I thought that as a tribute to the hard work it takes to put together all of the Lake Murray July 4th celebrations, I’d feature them today. For those of you not from the area, it might be an interesting glimpse into how we celebrate our nation’s independence. From a boat parade to a symphony and a grand fireworks show over the lake as a finale, it’s a great time for all who attend or participate. Read the rest…
Has the Columbia, South Carolina housing market fully rebounded or is it still in a slump? How does one know when things are improving? According to bankrate.com, there are two key indicators: 1) a decreasing unemployment rate, which shows residents of the area are going to work and companies are confident in their abilities to remain profitable and 2) a decreasing number of properties that remain unsold on market.
There’s a new kid in town, named the “Spirit of Lake Murray”. This new, 149 passenger cruise ship is ready to set sail off the shores of Lake Murray. Offering sunset cruises and Sunday lunch-time sailings this summer, the new ship promises a good time to all who board.
For those who would like an exciting place to hold a party, the “Spirit of Lake Murray” offers chartered cruising as well. Historic and Purple Martin watching tours are also on the calendar for this air-conditioned ship. Be sure to check them out here. Read the rest…
Today I found myself amongst a cheering crowd for the housing industry in South Carolina. It was refreshing to be a voice in the choir, instead of the odd man out when talking about real estate in the Midlands. Yes, it’s true. Things have slowed down, but we haven’t come to a screeching halt as portrayed in the popular media. Unfortunately, many of us are focused on what’s happening nationally and somehow have come to the conclusion that if it’s going on in Michigan, Florida or California, then it must be happening here.Read the rest…
I thought I’d take a quick look at what has been happening in the Columbia, Irmo, Chapin, Lexington, Ballentine, Blythewood (and so on) markets. Our Multiple Listing Service covers areas as far northwest as Newberry, as far west as Aiken, South Carolina and southeast to Orangeburg. In that coverage area, during the first quarter of this year (January – April 2008), we had 19,035 residential houses available for sale. At that time last year, 18,782 properties were for sale. Read the rest…
Are you looking for something fun to do on Independence Day? There are all sorts of activities from on land and on water around Lake Murray.
If you’re a boater, be sure to register your boat for the boat parade which will take place at noon on July 4th. The more patriotic, the better! Register here. Hurry, registration ends on June 25th! Read the rest…
Think the “housing crisis” is all doom and gloom for everyone? Apparently not for some, according to an article from CNN/Money. Just a few years ago, clients moving to South Carolina from those six markets mentioned in the article couldn’t believe the low prices and slow appreciation rate in the Columbia, South Carolina marketplace. However, those who moved away from those areas now can REALLY appreciate the slow but steady growth we consistently have here in the Midlands. Read the rest…
For those of you who have read this blog for a while, you know I think the whole concept of having some sort of meltdown or crisis in the real estate economy is a bunch of “hooey”. Perhaps I’m a bit spoiled, here in Columbia, South Carolina where the market is basically insulated from any wild swings in property values. However, for those that are convinced we are in crisis mode, this video is just for you.
Okay, maybe it isn’t that melodramatic, but you should prepare yourself mentally and sometimes emotionally for selling your home.
While those of us in South Carolina (especially the Columbia marketplace) aren’t experiencing some of the roller coaster emotions that others in this nation are, it is still a good idea to know what you are about to enter into before putting that “For Sale” sign in the yard.
For many of us in Columbia, South Carolina, we are thinking of the spring early. Since we aren’t locked indoors due to snow, cold or other inclement weather, those of us in South Carolina get to enjoy a temperate climate (and the potential to work year round on construction projects). The question remains, though…do YOU have what it takes to live in a construction zone? Read the rest…
There’s a new kid in town, named the “Spirit of Lake Murray”. This new, 149 passenger cruise ship is ready to set sail off the shores of Lake Murray. Offering sunset cruises and Sunday lunch-time sailings this summer, the new ship promises a good time to all who board.
Today I found myself amongst a cheering crowd for the housing industry in South Carolina. It was refreshing to be a voice in the choir, instead of the odd man out when talking about real estate in the Midlands. Yes, it’s true. Things have slowed down, but we haven’t come to a screeching halt as portrayed in the popular media. Unfortunately, many of us are focused on what’s happening nationally and somehow have come to the conclusion that if it’s going on in Michigan, Florida or California, then it must be happening here. 
I thought I’d take a quick look at what has been happening in the Columbia, Irmo, Chapin, Lexington, Ballentine, Blythewood (and so on) markets. Our Multiple Listing Service covers areas as far northwest as Newberry, as far west as Aiken, South Carolina and southeast to Orangeburg. In that coverage area, during the first quarter of this year (January – April 2008), we had 19,035 residential houses available for sale. At that time last year, 18,782 properties were for sale. 
Okay, maybe it isn’t that melodramatic, but you should prepare yourself mentally and sometimes emotionally for selling your home. 
For many of us in Columbia, South Carolina, we are thinking of the spring early. Since we aren’t locked indoors due to snow, cold or other inclement weather, those of us in South Carolina get to enjoy a temperate climate (and the potential to work year round on construction projects). The question remains, though…do YOU have what it takes to live in a construction zone? 
