DEI Survey PPT-4

This Giving Tuesday, CTAR invites you to consider supporting the Realtors®️ Housing Opportunities Fund (RHOF). You can contribute when you renew your annual Realtor®️ dues, or via the button below.

Your tax deductible gift to RHOF will be granted directly back into the community, through RHOF’s endowed fund which supports housing-related non-profit organizations throughout the Lowcountry.

The Impact of RHOF: 
This spring, RHOF was able to provide a $2,000 grant to Habitat for Humanity of Berkeley County (HFHBC). HFHBC used the grant money to complete a new family home in Moncks Corner for a single mother, who had battled back from a serious health condition, and her young son.

“I came to Habitat for assistance with living stability for my son and I. I am a single mother of one in heaven and one on earth (twins) & will finally be able to create stability for the both of us. Through life’s unfortunate events, I had a stroke at 32. I’m now in excellent health and working, but a major stress factor leading to the stroke was not having a stable home environment. Rent is just astronomical for a half decent apartment. My challenge has been finding a decent, stable place to live.

I have enjoyed gaining skillful knowledge from the construction manager and staff on techniques to preserve my home, learning what all is involved in putting a home together from bottom to closing and learning the importance of detail in knowing your house from the inside out. 

Habitat will help give me the opportunity to provide tangible legacy and stability of shelter for my son and maybe his family…. Waaaaaay down the line! But honestly, we will be in a safer place and my son at 3 years old won’t have to be concerned about gunshots at night. We can finally rest and not live as vagabonds but have a place of peace to call our own. I am looking forward to sleeping in my own bed and room. I haven’t slept in a bed of my own in 3 years. I am going to burn my blow-up mattress and rest. My son will be able to play in his own room and enjoy exploring and growing up in a child safe environment. 

This program is not a handout but a hand up to a brighter future for my baby and I. For this I am truly grateful, honored, and humbled to have been considered for this rare opportunity. I’ll never stop volunteering or sharing with others about this great work from Habitat nor will I fail to acknowledge the kind people I meet along the way who work, donate, and serve Habitat communities and families like myself!”

Though this family was able to receive the help they needed, there is an existing and growing need across our region. HFHBC stressed that decent, adequate and affordable shelter creates a long-lasting and life-changing impact on families and communities. Lowcountry support for affordable housing through grants, low cost mortgages, tax credits, zoning, acquisition of land, family financial counseling, volunteerism, and donations of materials and supplies can make the difference for low and very low-income families.

As this family begins a new life in a new home, HFHBC is preparing to begin two new affordable home projects, one in Hanahan and one in Moncks Corner.

Consider a gift today to help more families find safe, affordable and stable housing!

Released: November 11, 2020

The monthly market reports will be posted as soon as they are available, we apologize for the delay!

The Charleston Trident Association of Realtors® (CTAR) reported 2,098 homes sold in October in the Charleston region at a median price of $317,454 citing preliminary data as of November 2, 2020.

Year-to-date, 17,867 homes have changed hands at a median price of $299,000. At this point last year, 15,694 homes had sold at a median price of $278,815. Thus far in 2020, the number of closed sales has increased by nearly 14% and median price is 7% higher.

Inventory data shows 50% fewer homes for sale over the last 12-month period, with 3,062 homes listed as “active” for sale in the CHS Regional MLS database at the end of October—representing a scant 1.6 months of available inventory, a record low.

“Demand for homes in our market continues to climb and we are deep in seller’s market territory with just a month and a half’s worth of inventory available. About one-third of the available inventory in our entire MLS region is concentrated in the North area—from North Charleston to Moncks Corner. The remainder of our four-county market is stretched incredibly thin and there’s no reason to believe that will slow down in a meaningful way any time soon, even into the typically slower holiday season” said 2020 CTAR President Bobette Fisher. “Rates decreased again in October, which has given buyers more opportunities and options in terms of what they can consider from the financing aspect, but the market is extremely competitive right now–multiple offers are becoming the norm in our regional market” said Fisher.

Showing data was unavailable for this period and will be reported at a later date.

September Adjustment

Preliminary data showed 2,067 homes sold in September in the Charleston region at a median price of $310,000. Updated data now shows 2,083 sales at the same median price.

Berkeley County

546 homes sold at a median price of $250,875 in Berkeley County in October, 462 single-family homes and 84 condos/townhomes. Year-to-date, 4,012 single-family homes have sold at a median price of $284,000 and 641 condos/townhomes at a median price of $197,990.

