Franne & Mark Schwarb - Charleston,SC Real Estate

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition

Franne and Mark Schwarb — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 19:42:00 GMT

Welcome to the largest wildlife art and nature event in the nation. The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition starts tomorrow, February 18th and runs for 3 days. It's in the heart of the lowcountry, Charleston, South Carolina. Don't miss a minute...go to their website for more information.

New York Social Diary

Franne and Mark Schwarb — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 15:24:00 GMT

Charleston made the New York Social Diary.

http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/node/1904836

Though it's only one point of view it still tells us that we are thriving. The arrival of Southwest Airlines is much needed and anticipated by all of us that have family spread across the country. As for me....born in New York but Charlestonian by choice.

To Sell or Not To Sell

Franne and Mark Schwarb — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 18:05:00 GMT

Now is the time of year people take stock of their lives including will they sell their homes. Are you one of those considering putting your home on the market? If so I have some basic information and advice.

This spring we expect new foreclosure inventory. Exactly how much remains to be seen but we know that banks are holding a significant number of homes in their pipeline. We also know that banks are anxious to get that pipline of homes moving. The sooner you get your home on the market the better. Call a Realtor and let them tell you what if anything you need to do to prepare for buyers. Of course I would love you to call me but if you choose someone else do choose a Realtor; a member of the National Association of Realtors that upholds the Realtor Code of ethics.

Good luck and happy selling.

Happy New Year

Franne and Mark Schwarb — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 13:44:00 GMT

As we head into 2011 I still have many questions about our universe that I am trying to answer, even though I have fooled my children into thinking I have all the answers....and of course my grandchildren.

Why do the plants in my walled courtyard get more frostbitten then the ones outside?

Why does my HVAC moan and groan only in the winter?

Though 2 of my 3 my children are grown and live away from home why do I still cook so much food?

Why am I more tired when I have slept well?

Why do telemarketers call when they are chewing something?

So there are my top questions for today. Not big ones? Of course not. All that really matters is family and friends.

Happy New Year and all the best in 2011 from my (our) home to yours.

Holiday at the Beach

Franne and Mark Schwarb — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 10:50:00 GMT

Have I said I love where I live often enough? 12 minutes from the Isle of Palms Beach and 20 minutes from downtown Charleston does make a happy girl. This holiday season King Street downtown has been closed to traffic the 2nd Sunday of each month. Don't know who thought of that but it's a great marketing tool for the stores and fun for shoppers too. Walking on the beach in the bright sunshine in December? Love it!

We are heading north for a few days to see family. Checking the weather online and watching for snow is NOT something I like but have to venture away from the beach sometimes. Oh well....will hurry home to spend Christmas where else? Walking on the beach.

Cell Phone Fun

Franne and Mark Schwarb — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 20:45:00 GMT

I love this time of year. A nip in the air, a smile on the faces, joy in the air. So why is steam coming out of my ears and am I so annoyed? My cell phone provider....do those words just sum it up? All I want to do is change my voice mail. I don't want to do brain surgery so what is so difficult? Two phone calls later I am not better off then before I started. Tomorrow I go into the store. I will not raise my voice. I will not complain. In my sweetest voice I will ask, "can you help me"? They better!

Holidays in Charleston

Franne and Mark Schwarb — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 15:05:00 GMT

Hooray it's December and time for all the holiday events. Just because we don't have feet of snow it doesn't mean we don't celebrate "big time". Here is list of my/our favorite things and events"

James Island County Park Festival of Lights.843-795-7275 for more information.
December 4th-5K Reindeer Walk/Run. 843-345-6906 for more information.
December 4th-Charleston Parade of Boats. 843-724-7305 for more information
December 19th-Holidays at the Charleston Farmers Market in Marion Square
Holiday Season-Charleston Place Hotel- decorations and the electric train circuling the large tree.

Planning on listing your home or have it on the market during the holidays? Feel free to decorate but don't go overboard. Religious decorations can be offensive so limit those or take them down when a showing is scheduled. If your pictures posted on the web or on the Multiple Listing Service show your home decorated be sure and change them when the holidays are over. Pictures changed with the change of seasons don't scream "on the market a long time". Buyers do look during December and most are serious so removing your home from showings is not a good idea.

