Greenwood Real Estate Update

Every year we give thanks and it is very important to remember what we have to give thanks for. As far as Greenwood Real Estate is concerned it is no secret that we have been subject to a severe recession and a depressing and way too slow recovery. However, we are recovering and despite what the prognosticators say, America will be stronger than ever in the future. Every day we hear about the bad news coming from Europe and worry about how a meltdown there could pull us back into recession. To us, it only serves to remind us now much better off we are here as compared to the rest of the world. You don't see Americans leaving in droves. All the while the depressing news from Europe is just drowning out the news of our own recovery. That news is even more important than Europe. In the past two weeks just about every economic report released has been positive. This week it was retail sales, industrial production and housing permits. Continuing unemployment claims are now at the lowest level since 2008. Let's face it you would not know the news was good if you looked at the action in the stock market. Maybe it is time to consider investing in Lake Greenwood property while prices are low and inventory is high.

Recent reports from the broader economy have dispelled the story of a double-dip recession. An early reading of gross domestic product (GDP) showed 2.5 percent growth. Meanwhile, national job growth, a major driver of housing demand and price support, has recently strengthened. An increasingly impatient White House has rolled out phase two of the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) for Fannie- and Freddie-backed mortgages. This should help a number of consumers as they write the next chapter.

On a more local note, the Greenwood Association of Realtors recently shared the following statistics: New Listings in the Greenwood region increased 9.1 percent to 84; pending sales were up 97.4 percent and inventory levels shrank 6.8 percent. Prices showed signs of life as well with the Median Sales Price increasing 26.0 percent even though the average days on market also had an increase of 15.7 percent. Add all this together and it seems that a change is coming for real estate for sale in Greenwood...and it's a good change!

Real estate is local! Every market is different but all in all the outlook is bright for Greenwood real estate. If owning lakefront property on Lake Greenwood is on your wish list act now to take full advantage of current market conditions before they begin to swing in another direction and make sure to give thanks for what we do have!

                                       

Lake Greenwood is NOT...

Lake Greenwood has become one of the most popular SC lakes for a variety of reasons. The best way to explain why is to explain what it is NOT! 

It is NOT the largest lake in the area but definitely one that should be considered if a low key lifestyle is what you are looking for;

it is NOT highly commercialized which adds to the popularity, charm and tranquility of it;

it is NOT a Corp of Engineers lake (it is controlled by Lake Greenwood Management).which means property owners actually own their property and all of the rights to it all the way up to the shoreline. In most areas you are allowed to build as close as 75' from the shoreline (some areas will allow you to build as close as 25');

it is NOT as severely affected in times of drought as neighboring lakes.

These particular "what it is NOT's" are what have made it what it IS.....one of the best lakes in SC! It is a great time to consider Lake Greenwood property since interest rates are still at historical lows and prices are currently at 5 year lows. If your dream for the future consists of building your dream home so you can build what YOU want the time is even better. There are incredible bargains to be found when it comes to lakefront lots for sale on Lake Greenwood. Concerned that your dream of building could be a nightmare? Don't be! I'll get you in contact with a local builder who has built a solid reputation around quality construction, trustworthiness and integrity.

Visit my website to gain access to one of the most up to date and easiest Greenwood MLS search tools available. Look around to learn more about the area. Make sure to check out the Lake Greenwood Map Tool to get an idea of the layout of the lake itself and the many communities along it's 212 miles of shoreline. The short video on the homepage may also give you an idea of what you'll find should you decide to visit the area. If foreclosures on Lake Greenwood is of interest you can find them on my website as well. There haven't been many but the few that are available are worth a look!

When you are planning your visit email me and I'll be happy to provide you lodging info. Whether it's a lakefront vacation rental on Lake Greenwood, an area Bed and Breakfast or local hotel close to shopping, just let me know your preference and I'll get you the info you need. Just think of me as your one stop resource for "everything Lake Greenwood"!

When you start to consider the Lake Greenwood area as a relocation destination you deserve to be shown around by a Lake Greenwood Realtor who has spent years following the real estate market during good times and bad. Only then will you be provided factual information that can help you make the best decisions.

