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.

Greenwood SC Real Estate Update for Buyers

Greenwood SC Real Estate Update for Buyers

Currently cash buyers are flooding some real estate markets in record numbers to take advantage of current prices. These cash buyers can sometimes put buyers who need financing at a disadvantage. Sellers often prefer cash deals because it can mean faster closings and transactions that are less likely to fall through. Some sellers in the Greenwood real estate market are accepting lower offers because they are cash rather than higher offers from a financing buyer just because they view it as a more solid deal that will be quicker to the closing table. What’s a conventional buyer to do? Here are a few tips-

• Get pre-approved for a home loan. The smartest thing you can do is make sure you talk to a competent (preferably local) lender to get pre-approved. Local lenders know the market and they have face to face interaction with Greenwood Realtors who they depend on for future business. They have more “at stake” than lenders who work with thousands of buyers nationwide. Contact me for a list of knowledgeable, reputable, local lenders in the Greenwood real estate market. Getting pre-approved takes about 10 minutes and can be done on the phone many times.

• Show your sincerity and that you’re in good standing. You’ll improve your chances of getting a seller to pay attention to your offer and take it seriously by putting down a reasonable amount of earnest deposit. The more deposit you’re willing to put down, shows you have a stable job, cash on hand and along with the pre-approval-good credit.

• Act quickly!  Cash buyers have the ability and tend to act quickly. To compete, you have to act quickly once you’ve decided which property suits your needs.

Keep in mind that some sellers may be highly motivated and willing to accept a cash offer, even if it’s lower than others, while sellers with more equity in their homes may be willing to wait for the highest and best offer. It all depends on the sellers current circumstances and their motivation to sell.

Real estate is local! For details on Greenwood SC homes for sale, browse my website, use my convenient MLS Search tools, or contact me for first rate service!

 

Custom Greenwood Real Estate Search

Nothing Was More Frustrating...

than searching for property for sale and not finding what I wanted. UNLESS, it was finding EXACTLY what I wanted only to find out the next day (when the Realtor finally returned my call) that my PERFECT property (ok, maybe it wasn't really the perfect one but at THAT time it was to me) was already under contract. At this point it didn't matter whether it went under contract an hour ago or a month ago. The point was still the same....it was not available. Ever happened to you? 

That was my experience in the past and long before I ever thought of becoming a Realtor in Greenwood or anywhere for that matter. trust me---I remember the disappointment all to well and it became a catalyst for the foundation of my services I provide. My goal and level of service is to NEVER be the cause of that happening to someone else. I strive to provide up to date information, quality photos and an easy MLS search for people looking for Greenwood Real Estate. That's just the beginning!

There are several different ways to run a search for Greenwood Real Estate on my site. There is a search for lakefront property as well as "in town" properties and properties in golf communities and the surrounding areas. Whatever you are looking for there is probably an easy custom search waiting.

Feel free to visit my website. I'm sure you will find it among the easiest and most detailed...not to mention the most up to date! Why waste your time, energy and gas driving past homes to see the neighborhood and "size up the exterior" on properties that aren't even available?

SEARCH THE GREENWOOD MLS

Harbourside Lots on Lake Greenwood Are A GREAT Value!

One of the best kept secrets in the Southeast is Lake Greenwood, located in Greenwood, SC. One of the Top Lakefront Communities is Harborside.

When I think of a lakefront community I think of it being slightly tucked away from whatever hustle and bustle surrounds you. I envision flat neighborhood streets lined with trees and beautiful homes of various sizes and styles. There are also neighbors enjoying a  walk or jog along the streets that are not heavily traveled and mostly just by the neighboring residents. Some of the residents are walking their pets and some with their friends; maybe even 1 or 2 pushing a stroller. Well, that’s just what you will see when you drive through Harborside.

With the changes in real estate over the past 3 years: NOW an incredible time to buy a lakefront homesite. Prices are lower than they have been in the past 5 years and sellers are motivated! Keep the word motivated in mind! All prices are negotiable and there are some amazing deals to be had. For example 3-4 years ago prime lakefront lots were selling for $200,000 and up. It was close to impossible to buy a level, dockable lot with big water views and year round water for much less $180,000. Some of these same lots are now priced from the $160,000’s with room for negotiation.Harborside has all public utilities, a boat launch, dry boat storage and a lakeside gathering area with firepit; not to mention some of the THE best big water views that Lake Greenwood has to offer.  

      

If planning for retirement has been in the back of your mind and retiring on a lake is a part of that thought….NOW is the time to make your move! So many of my clients have bought their lot, done improvements along the way and when retirement comes the only missing ingredient will be their dream home.

Harborside on Lake Greenwood is a community for those looking for the perfect waterfront retirement location and a place you will be proud to call home.

When you are looking for Lake Greenwood Property then you owe it to yourself to learn about Harborside. You deserve to be choosy and get everything you want in your future homesite or home as well as a community.

 

Will a foreclosure get you home?

