Smart Investing

Military personnel often find themselves in unique situations, to say the least.  One of our longtime clients is preparing to deploy.  I think most of us imagine that our troops would be preparing their uniforms, other clothing, personal photos, books, iPods, etc. to take along.  But our client included one other component...an investment for the future.

Keeping an eye on the market, we became aware of a repossessed home located not far from his inlaws' home.  Like most foreclosures, it needs a good bit of cosmetic work, some repairs, new flooring and some updates as per one's personal tastes.  But, the bones are good.  It's a 4 bedroom all-brick home on an acre.  It's not been vandalized. And here's the real kicker...It's $33,000!  With an additional investment of even just $50,000, he's got a brick home on a nice big lot, close to family, where he and his wife can start their family and it will still be priced way below market.  That's just smart investing, plain and simple.

This is the time for consumers to let go of the fear.  The market isn't an unstable, volatile time bomb, as many have been led to believe. There are amazing opportunities for buyers that just need to be grabbed.  Interest rates are so low, it's hard to even believe.  Inventory is high and it includes all facets:  condos, move-in ready homes, investment homes, future rental properties, patio homes.  It's all there and buyer clients can score big time.  But, you have to let go of the fear and seize the day.

Sellers:  don't put your heads in the oven just yet!  It's true that your home may have lost some value over the last few years of our economy's decline.  But, remember that if you accept a realistic price (today's price) for your home, you will make it up on the buying side, for all the reasons discussed above.  The process will work for you too.  

It's a confusing time in America, but each day we are all working through it together.  If you have questions about your home or about buying real estate, we are happy to talk with you.  Take advantage of our experience and we'll help you take advantage of today's unique opportunities.

Positive Changes

For the last year, I have have worked for a beautiful, custom, new-homes development.  While it was a very positive experience, being limited to only working with buyers specific to that neighborhood was a bit restrictive.  So, I've returned to my roots at RE/MAX and couldn't be happier about it.  My entire career has been filled with variety, diversity and friendships.  I'm pleased to be back in my "element" and am looking forward to continuing to serve our existing clients and all of their quality referrals.

In addition, I am entering into the education arena.  I will be teaching at the Real Estate School for Success.  I will be involved in the initial training required for one to be eligible for a provisional real estate license, as well as the continuing education required for that license to become permanent.  I am very excited about the opportunity to be instrumental in training quality licensees for South Carolina.

Positive Vote at State House today

Some good news from the State House today, but we've learned not to hold our breath.  The House voted 60-45 to approve 2nd reading of property tax reform. This is the third time the House has voted to repeal Point-of-Sale taxation.  Now, back to the Senate we go. 

Parade of Homes is Back

The Greater Columbia Home Builders' Association is bringing back the popular Parade of Homes for 2011. This year's event will take place in The Peninsula. The Peninsula is Lake Carolina's only gated community. The Parade features new homes that have been professionally decorated and landscaped and are open for the public to tour. And, yes...they are for sale as well.

Lake Carolina is located in Northeast Columbia and features a 200 acre freshwater lake with 6 miles of shoreline. Amenities include a Town Center, swimming pools, lake access, a YMCA within the community and Richland 2 schools. The Parade homes will be open from May 7-22 from 11:00am-8:00 pm.

If you're actively in the market for a new home in the Northeast, let me know and I'll be happy to accompany you to the Parade to tour these homes with you. As you can imagine, they will be decked out with all the latest bells and whistles and will most likely be in high demand.

SC Realtors continue the fight to right this wrong

Since enacting "Point of Sale" legislation, South Carolina Realtors have been actively and passionately rallying and lobbying our leaders to reform.  When this was passed into law, it all seemed to make sense on paper, but the reality has been a disaster.  We desperately need our legislature to repeal this "reform" but politics keeps getting in the way and the South Carolina taxpayers are suffering because of it.  Additionally, at a time when recruiting business and industry to our state is critical, we are being passed over because of this unfair tax.

In this historic economy, the last thing we need are taxes that eliminate jobs and prevent new businesses from opening in South Carolina. Unfortunately local governments now have the right through this "Point of Sale" law to increase property taxes on homes, land and businesses when they are sold. Because of this unfair tax, some companies have said they will not relocate or open new businesses in South Carolina. Our state has lost hundreds of millions in economic investment and that means businesses are taking their jobs to other states.  This is truly a tragic state of affairs.  

If you want to learn more and want to join our efforts to protect South Carolina's future of jobs and corporate investment, visit the SC Realtors' Facebook page and "like" it.  All of us need to join together to help right the wrongs and get South Carolina's workers, our economy and our future back to work!