There are currently 613 residential properties for sale in Berkeley County; 534 single-family homes and 79 condos/townhomes.

Charleston County

1,034 homes sold at a median price of $349,500 in Charleston County in October, 793 single-family homes and 241 condos/townhomes. Year-to-date, 6,628 single-family homes have sold at a median price of $420,000 and 2,203 condos/townhomes at a median price of $250,000.

There are currently 1,713 residential properties for sale in Charleston County—1,177 single-family homes and 536 condos/townhomes.

Colleton County

40 homes sold at a median price of $183,750 in Colleton County in October, 39 single-family homes and 1 condo/townhouse. Year-to-date, 295 single-family homes have sold at a median price of $225,000 and 40 condos/townhomes at a median price of $239,250.

There are currently 79 residential properties for sale in Colleton County—75 single-family homes and 4 condos/townhomes.

Dorchester County

382 homes sold at a median price of $231,000 in Dorchester County in October, 345 single-family homes and 37 condos/townhomes. Year-to-date, 2,948 single-family homes have sold at a median price of $269,000 and 418 condos/townhomes at a median price of $185,000.

There are currently 367 residential properties for sale in Dorchester County—322 single-family homes and 45 condos/townhomes.

Join us on November 12 from 11:00am-12:30pm for Broker Council with Roderick Atkinson.

Atkinson will be hosting this event to discuss best broker practices along with common questions and answers that the BIC’s may have.

Register today!

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Released: October 10, 2020

2,067 homes sold in September in the Charleston region at a median price of $310,000 according to preliminary data released today by the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors® (CTAR).

Year-to-date, 15,741 homes have changed hands at a median price of $295,807. At this point last year, 14,308 homes had sold at a median price of $279,000. Thus far in 2020, closed sales are up 10% and median price has increased by 6%.

Inventory data shows 46% fewer homes for sale over the last 12-month period, with 3,375 homes listed as “active” for sale in the CHS Regional MLS database at the end of September—representing less than 2 months of available inventory.

“September home sales showed incredible growth over last year’s figures, a 46% increase compared to September 2019” said 2020 CTAR President Bobette Fisher. “We have been very lucky to avoid any significant weather-related market interruptions that we have run into the last few years, but the September data is a continuation of this year’s unprecedented growth. In our region, home sales have not dipped below the 2,000 mark since June–setting a new pace for sales in our market and it’s happening despite historically low inventory” said Fisher. “We now have less than two months of available inventory, which has created an incredibly competitive market for buyers” she said. “Inventory has been on a steady decline for several years, as median price has continued to steadily increase. We have long considered affordability to be a concern in our market, and are taking steps to ensure that our market does not become inaccessible to those who want to live in the region and be a part of our communities” said Fisher.

“CTAR is a key supporter of the Lowcountry Housing Fund, which aims to directly address the affordable housing challenges in Charleston County. Voters will find two referendum questions on the Charleston County ballot which asks us to support having a publicly-funded, community-based fund to provide affordable housing in the Charleston area. We have seen regional prices increase by 60% in the last ten years. This growth has pushed buyers further away from their jobs and community centers, pricing many out of the areas that create efficiency in terms of their transportation patterns and a decline in their quality of life” said Fisher.

According to CHS Regional MLS data, there were 27,019 showings in September—nearly 40% higher than in September 2019. The areas with the highest number of showings were again concentrated in the north area with Summerville/Ladson and Goose Creek/Moncks Corner leading the way.

August Adjustment

Preliminary data showed 2,056 homes sold in August in the Charleston region at a median price of $315,000. Updated data now shows 2,066 sales at a median price of $316,000.

Berkeley County

521 homes sold at a median price of $246,495 in Berkeley County in September, 440 single-family homes and 81 condos/townhomes. Year-to-date, 3,550 single-family homes have sold at a median price of $282,500 and 557 condos/townhomes at a median price of $196,390.

There are currently 653 residential properties for sale in Berkeley County; 560 single-family homes and 93 condos/townhomes.

Charleston County

1,021 homes sold at a median price of $352,435 in Charleston County in Septemer, 765 single-family homes and 256 condos/townhomes. Year-to-date, 5,821 single-family homes have sold at a median price of $416,905 and 1,958 condos/townhomes at a median price of $250,000.

