Mr. Wonderful  Shark? Or Clownfish in disguise?

Make sure you listen to the right sources and know the FACTS when it comes to buying a home in Greenwood!  Don't pay attention to clowns!

Recently, on CNBC’s Closing Bell, Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary, also known as “Mr. Wonderful,” said Millennials “don’t give a poo-poo about owning a house.” This thinking couldn’t be further from the truth. Let’s give a few examples to make this point.

1.) In the recent National Housing Market Survey conducted by Fannie Mae, it was revealed that:

“…data indicates that millennial renters today have as much desire to own a home as the general population of renters. According to NHS data, the substantial majority of renters age 25-34 say that owning makes more sense than renting from a financial perspective. A majority also agree that owning makes more sense than renting from a lifestyle perspective. The vast majority of millennial renters tell us they plan to own a home at some point in the future.”

2.) A recent Merrill Lynch report found that 81% of Millennials agree that “homeownership is an important part of their personal American Dream”

3.) The most recent H.O.M.E. Survey explained that 85% of Americans ages 34 and under believe that “homeownership is a good financial decision”.

Bottom Line

Kevin O’Leary might be a great white shark when it comes to investing in companies. However, he is just a guppy when dealing with the residential real estate market. 

Give us a call and let us help you navigate the waters of home ownership!

Why NOW May Be The Time

It is common knowledge that a large number of homes sell during the spring-buying season. For that reason, many homeowners hold off on putting their home on the market until then. The question is whether or not that will be a good strategy this year. If you're thinking of selling you need to be familiar with other Greenwood Homes For Sale  (a.k.a. "your competition"). Our site has everything in our MLS including lakefront, golf course homes for sale, lakefront condos on Lake Greenwood and of course single family homes in ALL communities. Curious about recent sales in the Greenwood area?  

The other listings that do come out in the spring will represent increased competition to any seller. Do a greater number of homes actually come to the market in the spring, as compared to the rest of the year? The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently revealed which months most people listed their home in for 2015. Here is a graphic showing the results:

The three months in the second quarter of the year (represented in red) are consistently the most popular months for sellers to list their homes on the market. Last year, the number of homes available for sale in January was 1,860,000.

That number spiked to 2,280,000 by May!

What does this mean to you?

With the national job situation improving, and mortgage interest rates projected to rise later in the year, buyers are not waiting until the spring. They are out looking for a home right now. If you are looking to sell this year, waiting until the spring to list your home means you will have the greatest competition for a buyer.

Bottom Line

It may make sense to beat the rush of housing inventory that will enter the market in the spring and list your home today. Give us a call to get the info you need and see what we can do for you! 

The Greenwood real estate market has been hot. Home sales have bounced back solidly and are now at their second highest pace since February 2007. Demand remains strong going into the winter. Many real estate professionals are reporting that multiple offers are occurring regularly and listings are actually selling above listing price. What about your house?

If your house hasn’t sold, it is probably the price.

If your Greenwood home is on the market and you are not receiving any offers, look at your price. Pricing your home just 10% above market value dramatically cuts the number of prospective buyers that will even see your house. (See Chart)

Give us a call. We watch the market closely and will help you determine the biggest reason why your home hasn't sold! 

Now is the time to buy homes for sale in Greenwood, SC

The Greenwood SC real estate market is changing. New apartments seem to be going up everywhere. That's great news to some but maybe not to everyone. Supply and demand is something that you have to keep in mind. Obviously there is a demand for apartments or else they wouldn't be popping up everywhere. However, (yes, there's always a good and bad side to everything usually) with that demand also comes increases in rent in the near future. 

So that should bring to mind the question is renting really the best thing for ME? Can I afford to buy a home for sale in Greenwood?

If you're still sitting on the fence about renting vs buying now is the time to make a decision. With apartments in Greenwood, SC rates on the rise and interest rates to buy a home for sale in Greenwood being declining you can most likely afford to buy cheaper than renting. 

With the recent news that FHA has lowered their down payment amount from 3.5% to 3% makes it even easier to get into YOUR 1st home or even a move up home quicker than you think.  

