December in Charleston

December, 2008

It's hard to believe there's just one page left on the wall calendar - but what a full page it is! As grateful as we are year round for all that we have, the holiday season makes us especially conscious of the value of home and family and reminds us of the importance of what we do for others. It's a wonderful time to share with family, friends, and neighbors, and a wonderful time to set something aside for those not so fortunate.

You'll probably see a lot of your neighbors at some of our dazzling December events:
* Experience Charleston's history and holiday spirit with the Charleston Tree lighting ceremony in Marion Square on December 6th from 4:30 to 6:00pm.
* Before you pack in another holiday meal, burn off a few calories at the Reindeer Run, a festival fun-filled 5K run/walk through Downtown Charleston, December 6th, 9:00AM. Visitwww.reindeerrun.org for further information.
* It's time to decorate your boat with Christmas lights! Come out to the Charleston Harbor onDecember 6th for the Annual Parade of Boats. Don't have a boat? View this spectacular sight from land. The parade begins along Mt. Pleasant at 5:00PM, with fireworks beginning around 6:30PM.
* Dress warm, put on your First Night Button, and celebrate New Years Eve in our historic downtown at First Night Charleston, December 31.We are blessed to live in Charleston, and I am extraordinarily fortunate to have such a wonderful group of friends, neighbors, clients, and colleagues. I am so grateful for your loyalty and trust, for your repeat business and referrals, and for your friendly calls throughout the year.

I look forward to working with you in 2009 and I hope you will continue to call on me any time you're thinking about real estate.My family joins me in sending you our warmest wishes for a very happy holiday season and a healthy, peaceful and prosperous New Year.

Sincerely,

Jay Costa

October in Charleston

The first snap of fall is in the air. The daily routine of school and work is resumed, the patio furniture tucked away for the season. But make no mistake, this is not the month to plan long, idle days inside! There's always a lot going on in Charleston, and the beautiful fall weather makes this a perfect time to get outdoors with the family. Here's just a taste of what's in store this month.

* October 12 - The Taste of Charleston - 11:00 am thru 5:00 pm at Boone Hall Plantation, Mt.
Pleasant, SC. Advance Tickets $10.00 (Available at Charleston area Applebees Restaurants).
Tickets at Gate are $12.00, Children 10/under are free. This years "Taste" will benefit the Ronald McDonald House, Hollings Cancer Center and Charleston County Science Materials Resource Center. Plenty of free parking inside Boone Hall Plantation. Rain or shine. No pets or coolers, please. For more info call (843) 577-4030.
* The 33rd Annual Fall Candlelight Tours of Homes & Gardens continues through October 25.
Purchase tickets online at http://www.preservationsociety.org/
* October 30 - November 8, 2008 - Coastal Carolina Fair - 52nd Anniversary - 2008 Coastal
Carolina Fair,Ladson Fairgrounds, Ladson, SC. Enjoy food, fun and music for the whole family. For more information call (843) 572-3161.
* Ghosts, goblins, and ghouls of all shapes and sizes will join the aquatic animals at the South Carolina Aquarium for Fish or Treat! on October 30, 5:00-7:30pm. You can register online at
www.scaquarium.org
* Don't forget to turn back your clocks on Nov. 1 at 2:00am when Daylight Savings Time ends!

If your activities for the month include any thoughts about real estate, please know that I'm ready to help you, no matter what the weather. I am never too busy to assist you or your friends, relatives, or business associates. In fact, I count on your referrals to build my business. When people mention real estate, please think of me and pass along my name and phone number. You can be confident that I will provide your friends with prompt, courteous, and professional service.

Thank you,
Jay

Charleston in September

Once again, summer has gone by in a flash and we're headed toward the beautiful colors of fall. While the warm days linger, you may be putting some finishing touches on summer projects, but this season means new books, new shoes, and lots of homework ahead.

It may be back-to-school time, but there's still plenty to do around Charleston:

* Tour the island where the Civil War began - Fort Sumter - and enjoy a cruise around Charleston's historic harbor. Find more info at www.spiritlinecruises.com.
* Have you visited the Reptile Center or the Butterfly House at Cypress Gardens? Get more info. at www.cypressgardens.org.
* This a good time to start art projects for the holidays. How about homemade holiday cards? Set up a table outdoors while it's still warm and have fun!

Maintaining the value of your home is a year-round job. But sometimes values change and you don't even know it. If you've wondered how much your home is worth in today's market, I'd be happy to provide you with a free market evaluation. And if you're thinking about making a move, please let me help you get the most out of your present home - and everything you want in your new one.

Your friends, business associates and family members may also have questions about real estate. Please let me know and I would be delighted to assist them any time. I always appreciate your referrals.

Thank you,
Jay

Charleston in August

Sometimes it may seem like everyone is on vacation. August is one of those months. But in fact, real estate keeps perking right along. People keep listing their homes for sale and others are out looking to buy the home of their dreams - some moving to Charleston for the first time (and who can blame them!) and others looking for a home more suitable to their current lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, I'm here to help, year-round.

