GayRealEstate USA

Around the Nation -- Residential Real Estate Update - South Carolina

By Jeff Adolph

State-by-state

Situated in the Southern region of the U.S.A, this state is ranked as the 40th largest by land mass, and the 26th population with 4,012,012 people residing in this region.

This states economy relies heavily on tobacco, poultry, cattle, dairy products, soybeans and hogs, as well as textile goods, chemical, paper and automotive products, tourism and machinery production.

Income in this state ranges between 2.5-7%, and sales tax is set at 6%. Property tax in this state is assessed locally on both real and personal property. primary residences are taxed at 4% of fair market value and agricultural property at 4% of use value. Personal property however is taxed at 10.5% of income tax depreciated value.

Summerville

Homes are typically sitting on the market for 90-120 days in this region with the median home price hovering around $225,000. The market trend in this area is said to be remaining constant with buyers getting 95-100% of their asking price.

There are currently more sellers than buyers in this region and the hottest valued market in this region is said to be 'repeat buyers'due to an increase in population growth. 

LGBT Real Estate Facts: There are approximately 7,609 same-sex couples residing in South Carolina making this region the 26th gayest state in America. The gayest zip codes in this locality are 29407 and 29412 Charleston; 29483 Summerville; 29577 Myrtle Beach; 29445 Goose Creek; and 29205 Five Points Columbia. -- gaydemographics.com

Main Story Source: House Hunt (2008) Real Estate Market Trends; available online at http://www.househunt.com

Picture Source: wikipedia.org

-----------------------------------------------------------------

*RealQuestions RealAnswers*

Click on Comments below and share your thoughts and opinions, ask a real estate question or offer story suggestions...

-----------------------------------------------------------------

© 2006+ Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

Proudly Sponsored By:

Have Your Say On the LGBT Political Front - August 19th 2007

By Jeff Adolph

LGBT Politics

In a national first, the Democrats are challenging the Republicans by staging a debate that is dedicated to the LGBT community and will answer many of the issues facing Lesbians, Gays, Bi-sexual's and the Transgendered across the nation.

The leading candidates for the Democratic  nomination for presidency will actively involve themselves in this debate on August the 9th, which is being telecast by LOGO, a gay cable network. Alternatively, you may view proceedings on http://www.logoonline.com/ if you are unable to access the network.

Participants in the debate will include Hilary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards (pictured above), with the moderators being singer Melissa Etheridge and Joe Solmonese, Human Rights Campaign's president.

If you would like to actively participate by lodging questions for the candidates to answer you may do so by logging on to LOGOonline.com as well as on HRC.org.

Source: Demorcrats to Hold Gay Debate (2007) available online at www.wweek.com

------------------------------------------------------------------

*RealQuestions RealAnswers*

Click on Comments below and share your thoughts and opinions, ask a real estate question or offer story suggestions...

-----------------------------------------------------------------

© 2006 Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

*RealQuestions RealAnswers*

Click on Comments below and share your thoughts and opinions, ask a real estate question or offer story suggestions...

-----------------------------------------------------------------

© 2006 Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

Columbia Under the Lifestyle Microscope

By Jeff Adolph

Housing Market

When comparing Columbia to other cities across America does it stack up in comparison or do its offerings appear meager and do little to create any form of lifestyle?

In order to answer this question we take a look at Columbia under the lifestyle microscope and see just what this city has to offer the average American in search of creating a more dynamic existence.

Firstly, Columbia's weather according to local inhabitants is 'perfecto' with year round mild weather of an average temperature of 74.8 degrees. Therefore it is little wonder that Columbia has a plethora of outdoor activities to sport, from botanical gardens to canoeing. However without a cold climate there can be no snow, a fact, which some loathe and others love.

For retired marketing executive Marvin Chernoff, this means a great deal. As he said, 'I was born and raised in Brooklyn but came here from Cleveland after 10 years. The snow there just comes in off the lake all winter long... stays there, and turns black and dirty and gets all over - in your shoes as sludge. We have weather here that's better than most places in the world.

Columbia's greatest asset though is its 'cost of living', it's cheap and it's a huge draw card for those on a less than modest income.

As Jim Thigpen, owner of Trustee Theatre said, 'I have friends who go to Chicago a lot, to New York, and it's great to get a real Pastrami sandwich, but you're going to pay $12 for it. The cost of living here, from eating to housing to everyday expenses, is just so attractive and nice.'