Give us a call and let us help you figure it all out. We'll answer your questions and help you decide what's best for your current situation.

Jan Bradshaw, Broker in Charge

The Bradshaw Group

BBQ, Music and Fireworks Finale on Lake Greenwood

Connect Lake Greenwood (CLG) is a recently formed group of 4 area Chambers of Commerce, local businesses and volunteers intent on promoting Lake Greenwood and hosting lakefront events along the lake making Lake Greenwood Property even more in demand.

Their 1st event was a huge success complete with delicious BBQ provided by Skin Daddy's BBQ, music by The Jake Bartley Band ending with The National Anthem being sung by Jake Bartley and leading into an incredible fireworks show. With the unofficial number in it appeared to be about 250 boats in attendance and 1000 or so attending by land. It was a great 4th of July on Lake Greenwood.

Look for more of these Lake Greenwood events in the future thanks to the efforts of Connect Lake Greenwood. The future is brighter than ever for Lake Greenwood.

No matter what price range you are looking Lake Greenwood has something for every budget. From lakefront condos on Lake Greenwood starting under $100,000 to luxury homes for sale in Grand Harbor and golf course homes in Stoney Point contact us and we'll help you get to know a little (or alot) about the Lake Greenwood area and all it has to offer. 

Jan Bradshaw, BIC

The Bradshaw Group

864-341-7774

Trying to decide whether you should build your dream home on Lake Greenwood or buy an existing home? There are pros and cons to both. Lots on Lake Greenwood are still priced attractively which shaves approximately $20,000-$50,000 off the total package price right from the start. A brand new home also offers the advantage of having exactly what you want with no repairs waiting.

On the other hand buying an existing home for sale for example in Crystal Bay or one of the many other existing lakefront communities in Greenwood will allow you to close, move in and see a quicker short term appreciation. "Fixer upper" people can reap the benefits of sweat equity; however a newer home usually offers little room for improvements. It is likely to sell for about the same price as others around it. Remember there are exceptions to every rule.

Here are a few more things to consider that can help you decide which works best for you when considering your next Greenwood SC real estate move.

Depending on where you look new houses may have somewhat smaller yards and may not offer the views of other established homes. Older homes were most likely built on the "premier lots". By working with a Lake Greenwood Realtor who is experienced in selling on Lake Greenwood you can be assured to be guided to the best lots currently available. Your choice of Realtor in Greenwood matters in more ways than one. Make sure to ask how much lakefront property they have sold personally as opposed the the company they work with. You want experience and knowledge.

Newer homes many times have somewhat smaller room size (unless you build a custom home) while the older homes generally offer larger rooms.

Buying early is a particular development can save you money as developers typically raise the prices as popularity grows. On the other hand there is always the uncertainty of how a development will progress in growth, fees, amenities etc. In a communities on Lake Greenwood sellers are having to compete with their own community developers if resale is in their future.

Ok, so I may not have helped answer your question as to whether buying or building is right for  you but hopefully I gave you some good food for though to use in your decision making process.

Give The Bradshaw Group a call when you're ready to take the next step in your evaluation process. We promise to give you the unbiased information you need to help you make an well-informed decision on what is right for you individual circumstances.

Thinking of buying Lake Greenwood property? 

Consider this. More couples are purchasing homes together before they marry, and some do not intend to marry at all.  Source: NorthJersey.com

There are advantages to purchasing SC lakefront property together. Obviously, the biggest is it will allow you to afford more house than going it alone.There are single family homes,  homes for sale in Grand Harbor and even condos on Lake Greenwood to consider. Here's a few thoughts that might help you decide if this is a possibility for you.

Unwed twosomes and families considering multi-family ownership need to determine how to hold the title. The choices are whether the home will transfer to the surviving owner if the other dies, as joint tenants with the right of survivorship; or whether a percentage of ownership will pass to the beneficiary named in a will through a tenants-in-common arrangement.

