Remodeling Cost versus Value

This annual publication is always a useful reference for those who want to spruce up a home they plan to sell in the next couple of years.

"Remodeling magazine’s annual 'Cost vs. Value Report' shows exterior and replacement projects bring the biggest return. Home rehabbers who are considering a move in the not-too-distant future should focus mostly on exterior upgrades. That’s the message from REALTORS® who participated in Remodeling magazine’s 20th annual 'Cost vs. Value Report', done in cooperation with REALTOR® Magazine.

REALTORS® in 65 markets were given construction specs and costs on 29 upscale and midrange projects and asked to estimate the percentage return at resale. Of projects that saw national cost recovery rates of more than 80 percent in 2007, only one — a minor kitchen remodel, with 83 percent of cost recovered — was a strictly interior job. The others were an upscale siding replacement using fiber cement materials (88.1 percent), a wood deck addition (85.4 percent), midrange vinyl siding replacement (83.2 percent), and upscale vinyl and midrange wood window replacements (81 percent and 81.2 percent, respectively)."

For the full Realtor Magazine article: http://www.realtor.org/rmomag.NSF/pages/2007CostvsValue?OpenDocument

Christmas in Charleston!

I always love the Holy City, but Christmas certainly brings out special charms! Of course everyone has a datebook full of places to go and people to see this time of year, but if you are looking for something else, maybe somewhere different to go with those people to see, check out the Charleston Convention Center calendar and list of attractions: Holiday Calendar.

From the fabulous Chocolate Tour put on by Carolina Food Pros to the natural glories of Magnolia Plantation's camellias in full flower and Handel's Messiah performed by the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, this might truly be the "most wonderful time of the year!"

SC Soundtrack

This place is so cool. If you ever doubt it, just turn on the tunes chosen for the SCIway South Carolina Soundtrack. I defy anyone to listen to these without singing along or at least grinning and tapping a toe! If you're looking for an original Christmas gift, this iTunes download could be just the thing for a Sandlapper far from home or a transplant who could use a tutorial in Carolina appreciation.

"Sifting through seven decades of songs either about South Carolina or by an artist from our state was challenging … but enjoyable. The 15 songs we finally selected range from beach music to country, blues to bluegrass, and rock & roll to gospel and jazz."

From James Brown and James Taylor to Hootie and the Blowfish and The Marshall Tucker Band, this list is as diverse as the state it represents!

For the SCIway SC Soundtrack liner notes: http://www.sciway.net/ccr/sc-soundtrack.html