I'm NOT here to sell you lakefront property on Lake Greenwood. I'm here to help find the best of Lake Greenwood property that fits your needs and help make YOUR dream come true.

Great Restaurant Near Lake Greenwood

Keeping up with the Lake Greenwood real estate market means not only knowing the Greenwood area but it also means knowing the surrounding areas as well. Lake Greenwood spans 3 different counties. In my opinion one of the best reasons to live at the lower end of the lake other than the magnificent views, naturesque surroundings and deep water is being within a SHORT drive to 3 surrounding historic towns, each with its own personality.

Yesterday I visted Newberry to research a property. Some people may have visited the Newberry Opera House but that's just one of this towns attractions. While I was there I decided to have lunch at a little place that could be easily overlooked. The Grille On Main, which was once a pharmacy in the "old days" located on Main Street (bet you already figured that out) was such a great last minute stop. I had to park a ways away from the Grille and as I was walking up the street checking out the little specialty shops I got the feeling of a quaint, friendly "Mayberry-ish" town. In today's world that is a good feeling even if it's only for a few minutes.

When I walked in the Grille On Main I was was greeted by friendly servers who actually took the time to make me feel welcome. My server was terrific and ready to take my order almost before I got seated. I decided on the Baked Potato Soup and Pimento Cheese sandwich. Both were absolutely DELICIOUS and homemade goodness filled every bite!

The next time you find yourself looking at real estate in Greenwood, SC, especially on the lake near the dam, remember you're only a short drive from Newberry. I hope you make the time to visit Newberry and wander the downtown area for a few minutes. You'll find numerous antique shops in a quaint little town rich in history. If you do happen to find yourself in Newberry make sure to visit The Grille On Main and since it's the perfect time of year for soup....try the Baked Potato soup. You'll love it! 

 

Best Greenwood Real Estate Deals of Generation

I meet people on a daily basis selling Lake Greenwood Real Estate and when I’m asked for my opinion of the current market I always say “we are at the bottom and it’s not going to get much better for buyers”. Many times I realize I’m standing in front of Thomas. I’m sure you’ve met him before. “Doubting Thomas” as he says “noooo, we still haven’t hit the bottom yet”. At this point, I begin to wonder “is it my optimism that just won’t let me see it?”

Needless to say it brings me joy when I see something that supports my scrutinized optimism and can hardly wait to share it with whoever happens to see it. SO, here is more Greenwood Real Estate news and statistics worth sharing! We all know that interest rates and home prices are at the lowest they’ve been in quite a while. Well, a recent article in Bloomberg Businessweek refers to it as “perhaps the best deals of a generation,”. OK…I want to repeat that because it felt so good to say….THE BEST DEALS OF A GENERATION! A GENERATION! Many buyers are aware of this and have taken advantage of the current buyers market. For those who are STILL on the fence and have been for the past year or more, I have to ask, how much better does it need to get.

Since the housing boom of 2006, home prices have fallen about 31 percent. Also, rates have been hovering at record lows for the past few weeks. “It’s hard to see the possibility of losing on a home purchase right now, with these rates,” says economist Dean Baker. “Prices may go lower, but not by much.” The article notes the following scenario: Buying a $300,000 home with a 4 percent rate and a 20 percent down payment would mean a $1,145 monthly payment. The Mortgage Bankers Association recently predicted that home prices may fall another 3.5 percent by mid-2012 but rates will increase by atleast a half-point. So for that same loan under that scenario, a home would sell for $289,000 while the monthly payment would be $1,171– a $26 per month increase. For those who can qualify for a home loan , 'playing the waiting game' won’t result in much gain, Nariman Behravesh, chief economist at IHS in Englewood, Colo., told Bloomberg Businessweek. It seems to me the wait may not be worth it, especially if it means losing the home of your dreams while waiting for a significant savings. 

So, hats off to optimism and even better when there are cold, hard facts supporting it! If you are looking for property for sale on Lake Greenwood or Greenwood real estate in general, even if it is not lakefront it is a GREAT time to buy. I’ll be more than happy to show you whatever you want to see and provide the information you need to make an informed decision. If building is a possibility now is the time to take the first step with Lake Greenwood lots being incredibly low with room for further negotiating. Having the right realtor on your side to answer your questions and point you in the right direction can make building your dream home an enjoyable experience.

