Realtor group targets errors

The Lowcountry's local real estate trade group is trying keep its members' mistakes from being broadcast over the Internet loudspeaker.

The Charleston Trident Association of Realtors recently removed a two-day grace period that member real estate agents had to fix listing inaccuracies before receiving a fine. Agents are now instantly liable for the penalties.

Association spokeswoman Meghan Byrnes Weinreich said the group, which has about 3,750 members, has computer software that can usually detect misinformation, from nonexistent addresses to inappropriate photo content.

"At this point, it goes worldwide in a matter of seconds," she said. "Our elimination of the grace period is to ensure the accuracy of what's in the MLS and what's also going out to other websites."

Most fines range from $50 to $250.

Bottom buy

Lennar Corp. isn't the first home builder that planned to construct a neighborhood on the 175-acre tract of forestland it recently purchased in the Cane Bay Planatation subdivision.

The Berkeley County site was previously owned by Sivica Communities Inc. , a Georgia homebuilder with no other active communities in the Charleston area, according to its website.

As the real estate market slowdown took hold, the company defaulted on its loan from Regions Bank, and the property fell into foreclosure with an estimated $3.6 million in debt against it.

Berkeley County records show Lennar purchased the land from Regions Bank for $2.5 million, or about $14,300 an acre. The builder plans to construct roughly 500 homes on the tract starting late next year.

"As one of the nation's leading home builders, we are fortunate to have the financial strength and stability to build in communities like Cane Bay Plantation," Lennar division president Bob Hilliard said in an statement.

Cool deal

Constructing a building in sweltering heat probably seems less daunting when you're the head of a major ice cream manufacturer.

Blue Bell Ice Cream executives will break ground today on a 2,000-square-foot facility off Ashley Phosphate Road in North Charleston. The refrigerated storage space will hold ice cream that's on its way to grocery stores throughout coastal South Carolina.

The Texas company takes a hands-on approach to logistics through what's called direct store delivery, which keeps the ice cream transportation and handling within the company's control.

"With our (direct store delivery) program, the ice cream never leaves the hands of a Blue Bell employee until it reaches your grocery store," said general sales manager Ricky Dickson in a statement, saying the process ensures product quality.

The new facility will be built in Ashley Industrial Park.

Reach Katy Stech at 937-5549 or kstech@postandcourier.com.