Category Archives: Columbia tell me what you think?

Boost Your Curb Appeal: First Impressions Count

08 Tuesday Jul 2025

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In the South Carolina real estate market, boosting curb appeal in South Carolina can make the difference between a home that lingers and one that sells fast. Your home’s exterior is the first thing buyers see—and in this competitive market, it needs to shine.

Whether you’re in Columbia, Charleston, or the Upstate, these Southern-inspired tips will help your home stand out.

🌟 Light the Way with Illumination

In neighborhoods like Forest Acres or Mount Pleasant, a well-lit pathway is more than aesthetic—it’s essential. A dark, gloomy path hidden by overgrown azaleas doesn’t say “welcome.” Outdoor lighting along walkways, porches, and driveways adds charm and safety, especially during South Carolina’s early sunsets in the winter months.

“Curb appeal is like a first date. You want to look your best to make a strong impression,” says Rozalyn Franklin, Broker with RMF Realty Team @KW Preferred in Columbia.

🚪 Update the Front Door

In classic Southern style, your front door should greet guests with warmth. Whether it’s a cheerful Charleston blue or a bold yellow with a pineapple welcome sign, a freshly painted door speaks volumes. Replace old hardware and add seasonal décor to create a touchpoint that makes buyers want to see more.

🧼 Maintain a Pristine Pathway

In places like Lexington or Greenville, brick or stone pathways are common and beautiful—but only if they’re maintained. Sweep away debris, power wash stains, and trim any greenery encroaching on the path. A smooth, welcoming walkway encourages buyers to explore more.

🌿 Graceful Greenery and Pops of Color

Landscaping is huge in South Carolina where flowers bloom nearly year-round. Add native plants like hydrangeas, crepe myrtles, or colorful impatiens. Potted plants by the door and neatly trimmed hedges give your yard that polished Southern charm. Studies show that well-maintained landscaping can increase property value by up to 12%.*

👀 First Impressions Last

According to the National Association of Realtors, 94% of real estate agents say curb appeal matters most to buyers. That means boosting curb appeal in South Carolina can literally make or break a sale. Whether it’s a cozy cottage in Irmo or a brick colonial in Camden, the exterior sets the emotional tone for the showing—and buyers often decide in the first 30 seconds whether they can “see themselves” living there.

✅ Ready to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal?

📲 Call me today for a FREE curb appeal checklist customized to your South Carolina neighborhood.
🌻 Share your favorite tip—or post a photo of your home’s exterior glow-up in the comments!

#BoostYourCurbAppeal, #SouthCarolinaHomes, #SellSmarterSC, #CurbAppealGoals, #ColumbiaSCRealEstate, #SCRealtorTips, #PorchPerfection, #FrontDoorFriday, #RMFRealtyTeam,

Pack Like a Pro and Avoid Breakage!

27 Thursday Feb 2025

Posted by in Area Homes For Sale, Columbia tell me what you think?

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Smart Moving Tips:

Moving into a new home is exciting, but let’s be honest—packing can be a real headache. Especially when it comes to fragile items like glassware. The last thing you want is to open a box at your new home and find shattered dishes. That’s why we’ve put together some expert packing tips to keep your belongings safe and your move stress-free.

1. Choose the Right Boxes

Not all boxes are created equal! For delicate items like glasses, dishes, and vases, opt for double-walled moving boxes or dish-pack boxes designed with extra padding. These boxes give better support, reducing the risk of breakage.

Pro Tip: Use small or medium-sized boxes for glassware. Avoid using large ones to prevent too much weight from being stacked on top.

2. Separate and Cushion Each Item

The key to protecting fragile items is separation and cushioning. Here’s how:

✅ Wrap each glass individually with packing paper or bubble wrap before placing it in the box. Avoid newspaper as the ink can transfer.
✅ Place a layer of crumpled paper, foam peanuts, or towels at the bottom of the box for extra cushioning.
✅ Stack glasses vertically instead of on their sides—this helps distribute pressure and prevents breakage.