Make sure to check out my newest mapping feature to learn more about Lake Greenwood and its many nooks, crannies, twists and turns and the communities tucked away in each! Then contact me for the answers to your questions and let's start making YOUR dreams come true!

Lake Greenwood Restaurant on The Lake

Being in real estate in Greenwood SC I have people checking out the area almost on a daily basis. It never fails that one of the top 5 questions is usually “where’s a good place to eat”. Through the years I’ve referred many people to this “cute little place by the lake” as I referred to it, based on what I had been told by other locals and past clients alike. So, last weekend I happened to be in the area and decided, “ok, it’s time to check it out for myself”. All I can say is I’m glad I referred all those other people there but man, have I been missing out! While talking to the owners I found out some of my Lake Greenwood Property buyers are now their “regulars”.

Harris Landing on Lake Greenwood is a restaurant NOT to be missed. Last weekend I had their burger since I had heard dozens of people raving about them and they were OHHH so right! Quite possibly THE best burger I’ve ever had! Trust me, I’ve had way more than I should’ve over the years. If burgers aren’t “your thing” then maybe you should try their wings. I’m not a wing connoisseur…but I’d put them up against the best! To go a step farther; even the onion rings were delicious. Looking for something a little different? They also offer grilled salmon, steak, shrimp, crab stuffed mushroom, and so much more. Sunday's are a special treat featuring fried chicken and other "southern favorites". No, haven’t had any of these menu items yet…. but you can bet I will.

As for the atmosphere…ok, you tell me what you think. “Cute, little restaurant right on the lake (you can even come by boat if you would like), warm, friendly, “make yourself right at home” staff, and a covered porch overlooking beautiful Lake Greenwood. It was perfect!

So if you’re a local and haven’t made it there yet because it’s “a little off the beaten path”….do yourself a favor and for goodness sake drive the extra 5 minutes. You’ll be glad you did. If you find yourself passing through Greenwood and looking for something other than the usual places make it a point to find Harris Landing Restaurant whether by water or land! It’s WELL worth the effort.

Oh by the way, they’re social!! Look for them on Facebook to see some of their nightly specials. Tell them Jan sent you and I’ll be seeing 'em soon.

Greenwood Real Estate News Watch

I've come to realize one of the most important things a Realtor should do whether they are in real estate in Greenwood SC or anywhere else is to keep up with the big picture of the real estate world as a whole.  

Real estate is local, meaning every market is a little different and values of one market have little to do with values in another market. However, all areas combined can sometimes give us a reasonably accurate picture.

We all know we can definitely depend on the media to give us the down side of the housing market. As one of the top Realtors in Greenwood,  I have to admit that I, like many others, get tired of the news regardless of the necessity of it.  Every time I turn my TV on it is the same old song and dance … “a bad economy; are we in a recession or not; foreclosures on the rise; are we really in a recovery?”  Yes, it’s more gloom and doom! It’s no wonder when I see something citing more statistics I have the urge to turn away.  But, this time I didn’t! The following information is a set of positive facts that we need to consider.  

A new CoreLogic study has determined that there are substantial reserves of positive home equity nationwide, citing recent Federal Reserve data showing that Americans held about $6.2 trillion in equity in their homes at the end of the 2011 second quarter. Federal and industry estimates also reveal that nearly one of every three homes is debt-free. According to CoreLogic, nearly half of homeowners with home loans have at least 25 percent equity, and almost a quarter have more than 50 percent equity.

Home ownership is still a great thing and there are many Americans enjoying the benefits of it. Don’t get caught up being  “Chicken Little”. The sky is not falling~ regardless of what the media says. Bad news sells….while good news gets overlooked!  Prices of homes in Greenwood SC are at the bottom, and just today I've heard interest rates as low as 3.25% makes it the PERFECT time to join the ranks of the millions who are enjoying home ownership. With the price of lakefront lots on Lake Greenwood being at 5 year lows makes building your dream home or lakefront retirement home a REAL possibility. With a knowledgable REALTOR guiding you it could be the best it has ever been or ever will be in the near future for buying lakefront property or property for sale in Greenwood SC, whether lakefront or not. Afterall, it's a buyers market everywhere.