The average home price in Columbia is around the $170,000 mark whereas New York hovers around the $1.2 million range, and Los Angeles $570,000; whereas, the national average is estimated to be $222,000 some $52,000 higher than Columbia. While Columbia's average salary may be only $35,000 per annum it is not that much less than Los Angeles at $57,000 especially when comparing the price of real estate in this region. The average salary of New York is almost double that of Columbia's; however, the cost of living in this part of America is classed as one of the most expensive in the world.

Therefore, in terms of a quality lifestyle Columbia stacks up as being one that is easy on your budget and is bound to bring you financial and emotional happiness.

Source: Akien, R (2007) Is Columbia Cool; available online at http://www.freetimes.com

---------------------------------------------------------

*RealQuestions RealAnswers*

Click on Comments below and share your thoughts and opinions, ask a real estate question or offer story suggestions...

-----------------------------------------------------------------

© 2006+ Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

Proudly Sponsored By:

By Jeff Adolph

Housing Market

When comparing Columbia to other cities across America does it stack up in comparison or do its offerings appear meager and do little to create any form of lifestyle?

In order to answer this question we take a look at Columbia under the lifestyle microscope and see just what this city has to offer the average American in search of creating a more dynamic existence.

Firstly, Columbia's weather according to local inhabitants is 'perfecto' with year round mild weather of an average temperature of 74.8 degrees. Therefore it is little wonder that Columbia has a plethora of outdoor activities to sport, from botanical gardens to canoeing. However without a cold climate there can be no snow, a fact, which some loathe and others love.

For retired marketing executive Marvin Chernoff, this means a great deal. As he said, 'I was born and raised in Brooklyn but came here from Cleveland after 10 years. The snow there just comes in off the lake all winter long... stays there, and turns black and dirty and gets all over - in your shoes as sludge. We have weather here that's better than most places in the world.

Columbia's greatest asset though is its 'cost of living', it's cheap and it's a huge draw card for those on a less than modest income.

As Jim Thigpen, owner of Trustee Theatre said, 'I have friends who go to Chicago a lot, to New York, and it's great to get a real Pastrami sandwich, but you're going to pay $12 for it. The cost of living here, from eating to housing to everyday expenses, is just so attractive and nice.'

The average home price in Columbia is around the $170,000 mark whereas New York hovers around the $1.2 million range, and Los Angeles $570,000; whereas, the national average is estimated to be $222,000 some $52,000 higher than Columbia. While Columbia's average salary may be only $35,000 per annum it is not that much less than Los Angeles at $57,000 especially when comparing the price of real estate in this region. The average salary of New York is almost double that of Columbia's; however, the cost of living in this part of America is classed as one of the most expensive in the world.

Therefore, in terms of a quality lifestyle Columbia stacks up as being one that is easy on your budget and is bound to bring you financial and emotional happiness.

Source: Akien, R (2007) Is Columbia Cool; available online at http://www.freetimes.com

---------------------------------------------------------

*RealQuestions RealAnswers*

Click on Comments below and share your thoughts and opinions, ask a real estate question or offer story suggestions...

-----------------------------------------------------------------

© 2006+ Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

Proudly Sponsored By:

By Jeff Adolph

Housing Market

When comparing Columbia to other cities across America does it stack up in comparison or do its offerings appear meager and do little to create any form of lifestyle?

In order to answer this question we take a look at Columbia under the lifestyle microscope and see just what this city has to offer the average American in search of creating a more dynamic existence.

Firstly, Columbia's weather according to local inhabitants is 'perfecto' with year round mild weather of an average temperature of 74.8 degrees. Therefore it is little wonder that Columbia has a plethora of outdoor activities to sport, from botanical gardens to canoeing. However without a cold climate there can be no snow, a fact, which some loathe and others love.

For retired marketing executive Marvin Chernoff, this means a great deal. As he said, 'I was born and raised in Brooklyn but came here from Cleveland after 10 years. The snow there just comes in off the lake all winter long... stays there, and turns black and dirty and gets all over - in your shoes as sludge. We have weather here that's better than most places in the world.

Columbia's greatest asset though is its 'cost of living', it's cheap and it's a huge draw card for those on a less than modest income.

As Jim Thigpen, owner of Trustee Theatre said, 'I have friends who go to Chicago a lot, to New York, and it's great to get a real Pastrami sandwich, but you're going to pay $12 for it. The cost of living here, from eating to housing to everyday expenses, is just so attractive and nice.'