3. Use Dividers for Extra Protection

One of the best ways to protect glassware is by using cardboard dividers inside the box. These separators keep glasses from shifting and knocking into each other. You can buy pre-made dividers or make your own using leftover cardboard.

4. Label Boxes Clearly

Once you’ve packed your fragile items, label the boxes FRAGILE: HANDLE WITH CARE on all sides. This ensures movers and helpers know to take extra precautions.

Bonus Tip: Mark the box “This Side Up” to avoid unnecessary flipping and stacking.

5. Load Boxes Strategically

When loading the moving truck:

🚚 Place fragile boxes on top of heavier, sturdier items.
🚚 Avoid stacking anything heavy on top of boxes labeled “FRAGILE.”
🚚 Keep fragile items towards the front of the truck so they don’t shift during transport.

6. Unpack with Care

Once you arrive at your new home, resist the urge to rush through unpacking. Open fragile boxes carefully and remove one item at a time. Wipe down each piece and check for damage before placing it in your new cabinets.

Ready to Make Your Move? Let’s Talk!

Moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just starting the process, we’re here to help every step of the way. Contact RMF Realty Team today and let’s make your move a smooth one!


📧 [Rozalynfranklin@kw.com]

#MovingTips, #PackLikeAPro, #SmoothMove, #NewHomeJourney, #FragileItems, #LetsTalk, #RMFREalty,

Why Wait? Buy Now!

27 Monday Jan 2025

Posted by in Buying Myths, Columbia tell me what you think?

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In today’s fast-moving real estate market, many buyers find themselves asking, When is the best time to buy a home? The truth is, waiting for “perfect” market conditions can cost you big time. Between fluctuating mortgage rates and rising home prices, it’s easy to feel stuck in indecision. However, every market—yes, even this one—offers opportunities for buyers ready to take action. Delaying could mean higher costs, missed chances, and greater stress in the long run. So why wait? Buy now!

Why Waiting Can Backfire: A Real-Life Example

One of my recent clients taught me a tough but valuable lesson about waiting. They were excited to buy their first home but became nervous about rising mortgage rates and decided to renew their lease instead. What happened next? Their rent went up by 15%, adding hundreds to their monthly expenses, and when they decided to re-enter the market, the home they had fallen in love with was already sold. They were devastated and regretted their decision to wait. This is why I always remind buyers: hesitation can lead to missed opportunities.

The Cost of Waiting: Numbers You Should Know

The fear of high mortgage payments often overshadows the hidden costs of waiting. Let’s break it down:

  • Home Price Appreciation: Nationally, home prices have risen an average of 4-6% annually in recent years. If you wait, you could pay tens of thousands more for the same property.
  • Rising Rents: According to the latest data, rent prices in South Carolina increased by 10.4% year-over-year in 2024. Renewing a lease is no longer the “safe” option—it could cost you more than buying a home.
  • Mortgage Rates: While rates may seem high now, they’re still below the historical average of 7-8%. If rates drop in the future, refinancing is always an option.

Every Market Has Benefits

Even in a market with higher mortgage rates, there are significant advantages to buying now:

  1. Motivated Sellers: Many sellers are eager to close deals quickly, which could mean price reductions, assistance with closing costs, or extra perks like a home warranty.
  2. Less Competition: With some buyers hesitant, you’re less likely to face bidding wars, giving you more negotiating power.
  3. Equity Growth: The sooner you buy, the sooner you can start building equity. Over time, this equity can help you upgrade to a larger home, fund renovations, or even support your retirement.
  4. Predictable Payments: Unlike rent, which is almost guaranteed to increase, a fixed-rate mortgage ensures your monthly housing costs remain stable.

Take the First Step Today!

Don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back. Here’s how you can get started:

  1. Reach Out To The RMF Realty Team for a Consultation: Let’s discuss your financial goals, what you’re looking for in a home, and how we can create a plan that works for you.
  2. Be Prepared: Gather some key information, such as your budget, desired neighborhoods, and any questions about financing.
  3. Know What to Expect: During our conversation, we’ll talk about the home-buying process, The KW Homebuying Experience Class, current market opportunities, and strategies to make your dream of homeownership a reality.

