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 two-part 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.

Read the rest…

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…

It is absolutely amazing the stories and headlines that have been in the press lately.  They are screaming about the economy heading into a recession and are finding new and innovative ways to help out ‘the common man’.  Granted, the Columbia, South Carolina  economy is doing very well, thank you…but who am I to turn down free money like this?

Read the rest…

Here’s a snippet from a press release issued today:

During today’s Russell & Jeffcoat Realtors Awards Breakfast ceremony, Kathy Smith was recognized for her sales achievements in 2007. Read the rest…

I found myself on New Year’s Day purging all the excess “stuff” we moved into our new place two and a half years ago.  This “stuff” happened to be boxes of unknown items that were the last to be packed at the old house.  You know, the “I’ll deal with it later” method of packing. 

Read the rest…

Today I attended a meeting held by the Relocation Department of Russell & Jeffcoat Realtors.  It was interesting to listen to experiences other agents have had with their incoming or outgoing relocating clients.  Each one remarked about the high levels of customer service their clients encountered with our Relocation Staff.  “Going above and beyond the call of duty” isn’t something just talked about in meetings, it is a philosophy by those in that department. Read the rest…

Please forgive the pun, but for once homeowners in Columbia, South Carolina now can breathe a little easier. Announcing a five year freeze on mortages with “teaser” rates, President Bush unveiled a plan today that keeps rates locked in for those who need it most. Read the rest…

What exactly is the current situation in the Columbia or also known as the Midlands, South Carolina housing market? I researched the period of November 1 - November 30th to see where we stand as a marketplace. I have looked at the entire market, from Columbia to Irmo, Chapin and Lexington, Blythewood to Newberry County to Kershaw County to Aiken and Orangeburg.

Read the rest…

There has been a lot of commotion about the new “Credit Freeze” laws that have been enacted as of November 1, 2007 that give consumers more control over who views their credit reports and why.  However, the state of South Carolina is not one of the states in compliance with these laws which are mandated on a state-by-state basis.    The states that have adopted a consumer credit freeze law allow you the right to completely freeze all activity on your credit report, for a fee.  South Carolina residents are getting freezes from credit reporting agencies on a “voluntary” basis.  Read the rest…