An Attitude of Service

One of our RE/MAX friends from Myrtle Beach shared this video clip with us. Please enjoy...Service Counts Video.

Trendier Trenholm Plaza

Times do change, don't they? When I was a kid, we lived on N. Trenholm Road, just a mile or so from Trenholm Plaza. Going there was a big thing. They had Rose's drugstore, complete with a great toy department and a lunch counter. Above the counter were balloons hanging. We could choose one, the lady would pop it and out came a piece of paper listing what you got for free...my sister and I always hoped for a banana split, but those were few and far between! But when you're a kid, anything for free is a rush.

Today's paper contains an article about Trenholm Plaza being slated for a major facelift. The plans include extensive landscaping, streetscaping, expanded outdoor seating, more scenic and pedestrian-friendly walkways and new merchants. Particularly exciting is the addition of Rosso, an upscale Italian restaurant by local fave, Kristian Niemi, of Gervais & Vine fame. The article also mentions that the developer hopes to attract "well-known clothing stores." So, maybe we don't have to go all the way to Chicago for killer shopping anymore?

Rose's drugstore closed a long time ago, and I was able to move on and become a productive member of society! I welcome the makeover of Trenholm Plaza. Change is good. Life is good.

What About Offering a Bonus?

We get this question from time to time from sellers. The answer we give: they don't get your house sold. A recent article in the paper reiterated this same point, illustrating some extreme gimmicks sellers around the country have tried, to no avail.

In some areas, sellers have put on essay contests. Entrants pay a $100-200 entry fee, submit an essay and if they win, they win the house. To make it feasible, the sellers have to receive a minimum amount of entry fees and essays. In the case of Feather Lakes, Colorado and Yachats, Oregon, the sellers are returning the money. They got a lot of good reading done though!

Some folks are of the mindset that creative, even wacky, marketing is appropriate in real estate. The truth of the matter is a buyer isn't interested in getting a flat screen TV, $1000 gas card or a new car thrown into the deal. What motivates a buyer first and foremost is PRICE. They would rather feel that they got the best possible price and with that savings, they can decide if they want TVs, new cars or whatever.

So, what does it boil down to? In today's market, we are in a price war and a beauty contest! To sell quickly, homes must be in top-notch condition and priced right. A house that is priced correctly should sell tomorrow. Now is the time to scrutinize the market, spruce up and price realistically.

Support South Carolina Farmers

Happy Tuesday to you all. The Seeds of Hope is a farmer's market program here in our area. Every Saturday during the summer, a John's Island farmer comes to Columbia to sell his produce. Please help support our local SC farmers...

Location: Washington Street United Methodist Church

Address: Corner of Washington & Bull

When: Saturdays 8-12

Another great site we've discovered is for Port Royal Seafood Company, in Port Royal, South Carolina (right outside of Beaufort). You can order South Carolina Wild Shrimp and have it delivered to your door. How sweet is that? Plus, the prices are so much more reasonable than the grocery stores. Click here to take a look at their site and to order.

GREEN Neighborhood in our area

Just toured Wellesley by Shumaker Homes today. Here's what we were told by Shumaker representatives: This neighborhood is the first certified "green" development to hit the Columbia area. The construction standards are put out and monitored during construction by Environments for Living. The model home has been tested to have an electric bill of $71/month based on a family of four! Shumaker and Environments for Living are offering guarantees on low utility bills for the first 3 years. Features we observed were lots trees left in the neighborhood, quality hardwood floors, craftsman-style models and beautiful community pool/cabana/grill area.

Are you in Danger of Foreclosure?

What's a Short Sale? Is that something that might apply to me? If it does, who will help me?

Many lenders are realizing that the sooner they can get a property "off the books", the more money they'll save at the end of the day. When they suspect that a homeowner might be headed for foreclosure, they may be willing to accept a sales price that is less than the amount owed on the mortgage. This is called a short sale.

The key is to talk to the mortgage company! So many homeowners facing financial crisis tend to go into "shut down mode" or denial. While no one relishes the idea of discussing their money problems, communicating with the lender is crucial to finding a solution. Your mother probably told you...It never hurts to ask; the worst they can do is say no.

If the lender does agree to a short sale, the homeowner can avoid foreclosure (and devastation of his credit), and the lender avoids the costs of carrying that mortgage. This can certainly end up being a "win-win" situation for all.

If you are behind on your mortgage payments, or believe you may be headed into a financial hardship, we'll be happy to talk to you and help you get in touch with the right folks at your mortgage company. Getting the house on the market sooner rather than later can lead to a quick sale and lightening your load. Please contact us if you need help.

Columbia not Shrouded in Darkness

Despite local and national media reports, Columbia's real estate market is still alive. Are sales down from where they were last year? Yes. By a lot? Not really. Columbia's sales statistics are down about 20% from this time last year, but the consensus among local real estate professionals is that the decrease is due, in large part, to media hype. While the mortgage crisis is definitely impacting the process, our consumers still have great interest rates available to them and a healthy inventory of quality homes to choose from. Just since April, we have worked with over 20 buyers and sellers. That's not a dead market!


What does all this mean to you? If you've been thinking of selling your home, buying a new home or investing in rental property, this is a great time to get in the market. At RE/MAX, we ask you "Where do you want to be?" We're here to help you get there.