Click here for even more insights about the best time to move!

Don’t Let Fear Stop You—Let’s Talk Today!

If you’ve been waiting for the “perfect time” to buy a home, this is your sign to take action. The market is full of opportunities, and I’m here to help you navigate them. Contact me today, and let’s find your dream home before it’s gone!

Relevant Hashtags:

#WhyWaitBuyNow, #HomeBuyingTips, #RMFRealtyTeam, #ColumbiaSCRealEstate, #LetsTalkToday!,

Hesitation can cost you more than you realize. Let’s take the first step together—schedule a consultation today and start making your dream of homeownership a reality!Don’t let procrastination hold you back. Reach out today, and let’s make your homeownership dream a reality!

Exploring the Factors Behind the Current Housing Market

26 Wednesday Apr 2023

Posted by in Buying Myths, Columbia housing market, Columbia tell me what you think?, Home buying, Home Ownership

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Why Aren’t Home Prices Crashing?

The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant disruptions in almost all aspects of our lives, including the housing market. With the ongoing economic uncertainty and rising unemployment rates, many experts expected home prices to plummet. However, to the surprise of many, home prices have not crashed. In fact, the housing market has remained strong, with prices continuing to rise. This begs the question: Why aren’t home prices crashing?

There are several factors behind the current housing market. One of the primary reasons is the low interest rates. The Federal Reserve has lowered interest rates to historic lows, making mortgages more affordable. This has incentivized many potential homebuyers to enter the market, driving up demand. However, the low interest rates have also encouraged existing homeowners to refinance their homes, reducing the supply of available homes.

Another factor contributing to the housing market’s resilience is the limited supply of available homes. Before the pandemic, the housing market was already facing a shortage of inventory. With the pandemic slowing down new home construction and many homeowners reluctant to sell their homes, the supply of available homes has further decreased. This has caused a bidding war among potential buyers, resulting in higher home prices.

The pandemic has also led to a change in consumer behavior. With remote work becoming more prevalent, many individuals are no longer tied to specific geographic locations. This has led to increased demand for larger homes with more outdoor space, particularly in suburban and rural areas. As a result, homes in these areas have seen a significant increase in demand and price.

Furthermore, the government’s stimulus packages and unemployment benefits have provided financial support to many households, enabling them to continue making mortgage payments. This has prevented a wave of foreclosures and forced sales that could have led to a crash in home prices.

In conclusion, while the pandemic has caused significant disruptions in almost all aspects of our lives, it has not led to a crash in home prices. The current housing market’s resilience can be attributed to several factors, including low interest rates, limited supply of available homes, changes in consumer behavior, and government support. As we continue to navigate the ongoing economic uncertainty, it will be interesting to see how these factors continue to shape the housing market.

#RealEstateMarket, #HomePrices, #HousingCrisis, #EconomicFactors, #SupplyandDemand, #RMFRealty, #SCRealtor,#SouthCarolina,

Highlights of the current real estate market in Columbia, SC:

14 Tuesday Feb 2023

Posted by in Area Homes For Sale, Buying Myths, Columbia housing market, Columbia tell me what you think?

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🏠 The Columbia real estate market is 🔥! With high demand, low inventory, and rising prices, it’s a competitive market for buyers. But with a strong rental market and urban revitalization, there are still good opportunities for investors.