There are currently 1,901 residential properties for sale in Charleston County—1,328 single-family homes and 573 condos/townhomes.

Colleton County

40 homes sold at a median price of $225,950 in Colleton County in September, 37 single-family homes and 3 condos/townhomes. Year-to-date, 256 single-family homes have sold at a median price of $212,250 and 39 condos/townhomes at a median price of $250,000.

There are currently 102 residential properties for sale in Colleton County—95 single-family homes and 7 condos/townhomes.

Dorchester County

400 homes sold at a median price of $232,250 in Dorchester County in September, 349 single-family homes and 51 condos/townhomes. Year-to-date, 2,598 single-family homes have sold at a median price of $268,000 and 380 condos/townhomes at a median price of $185,000.

There are currently 415 residential properties for sale in Dorchester County—380 single-family homes and 35 condos/townhomes.

The CTAR RPAC auction kicks off on Monday, October 5 at 10am with an exclusive list of auction items available for all Realtor® members to bid on.

Snag a beach weekend, downtown getaway, wine tasting and much more, all while supporting the Realtors® Political Action Committee (RPAC).

Bidding starts Monday, October 5 at 10am and closes Friday, October 9 at 3pm!

Review the auction items today!

A Housing Trust Fund (HTF) is a source of public revenue dedicated by ordinance or law to a district fund with the express purpose of providing affordable housing for families. There are more than 780 housing trust funds in cities, counties, and states that generate more than $1.5 billion annually for affordable housing. Regionally, Greenville, Savannah, Asheville and Charlotte all have established housing trust funds with a local, dedicated funding source. The Lowcountry Housing Fund will be a development tool to leverage public-private partnerships in the development of the new affordable housing as well as the rehabilitation of existing housing in Charleston County.

The first two questions on the upcoming Charleston Country ballot referendums have direct effect on affordable housing and the Lowcountry Housing Fund. Educate yourself on why you should vote YES to these questions – visit the Lowcountry Housing Fund website today!

The 2020 Nominating Committee has named the officers and directors for the 2021 CTAR leadership positions. One candidate was selected for each vacancy, and was elected by acclamation as no additional candidates were submitted. These candidates were confirmed by the board of directors on October 21, 2020.

2021 CTAR Leadership Candidates

Katesha Breland | First Vice President
Broker-in-Charge, Sweetgrass Realty Group

A native of Charleston, SC with more than twenty years of experience working with buyers and sellers, Katesha is passionate about the real estate industry, assisting her clients and serving within CTAR. She has held several leadership positions and served on various committees at the local, state and national levels. As the first black female on the CTAR Board of Directors, Katesha is currently serving in her second term as a Director and will return as 1st Vice President. She also serves as President for the SC Residential Real Estate Council and Chair for SCR Member Benefits and Services.

When not consulting, Katesha enjoys coordinating for Feed the Need, traveling with her two daughters and playing golf. Katesha holds a Master’s Degree in Real Estate Development from Clemson University and is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

John Grisillo | Director
Realtor®, Carolina One Real Estate

John Grisillo is a Charleston native and graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. At West Point he was a Catholic Sunday school teacher, an All-Armed Services rugby player and an occasional Dean’s list student. Upon graduation, John was commissioned into the US Army and served as an Airborne Ranger Infantry officer. He was awarded the Bronze Star with “V” Device for valor in combat in the Euphrates River Valley, Iraq. After 9/11 he served as a military commentator for Charleston news stations.

Since leaving the service, John has served in business leadership, sales roles and entrepreneurial endeavors. He founded The Compass Group, a national search firm that placed former military officers into Fortune 500 companies. He sold the company in 2003. Since 2004 he has worked in construction and real estate in the Charleston market. He joined Carolina One Real Estate in 2009. He served as the Broker-in-Charge of the West Islands office from 2012-2018, and he currently serves as General Manager of Carolina One Real Estate – Charleston’s market leader and among the top 60 real estate firms in the country.

John has served in many leadership roles with church committees and school boards. He has served as the president of the Bishop England High School Advisory Board. He currently chairs the CTAR Legislative Committee. John enjoys spending time with his family and physical fitness activities. He won the State Masters Division Powerlifting Championship in 2014. John is happily married to Kathy Grisillo, a Bishop England High School classmate and current teacher at BE. They have three daughters, Lauren, Katelyn and Mary Chandler.

