Real Estate News

Oak Terrace Preserve expands

Builders are adding to their offerings at a city-of-North Charleston-sponsored neighborhood off Park Circle.

All told, Oak Terrace Preserve has 27 lots under contract and 66 sold as of April 15. The community also has seven homes under contract and 57 sold to date. The average home sales price is $226,065.

At the same time, three builders in Oak Terrace Preserve reported new plans or sales in the first quarter.

The Verdi Company LLC is designing and working on an eco-friendly home with a new design book under development.

National contractor The Pulte Group, which merged with Centex earlier this year, is looking toward the opening of new schools at Oak Terrace Preserve to drive the market.

“Pulte is very proud of our commitment to Oak Terrace Preserve and the success that we have had,” says Will Cutler, division president for the Coastal Carolinas Division of The Pulte Group.

Cutler points out that the company won the EarthCraft Home Regional Builder of the Year award in 2009.

“With the opening of the new Charleston County School of the Arts and Academic Magnet High School campus, we continue to view the future of OTP and North Charleston as a place to be part of,” he says.

Also, Crescent Homes is anticipating the sale of three single-family homes this spring. “The new schools, and Boeing’s new facility, in North Charleston offer a huge draw,” says Ted Terry, president.

Separately, the city of North Charleston and Oak Terrace Preserve neighborhood will hold a block party” in the 55-acre neighborhood May 22.

Housing trust to host seminar

For builders and developers interested in constructing homes for working class people, the Lowcountry Housing Trust is sponsoring a special workshop May 21.

The affordable housing finance event will cover everything from “concept to closing.”

It will be 8 a.m.–noon at Trident Technical College’s Complex for Economic Development, Building 920, at the North Charleston campus at 7000 Rivers Ave. On-site registration is $25 per person and includes breakfast and printed resource guides.

Featured speakers include Richard Kaglic of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, who will be discussing current economic housing trends; and financing representatives from Community Investment Corporation of the Carolinas and Community Affordable Housing Equity Fund Development.

The workshop is aimed to educate people on the 4Cs of affordable housing finance, “concept, cost, construction and closing.” Community development bankers, community development practitioners and housing counselors will be on hand to provide information about available services and answer questions.

Space is limited to 75 participants. Those interested in are encouraged to preregister by e-mailing alice@lowcountryhousingtrust.org or calling (843) 744-8441.

Ellis to manage Summerville locale

An up-and-coming agent will take over Carolina One’s Main Street Summerville office, replacing the long-time manager who is staying on as a broker.

Christina Ellis has been named manager of office, effective May 1. She follows Cathy Waddell, who successfully managed the office for the past 10 years. Waddell voluntarily left the leadership post to spend more time with her family. She will remain at Main Street in a sales capacity.

Ellis joined Carolina One in 2008 in the Goose Creek office, where she built a large and successful real estate team. In 2009, the Ellis Group was first runner up for Carolina One in listing units and closed sales units.

Licensed for 10 years, Ellis has diverse experience and knowledge in residential real estate, new construction, land and commercial real estate.

She most enjoys helping others achieve success and building an effective team, according to Carolina One.

“In addition to her knowledge and experience, Christina is strong and committed, has the ability to create a clear vision and possesses high energy and excellent people skills,” says Patty Scarafile, chief executive of Carolina One.

Watts’ join Keller Williams

A husband-and-wife real estate duo with experience in the Charleston market has joined Keller Williams Realty.

Josh Watts and Amy Watts have joined the company's Mount Pleasant office.

“Amy and I are excited about the opportunity,” Watts says, citing the company’s leadership, systems and associates. “The friends and clients of Your Watts Team will continue to receive excellent service that will truly be enhanced by this move.” The Web site is www.YourWattsTeam.com.

Amy and Josh Watts previously worked with Coldwell Banker, United Realtors.

Keller Williams Realty in Mount Pleasant is located at 496 Bramson Court, Suite 200. For more information, call (843) 416-2000.

J Meyer Homes gets representation

Carolina One New Homes will be handling sales and marketing for the builder of a new neighborhood in Hollywood.

The company, a division of Carolina One Real Estate, has added J Meyer Homes to its client portfolio.

Jeff Meyer, president of J Meyer Homes, is a respected builder in the Charleston market, Carolina One New Homes notes.

He has previous experience with KB Home among other national building companies.

Meyer says he had dreamed about forming his own company for many years, but “the time, place and opportunity seem to be right here and right now. I am excited about bringing the power of home ownership to the hard working people of the Lowcountry.”

Carolina One New Homes will be representing Meyer Homes in Deer Field Hall, the builder’s new single-family community in Hollywood,

The marshfront community, which will have 89 homes, is located off S.C. Highway 162 across from Stono Ferry equestrian and golf community. Deer Field Hall is five minutes from the new Publix Shopping Center in West Ashley.

The first construction phase at Deer Field Hall will start early this month. It will include development of 10 lots. Floor plans range from 1,248 to 2,498 square feet. Prices start in the $140,000s.

Plans call for ranch and two story options, and all models will have two-car garages. The community qualifies for 100 percent financing through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s rural housing program, according to Carolina One New Homes.

For more information, visit www.jmeyerhomes.com or contact Chris Eller, community manager at (843) 343-3359 or celler@carolinaone.com.