Update: Charleston real estate
It's not that I haven't been working the Charleston real estate market this week, simply, the events of the past days have been so extraordinary and compelling that I haven't written about Charleston real estate lately.
So while the world financial system seems to be on the edge of chaos, life still goes on. And I have a lot of faith and confidence that all will be well.
If you think long term.
Think about this, Bank of America bought Merrill (and Countrywide previously). Do they expect to make money instantly, I don't think so. But they want to be positioned so that when the financial system turns around, they will come out on top.
The same can be said for Barclay's, plucking off the best assets from Lehman; of course, JP Morgan did the same when taking over Bear Stearns a few months ago (of course, they had the government backstopping any potential losses). All of them may be worried about what will happen tomorrow or even next week, but they are making investments with an eye on the future, at least a year and more likely several years out.
So what's going on in real estate. Well, in Charleston, there is still lots of things happening. I got a call recently from a first time buyer who is ready to start looking. Another buyer is interested in selling their current home of many years and buying something new. And calls and emails from others who are interested in learning more about homes for sale and the Charleston area with the idea of relocating to Charleston are an everyday occurrence.
Speaking very specifically about the Charleston real estate market, I had the pleasure of showing a wonderful home the other day. Why was it such a pleasure. Simply because the condition was nothing short of immaculate and that is such a pleasure. Even better, I didn't have to wait to hear that my appointment was confirmed by the seller, it was available to show with a courtesy call.
Was the home ready to show without an appointment? You bet and the house didn't disappoint in any way. It was magnificent. It was neat, clean and ready to show at any time. To give you a better idea of how well maintained this home was, even the garbage can was clean, there wasn't a cobweb in sight and my clients noticed it.
Later that day, I came home and actually felt compelled to hose down my garbage can. 
As my wife might suggest, I'm getting a little more persnickety as I grow older.