The average home price in Columbia is around the $170,000 mark whereas New York hovers around the $1.2 million range, and Los Angeles $570,000; whereas, the national average is estimated to be $222,000 some $52,000 higher than Columbia. While Columbia's average salary may be only $35,000 per annum it is not that much less than Los Angeles at $57,000 especially when comparing the price of real estate in this region. The average salary of New York is almost double that of Columbia's; however, the cost of living in this part of America is classed as one of the most expensive in the world.

Therefore, in terms of a quality lifestyle Columbia stacks up as being one that is easy on your budget and is bound to bring you financial and emotional happiness.

---------------------------------------------------------

*RealQuestions RealAnswers*

Click on Comments below and share your thoughts and opinions, ask a real estate question or offer story suggestions...

-----------------------------------------------------------------

© 2006+ Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

Proudly Sponsored By:

Austin Set For a Record Year

By Jeff Adolph

Market Update

If you reside or are looking to invest in Texas then Austin just may be your locality, whether you're in the market for a condo or conventional home, up-market or middle of the road, it seems Austin home builders are struggling to keep-up with demand and the resale market is headed for an all time high.

And, it seems Raleigh-Durham in North Carolina, Central Texas, and Portland Oregon are all in similar situations.

As Connie Floyd, a broker in Raleigh-Durham said of the market in her state, 'if a well maintained house comes on the market and it is priced well, it's gone. We are not part of the national bubble you hear so much about. We have not seen appreciation rates skyrocket. We just keep trucking right along.'

The median price of homes in this region is around the $227,000 mark, whereas, in Central Texas you can expect to pay $173,800.

Gay Puckett, in Central Texas realty believes the market growth in her state is attributed to the jobs that have been created recently. As she stated, 'our relocation department has never been busier with corporate incoming moves, and I'm sure this is happening all over Austin.'

Portland's demand in Oregon is a little more niche orientated with waterfront properties being the biggest sellers. These range between $250,000 for a riverfront cabin, to $1.6 million for a lake front property.

While for some states the housing market bubble has truly popped it seems others are remaining unscathed by the incident. Basically, it depends on the economic climate of each state independently, and whether they were caught in the up-surge of appreciation.

Source: Novak, S (2006) If You're Hot You're Hot; available online at http://www.statesman.com/business/content/business/stories

---------------------------------------------------------

*RealQuestions RealAnswers*

Click on Comments below and share your thoughts…

-----------------------------------------------------------------

© 2006 Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

By Jeff Adolph

Market Update

If you reside or are looking to invest in Texas then Austin just may be your locality, whether you're in the market for a condo or conventional home, up-market or middle of the road, it seems Austin home builders are struggling to keep-up with demand and the resale market is headed for an all time high.

And, it seems Raleigh-Durham in North Carolina, Central Texas, and Portland Oregon are all in similar situations.

As Connie Floyd, a broker in Raleigh-Durham said of the market in her state, 'if a well maintained house comes on the market and it is priced well, it's gone. We are not part of the national bubble you hear so much about. We have not seen appreciation rates skyrocket. We just keep trucking right along.'

The median price of homes in this region is around the $227,000 mark, whereas, in Central Texas you can expect to pay $173,800.

Gay Puckett, in Central Texas realty believes the market growth in her state is attributed to the jobs that have been created recently. As she stated, 'our relocation department has never been busier with corporate incoming moves, and I'm sure this is happening all over Austin.'

Portland's demand in Oregon is a little more niche orientated with waterfront properties being the biggest sellers. These range between $250,000 for a riverfront cabin, to $1.6 million for a lake front property.

While for some states the housing market bubble has truly popped it seems others are remaining unscathed by the incident. Basically, it depends on the economic climate of each state independently, and whether they were caught in the up-surge of appreciation.

Source: Novak, S (2006) If You're Hot You're Hot; available online at http://www.statesman.com/business/content/business/stories

---------------------------------------------------------

*RealQuestions RealAnswers*

Click on Comments below and share your thoughts…

-----------------------------------------------------------------

© 2006 Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

If you reside or are looking to invest in Texas then Austin just may be your locality, whether you're in the market for a condo or conventional home, up-market or middle of the road, it seems Austin home builders are struggling to keep-up with demand and the resale market is headed for an all time high.

And, it seems Raleigh-Durham in North Carolina, Central Texas, and Portland Oregon are all in similar situations.

