Daily Archives: August 1, 2013

5 Signs You’re Working with a Bad Real Estate Agent

01 Thursday Aug 2013

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It’s unfortunate, but not every real estate agent is created equal. The fact is, sometimes a real estate agent just isn’t doing every thing they can or should do to sell your home. But how do you know you’re real estate agent isn’t everything they could be? Check out these 5 signs you’re working with a bad real estate agent

 

 

  1.  Not Listening: It’s all about you!, You’re agent should be asking you what you want to find in a home, then offer their take on how to find it. If your agent continually shows you homes out of your price range, not in the neighborhoods you want or simply not meeting your needs, they are not listening. Now, with that being said, the agent should be offering suggestions and his advice, but ultimately he needs to incorporate your ideas.
  2.  Works Part Time: There’s many people out there who have decided to get their real estate license and try to sell homes on the weekend. The fact is, this is a full time job. Especially in this difficult housing  market. If you’re working with an inexperienced, part time agent, it’s time to find a new agent!
  3. Don’t Know the Area: Think about it- Could you imagine working with an agent who doesn’t know his or her own market. That would be like seeing a doctor who doesn’t understand how to check your heartbeat! One of the main reasons you hire a real estate agent is that you need someone who is an expert in the neighborhoods you’re interested in.
  4.  No Time for You: You want to be working with a busy real estate agent. Busy means a number of people want to work with them, and that’s a good sign they’re good at what they do. But even still, the agent should be responsive, and get back to you in a timely manner. If you find your agent isn’t responding to your emails or messages, it’s time to move on.
  5. Pressuring You: If your agent is pushing you towards making an offer on a house you’re just not so sure about, they are not the right agent for you. A good agent will tell you what are your options, not force you to make a choice if you’re not ready.

 

Want to learn more about finding a Columbia real estate agent? Give me a call today: 803.318.6412.

 

 

 

4 Tips for Buying Your First Columbia Investment Property

01 Thursday Aug 2013

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With the Columbia real estate market the way it is, now is an absolutely great time to buy an investment property. Whether you’re looking to flip the home for a big profit or you want to rent at the property, Columbia has got so many great investment areas where you can turn a big profit. If you haven’t bought an investment property before, these 4 tips will help you get started:

  • Understand Your Investment Area: Before you look to buy a home, be sure to research as much as possible. Make sure you understand your area before you invest. Understand the value of homes in the area, see how many homes are available in the area and learn as much as you can before you buy.
  • It’s All About Location: “Location, Location, Location” is a cliche for a reason. Find homes that are close to public transportation, restaurants, good schools etc. And take the other homes in the area in to account when looking to buy (are the other homes well kept?).
  • Understand the Numbers: There’s several different costs you need to keep in mind before investing. Be sure to consider insurance, interest, taxes and other necessary costs before making an investment.
  • Have the Money Lined Up: Speaking of understanding the numbers, once you’ve got a handle on what you need, be sure to have your money all ready to go when it’s time to buy.

Best Columbia Neighborhoods for Raising Kids

01 Thursday Aug 2013

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Columbia has got the typical problems of most American cities, but there’s still plenty of great neighborhoods for raising a family. And if you’re looking in to the burbs but don’t want to be stuck in some cookie cutter development, there’s lots of great areas featuring historic homes, great restaurants and plenty of culture. Let’s take a look:

 

  • CAEDMONS CREEK: This Columbia’s Irmo neighborhood frequently tops the list of best neighborhoods for raising kids because it’s in the highly sought after Dutch Fork School District. But the neighborhoods pool and cabana. Located just off highway 76 in Irmo, Caedmon’s Creek is near Lake Murray and is a short drive to downtown Columbia.
  • PARRISH PLANTATION: Located in West Columbia, Parrish Plantation Offers convenience to great shopping plazas, including Westside Plaza, Edenwood Plaza. Recreational venues are close to Parrish Plantation, such as Three Fountains Skating Rink; Indoor Miniature Golf and Finlay Park. Located just across the Congaree Riverfront the state capital of Columbia, SC, providing small town amenities with numerous entertainment possibilities just a few miles away. Located at the east side of Columbia along the River at the Gervais Street Bridge is Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater with a number of activities and events held throughout the year.
  • THE MAPLES: Located in Columbia’s Blythewood communities just a few 100 feet on Loner Road.  “The Maples” is a newly developed community to Blythewood    The Maples is a small quiet  gated community with a few common areas including a small 2+/- acre pond.  The Maples lots range anywhere from about ¾ of an acre to about 1.5 acres.  .
  • The Retreat : The Retreat, Columbia’s only craftsman-style cottage living community offering students an unparalleled resort-like lifestyle with Columbia’s best amenities, and expansive greenspace.Can offer a  savings of up to $855 a semester over the dorms, The Retreat is truly The Very Best in Student Living!

Why You Need to Move to Columbia SC

01 Thursday Aug 2013

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columbia_4  I love Columbia! Now obviously, as a Columbia real estate agent, my goal is to encourage people to move to a city that offers so much diversity. But luckily for me, Columbia is such a great town, it makes selling this city very easy! Columbia is especially great in the Summertime. With plenty of cultural events, great restaurants and shopping, here’s 3 great reasons to move to Columbia  this Summer:

  • Summer Music Festivals: Columbia has a long tradition of great music, and it’s proud to be called home to lots of local talent. Sit back and enjoy Great festivals in the park like smooth jazz and Riverfest.
  • Beautiful Parks and Outdoor Activities

    Sesquicentennial State Park

    :  In Columbia Sesquicentennial State Park, affectionately known as “Sesqui”, is a spacious, green getaway in the heart of the Columbia’s Sandhills region. Once you’re immersed in the 1,400 acres of pines, camping sites, and nature trails you forget just how close you are to bustling, downtown Columbia, South Carolina.

Riverfront Park & Historic Columbia Canal

:This 167-acre park was the site of the original waterworks for the City of Columbia. This was also the site of the world’s first electrically operated textile mill and the hydroelectric plant, the oldest one in the state, is still operating. A popular jogging/walking trail runs two and one half miles along the linear park and offers wonderful views of the river. There is also a beautiful brick amphitheater as well as a self guided walkway by the old parts of the water plant. The park hosts several events annually such as Riverfest, Greekfest and several smaller concerts.

  • Affordability: With a ton of culture, great schools and so many things going for it, Columbia is an excellent investment. And unlike other cities, Columbia real estate is still affordable! If you want to learn more about homes for sale in Columbia, feel free to give me a call: 803.318.6412
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