And if you're looking for ways to cool off this summer:

* August 8 - Moonlight Mixer: Shaggin on the Pier - Dance the night away under the stars at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier. DJ Rob Duren will spin the hottest oldies & beach music around. Beverages will available for purchase on-site. Food will be available for purchase at the pier gift shop. All Mixers are Friday nights with rain dates the following Saturday. For more info call 795- 4386.
* August 30 - Irvin-House Vineyards will kick off a season of special events with a traditional Grape Stomp from 2 to 6 pm at Wadmalaw Island. Open to the public, you can taste five varieties of Muscadine wine, enjoy Lowcountry barbeque (for purchase) and relax to music by Common Ground. Bring a chair or a blanket, but please leave the pets at home.
* August 3 - Boone Hall Plantation's Annual Barbecue Cook-Off Barbecue and bluegrass, just the sound of it makes your mouth water and your toes start tappin'. The summertime is the perfect time for Boone Hall Plantation's Annual Barbecue Cook-Off and Bluegrass Festival. Call (843) 884-4371 ext. 221.


If you're considering making some changes to your current home, I would be happy to assist you in making decisions that can increase the value of your home for the present and the future. Please remember that the assistance I provide to you is also available for your friends, relatives, and business associates. Your referrals are the building blocks of my business and I am very grateful for them.

Thank you for your continued support and please let me know if I can assist you in any way.

Thank you,
Jay

July in Charleston

July is time for outdoor furniture, barbecues and swimsuits. It's also time for picnics, hiking, and exploring the scenic and historic region we live in. When you see the tourists rolling in, it's a reminder of how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful place.

Even if you're planning to stick close to home this summer, you may want to venture out for some of the events that are planned for Independence Day and beyond:

* Among the many Fourth of July celebrations, there will be fireworks at Patriots Point, Brittlebank
Park, Summerville, and Folly Beach.
* Grab some fresh fruit and vegetables, beautiful flowers and plants, plus much more at the Mount
Pleasant Farmers Market. Every Tuesday from 3pm until dark at the Moultrie Middle School,
Coleman Blvd.
* Stay in shape with your friends as you try the Challenge Course Program at the James Island County
Park. Contact the park at 795-4386.

I hope that you and your family have a safe and happy summer. I'll be here to help you throughout the months ahead, so please give me a call any time. Also, please remember that my business is built on referrals. If you have a neighbor, friend, relative or business associate who is thinking about moving - near or far, large or small - I would be very happy to assist them and provide them with the same friendly professional service you've come to expect.
Your Realtor,
Jay Costa

The month of June in Charleston.

Summer is here, and our annual lineup of sporting events, summer festivals and outdoor celebrations are beginning. Whether you'll be staying home or leaving town this summer, entertaining houseguests or visiting someone else's house, our home base in Charleston is a reward every single day.

Here are a few June activities for the whole family:

• Get a little taste of Italy at The Spoleto Festival USA, through June 8. Get information on shows
  and events at www.spoletousa.org/charleston.
• June 6 - Splash Island and Spash Zone Water Parks Open! For more information visit the
  Charleston County Parks and Recreation website at www.ccprc.com.
• Get your dancing shoes on! It's time for the Folly Beach Moonlight Mixers Shaggin' on the Pier! June 13th, 7-11pm.
• Let's go out to the ball game...it's the season for the Charleston Riverdogs. Get a schedule and game info at www.riverdogs.com.
  
  Please know that I really appreciate your referrals and count on my satisfied clients for the referral that will help me build my business. If you have a friend, family member or colleague who is considering a move to, from, or within the greater Charleston area - I can help them.
  I look forward to assisting you with all of your real estate questions. Please call on me at any time.

Your Realtor,

Jay Costa, GRI
Carolina One Real Estate
1265 Folly Road
Charleston, S.C. 29412
(843) 795-7810
jay@jaycosta.com

April 1, 2008

April 1, 2008

The days grow noticeably longer and you may be thinking about the "home improvement" season ahead. If you have questions about your home and how you can make it more comfortable and more valuable I hope you'll call on me. Meanwhile, in between those ambitious projects, there's plenty to enjoy around town.

• The Cooper River Bridge Run! A local tradition that stretches back to 1978, this 10-K race draws more than 30,000 participants every year. Come join us April 5, at 8:00AM. Info: 792-6611.
• The 2008 Family Circle Cup will be held at the Family Circle Tennis Center located on Daniel
  Island, April 12 to 20.
• Anything as popular as grits deserves its own annual festival. So come on out to St. George for the World Grits Festival and get your fill, April 11 to 13. Visit http://www.worldgritsfestival.com/ for further information.
• Celebrate the "Blessing of the Fleet" and Seafood Festival on Shem Creek in Mt. Pleasant. April 27th from 11:30am to 5:00pm at Alahambra Hall.
  
  Whether the Spring has you getting ready for the big garage sale, practicing soccer, or thinking about moving, I'm always available to answer your questions and to help make the most of your life in Charleston.
  
  Please let me know if I can assist you in any way.
  
  Your Realtor,
  Jay Costa, GRI
  Prudential Carolina Real Estate