The Mason Minute - May 2006
My own “neighborhood watch” with a little something on each neighborhood on Daufuskie designed to update you, oddly enough, in just about one minute.
Is there a bit of a bubble in the real estate market? St Joe, the large Florida based real estate developer, announced slower than expected resort and existing single family residence sales in the first quarter of 2006. While sales in some areas of Daufuskie had been slow through the winter, prices have remained stable. Interest rate stability and gas prices will, in my opinion, control our real estate market this year.
Bloody Point
With the long awaited completion of Sandy Lane condominiums, the Bloody Point POA has moved quickly to re-pave the north end of Fuskie Lane - adding to the entire experience of being at Bloody Point.
The implementation of a beach groin project at the south end of Bloody Point is moving right along. A contract should be in place soon and work is scheduled to be completed this summer. Stabilization of the beach is an important issue for all of us on Daufuskie – many thanks to the Bloody Point owners for their pro-active efforts.
Haig Point
The owner/members of Haig Point approved the capital assessment program to address ferry needs, golf course improvements and a new beach club. This positive response from the owner/members shows conviction and commitment and should help buoy the real estate values in HP.
The current Inventory of homesites and homes offers the buyer a nice selection. With a clear direction now in place, this may be a great time to revisit Haig Point.
Historic District
Interest in the Historic District remains very strong as we move through the spring. The Historic District provides owners with flexibility to create family retreats or primary residences. Inventory is good and the prices being realized are the highest in many years. If you’re looking for a homesite with deep water access, this might be a good time to see the Landings at Mungen River or the New River Bluff estate sized lots.
Melrose
A nice selection of homesites exists in Melrose with everything from wooded lots to oceanfront properties available. For the first time since their initial release we have Melrose Beach Cottages available for resale. Rental potential remains strong for these first and second row fully renovated cottages.
Last time we announced the availability of two-bedroom condominium Easter Beach Villas. They’ve been moving quickly with four of the eight either sold or under contract.
Webb Tract
Well, its spring and there is some news. The South Carolina Environmental Legal Project has announced a settlement of the harbor issue. If this proves to be true, it will mark a significant step toward the development of the Webb Tract. While the announcement itself has few facts, you can check it out by going to www.scelp.com and then clicking on the link to their newsletter, “Mountains and Marshes”. The article is several pages down in the newsletter.
Daufuskie Island Resort and Breathe Spa
The resort has named John Russell as the new Managing Director. John brings a wealth of experience and a people first approach to the position. We welcome John and hope you’ll take time to introduce yourself when you are on the island.
Sporting two brand new engines, rumor has it that our old friend the Clipper I will return to the waters around Daufuskie in late May! She’ll be welcomed back to the fleet with open arms and will provide the opportunity for the Swift Cat to have some maintenance work completed.
Around the Island
Marshside Mama’s underwent a nice “face lift” a few weeks back and it came out beautifully. Same great food and fun . . . now even better than before!
Congrats to the DI Nature Conservancy. On Saturday, April 29 the group hosted a very successful Blues and BBQ complete with a fun run/walk up at Freeport Marina. The music was great, the food excellent and the camaraderie couldn’t have been better.
Got a question or a thought to share? Don’t hesitate to drop me a note (amason5@hargray.com) or add it to the “blog”. Take care ~ Andy |
