Posts by : Matthew Brockbank

I. Introduction

Dr. Joey Vonman is introduced as a research economist from the Garland School of Business at USC.
He frames his research as using economic data to help businesses make strategic decisions.
He states that understanding the market environment is crucial for strategic decisions.
The presentation will cover the economic landscape in January 2025, how it got there, major changes in the economy over the past year, and expectations for 2025.
Three methods of evaluation will be used: perception, performance, and expectations.

II. Three Methods of Evaluation

The three methods are introduced as:
Economic perception: How people feel about the economy.
Economic performance: Objec...

Attention All Charleston County Property Owners Or Future Property Owners! Bring Your Questions, Comments and Concerns To a Public Forum

This forum will take place on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 6pm, at the Baxter Patrick Public Library, which is located at 1858 S. Grimball Road, Charleston, 29412.   

The panel will include Rose Wigger of the Assessor's Office, Peter Tecklenburg of the Auditor's Office, Mary Tinkler of the Treasurer's Office, and Irv Condon, Judge of Charleston County Probate Court.

Discussion will include property assessment, property tax, payment options, heirs' property, and the Probate Process.

Bring your tax bill:  we will explain your property tax ...

The Charleston Tri-County area in South Carolina is experiencing significant job growth, driven by an influx of businesses and industries. This growth is creating a heightened demand for both commercial and residential real estate, making it an opportune time for investors.

### Key Highlights:

- **Port of Charleston**: As the 8th busiest container facility in the U.S., it handled 2.6 million TEUs in 2023, underscoring its importance in the logistics and shipping industry. This robust infrastructure supports economic growth and attracts further investment.

- **Business Landscape**: A variety of companies are either relocating to or expanding within the area. Notable names include ...

The institutions are expanding the programs available and the students bodies are increasing every year. As a result more rentals will be needed through single family/multifamily homes, apartment building and breaking land for new developments, this will increase the demand for Short Term Rentals for visiting families and friends.

Below you will find a brief description of each institution as well as 2 links to access their sites and area growth information and its impact on higher education.

College of Charleston

Founded in 1770, the first municipal college in America was built in 1724. Present main building designed by eminent Philadelphia architect William Strickland, built 18...

Starting a business in South Carolina, particularly in the Lowcountry, offers several advantages due to the state’s pro-business policies, tax incentives, and growing economic landscape. Here’s a breakdown:

Key Benefits of Starting a Business in South Carolina

1. Low Operating Costs and Business-Friendly Climate

• Competitive corporate income tax rate (5%).

• Access to grants, tax credits, and workforce training programs for businesses.

• Simplified regulatory environment.

2. Attractive Tax Incentives

• No state property tax: Reduces the long-term cost of owning or renting property.

• No inventory tax: Ideal for manufacturing and distribution industries.

• No local income tax: En...

When mortgage rates spiked up over the last few years, some homeowners put their plans to move on pause. Maybe you did too because you didn’t want to sell and take on a higher mortgage rate for your next home. But is that still the right strategy for you?

In today’s market, data shows more homeowners are getting used to where rates are and thinking it may be time to move. As Mark Zandi, Chief Economist at Moody’s Analytics, explains:

“Listings are up a bit as life events and job changes are putting increasing pressure on locked-in homeowners to sell their homes. Homeowners may also be slowly coming to the realization that mortgage rates aren’t going back anywhere near the rate on their ...

If you amble down Legare (pronounced Luh-gree) Street, one of the prettiest streets in Charleston’s South of Broad, you pass filigree ironwork gates and secret gardens, antebellum mansions and live oaks. Then suddenly, in front of one of the mansions, there’s a large stone half circle on the street.

 “Can you guess what that is,” asks Bill Harris, founder, co-owner and extremely knowledgeable private guide of Oyster Point Tours which specializes in detailed, authentic walking tours around the city. I ask whether it relates to the cotton or rice trade, the industries that led to the fortunes of many of the former residents of this street. A mark of a secret society? An industrial accident...

Attract birds, butterflies, bees, and critters to your backyard by creating a wildlife habitat with these tips.

Creating a backyard wildlife habitat can be quite simple. Planting native plants and nectar-rich flowers, supplying food and water sources, and avoiding pesticides are some of the keystones for attracting fascinating creatures such as birds and butterflies to your garden. Start creating a wildlife garden with the tips and ideas in this guide.

1. Mix Up Flower Shapes

Different types of pollinators prefer different shapes of flowers. Some like flat clusters of tiny flowers, and others seed out trumpet-shaped blossoms, for example. In the garden shown here, native plants suc...