  1. High demand: The Columbia real estate market has seen strong demand in recent years, driven by factors such as low interest rates, a growing economy, and a desirable quality of life.
  1. Low inventory: Despite high demand, there is a shortage of available housing inventory in Columbia, which has driven up prices and created a competitive market for buyers.
  1. Rising home prices: Home prices in Columbia have been on the rise in recent years, with the median home price increasing by over 10% year-over-year. This has created challenges for first-time buyers and low-income households.
  1. Strong rental market: With high home prices and low inventory, the rental market in Columbia has remained strong, providing an alternative for those who are unable or unwilling to purchase a home
  1. Urban revitalization: The city of Columbia has been undergoing a revitalization in recent years, with new developments and renovations of historic buildings bringing new life to the downtown area. This has made the city an increasingly attractive place to live and invest in real estate.
  1. Good investment opportunities: With strong demand and rising home prices, Columbia offers good opportunities for real estate investors. The rental market in particular has been a popular choice for investors seeking to generate passive income.

It’s important to note that the real estate market can change quickly and is impacted by many factors, including economic conditions, interest rates, and demographic trends. It’s always a good idea to consult with a local real estate agent or expert for the latest information and insights on the market. ColumbiaSCRealEstate #HotHousingMarket #RealEstateInvesting #RentalMarket #UrbanRevitalization”

Top Reasons Homeowners Are Selling Their Houses Right Now

21 Wednesday Sep 2022

Posted by in Columbia tell me what you think?, Rent-vs-Buying, SC Home Sellers, South Carolina Living

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Top Reasons Homeowners Are Selling Their Houses Right Now | MyKCM

Some people believe there’s a group of homeowners who may be reluctant to sell their houses because they don’t want to lose the historically low mortgage rate they have on their current home. You may even have the same hesitation if you’re thinking about selling your house. Here ares some top Reasons Homeowners Are Selling Their Houses Right Now

Data shows 51% of homeowners have a mortgage rate under 4% as of April this year. And while it’s true mortgage rates are higher than that right now, there are other non-financial factors to consider when it comes to making a move. In other words, your mortgage rate is important, but you may have other things going on in your life that make a move essential, regardless of where rates are today. As Jessica Lautz, Vice President of Demographics and Behavioral Insights at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:

“Home sellers have historically moved when something in their lives changed – a new baby, a marriage, a divorce or a new job. . . .”

So, if you’re thinking about selling your house, it may help to explore the other reasons homeowners are choosing to make a move today. The 2022 Summer Sellers Survey by realtor.com asked recent home sellers why they decided to sell. The visual below breaks down how those homeowners responded:

Top Reasons Homeowners Are Selling Their Houses Right Now | MyKCM

As the visual shows, an appetite for different features or the fact that their current home could no longer meet their needs topped the list for recent sellers. Additionally, remote work and whether or not they need a home office or are tied to a specific physical office location also factored in, as did the desire to live close to their loved ones.

The realtor.com survey summarizes the findings like this:

“The primary reason homeowners decided to sell in the last year was the realization that, after so much time spent at home, they wanted different features and amenities, such as walkability, outdoor space, pool, etc. . . . ”

If you, like the homeowners they surveyed, find yourself wanting features, space, or amenities your current home just can’t provide, it may be time to consider listing your house for sale.

Even with today’s mortgage rates, your lifestyle needs may be enough to motivate you to make a change. The best way to find out what’s right for you is to partner with a trusted real estate professional who can provide expert guidance and advice throughout the process. They can help walk you through your options, so you can make a confident decision based on what matters most to you and your loved ones.

Bottom Line

While the financial reasons for moving are important, there’s often far more to consider. Non-financial reasons can also be a significant motivating factor. If you need help weighing the pros and cons of selling your house, let’s connect today.

Don’t Wait To Sell Your House

22 Tuesday Jun 2021

Posted by in Avoiding Foreclosure, Columbia tell me what you think?, Just Listed, SC Home Sellers, Selling your Columbia Home

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Don’t Wait To Sell Your House | MyKCM

We’re in the ultimate sellers’ market right now. If you’re a homeowner thinking about selling, you have a huge advantage in today’s housing market. High buyer demand paired with very few houses for sale makes this the optimal time to sell for those who are ready to do so. Whatever the move you want to make looks like, here’s an overview of what’s creating the prime opportunity to sell this summer.

