Todd Webb is the owner and to know him is to love him, his smile is infectious and he shows it often.  Constantly cracking jokes and making you laugh, he is the lifeblood of Woody’s Pizza.  He was born in Denver, CO but moved often as a kid and landed in Charleston 15 years ago.  After working in many downtown restaurants, something inside him desired the easy-going beach life, and he knew Folly was his paradise.

An opportunity presented itself when the old Pie House was available, and he created his slice of heaven with the renovation help of some friends.  If you are new to Woodys, the kitchen was originally behind the bar, which made everything cramped, and orders were hard to hear over the typical bar chatter.  The kitchen was moved to the back opening up the place.  Todd also added a wrap-around deck, perfect for relaxing, listening to music, and people watching on Center Street.

Woody's Pizza 39 Center Street, Folly Beach, SC  29439 843-588-0088  DoWoodysPizza.com View Menu here

Regulars describe Woody’s as a comfortable second home, a place that feels like their own bar which is exactly how Todd wants it.  “The locals keep us alive, and I want to thank all of them who support us.”  He could keep it up for the rest of his life, “It’s not a bad gig.”  His next plans are becoming a dad soon, and surviving the offseason until spring kicks off the busy time.  The Woody and the white pizza are Todd’s favorite items on the menu, mine is 2 slices of meatball and feta.  You can customize slices or whole pies for your taste, and wash it down with a cold draft beer.  If you get stuck in the beach house, Woody’s also delivers.  Try it next time you crave a slice of pie.

Momentum is going strong for Folly Beach real estate.  Many Folly Beach homes and condominiums are trading hands while people take advantage of low prices and low interest rates.  The pace of existing home sales has quickened and is returning to normal levels.  Below is a summary of activity for July 2010.  Contact me for the whole picture of the market.

11 properties sold in July 2010 on Folly Beach, bringing the total sold in 2010 to 61.  Through 7 m0nths of 2010, we have sold as many as all of 2009.  No tax credit disclaimer here, most buyers on Folly Beach would not qualify for the first time homebuyer credit.  So we have legitimate demand for homes, which makes sense at the current average price in July of $331,829.  If that sounds good to you, come on down and join us.

There have been a handful of foreclosed properties and great investment deals, but they go quickly and you really have to be in a position to move.  they best way is to get educated on the market and be able to pounce when needed.  I can help lead the way.

Some of the sales in July were:

A 3 bedroom Charleston Oceanfront Villa for $640,000

A 2nd row lot on East Arctic for $300,000

A condominium in Marsh Winds for $135,000

As prices fall lower, the low hanging fruit is easiest to pick, and that is exactly what is going on here on Folly.   People are realizing that the prices are worth pulling the trigger, if you have always wanted the Folly Beach lifestyle.  If you have ever considered buying, or are interested in selling your home, let me fill you in on the state of the market.

Contact Vince Perna - Dunes Properties - Folly Beach

Kids will climb on the rope-webbed jungle gym and the shrimp boat equipped with toddler slides, monkey bars, fire pole, tunnel, rock climb, and bridge.  There are baby swings, a tire swing, and little seahorse bouncys, all under some pretty good shade from the tree in the middle.  There is also a gazebo where you can hold a birthday party or get together.  The Pirate Cove playground is a great place for fun of all ages.

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Folly Beach Real Estate is back in demand! This has been a good year for buying oceanfront and island homes, and people are taking advantage.  8 properties sold in June 2010 bringing the total sold through half of 2010 to 50.  Folly Beach sold 59 in all of last year.  Is this a good sign?  It depends of if your a buyer or a seller.

The prices are still drastically low and have not come back like the number of sales has, and buyers are recognizing that it makes sense to purchase now.  This is a natural occurrence right before prices begin to go back up.  Here are some highlights from the last month:

The average oceanfront sale in June was $780k.

You can have a nice (nice!) island home for $500k.

For the second time this year $1 million was spent and the house was a dream home.

Other sales during the month included a townhome with a deepwater Folly River boat slip for $320k and a Mariners Cay condo for under $200k.

There are great deals still out there so if you are looking contact me and start your search today!

Are you be interested in buying a foreclosure property on Folly Beach?  Well you better be ready to jump when they come on the market.  This week two properties were listed on Folly Beach in the $300,000 range, one was a foreclosure.  They both went under contract in less than one week, the foreclosure was under contract in days.  This tells me that there are many buyers paying attention to the market.

Your best strategy to take advantage of one of these properties is to work with someone who keeps an eye on the market.  I work day in and day out keeping my clients updated on any changes in the market.  Let me know what you are looking for and I will contact you when these type of properties come available.

Vince Perna

Dunes Properties

843-425-6414

Are you interested in Folly Beach, SC oceanfront real estate, including homes, lots, and condos?  Below is a market update to keep you current on what is happening here on the beach.

Number of oceanfront sales by year:

There have been more sales through 6 months of 2010, than 2008 or 2009.

Instant Analysis:

The results have been helped by lower prices.  If you can afford a beach house, you buy one right?
In the recent past there were less buyers in the market which has caused prices to come down.  But at some point it just seems worth it to purchase.  We have seen cases where the price is so low that buyers who wanted it, grabbed it.