Also give thought to who will sign the promissory note. Will it be both owners or just one? If you both sign it, you both could be (most likely WILL BE) pursued by the bank in the event of default; but if only one partner signs it because they have a better job, higher credit score, or contributes more to the down payment, etc,  then they will be on the hook alone — regardless of how title is held. 

Taxes are another topic where choices must be discussed.  Decide whether you will divide the mortgage interest and any property tax write-offs equally.

Lastly, give thought (and discussion) to what will happen if a disagreement should arise significant enough to damage the friendship. Let's face it, even lifelong friends can have "breakups"!  Some may be as bad as a relationship or marriage ending. Just have a plan in place so you're not caught off-guard. Plan for the "what-ifs" and don't think about them anymore! Whether you stay friends or not you will still be owners of a property. Look at it with a business mind and all will be fine!

Lake Greenwood property is moving quickly right now. There are some fabulous homes that would be perfect for multi-family ownership and will provide years of family enjoyment on Lake Greenwood.

Think outside the box and talk to your tax advisors, accountants and legal "gurus" to see if this idea could work for you.

Jan Bradshaw, BIC

The Bradshaw Group of Lake Greenwood

Lake Greenwood, SC is more than a top retirement destination. It's also a top vacation location for families from all over wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of life. If you've never heard of Lake Greenwood before, you are not alone. Being a Lake Greenwood REALTOR I talk to people from almost every state who have only heard of Lake Greenwood through word of mouth, usually from a friend who discovered the area while passing through to another larger or more well known lake. This lack of notoriety contributes to the areas charm. Referred to by many as one of the Carolinas best kept secrets it has a mild climate with just a hint of winter weather usually lasting less than one month and a place where snowfall is rare.

The location of Lake Greenwood is perfect for those who like the mountains as well as the beaches as a visit to either can easily be accomplished in a day. Greenwood is centrally located just a short drive from five small historic towns offering a variety of shopping, dining and healthcare. Speaking of healthcare, those considering Greenwood as a retirement location will be happy to know that we are home to the award winning Self Regional Healthcare System and the areas largest Genetic Research Center. That is understandable considering that other than independent, local businesses healthcare seems to be the areas largest employer.

When it comes to property for sale in Greenwood, SC the area has something for every budget. Whether you are in search of a condo for sale on Lake Greenwood or vacant land to build your dream home you will impressed with the selection whether its' lakefront or acreage in the country.

Spring and Summer offers many festivals around town including the most popular Festival of Flowers. The 2013 Festival of Flowers kicks off June 1 with the main event weekend June 20-23. It would be a great time to come check out the area and view some homes for sale on Lake Greenwood or even in one of the local golf communities. If you would like recommendations on lodging, boat rentals or our "top picks" of area restaurants just email us through our website let us know what information you would like.

If you are interested in receiving a complete list of available properties for sale on Lake Greenwood SC in a particular price range text us, email us or give us a call.

We helped many buyers last year by providing information and helping them acheive their goals and we look forward to helping you this year!

Good news when it comes to Greenwood Real Estate as well as on a National level! The National Association of Realtors recently reported that total existing-home sales, (completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops) rose 5.9 percent to an adjusted annual rate of 5.04 million in November from a downwardly revised 4.76 million in October, and are 14.5 percent higher than the 4.40 million-unit pace in November 2011. Sales are at the highest level since November 2009 when the annual pace spiked at 5.44 million.

If you are thinking of buying now is the time. Selection is increasing and interest rates aren't! That's a good combination. I have buyers from many "distressed" housing markets letting me know that after a long wait their house is FINALLY under contract! Real Estate is local but far-reaching. Conditions are improving in the "troubled" spots which means the clogged pipeline is opening one sale at a time. For some it's been as much as a 3 year wait but their search for Lake Greenwood Property is underway! Lakefront lots on Lake Greenwood are still at 6 year lows and financing is available. Worried about selecting the right builder? Email The Bradshaw Group and we will be more than happy to get you in touch with some of the best builders in the Greenwood area. Rest assured, we won't lead you astray!