High Buyer Demand

Demand is strong, and buyers are actively searching for homes to purchase. In the Realtors Confidence Index Survey published monthly by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), buyer traffic is considered “very strong” in almost every state. Homebuyers aren’t just great in number right now – they’re also determined to find their dream home. NAR shows the average home for sale today receives five offers from hopeful buyers. These increasingly frequent bidding wars can drive up the price of your house, which is why high demand from competitive homebuyers is such a win for this summer’s sellers.

Low Inventory of Houses for Sale

Purchaser demand is so high, the market is running out of available homes for sale. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, explains:

“For most sellers listing sooner rather than later could really pay off with less competition from other sellers and potentially a higher sales price… They’ll also avoid some big unknowns lurking later in the year, namely another possible surge in COVID cases, rising interest rates and the potential for more sellers to enter the market.”

Don’t Wait To Sell Your House | MyKCM

NAR also reveals that unsold inventory sits at a 2.4-months’ supply at the current sales pace. This is far lower than the historical norm of a 6.0-months’ supply. Homes are essentially selling as fast as they’re hitting the market. Below is a graph of the existing inventory of single-family homes for sale:At the same time, homebuilders are increasing construction this year, but they can’t keep up with the growing demand. While reporting on the inventory of newly constructed homes, the U.S. Census Bureau notes:

“The seasonally‐adjusted estimate of new houses for sale at the end of April was 316,000. This represents a supply of 4.4 months at the current sales rate.”

What Does This Mean for You? 

If you’re thinking of putting your house on the market, don’t wait. A seller will always negotiate the best deal when demand is high and supply is low. That’s exactly what’s happening in the real estate market today.

Bottom Line

As vaccine rollouts progress and we continue to see the economy recover, more houses will come to the market. Don’t wait for the competition in your neighborhood to increase. If you’re ready to make a move, now is the time to sell. Let’s connect today to get your house listed at this optimal moment in time.

Home Prices: What Happened in 2020? What Will Happen This Year?

02 Tuesday Mar 2021

Posted by in Buying Myths, Columbia tell me what you think?, SC Home Sellers, Selling your Columbia Home, South Carolina Living

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Home Prices: What Happened in 2020? What Will Happen This Year? | MyKCM

The real estate market was on fire during the second half of 2020. Buyer demand was way up, and the supply of homes available for sale hit record lows. The price of anything is determined by the supply and demand ratio, so home prices skyrocketed last year. Dr. Lynn Fisher, Deputy Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Division of Research and Statistics, explains:

“House prices nationwide recorded the largest annual and quarterly increase in the history of the FHFA Home Price Index. Low mortgage rates, pent up demand from homebuyers, and a limited housing supply propelled every region of the country to experience faster growth in 2020 compared to a year ago despite the pandemic.”

Here are the year-end home price appreciation numbers from the FHFA and two other prominent pricing indexes:

The past year was truly a remarkable time for homeowners as prices appreciated substantially. Lawrence Yun, Senior Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), reveals:

“A typical homeowner in 2020, just by being a homeowner, would have accumulated around $24,000 in housing wealth.”

What will happen with home prices this year?

Many experts believe buyer demand will soften somewhat as mortgage rates are poised to bump up slightly. Some also believe the inventory challenge will ease as more listings come to market this year.

Home Prices: What Happened in 2020? What Will Happen This Year? | MyKCM

Based on this, most forecasters anticipate we’ll see strong appreciation in 2021 – but not as strong as last year. Here are seven prominent groups and their projections:

Bottom Line

Home price appreciation will be strong this year, but it won’t reach the historic levels of 2020. Let’s connect if you’d like to find out what your house is currently worth in our local market.

Uncertainty Abounds in the Search for Economic Recovery Timetable

23 Thursday Apr 2020

Posted by in Columbia tell me what you think?, Home Ownership, SC Home Sellers, Uncategorized

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Uncertainty Abounds in the Search for Economic Recovery Timetable | MyKCM

Earlier this week, we discussed how most projections from financial institutions are calling for a quick V-shaped recovery from this economic downturn, and there’s research on previous post-pandemic recoveries to support that expectation.