There have been opportunities to purchase that smart buyers have taken advantage of.

These people were already poised to make a move.  They had previewed the market and knew what they were looking for because searching for an oceanfront home does take a little time.  They also knew they had leverage as a buyer and worked with an experienced Folly Beach agent.  Will you be ready when the next good opportunity comes around?

It is true that the good stuff has been purchased and right now there is less to choose from.

From recent showing activity, those opportunities may be passing us by.  $1 million does not go as far as it recently did.  This would be natural in a recovery, and could lead to higher housing prices.  Do you want to take advantage while you can?

To find out more about buying a home or what your Folly Beach home is worth contact Vince Perna - Dunes Properties.

Meet James Justin Burke, a local Folly Beach musician and songwriter.  I sat down recently for an interview with the burgeoning star, and he is a confident young man, sure of his craft, but deep down the kid inside him remains giddy with excitement and anticipation.  It is this energy that drives his music as he becomes a master craftsman at his trade.  All of his songs are heartfelt and will evoke a spirit inside you.  He is a transplant from Virginia but calls Folly Beach his home and soaks up Folly energy to use in his art.  He fronts Jupiter’s Garden, a local rock band that puts on an awesome show.  Recently he went out solo, and James Justin & Co. presents a soulful rock-grass sound with hints of Americana and country.  Every time I have his new album playing, someone asks about it, the sign of a truly good record.  I highly recommend getting one for yourself, but be careful, it may never come out of your CD player.

Why did you make a solo album?

Every show, someone would talk to me about this great connection they had to one of the songs I wrote, and I thought about how cool it would be to continue these connections on an album.  I never really thought twice about it, it felt like I was meant to do it.

Tell me about the new album?

“Southern Son, So Far” is an album of love songs.  It has 9 tracks and song selection was a big decision.  There are more songs that did not make it because they just didn’t fit the feeling of this album.  Every good record tells a story and the songs I chose were about my wife and how she changed my life.  It already has been a gigantic success.

What experiences did you have with the album creation process?

I had nothing but extremely good experiences.  I was surprised at the love and support I received from so many places.  Jim Donnelly from Plowground Productions produced the album and made the process effortless.  I went in not knowing anything and came out with something that I never knew would go this far.  It is very scary to give away your heart and soul, and Jim eased my mind and was confident that it will rival anything out there. I could not have done it without him.  Then my friends and some of my heros offered to be a part of the album.  Ben Bridwell was happy to help and his respect was a huge gift.  The guys in Dangermuffin were there to support and Howard Dlugash, they all helped me through it.

Are you writing new music and touring now?

Absolutely, in fact I could probably make 5 records.  I am very active and a 2^nd album may be in the works very soon.  My albums are all concepts so I am searching for a sign that makes the 2^nd one complete.  James Justin & Co. is planning a Charleston Charity tour, which has 8 dates in late June/early July benefiting Carolina Studios.  Then we are taking off to Wilmington, NC then Floydfest in VA, and Camp Barefoot in WV, touring Virginia and singing the national anthem at the Richmond Braves game.  Then in the fall we have a tour planned from Boston to Miami and over to New Orleans.  We plan on being very busy.

How do you feel about the Folly Beach music scene?

The sounds going on here are incredible.  People who aren’t paying attention need to know that there are 3 major bands making it out there on the road, all based on Folly.  Countless others are equally as good and you can hear one nearly every night.  The amount of good bands you hear up and down Center Street encourages each one try harder and get better.  It is all a product of where we live and where we come from.  Crossing the bridge and arriving on the island relieves all my troubles and creates a huge sigh from deep down within.  I can’t imagine my life without Folly.

Buy the album at JamesJustinMusic.com.  You can check out James Justin & Co. 6/20 & 7/3 at the Surf Bar, 6/24 on the Folly Pier, 7/1 at Sunset Cay Marina, and 7/2 at Folly Beach Brewing Co.

WOW!  What a month!  13 properties sold during May 2010 on Folly Beach bringing the total year to date to 40.  This pace is what we are used to on Folly.  Have we reached a bottom?  I would hesitate to call a bottom, but maybe call it a stabilization.  Increased number of sales is what we need in order for demand to push prices upward.  So far prices remain low, which is leading many to purchase property.  The average sales price in May was $458,000.

The sales in May included an oceanfront 1 bedroom studio for $250,000, a 2nd row cottage on a half lot for $363,000, and a Sunset Pointe home with a pool for $548,000.  There were also 2 Charleston Oceanfront Villas sold in the $600's.

There are still many great opportunities on Folly Beach, but when one presents itself, it usually is gobbled up.  As a buyer, you must really be in position to pounce as soon as the deal is listed.  Getting yourself prepared takes a little time so get started looking now, so when the deal comes around you will be ready.

To talk further or to get more information on the sales, call me at 843-425-6414 or email me vperna@dunesproperties.com.