Stephen Kohn | Director
Broker-in-Charge, Excel Real Estate

Stephen is Managing Partner and Broker-in-Charge of Excel Real Estate – Charleston, a new brokerage to the Lowcountry established in March, 2020. He is originally from Jacksonville, FL and relocated to the Lowcountry in 2009. He has a lovely wife, Rachel, and 3 beautiful kids, Jadden, Xavier & Skylar. After serving 8 years in the US Air Force and receiving a Medical Retirement, he decided to join the real estate industry. In 2015, Stephen brought his military training and skills to the real estate industry and has been an awesome asset to his clients, fellow real estate agents and the local community.

In 2018, Stephen earned his Master’s degree from Charleston Southern University in Organizational Leadership. He is a true servant leader and continuously sets the example for others to emulate. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Lowcountry Youth Services, was awarded Realtor of Distinction from 2015-2019, earned several National Association of Realtor® Professional Designations, but most of all – continues to honor and serve families each and every day through real estate!

John Cowan | Director
Realtor®, Carolina One Real Estate

A proud Charlestonian and Citadel graduate, John jumped into real estate at the age of 21. He knows the Lowcountry from Lake Moultrie to Sullivan’s Island and everywhere in between. John has helped clients find their dream homes, investment properties and even a commercial space for their business all over the tri-county area.

In his spare time he enjoys the golf course, a fishing pole and actively volunteering in local community organizations. In 19 years in the business John has held numerous leadership positions within CTAR, such as Leadership Development, RPAC, Candidate screening, RHOF, and CTAR Legislative. John currently resides on Daniel Island where he works in the new Carolina One Office.

Owen Tyler | NAR Director
Broker-in-Charge, The Cassina Group

Owen Tyler is the Managing Broker and a Partner at The Cassina Group and brings to the table a passion for his profession. Tyler is an Accredited Buyer’s Representative, a Certified International Property Specialist, a Certified Residential Specialist, he holds the Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist Certification and is a certified mediator. He has served on local, state and national board of directors and in leadership positions for South Carolina Realtors®, Charleston Trident Association of Realtors®, National Association of Realtors®, Charleston Regional Development Alliance, The Children’s Trust of South Carolina and One80 Place.

Within CTAR, Tyler is an RPAC President Circle Member and 2021 RPAC Hall of Fame Inductee. He also serves as the NAR Federal Political Coordinator for South Carolina 1st District and as the Region 4 Representative for the NAR RPAC Trustees Fundraising Committee. In addition, he has been a past recipient of the Realtor® of the Year Award from Charleston Trident Associations of Realtors®, a past recipient of the C. Dan Joyner Community Service Award and named as a Forty Under 40 by the Charleston Business Journal.

Tyler was the 2013 President of CTAR. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for One80 Place and as the 2020 President of South Carolina Realtors®.

Bobette Fisher | NAR Director
Realtor®, Carolina One Real Estate

Bobette has been a real estate agent since 2002 and with her current brokerage, Carolina One Real Estate, since 2009. She holds the designations of CIPS, CRS, GRI and SFR. She has served in leadership on the executive board of the SC Council of Residential Specialists and was President of the SC Chapter in 2013. She received South Carolina CRS of the Year in 2014 and the Omega Tau Rho Award, as nominated by her peers in 2015.

Bobette has been in the Charleston area since 2000. She is married, has two grown children and is a native of Elkhart, Indiana. In her free time she enjoys traveling, the local beaches and all the great food and fun activities the Lowcountry offers!

The following Realtors are already serving on the CTAR Board of Directors and will continue their service in 2021:

Rusty Hughes | President
Broker-in-Charge, Carolina One Real Estate

Jon Stroud | President Elect
Broker Associate, The Boulevard Company

Drew Grossklaus | Treasurer
Broker-in-Charge, William Means Real Estate

Shakeima Chatman | Director (2021)
Broker Associate, Carolina Elite Real Estate

Ashley Jackrel | Director (2021)
Senior Associate, Avison Young

Stacy Smith | Director (2021)
Broker-in-Charge, Smith Spencer Real Estate

Janice Adler | Director (2022)
Broker Associate, Healthy Realty

Joseph Klosik | Director (2022) 
Broker-in-Charge, Keller Williams

Join us on September 29 Via Zoom from 11am- 12:30 pm, exclusively for Brokers and BIC’s.

Pop in to meet Tori Stein as she would like to share a new Healthcare program Brokers can offer their agents!

Learn more about the program here