Keep focused on the good news and let the media focus on the bad! They get paid well for it!

                                           

Best Lakefront Deals on Lake Greenwood

If you are planning on buying lakefront property for sale in the near future start by visiting Lake Greenwood's Harborside lakefront community. Known for some of the best views along the shores of Lake Greenwood, Harborside is soon to be known for being the home of some of the best lakefront lot deals on Lake Greenwood.

Harborside, developed on a peninsula provides a unique lake living experience with many lots having panoramic views and deep “year round” water levels. Harborside is also a top choice because of its convenient location to downtown Greenwood, where you will find a variety of shopping, dining and award winning healthcare.   

Harborside features a wide variety of homes ranging in size from 1800 sq. ft. to over 3000. Wirth minimal HOA dues (only $300 annually), an 1800 sq. ft minimum, no time frame to start building, freedom to use your choice of builder, availability of public utilities and MOST importantly AFFORDABILITY  there has never been a better time to buy a lakefront lot on Lake Greenwood, one of the best lakes in the south!

Never heard of Lake Greenwood? You aren’t alone. Looking for a top retirement place to get away from a hectic pace of life? Again, you are not alone. In the past 6 years over 80% of our clients have been retirees or people in the early stages of planning for retirement. By working with full time REALTORS who know the lake and are experienced in lakefront property sales you will save time and see the best deals available. Contact us if you would like info on available lakefront cabin rentals on Lake Greenwood or maybe even info on a tranquil B & B in a more historic setting to make your visit to the Lake Greenwood area even more memorable. You may find that like many others you come for a visit and decide to stay a lifetime! Visit our website to see a short video intro about Lake Greenwood and the surrounding area.

If you are looking for lakefront property anywhere near the Carolinas consider Lake Greenwood real estate. Contact The Bradshaw Group of Lake Greenwood and let us guide you to the best properties available that Lake Greenwood has to offer. You’ll be glad you did!

                                                                

Lake Greenwood Real Estate Update

Follow Your Gut Instinct...it will lead you where you want to be.

The thought has crossed your mind-but you aren’t quite ready yet; your gut is telling you NOW IS THE TIME to do it; but still you aren’t quite ready. You’re thinking “if I wait another year it’ll be even better." Well, maybe not! Remember what you've been told and probably passed along to others...."always follow your gut".

If you have thought about taking advantage of today's low prices you are not alone! With lower lakefront home prices and record-low interest rates, some baby boomers are buying their dream retirement homes on Lake Greenwood — several years before leaving the workforce. More and more are realizing that buying a prime lakefront lot suited to the type and style house they want to build is now a more economical option. Add in that there is no time frame to start building makes it a “no brainer” for some. Some lakefront communities on Lake Greenwood have HOA dues as low as $100 a year and for some of the most sought after communities the HOA dues is a mere $300 a year. Consider the fact that some lots are $100,000 less than they were 3-5 years ago….financially today's buyers still come out ahead. For those who are opposed to building here is some food for thought for you.  

Real estate is local and each area has different statistics but this is a trend that is being seen nationwide. William Filbin, a ReMax Broker in Florida said “'We’re now seeing people purchasing homes five or six years, sometimes more ahead of their planned retirement. It’s an opportunity that’s hard to resist.” According to the S&P/Case-Shiller home price index, “Home prices nationwide are down 32% from their mid-2006 peak.” Take it a step further and factor in rates at historic lows with the 30-year fixed-rate around 4.2%. The question with most people considering this is, “What would I do with the property when I have so much time before retirement? To help cover the expenses of an extra loan and other bills — like utilities and property taxes — some pre-retirees are renting their homes out on long-term leases. More and more people are discovering Lake Greenwood and some want to rent for a year or so while they explore the many areas and communities. Requiring references and doing a little investigating can make all the difference. There are also reputable companies who can handle the rental for you for a small fee.