Vince Perna

Dunes Properties of Charleston

31 Center Street, Folly Beach, SC  29439

June 5-6, 2010

The City of Folly Beach, Surfrider Foundation Charleston Chapter, and the Southern South Carolina District of the Eastern Surfing Association proudly present the 2010 Folly Beach Wahine classic, June 5-6, 2010.  Come out and watch the best women surfers on the east coast compete for the title.  This year's proceeds will go to Surfer's Healing, a non-profit group bringing a free one day surf camp to the beach, benefiting autistic children and their families.  Surfer's Healing will be on Folly Beach the first week in August, with a firm date to be announced soon.

For more information check out:  Folly Beach Wahine.com

Folly Beach Fishing Pier

presented by the Folly Beach Anglers

Saturday June 5th from 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM

All kids 16 and under can fish for free with no pre-enrollment needed.  The Folly Beach anglers will be on hand to instruct and coach and even help bait a hook.  They will also have equipment available for those who do not have a rod and reel.

There will be prizes awarded for biggest fish in the following categories:  11 & under boy and girl, 12-16 boy and girl, and Grand Champion $50 for the biggest fish of the day.  There will also be door prizes given away by a drawing at the end of the tournament.

For information, contact dntculpepper@comcast.net.

719-E-Arctic-Folly-Beach-SC

There were 4 closed transactions on Folly Beach in the month of April 2010.  A Turtle Bay townhome sold for $385,000 which included a dock and boat slip, a 3 bedroom oceanfront condo and a nice family home a few rows back from the beach sold around $450,000, and an oceanfront home sold for $1.275 million.   This shows that quality property is still in demand.

So far in 2010 there have been 26 sales compared to 13 in 2009.  This shows that buyers are beginning to re-enter the market.  This is a result of attractive lower prices.  Out of the 26 sales this year, 6 have sold over $500,000.  Now is the time to be buying, while prices are low.

Contact me here with any questions.

Come on down to the island!  The prices are fine!

If you have always thought that living at the beach was too expensive, then think again.  In 2009 Q1, the average sales price was $438,000 and that has dropped to $401,000 in 2010 Q1.  22 properties sold in 1st Quarter 2010, compared to 11 in the 1st Quarter of 2009.  The lower average sales price explains the reason for the increased number of sales.    More people are able to move onto Folly Beach, leaving behind the feeling that it is too expensive to live on the beach.  Increased demand typically signals the bottom of the market, so if this trend continues we could see prices rise in the future.

Now is a great time to buy a Folly Beach home because of the combination of low prices and low interest rates.  Make sure you are working with someone who is an expert in the market and knows their way around the island.  Please contact me here with any questions.

Vince Perna

Dunes Properties

843-425-6414

vperna@dunesproperties.com

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

An oceanfront property with a small 2 bedroom home, and an impressive dune system changed hands for $875,000.  A 2nd row property that was listed for $600,000, sold for $300,000, an incredible 50% off asking price.  This shows how important it is to work with a realtor that knows the market and can find you a real steal.  If you are interested in buying or selling on Folly Beach, make sure you use an agent that is experienced and knowledgeable, and you too could find a great deal.

Click here to contact Vince Perna.

8 Properties sold in the month of January 2010 on Folly Beach, beginning this year with a healthy sales volume just like late 2009.  The sales ranged from $225,000 to $550,000 with an average sale of $375,425.  The low prices are the reason for the increasing number of sales.  Buyers are beginning to bite on the great deals that can be had on Folly Beach.

Out of the 8 sales this month, 4 were some type of foreclosure or short sale situation.  The banks are willing to go low.  If you have an experienced agent, they can point you in the right direction to find these investment deals.  If you are interested in buying or selling on Folly Beach, let an experienced professional guide your way.  Contact me here:

Contact Vince Perna

Live Music by:

Jupiter's Garden
Shakin Martinis
Jason and the Juggernauts
Oscar Rivers Band
Stratton Lawrence & Stratton Moore
DJ Ron in the park

Parade trophies will be awarded for the following categories:

***Best Float***

***Best Golf Cart***

***Best Costume***

Parade Rules!

• Decorated Floats, Golf Carts, Marching, & Alternative transportation only! NO CARS OR TRUCKS UNLESS THEY ARE PULLING A FLOAT! You must be in Mardi Gras costume to participate! We Welcome decorated pets!
• Must be at the Folly Beach Public Boat Landing by 1:30 pm for lineup

We have asked our restaurants to prepare special New Orleans food fare and Mardi Gras drinks beginning at 1 pm.  There will also be a trophy awarded to a restaurant for Best Food Fare.

We will have live music set up at different locations on Center Street. The Parade will begin at 2 pm and start at the Public Boat Landing. When the Parade ends at the Holiday Inn, Indian, Huron, Hudson will reopen. There will be music, dancing and food in the streets provided by our own businesses from 1 to 5 pm.

Masks will be sold at City Hall for $2.00 first come first served. Free beads given with each mask.

The Folly Beach Arts and Crafts Guild will also be in the Park with their crafts and vendors.

If you have any questions, please contact Mary Cunningham at City Hall; 513-1836 or 708-1113.

Vince Perna

843-425-6414

vperna@dunesproperties.com