Questions? Comments? Email me at Homes@charlestonfinehomes.com

Halloween Past

Franne and Mark Schwarb — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 13:44:00 GMT

It's a few days after Halloween and I am still licking my wounds. We had NO trick or treaters again this year. I've heard tales of people that had 400 youngins come to their door....not me/us. Are their children living next door to me or even two doors down? No but so what? That doesn't mean I don't have any candy. I'm a grand parent I always have candy.

When my three were little Halloween was like a national holiday. Carving the pumpkin started the fun. We all gathered at the kitchen table. I scooped out the "goop". Little ones drew on the face and Dad cut it out.

Costumes were never store bought. We created from what we had or I sewed something new. Candy was eaten in 3 days or tossed out. No exceptions no excuses. They came home, dumped their treats on the kitchen table and we sorted. John loved Kit Kats so he took all those. Jeremy loved starburst so he took all those. Jenny wasn't picky and me? I took what didn't look good and anything that children didn't like. Mark took what they were willing to share as long as it was chocolate.

I so miss all that. All I ask is for a few trick or treaters to come to my house. Please.

Fall in My Garden

Franne and Mark Schwarb — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 12:52:00 GMT

Fall is here. This was one of the warmest summers I can remember. No, it wasn't hot flashes it really was hot outside. My garden is now showing the strain and this is the season to make it right so to speak. Time to trim, prune and schedule for winter what can't be done now. My favorite source for help is Abide-A-While Garden Center. Not only do they have wonderful plants of all varieties but the staff is helpful and friendly. Where else can you find a nursery staff member named Steve Parsley...no I'm not kidding.

Going plant shopping has become a family affair. Mu husband/partner Mark loves to look and I can always count on him to say, "let's buy this and I'll pay for it". Music to my ears. He isn't big on planting but he will water if I ask him to and that's a help with new things that need water everyday. When my daughter visits we take a side trip to plant shop....or maybe pot shop. It's all fun.

My walled garden is my oasis. The deer can't come in and I can enjoy my precious daylillies knowing critters won't nip off my buds. I would love to buy more but still haven't made it to Roycroft Nursery. I will sooner rather than later....the more the better for me. My Knockout roses thrive if I nip the flower at the end of the blooming cycle. Last year I had roses at Christmas....not too much after but it was sweet while it lasted. I could name each and evey plant but I won't bore my blog readers.

Coming to Mount Pleasant, South Carolina anytime soon? Give me a shout and I'll show you my garden. It's not the best time to visit but I do have roses.

Age vs Interest Rate

Franne and Mark Schwarb — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 18:31:00 GMT

As a real estate agent I get lots of emails from lenders. Some banks and some independent brokers but one thing they all have in common is the low interest rate. Now I know the term "low" is relative....low compared to what you may ask? If you have read any of my blogs or looked at my pictures you know I am almost "over the hill". I've reached the top and am working my way down the side marked below middle age. Not at the bottom or I hope anywhere close but on that side.

When we built our dream home in Atlanta in 1981 our new interest rate was around 14%. (The home we were moving from was 10.5% and assumable. Someone got a deal.) Rates did go higher than 14 so at the time it was an okay number. My next door neighbor was struggling to keep her head above water with an adjustable mortgage that was floating....not sure to this day what she had but suffice to say she had negative amortization. Today my interest rate is 5% on a 15 year. We will be paid off sooner rather than later and I am ecstatic.

So there you go. Interest rates are a record low. Even with this mortgage mess we are in it's a good time to buy. Homes are selling and people are moving. Rent is more expensive than a mortgage in some cases. Thinking about buying? Call a Realtor....or me.

Relocation....the family kind.

Franne and Mark Schwarb — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 18:48:00 GMT

If you know me...or if you have read anything I have written you know I am a Wife, Mom and Grandmother. When my son and his wife (pre granddaughter) purchased their first home I was overjoyed for them. Just a few months ago my daughter and her husband and baby son purchased their first home and again I was over joyed. But, big but, the big "R" word has now raised it's head with my children. My son has taken a job with the PGA Tour in Jacksonville, Florida which means his family will be selling their home in Indianapolis, Indiana and moving.