As Connie Floyd, a broker in Raleigh-Durham said of the market in her state, 'if a well maintained house comes on the market and it is priced well, it's gone. We are not part of the national bubble you hear so much about. We have not seen appreciation rates skyrocket. We just keep trucking right along.'

The median price of homes in this region is around the $227,000 mark, whereas, in Central Texas you can expect to pay $173,800.

Gay Puckett, in Central Texas realty believes the market growth in her state is attributed to the jobs that have been created recently. As she stated, 'our relocation department has never been busier with corporate incoming moves, and I'm sure this is happening all over Austin.'

Portland's demand in Oregon is a little more niche orientated with waterfront properties being the biggest sellers. These range between $250,000 for a riverfront cabin, to $1.6 million for a lake front property.

While for some states the housing market bubble has truly popped it seems others are remaining unscathed by the incident. Basically, it depends on the economic climate of each state independently, and whether they were caught in the up-surge of appreciation.

Source: Novak, S (2006) If You're Hot You're Hot; available online at http://www.statesman.com/business/content/business/stories

---------------------------------------------------------

*RealQuestions RealAnswers*

Click on Comments below and share your thoughts…

-----------------------------------------------------------------

© 2006 Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

McMaster Stuck in the Dark Ages

By Jeff Adolph

LGBT Politics

Senator McMaster could be called old fashioned, stubborn or just plain unethical, especially in light of his refusal to recognize same-sex unions.

McMaster wants to see the tradition of man marrying woman enshrined in the South Carolina constitution in November.

If this bill passes it will make the acquiring of real estate as a same-sex couple even more difficult and then the leaving that asset to your beloved in the event of a mishap even harder.

As Manju Rajendran, communications director for South Carolina Equality Coalition stated, 'people are tired of this image of the South as the home of bigotry, as a place that is not welcoming all people?'

South Carolina is only one of the the eight states that will have voters consider the same-sex marriage amendment on November the 7th. Evidentially 20 other states have already passed the legislation after Massachusetts ruled in favor of legalizing same-sex unions.

It is estimated that there are some 250,000 LGBT voters in South Carolina and if these people plus a friend vote in favor the ballot could possibly be defeated.

As Rajendran added, 'LGBT people really respond to the idea that if every LGBT person talks to two friends, two family members, two allies, we can defeat this at the polls.'

And, we possibly can, but in order to do so we all need to be motivated and stand up for what we believe is our rights.

Source: Coalition, Opponents Working to Defeat Constitution Ban on Same-Sex Unions (2006): available online at http://www.thestate.com/

---------------------------------------------------------

*RealQuestions RealAnswers*

What are your thoughts and this constitution?

Click on Comments below and share your thoughts…

-----------------------------------------------------------------

© 2006 Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

By Jeff Adolph

LGBT Politics

Senator McMaster could be called old fashioned, stubborn or just plain unethical, especially in light of his refusal to recognize same-sex unions.

McMaster wants to see the tradition of man marrying woman enshrined in the South Carolina constitution in November.

If this bill passes it will make the acquiring of real estate as a same-sex couple even more difficult and then the leaving that asset to your beloved in the event of a mishap even harder.

As Manju Rajendran, communications director for South Carolina Equality Coalition stated, 'people are tired of this image of the South as the home of bigotry, as a place that is not welcoming all people?'

South Carolina is only one of the the eight states that will have voters consider the same-sex marriage amendment on November the 7th. Evidentially 20 other states have already passed the legislation after Massachusetts ruled in favor of legalizing same-sex unions.

It is estimated that there are some 250,000 LGBT voters in South Carolina and if these people plus a friend vote in favor the ballot could possibly be defeated.

As Rajendran added, 'LGBT people really respond to the idea that if every LGBT person talks to two friends, two family members, two allies, we can defeat this at the polls.'

And, we possibly can, but in order to do so we all need to be motivated and stand up for what we believe is our rights.

Source: Coalition, Opponents Working to Defeat Constitution Ban on Same-Sex Unions (2006): available online at http://www.thestate.com/

---------------------------------------------------------

*RealQuestions RealAnswers*

What are your thoughts and this constitution?

Click on Comments below and share your thoughts…

-----------------------------------------------------------------

© 2006 Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

By Jeff Adolph

LGBT Politics

Senator McMaster could be called old fashioned, stubborn or just plain unethical, especially in light of his refusal to recognize same-sex unions.

McMaster wants to see the tradition of man marrying woman enshrined in the South Carolina constitution in November.