New home sales have suffered as the industry has faced 5 years of declining business after reaching record highs the 5 years prior. I’m now noticing several builders websites and hearing builders explain why buying new is better than buying foreclosures in Greenwood, SC and in other parts of the country as well. Granted, the Greenwood SC real estate market has not experienced as many foreclosures as many other areas; however, from time to time there have been a few foreclosures in Greenwood, SC as well as “short sales”. The majority of our “bargain buys” have been in the form of lakefront lot foreclosures and short sales on Lake Greenwood.

On the surface short sales and foreclosures appear to be better buys than buying new construction. Builders are warning people that foreclosures and short sales are not ALL the “deals” and steals that everyone thinks they are and can come with pitfalls if buyers aren’t careful. The majority of headaches typically come from unknown repairs, a very limited selection and headaches in working with banks. Builders are trying to get the word out to educate buyers. Many have dedicated pages their websites featuring the benefits of buying new that people may not necessarily think of. Some of the benefits mentioned are warranties, energy efficiency and customization options. Shea Homes and Fulton Homes are featuring a “foreclosure cost calculator” on their websites. By having this it will educate people and help them to see (or atleast be aware of) potential costs of foreclosures.

A monetary value can’t be placed on some headaches and heart breaks. I’ve seen people make a bid on what is the home of their dreams and are thrilled at the possibility of being able to afford it (because after all it is a fantastic deal…right?) only to have their dream shattered when they find out after weeks of waiting, hoping and planning that they have been outbid. Even in short sales though the process is different many times people have to wait weeks, even months for their offers to be reviewed only to be told that it wasn’t accepted.

Yes, short sales and foreclosures CAN be great opportunities. As long as buyers go in with their eyes wide open and with realistic expectations and knowing where the pitfalls are. Being an educated buyer is the key and is where I can help. If you are considering buying Greenwood SC real estate contact me. Put my knowledge and experience to work for you or at the VERY least contact me to get the facts you need to decide whether spending the time and energy searching for the right foreclosure is right for you. You might be surprised at your decision!   

When Selling Your Home-DO NOT....

Selling your Greenwood home is a major decision that can carry a high stress factor. Many times sellers become emotionally overwhelmed from the pressure and make costly mistakes. Here are just a couple pitfalls to avoid when selling.

Do not fail to disclose defects in the property. Disclosure laws require you to reveal information about the home systems, including environmental issues, structural problems, homeowner’s association rules and restrictions on use of the property. Many buyers will require an inspection of your property prior to finalizing the sale, and problems you may have UNintentionally overlooked may come to light and may cost you the sale as well as additional expense. With so many people just looking for a reason to “sue” someone-there’s no need to paint a bullseye on your back.  Just remember FULL DISCLOSURE and nothing less. Its the law!

Do not make last-minute home improvements that may not add value to your home. Remodeling takes time, will prolong the work of getting your home ready to show, and won’t necessarily please buyers. What you like, your potential buyers may not.  There is no guarantee your modification will help in the sale.

Do not price your home too high. Your asking price should be within an acceptable range of comparable homes in the same area, neighborhood, style and size that have recently sold.  Many times adjustments have to be made to get the correct price. The bottom line is that even if you get someone to offer you TOP dollar your home must still appraise or you have wasted valuable time.

Do not assume your property is as good (if not better) than your competition. If you aren't sure what's on the inside of your competition and all the details to go along with it...assume NOTHING! Assuming may very well lead you in the wrong direction.

The market has made some incredible changes in the past 3 years; and it still continues to do so. Yes, it is a buyers market but having the right information and the right strategy can make all the difference. Contact me and I'll be happy to provide you with whatever information you need to determine if selling your Greenwood SC property or Lake Greenwood property now is right for you. There'll be no hassles and no obligation.

 If you decide to seek advice for pricing or selling tips make sure you consult a REALTOR® and not just a real estate "agent". Trust me there is a difference.  When it comes to selling your home don't trust it with just anyone. Make sure you choose wisely.

NO-now is NOT a good time to buy real estate!

Still sitting on the fence wondering if NOW really is the right time to buy? Have we hit bottom yet?

NO, now is NOT a good time to buy real estate....NOW is a FANTASTIC time to buy real estate in Greenwood, SC or wherever you live!

I read an article today and it seems there's even more reason to buy NOW. It is predicted with some pretty "point on" statistics that rent hikes are coming! In many areas the rental vacancy rates have dipped below the 10% mark where it had been for several years. With so many people losing their homes there is going to be a bigger demand for rentals 'and it has already started' said Peggy Alford, President of Rent.com. It is predicted that by 2012 rental vacancies will be as low as 5%. With fewer units on the market prices will most certainly increase. It's basic supply and demand. When prices of rentals increase and the demand is too great to fill....it is only logical that housing prices will follow suit.

Interest rates are still low and yes, it is a buyers market. There is a large inventory and there is no better time to take advantage than NOW.

Welcome to Our Greenwood Real Estate Blog!

I'm excited to have this new blog to show you our beautiful city and let you know about any goings-on with Lake Greenwood and Greenwood, SC! Visit us and let me take you on a boat tour to see the fabulous lakefront homes for sale. Give me a call and I'll be happy to show you around town too! Stay tuned for more information here soon!

Lakefront Property for Sale on Lake Greenwood SC