It's not easy to relocate a family. I know from experience. We joke about it now but we moved long distance 4 times plus 3 times in Atlanta and my husband was home for 2 of them. I managed but it was work. I know this move will be a strain on them but in an attempt to help in any way I can I am giving them a "plug" on my blog. Their home is in Irvington...on the edge of the city. FYI I know nothing about the structure, the area or any of the vital information you will need to purchase it. I am just attaching the Virtual Tour below. You can call their agent for more information. Her contact info is on the tour.

http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/tour.asp?t=659399

Thanks for any help you can give them.

July 4th....Again

Franne and Mark Schwarb — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 18:41:00 GMT

Here we are. July 4th has snuck up on me...again. Just as I think we passed Memorial Day and it's safe to wear my white shoes and white linen skirt July hits me in the head. Hits with the heat and the birthdays, mine, my husbands and my daughters. But the one that resonates the loudest is my countries.

As a child my Dad told me the fireworks were in honor of my birthday...the world was celebrating he said. Yes, I was naive but thrilled too that everyone did all those fireworks just for me. And the music....love Stars and Stripes Forever. John Phillip Sousa wrote that with patriotism in mind.

Where were you July 4th 1976? Were you even born? A great time was had by all. No matter where you lived you couldn't miss the celebrating, the joy, the spectacle on TV as the ships assembled. Wow, what a day that was.

As we celebrate here in Charleston and watch fireworks at the Isle of Palms or at Patriots Point let's not forget who we are. We are Americans. We protect liberty for all. We cherish the memories of the ones we lost in battle and salute the brave men and women that fought for us in the past and fight to protect freedom everywhere today.

Happy July 4th everyone. See at the fireworks. Happy Birthday America.

Fresh Veggies and more in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Franne and Mark Schwarb — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 18:04:00 GMT

Want a fresh tomato? Maybe a purple potato? The Mount Pleasant, South Carolina Farmers Market is the place to go April 13th to October 19th from 3:30 to dusk. Fresh is the word for produce and more. From flowers to yummy desserts it doesn't get any better then this. Vendors sell ready made food too. Come and get your dinner. Kettle Corn? Now that's a treat for young and old alike. Hot Day? Grab a snow cone.

The new facility on the campus of Moultrie Middle school has parking there and across the street. Drive down Coleman Blvd from downtown over the Ravenel Bridge or from Sullivans Island just go straight across the Intercoastal Waterway.

Have fun and leave some for me.

Spoleto 2010

Franne and Mark Schwarb — Fri, 28 May 2010 13:03:00 GMT

It's here....it's now....it starts today. Spoleto 2010 in Charleston, South Carolina is one of the best things we do in our fair city. From comedy to opera, from concert in the grass to art in the square. Don't miss a minute. If some of the prices seem steep check out Piccolo. Many events are free and some great ones are under $20 a ticket. Enjoy and happy culture.

Single Story For Sale in Brook Green Meadow

Franne and Mark Schwarb — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:54:00 GMT

• 1,817 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story - MLS® $500,000

Brook Green Meadow, Mount Pleasant - Great "close in" home with a Shem Creek marsh and water view like few others. Built with historic Charleston brick this home with a cottage like feel has been lovingly improved and updated leaving in place many of the features that make it special. Original oak hardwood floors, knotty pine paneling and bookcases in family room/master suite, 2 gas log burning fireplaces with brick surrounds, open kitchen with some ceramic tiled counter top and some new counter top, new under mounted sink with new faucet, gas range with new vent hood, living/ family and dining rooms are light filled and spacious, baths have new cabinets with new plumbing fixtures, new "green" carpet in the master bedroom, new roof and so much more. Screened porch and deck overlooking the marsh have glass block lights inserted in the floor on an automatic timer that give an ethereal glow in the evening. Lounge on the new deck and enjoy the tranquility. Refrigerator conveys in "as is" condition. Dock permit has been applied for. Seller is licensed NC real estate agent. Buyer to verify lot and home size if square footage is important.

Property information

Spring at the Beach

Franne and Mark Schwarb — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 17:53:00 GMT

Mount Pleasant, SC....a hop, skip and a jump from the beach. We know it's spring when the line to get to the beach on the IOP connector in the morning is moving at a snails pace and the same thing the other way at 4:30PM. We love the tourists. They bring a lot of $$$$ to our economy. Personally I love to watch the children making sand castles or running to their spot with a bucket full of water.