If this bill passes it will make the acquiring of real estate as a same-sex couple even more difficult and then the leaving that asset to your beloved in the event of a mishap even harder.

As Manju Rajendran, communications director for South Carolina Equality Coalition stated, 'people are tired of this image of the South as the home of bigotry, as a place that is not welcoming all people?'

South Carolina is only one of the the eight states that will have voters consider the same-sex marriage amendment on November the 7th. Evidentially 20 other states have already passed the legislation after Massachusetts ruled in favor of legalizing same-sex unions.

It is estimated that there are some 250,000 LGBT voters in South Carolina and if these people plus a friend vote in favor the ballot could possibly be defeated.

As Rajendran added, 'LGBT people really respond to the idea that if every LGBT person talks to two friends, two family members, two allies, we can defeat this at the polls.'

And, we possibly can, but in order to do so we all need to be motivated and stand up for what we believe is our rights.

Source: Coalition, Opponents Working to Defeat Constitution Ban on Same-Sex Unions (2006): available online at http://www.thestate.com/

---------------------------------------------------------

*RealQuestions RealAnswers*

What are your thoughts and this constitution?

Click on Comments below and share your thoughts…

-----------------------------------------------------------------

© 2006 Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

By Jeff Adolph

LGBT Politics

Senator McMaster could be called old fashioned, stubborn or just plain unethical, especially in light of his refusal to recognize same-sex unions.

McMaster wants to see the tradition of man marrying woman enshrined in the South Carolina constitution in November.

If this bill passes it will make the acquiring of real estate as a same-sex couple even more difficult and then the leaving that asset to your beloved in the event of a mishap even harder.

As Manju Rajendran, communications director for South Carolina Equality Coalition stated, 'people are tired of this image of the South as the home of bigotry, as a place that is not welcoming all people?'

South Carolina is only one of the the eight states that will have voters consider the same-sex marriage amendment on November the 7th. Evidentially 20 other states have already passed the legislation after Massachusetts ruled in favor of legalizing same-sex unions.

It is estimated that there are some 250,000 LGBT voters in South Carolina and if these people plus a friend vote in favor the ballot could possibly be defeated.

As Rajendran added, 'LGBT people really respond to the idea that if every LGBT person talks to two friends, two family members, two allies, we can defeat this at the polls.'

And, we possibly can, but in order to do so we all need to be motivated and stand up for what we believe is our rights.

Source: Coalition, Opponents Working to Defeat Constitution Ban on Same-Sex Unions (2006): available online at http://www.thestate.com/

---------------------------------------------------------

*RealQuestions RealAnswers*

What are your thoughts and this constitution?

Click on Comments below and share your thoughts…

-----------------------------------------------------------------

© 2006 Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

Southern Charm and GLBT

By Jeff Adolph

Holidays and Leisure

Properties when holidaying are abundant but finding that special something that you and your partner can enjoy together without high tech mess and fuss is a rarity.

Especially, when the South can be a little homophobic and many within the GLBT community feel they are taking a risk when booking accommodation, however, this need not be the case.

There are several magnificent destinations that are gay-friendly, offer class and ambience and allow you and your partner to enjoy your holiday in style and comfort.

North Carolina offers Artsy Asheville one of the most popular gay holiday destinations today, with beautiful inns and boasting Queen Anne designs from the 1800's that are the ultimate romantic getaway.

One such inn named the Biltmore Village is gay-owned, completely restored and the quintessence of the Queen Anne magnificence, with open fireplaces and whirlpool tubs.

Charleston in South Carolina offers empirial decadence with king sized beds, oak and walnut woodwork, crystal chandeliers and antiques by way of the gay friendly Wentworth Mansion.

The Gaslight Inn in Atlanta and the Christopher Palace in Newport Tennessee are both gay owned and offer historical magnificence.

The Christopher is a Greek revival and the Gaslight a 1913's Craftsman's delight.

Whereas, the beauty of all four establishments is in their charm and how they magnify your experience, creating a moment in time that you and your partner are sure to fondly remember.

Source: Collins, A (2006) Gay-friendly Inns and Hotels Dot the Southeast, Offering Luxury and Charm: available online at http://www.dallasvoice.com

---------------------------------------------------------

*RealQuestions RealAnswers*

Can you think of any other gay friendly destinations?

Click on Comments below to share your thoughts...

-----------------------------------------------------------------

© 2006 Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA