The Confidence Grows.

Posted by Patrick Blood of Blackwell Realty:

Most of the offers we are receiving at Blackwell in the last several weeks are “home sale contingent”. These are generally reserved for very strong markets because the buyer has to sell a house before they can buy the new one. They are also confident that their current house will sell quick enough to have no impact on the processes involved in the purchase of the new one in any way. 

In contrast, Jefferson County reported down 6% for the first quarter of the year and the median price of a house in the county dropped 10%. Where is this confidence coming from? The answer isn’t easily visible when you drill down either, with thelocal markets looking like a mixed bag. Here is the breakdown:

Shepherdstown is down 63% so far in 2015. 10 houses sold. They sold quickly with an average of 63 days. They also sold for 93% of what the sellers asked for them. The median price is$209,000.

Kearneysville is down 32.5%. 11 houses sold. Homes took 76 days to sell but sellers did get an area best 95%. The median price is $229,250. 

Harpers Ferry is down 4%. 30 houses sold. Homes took 88 days to sell and sellers got 94.7% of what they wanted. The median price is $207,500.

Ranson is up 17.9%. 23 houses sold. Homes sold in 88 days and for 93% of their asking price. The median price is $155,000.

Charles Town is up 30%. 51 homes sold. Homes sold slower at 97 days and sellers got 94%. The median price is $222,500.

These numbers do reflect what certainly felt like a long winterand it is traditionally the slowest quarter of the real estate year. The long winter also forced people to be a little slower in jumping in to action initially. 

What can’t be ignored is the perceived confidence and optimism in the market at the moment. Whether the realtors are driving it alone or if we are going to see numbers reflective of the confidence is a question for the coming months. I will say it does feel very strong at the moment. Blackwell’s numbers are more reflective of the home sale contingencies than they are of the county statistics, but we’re not quite ready for all of these contingent offers yet in my opinion.

Small Biz Spotlight: Oliver's Wine and Cheese

David Cline's story is not unlike the wine he sells. "It's personal. That's why I love wine. Each one has it's own personal flavor, it's own story."

And like some of the spirits on the shelf at Oliver's Wine and Cheese Shop in Charles Town, his story begins in Northern California. In the 80's and early 90's Cline was working in the information technology field at the height of the internet boom. "The Bay area had an obvious impact on my life, I was sort of surrounded and influenced by wine" he said.




But where some would just casually consume the product of that paradise, Cline sought to learn more; a theme that drives him to this day. "I want people who come here to learn about what they are buying and to know where it's coming from." 

"Wine is something that has crossed all boundaries. We've been drinking wine for five thousand years. It's not like any other alcohol, it's an adventure.", he adds.

The adventure for Oliver's Wine and Cheese shop started last year, in 2014. He had long looked at opening a wine shop as an alternative way of life, but it wasn't until Cline came to Charles Town that it became a real possibility. "It has a lot to say about where Charles Town is today. Ten years ago, I wouldn't have been able to do it.", he said. "After seeing the changes that are going on down here I felt it was the place to be."

Since opening Oliver's, the former IT guy turned entrepreneur is holding on to some tricks of the trade. He's been using the web to push his presence to the community in a way that is as unique as the custom wine rack in his store. "I'm talking to you. I'm not talking to the masses." he said about his Facebook posts. "While it's a post that everyone can read, I very much mean for it to be a message to you. When you come here, I want to get to know you, and what you might like."

Finding something you might like won't be difficult with an incredible selection spanning the globe and ranging in price from $6 to $130, Oliver's truly has something for everyone. "I realize it's a niche market, but I wan't people to feel comfortable when they walk in here. I want to make it a memorable experience." said Cline.

The experience you'll find at Oliver's differs from other wine shops and wineries. While the shop offers regular tastings, Cline is experimenting with what he calls "reverse tastings" where customers blindly taste wines that they bring in and the voted favorite is featured in the store for purchase. Combine these techniques with a revolving selection from a list of countries that rivals the United Nations, and you have a truly memorable experience waiting for you at Oliver's Wine and Cheese in Charles Town, West Virginia.

Because as Dave Cline says, "Nothing triggers memories like a good bottle wine." 



You can keep up with Oliver's on facebook and twitter,
https://www.facebook.com/oliverswineandcheeseshop
https://twitter.com/Oliverswineshop

Or stop by, 207 W Washington St, Charles Town, West Virginia 25414

  

Small Biz Spotlight: Junkworks Antiques

Josh Goldman carefully wraps tape around a shipping label on a small flat rate box. "It's about the people." he says. "You meet some of the nicest people here." 

The Civil War era forks he's mailing today were sitting untouched for decades before he rescued them. Destined for Ohio, they will complete someones collection. 

In June 2014, Goldman and his mother, Lynne Erting opened Junkworks Antiques in Charles Town. 

"I just liked the old school main street." Goldman says pointing out his storefront window peppered with relics from the past century. "I could tell this was a place where we would do well because other new businesses were opening." 

But for Josh Goldman, junk is not just a business. It's a lifestyle. His passion for antiques is rooted deep in his childhood. He's been collecting, buying, and selling most of his life. This past year, he took the next natural step and opened his doors on Washington Street.

While he's had a steady flow of customers stop by and shop his brick and mortar location, he's been selling online as well with the help of social media. Shortly after moving in, he quickly sprung Facebook and Twitter accounts to share his one of a kind finds. 

"It feels really good when you see a whole community of people who love the same things as you." 

Last month, Goldman harnessed the 'hashtagging' power of Instagram which opened new doors. "It's just so easy to find people that are looking for something specific." And with 175 unique followers in less than a month, he's on pace to have antiques trending like never before.

When he's not manning his showroom, he's out in the elements looking for new items to fill it. He shares this experience on all of his social platforms. Followers can see the items that will soon be in his shop, before they are picked from the forgetton dark corners of the four state area. 

"I just love bringing this stuff back to life." he said, as he stands behind his antique counter. "If it's damaged or going to be thrown away, I love giving it a second chance. It's still good stuff."

Those second chances are taking shape in Charles Town. "The people here have been so nice. Even if they just come in to look around."

And it's easy to look. Junkworks Antiques holds itself more like a local museum, with Goldman and his mother on hand to give you the history of each piece as they found it. Only here, you can take those amazing items home. 

You can follow Junkworks Antiques:
instagram.com/junkworksantiques/
facebook.com/Junkworksantiques
twitter.com/junkworkswv

Or visit them at 120B W Washington St Charles Town, West Virginia

Small Biz Spotlight: Tiptoe Studios

Six years ago, three moms decided to leave their jobs and open a business of their own. Tara Showen, Jennifer Gustines, and Lisa Mercer created Tiptoe Studios, a classy, modern, boutique photography studio that has been operating in downtown Charles Town, their hometown, for four years now. 

  
The three women were working at a bank together and began to consider photography when their families started growing. “We didn’t want to work for someone else anymore,” Jennifer said. There were not a lot of photographers around, and they saw an opening. Six years later, they have a successful business, and two other employees, Ande Compton and Beth Williams. Their studio is located at 217 W. Washington Street.

   

“We rely on each other so much. We wouldn’t want to do it alone,” the ladies explained.

They are friends, but they are also business partners. Though business has sometimes run slow during the winter months, Tara, Lisa, and Jennifer have never had to support Tiptoe out of their own pocket. It has always been Tiptoe supporting Tiptoe.  
   
They pride themselves on being true professionals, taking classes, and perfecting their skills and workflow. Their customer service is excellent, and their prices are competitive.

 
As mothers and wives, they understand what people want in a wedding photographer or the nerves some moms may have on family picture day. Tara expressed that the most rewarding feeling is getting good feedback or knowing that they provided a great experience for a client. They also love meeting new people through their business, and providing a fun experience for their clients. 

“When we’re here with kids, we’re jumping around and laughing and making faces. It’s fun and goofy.”

When they aren’t working, the ladies like to spend time with their families at home, catch up on reading and television shows, go to the gym, and shop. “WE LOVE SHOPPING,” they said, “If we weren’t photographers, we would probably be professional buyers,” Tara elaborated.

Tiptoe Studios is an inspiring story of three entrepreneurs and moms that took advantage of an opportunity, perfected their skills, and started a successful business that allows them the flexibility they need to be devoted to their families. When asked to describe their brand of boutique photography, Lisa said they “strive to be professional and very classy.” They are very modern, fun, and upbeat.

