWS

Lennar assists charity

Lennar Charleston, the local operation of the Miami-based national home builder, is asking people to join in to help provide toys and clothing to needy children this holiday season.

The company is sponsoring the Salvation Army Angel program at three of its local communities: Hunt Club off Bees Ferry Road west of the Ashley, Tranquil Hill on Old Fort Road in lower Dorchester County and Wentworth Hall on Dorchester Road northwest of Summerville.

People can stop by anyone of the communities to choose an Angel, which lists the requested toy or clothing item, and then drop off the donation by Dec. 12.

For directions to Hunt Club, Tranquil Hill, or Wentworth Hall, go online to www.LennarCharleston.com.

Auction at beach

Local entrepreneur Rusty Denman is hosting an open house and inspection today and Sunday of two homes on the Isle of Palms that will be auctioned Sunday night.

The "for sale by owner" properties, both fully furnished, are on "Millionaire's Row" on Ocean Boulevard.

One home is seven bedrooms, 5.5 baths and sleeps 16 people. It has a swimming pool. Total rental for the past three years is $340,000. It will be up for auction at $725,000 or the best reasonable offer. Another home is eight bedrooms, 8.5 baths and sleeps 18. It likewise has a pool. The rentals for the past three years totaled $425,000. The house's price is $975,000 or best reasonable offer.

The inspection and open house is today 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. According to Denman, the property will be sold Sunday night to the highest bidder. For more information or directions, go online to www.GreatIOPHome.com or call (843) 576-9863.

Code class planned

The Charleston Trident Home Builders Association will sponsor an IRC Code Conversion class, 2003 IRC Code to 2006 IRC Code, chapters 1-10, on Thursday, Dec. 18 at the Holiday Inn at International Drive and Interstate 526 in North Charleston.

Registration is 8:30 a.m. and the class is 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. with a break from noon to 1:30 p.m. The class includes continental breakfast, 2006 IRC Code Book, 2006 Code Update Guide and South Carolina Amendments. Lunch is not provided. The course cost is $195 for NAHB members and code officials and $250 for non-NAHB members. There is also a $25 fee. Space is limited to 75 students. The course counts as eight credits in the Technical field through the S.C. Certified Master Builder Program.

Rehava gets listing

Charleston-based rÄhava ~ Real Estate Store will be the listing broker for Battery Island Row, a new, sustainable neighborhood on James Island.

The community's flagship home is the 2009 Green Idea Home, which when finished will be open to the public. Proceeds will be donated to a charity.

Battery Island Row is a LEED for Homes community. LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a nationally accepted benchmark for new and remodeled construction, promoting the design and construction of high-performance green homes. The project is a collaboration of Charleston suppliers, vendors, contractors, consultants, and designers.

The 2009 Green Idea Home will host a 30-day open house starting in July 2009. "We want to introduce green yet affordable solutions to potential home buyers, and get Charleston's communities involved," says Brandon Call, project manager and rehava Realtor. "We want to paint Charleston 'green' and trigger a movement of responsible and environmentally friendly construction."

Call said that from now until Jan. 5, rehava is searching for sponsors for the 2009 Green Idea Home. "There are many ways to be a part of our effort, but there can only be one partner in many of the categories," says Rich Estes of Island Oaks Development LLC, a sustainable residential development company.

I'On to host house tour

If you want to peruse residents' homes, not sales models, try the 9th annual Holiday Tour of Homes in I'On. The event, sponsored by I'On Realty, will be held Sunday from 1-5 p.m. The I'On community, known for its traditional neighborhood design, is located off Mathis Ferry Road in Mount Pleasant.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 the day of the event. They are on sale at I'On Realty; Sweet Olive Home and Garden; GDC Home in Mount Pleasant, West Ashley and Kiawah Island; and Charleston Cooks! Proceeds will assist the I'On Trust, a nonprofit organization that benefits the Charleston area with cultural events and civic activities.

The tour will be of seven decorated homes and a new church. There will also be a cafe and art sale. The HalcI'On Cafe, at 22 Mises St., will serve lunch, desserts, snacks and beverages. The Arthouse will be across the street at 27 Mises St. Here, the Community of I'On Artists will have original "gift art" for sale with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Communities in Schools. Dolphin Architects and Builders has donated the use of both houses. Guests may tour them, and they are available for purchase. Admission does not require a Home Tour ticket.

Following the tour, luminaries will light the streets of I'On. Proceeds from The Giving Lights of I'On will be donated to East Cooper Meals on Wheels and HALOS.

For more information, call go online to bvanwie@theiontrust.org.