In addition, we noted how there are some in the business community who believe we may instead be headed for a U-shaped recovery, where the return to previous levels of economic success won’t occur until the middle of next year. Yesterday, Reuters released a poll of U.S. and European economists which revealed that most surveyed are now leaning more toward a U-shaped recovery.

Uncertainty Abounds in the Search for Economic Recovery Timetable

Here are the results of that poll:Uncertainty Abounds in the Search for Economic Recovery Timetable | MyKCM

Why the disparity in thinking among different groups of economic experts?

The current situation makes it extremely difficult to project the future of the economy. Analysts normally look at economic data and compare it to previous slowdowns to create their projections. This situation, however, is anything but normal.

Today, analysts must incorporate data from three different sciences into their recovery equation:

1. Business Science – How has the economy rebounded from similar slowdowns in the past?

2. Health Science – When will COVID-19 be under control? Will there be another flareup of the virus this fall?

3. Social Science – After businesses are fully operational, how long will it take American consumers to return to normal consumption patterns? (Ex: going to the movies, attending a sporting event, or flying).

The challenge of accurately combining the three sciences into a single projection has created uncertainty, and it has led to a wide range of opinions on the timing of the recovery.

Bottom Line

Right now, the vast majority of economists and analysts believe a full recovery will take anywhere from 6-18 months. No one truly knows the exact timetable, but it will be coming.

Recession? Yes. Housing Crash? No.

21 Tuesday Apr 2020

Posted by in Columbia tell me what you think?, Home buying, Home Ownership, Investing In SC Real Estate, Selling your Columbia Home, Uncategorized

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Recession? Yes. Housing Crash? No. | MyKCM

With over 90% of Americans now under a shelter-in-place order, many experts are warning that the American economy is heading toward a recession, if it’s not in one already. What does that mean to the residential real estate market?

Recession? Yes. Housing Crash? No.

What is a recession?

According to the National Bureau of Economic Research:

“A recession is a significant decline in economic activity spread across the economy, lasting more than a few months, normally visible in real GDP, real income, employment, industrial production, and wholesale-retail sales.”

COVID-19 hit the pause button on the American economy in the middle of March. Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and Morgan Stanley are all calling for a deep dive in the economy in the second quarter of this year. Though we may not yet be in a recession by the technical definition of the word today, most believe history will show we were in one from April to June.

Does that mean we’re headed for another housing crash?

Many fear a recession will mean a repeat of the housing crash that occurred during the Great Recession of 2006-2008. The past, however, shows us that most recessions do not adversely impact home values. Doug Brien, CEO of Mynd Property Management, explains:

“With the exception of two recessions, the Great Recession from 2007-2009, & the Gulf War recession from 1990-1991, no other recessions have impacted the U.S. housing market, according to Freddie Mac Home Price Index data collected from 1975 to 2018.”

CoreLogic, in a second study of the last five recessions, found the same. Here’s a graph of their findings:Recession? Yes. Housing Crash? No. | MyKCM

What are the experts saying this time?

This is what three economic leaders are saying about the housing connection to this recession:

Robert Dietz, Chief Economist with NAHB

“The housing sector enters this recession underbuilt rather than overbuilt…That means as the economy rebounds – which it will at some stage – housing is set to help lead the way out.”

Ali Wolf, Chief Economist with Meyers Research

“Last time housing led the recession…This time it’s poised to bring us out. This is the Great Recession for leisure, hospitality, trade and transportation in that this recession will feel as bad as the Great Recession did to housing.”

John Burns, founder of John Burns Consulting, also revealed that his firm’s research concluded that recessions caused by a pandemic usually do not significantly impact home values:

“Historical analysis showed us that pandemics are usually V-shaped (sharp recessions that recover quickly enough to provide little damage to home prices).”

Bottom Line

If we’re not in a recession yet, we’re about to be in one. This time, however, housing will be the sector that leads the economic recovery.