Tiptoe can be found online on their website as well as Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

www.tiptoestudios.com

Small Biz Spotlight: Ortega's Taco Shop

Ortega's Taco Shop is a brand new authentic Mexican restaurant that opened in our neighbor city Ranson, very close to the Charles Town line, in July of 2013. This family run business specializes in making fresh tacos, chips, and salsa daily. Each and every week, Ortega's Taco Shop offers a popular deal where customers can purchase their delicious street tacos for only $0.99 each. Many of their regular customers that know and love Ortega’s never miss this deal. It is brilliantly coined, “Taco Tuesday” or on social media, “#TacoTuesday.”

                
Ortega’s is proudly owned by Mave and Eric Greene. Their daughter, Natalie, is an essential part of their culinary team. The restaurant is named Ortega's after Mave’s maiden name. The building in which Ortega's is nestled was formerly a pizza place and changed hands numerous times before Ortega’s opened in that location. The Greenes are West Coast transplants who want to bring Baja California-style food to Eastern states, specifically the Ranson and Charles Town areas.

                
Before the grand opening of Ortega's, Natalie Greene was working two jobs. She graduated from Shepherd University with a degree in communication. She currently stays busy doing marketing for the business in addition to daily food preparation at Ortega's. Natalie said, “running a business has its ups and downs”. So far, business has been booming at Ortega’s. Natalie’s mother, Mave, said, “expenses can seem high, but it's worth it to have fresh food”.

               
 In the near future, the crew at Ortega’s would like to expand their business into catering. According to Natalie, their idea is to hire what they call a “Taco Lady”. Natalie said, “This person will bring her grill to events such as parties, graduations, and backyard barbecues to do all the cooking." They also sell their mouth-watering breakfast burritos at the Charles Town Farmer’s Markets on Saturdays during warmer months. This act alone generates more and more customers every week.

                
Ortega's is no stranger to social media. Natalie operates the Facebook page, Instagram, and Twitter with great success. The owners are proud to say that they have regular customers that come in on a weekly basis.

Ortega's is located at 211 S. Mildred St. in Ranson, WV and can be contacted at (304) 728-4321. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and the restaurant is closed on Sundays.

Small Biz Spotlight: Skipper's Downtown Dips and Deli

Skipper’s Downtown Dips and Deli is a well know establishment in Charles Town. They first opened in September 2010, owned by Kathy Skinner and Tara Perry.

This is a truly special and unique place because it offers many different things to its customers.

Not only is Skipper’s a great place to cool down and grab

a scoop of your favorite ice cream, but it also serves deli sandwiches, salads, and pizzas all made behind the counter.

Skipper’s delicious ice cream is provided by a local dairy farm, which makes it all the more special.

For more fun activities, Skipper’s has its own paint-your-pottery center that allows customers to pick ceramic pieces and paint them however they’d like and to take home! They have a variety of pieces to choose from, all equally adorable!

This is a great place for family fun or even children’s birthday parties and special events.

Skipper’s provides customers with wi-fi for those who want to sit and browse the internet or work on projects.

This store is a special part of Charles Town that creates a fun environment for the public to visit. If you want delicious ice cream, or spend the day crafting a new masterpiece to take home, Skipper’s Downtown Dips and Deli is the place to go!

Water color by Andrea Burke http://www.watercolorsbyandreaburke.com/street-scenes.html

Reflections of #SmallBizSaturday

When I considered opening a storefront in Charles Town, WV, I had visions of creating a fun, vibrant place where friends would bump into each other and strangers would become friends.  I wanted life to slow down a little bit once customers walked through the doors.  The soundtrack would be music, laughter and bits of “where could I put this?” and “they would love to have this”.   November 29, 2014 is the date my vision became a reality. 

 

Small Business Saturday is a day we ask our community to rally behind shops. Thank you, Charles Town, for loudly answering this call.  Customer after customer proudly walked in with bags from other shops almost like an “I Voted” sticker.  There were newlyweds shopping for their first home, new parents picking up items for their children’s nursery, grandparents and parents filling their bags with Christmas presents for their family members, and even a few husbands buying gift cards for their wives.   Thank goodness my mother came to help because for the first time since we’ve been open, there were long lines at the register!

I hope enough of a buzz was created on this day to give us a taste of what a small town main street can offer a community.  I know that I won’t forget this day any time soon!  So, thank you to each person who walked into our doors on Saturday.  I hope Small Business Saturday was as much fun for you as it was for us!   

Brianne @ B.Vintage