Having a full time, REALTOR® who is experienced in the area which you are considering is an important 1^st step. Even if you are a year away from making the decision they can give you the best guidance and should be able to put you in touch with other credible professionals to answer questions that you need answers to. If you’ve never heard of Lake Greenwood, SC and retiring on a lake in the south is part of your retirement plan, you owe it to yourself to find out more. Lake Greenwood is one of the most beautiful and affordable lakes in South Carolina with a little something for everyone. The Bradshaw Group of Lake Greenwood would love to help you get acquainted with the area.

WELCOME TO OUR OFFICE!

Greenwood SC Real Estate Update for July

The verdict is in! Are you still sitting on the fence not sure if now is the time to buy Greenwood, SC real estate? It’s time to jump! Now is not the time to wait. Some of the best values are still here for the taking and prices are unbelievable! It’s happening right now….read on!

The National Association of Realtors® tell us that “home sales rose strongly in May with all regions experiencing gains from a year ago, pointing to higher housing activity in the second half of the year”. The Pending Home Sales Index rose 8.2 percent to 88.8 in May from an upwardly revised 82.1 in April and is 13.4 percent higher than the 78.3 reading in May 2010. Keep in mind that this particular data reflects contracts and not closings, since closings typically occur 30-60 days after an offer is accepted. According to this we should see future reports with higher than usual numbers indicating a subsequently higher number of CLOSED transactions. This is the first time since April 2010 that contract activity was above year-ago levels, and the monthly gain was the strongest increase since last November when the index rose 10.6 percent. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said the improvement bodes well for home prices. We all know that absorption of inventory is imperative to market recovery and prices getting back to a normal level. “This solid gain in contract signings implies that home values in localities are or will soon be stabilizing as inventories get absorbed at a faster pace,” Yun said. “Some markets have made a rapid turnaround, going from soft activity to contract signings rising by more than 30 percent from a year ago” Yun added. Source: National Association of Realtors®.

Real Estate is local and every market is a little different. Real Estate in Greenwood, SC has been active lately. Having said that, there are still great deals waiting. For example, it’s a great time to consider buying a condo in Greenwood, SC as an income producing property with Lander University being here and college about to begin, or even a vacation home on Lake Greenwood. If you’ve been thinking about retirement options, consider building your dream home on Lake Greenwood. You definitely owe it to yourself to visit while lakefront lots are at the lowest they’ve been in many years! If you missed your opportunity the first time now’s your chance! The possibilities are endless and real estate is STILL a secure addition to any investment portfolio. Especially with a knowledgeable real estate group on your side.

Good News For Greenwood Real Estate Buyers and Sellers

                     

Good news for the Greenwood SC real estate market and others! It may not be immediate but it is on the horizon and should be kept in mind. John Burns Real Estate Consulting believes housing demand in top markets is about to 'explode’. This demand is being driven by the number of renters coming into the market which will drive rental prices even higher which in turn will make common sense prevail and show home ownership as the clear “smart choice” that we all know it is and have always been told.

Leslie Deutch, VP of John Burns Real Estate Consulting says 'Renters are a clever, creative bunch.' Other reasons Deutch said the apartment sector will eventually contract is because of the long-term affordability of owning a home versus renting, and because it’s just 'not smart to rent forever.' 'As rents start to grow, more renters will consider buying,' Deutch said. Source: HousingWire

If home ownership is on your mind and you're still on the fence wondering when the right time will be….it’s NOW! Interest rates are still LOW and the selection is HIGH!  Whether you are searching for lakefront property as a weekend getaway or just down sizing to a smaller home orcondo now is a great time to make your move. If you are a seller-the good news is that buyers are looking; if you happen to be a buyer the good news is sellers are motivated! With an experienced, knowledgeable REALTOR at your side it can be a win-win situation for both sides. With a rise in interest rates just around the corner there is no reason not to get the information you need to make an informed decision now. Go shopping now and see everything the Greenwood, SC area has to offer! Lakefront getaways, golf course property, condos and luxury homes both on and off the water are currently available.