Enjoy the sunshine! Wear sunblock!

See you again next year.

Dunes West, Mount Pleasant, SC

Franne and Mark Schwarb — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 17:00:00 GMT

If you are familiar with Mount Pleasant you have probably heard of Dunes West and maybe you have even been here. Dunes West was originally owned by Georgia Pacific. They used the timber here to make paper and other products. As time went on they realized they could make more money turning the "dirt" into a neighborhood and developing the lots.

Future blogs will talk more about Dunes West today but for now I would like to share a little of the history. Yes, Dunes West has wonderful past and was called Lexington Plantation. Some of the historical value is preserved. As you drive down Wando Plantataion Way and pass the Arthur Hills designed golf course you can see stacked bricks left from an old slave used cabin. Many of the street names remind us of the great history of Charleston and this Wando River community. Thanks to Google we can look up these names; Colonel Vanderhorst Circle, Pignatelli Crescent and Hartford Village Way to name a few and learn history. We can picture the Sewee Indians sitting along the creeks eating Oysters.

Haven't been here? I was a site agent at DunesWest and have lived here since 1996. Call or email me and I'll be happy to talk about the neighborhood I love and call home or better yet, come by and I will give you a tour.

Aquarium

Franne and Mark Schwarb — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 22:26:00 GMT

Have you been to the Aquarium? If you have and have seen the new penguin exhibit please let me know. We are getting ready for a grandchld visit in March and I wonder if a four year old would enjoy it. Comments welcome.

We now have 2 grandchildren. One in Indiana and one in upstate NY. Yes, it's killer....yes, I miss them. But it's not bad being known as the beach Grandma. It's one sentence to my grandaughter Edie, "Grandma lives in South Carolina at the beach". I hope she never forgets the fun times we have. Memories last forever.

My Grandma took me to the beach. We went off the coast of Long Island in NY. We changed clothes alll together in a cabana...my Nana, her sister and little young me. The visual is always with me....I thought they had "old" bodies but now I realize how gorgeous they were. Memories....forever.

Early Days

Franne and Mark Schwarb — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 21:14:00 GMT

When the first English settlers came to Mount Pleasant in 1680 it was inhabited by the Sewee Indians. I knew the indians had been here. I've seen the mounds of oyster shells they left behind as they worked their way down the creeks. It's hard for me to believe I am walking where they walked and where men fought to keep our country together as one....and some fought on the other side. We learn from our history or we are doomed to repeat it....who said that?

Every day we should remind ourselves how great this country is. The people that came before have enriched us with their history. No matter if they were Indian or English settler, union or confederate. They all contibuted to this big melting pot we call America.

New Year, New Us

Franne and Mark Schwarb — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 18:48:00 GMT

Three cheers for the new year. A time to make changes; start over. Like a Home Depot do it yourself project....we get to redo ourselves. I'm not talking just "The Biggest Loser" I'm talking our state of mind; our direction; what do we want to be when we grow up.

It's never too late to do a do over. If I can rip all my plants from my garden and replant I can chage my perspective. If I can change my hair color in an instant I can change what I want people to see when they see me. If I can eat till I think I will POP I can stop.

Have a great 2010. You don't need resolutions. You need the desire to change and anything you choose is the right change for you.

The Lights are ON

Franne and Mark Schwarb — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:49:00 GMT

If you think you can't be wowed by holiday lights think again. Visit the James Island County Park and see their Holiday Festival of Lights and any tendency you might have had to be a Scrooge will be gone. The lights are on 5:30-10PM Sunday-Thursday and until 11PM Friday and Saturday until Januray 3rd so you have plenty of time to get there. There are over 2,000,000 gleaming lights....that's a lot of wattage folks. Bring a canned food and get $2.00 off your $10.00 admission ticket per vehicle. Local charities will benefit.

Load up the family and go for a ride!

Happy Holidays!

Did you Gobble or is it behind you?

Franne and Mark Schwarb — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:39:00 GMT

My grandmother used to tell me a story about a little girl and boy that ate too many berries, fell asleep in the forest...like after eating turkey...and then couldn't find their way home in the dark. It wasn't meant to scare me or get me to eat less. She just wanted to entertain me as my eyes closed to take a nap. (She fell asleep too and I always wondered how she got up without waking me...I slept longer.)

Now that Thanksgiving is behind me...I see it in the mirror as I walk past...I wonder why I plan and cook for days only to be left eating turkey till I can't stand it. My family leaves and refuses care packages....why oh why did I (we) buy such a big bird? I think it might be so we can entertain with our guess the weight of the turkey contest and see how big and outrageous it can be. Each year I say no more! But each year I feel like that berry eating little girl. I am lost in my own home after eating too much and may never get out. Help! Help! Oh well...I think I'll nap.

Mount Pleasant Elections

Franne and Mark Schwarb — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:50:00 GMT

By the time you read this, the election in Mount Pleasant will be over. There should be a winner but with the way elections go these days I take nothing for granted. Four town council slots are up for grabs along with the mayor position. Unlike other cities around us- North Charleston and Charleston in particular- our mayor is a part-time position. Not all of our candidates think it should be full-time, but whether they like it or not it appears the residents may have a chance to vote on the issue. I for one think it should be full-time- I want my town/city to have a full-time mayor looking at our growth and economics. How can we compete for new business if it isn’t full-time? No one wants to call and hear, “Sorry- the mayor is out today.”

Our three mayoral candidates are all upstanding family men, and all appear to be conservative. They do not declare party affiliation. I still haven’t decided who I will vote for though the election is less than a week away. For council it’s a little easier- I know some of the candidates personally. Two are Realtors®.

If you are a regular reader you know I tout my city all the time. Great schools, great parks and recreation, great beaches nearby, great restaurants…it’s all good. I doubt this election will change that but I’ll keep an eye on our officials. And here’s a link to the website so you can too: http://www.townofmountpleasant.com/index.cfm?section=1.

Happy November and Happy Thanksgiving too!

Let's Count Calories

Franne and Mark Schwarb — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:19:00 GMT

Charleston is well known for its restaurants and cuisine. Prices range from a $4.00 burger to the daily rate for lobster. It’s been said there are no bad eating places because the town is too small and word travels fast. Now that I have lived here awhile I can totally agree with that.

The first meal I ever ate here was at Anson’s off Market Street, http://www.ansonrestaurant.com/

The flounder was like nothing I had ever tasted. As time went on we had the good fortune to be able to restaurant hop. McCray’s, http://www.mccradysrestaurant.com/ was where our daughter took us to celebrate her engagement….very yummy. When I have a chance to have some fun with friends or family I usually choose, “Fast and French” for lunch, http://www.fastandfrench.org/G&M/G&M_index.html

That’s not its real name but it’s the only one I ever hear people use. I order the same thing every time, but I won’t try and influence you. If you go to our website under Fun and Festivals you will see a list of restaurants. We could not possibly include them all we tried to choose the ones we know and love. I have to admit there is one at the top of my “want to try list”. It’s Oak Steakhouse, http://www.oaksteakhouserestaurant.com/

I have met Brett and am anxious to taste the great food he talks about.

So what does all this have to do with counting calories? That’s the point. When you come to Charleston don’t. Take a break. Everything in moderation and that goes for food most of all in my mind. Even if I have to multiply my usual 2 mile walk by four it would be worth it. Come one and come all….eat and have fun.

Being the Oldest Isn't Everything

Franne and Mark Schwarb — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:29:00 GMT

I am the oldest of four children. As I grew up and became an obnoxious teenager and exchanged words with my Mom….I hate you….and ran away from home I always thought she loved my next youngest brother best. When I verbalized this as an adult my Mom said, “You love the one the best that needs you at the time”. She followed that up with but you are “#1”. From than on I signed all my letters and cards to her “#1”.

When I had my first child, a son, I thought no one in the entire world would ever be as gorgeous and wonderful. He is and was my “#1”. Later when number two needed foot surgery he was the one I loved the best. When number three was in the hospital she was my favorite.

When my first grandchild, Edie, was born my heart swelled so I thought it would burst. Last night my second grandchild was born, a boy, Ian Mark. Again, my heart is bursting with love and joy. My daughter is a Mom. How cool is that? Today I love my daughter and her son the best. But Edie you are #1 and always will be.