terry edwards: Mall Group Predicts Holiday Spending Up 3 Percent - 09/16/11 09:02 PM
  The Council of Shopping Centers released a statement yesterday that they predict holiday spending to increase 3 percent over last year.  This trade group which represents shopping malls said Friday that 'November-December spending should top $250 billion, the highest since the 2007' peak.  This prediction does not include sales at grocery stores, restaurants or gas stations but sales should certainly improve with these businesses also.
  A 3% increase in spending will be major news for the remaining retailers because after all the store closings of the past 2 years they should each grab a larger portion.  If the 3% increase materializes some stores could see 5 to 7% year over year growth.  This … (3 comments)

terry edwards: USDA Rural Home Loans Available for Richland County SC - 08/25/11 04:56 AM
The USDA rural home loan program is back!  
A USDA Guaranteed Loan is a Government insured 100% purchase loan.  These loans are offered in the rural areas of Richland County and include portions of Hopkins and Irmo.
Under the terms of the program, an individual or family may borrow up to 100% of the appraised value of the home.
Many of these USDA loans are available with no money down and no mortgage insurance is required, so you keep your payments low.  A 620 minimum credit score is required for one of these USDA mortgages.

I recently helped a buyer purchase this … (27 comments)

terry edwards: Rural Home Loans for Qualified Buyers - 05/31/11 04:40 AM
Rural Home Loans for Qualified Buyers
Now available.......affordable homeownership with a USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) Rural Housing Guaranteed Home Loan.  Rural home loans are designed for qualified moderate income borrowers who purchase a home in a USDA rural mapped area.  Almost the entire Hopkins, SC area is included in this great deal.


 These two homes for sale in Hopkins qualify for this program 
Important features of the Guaranteed Home Loan program include:
•·       Up to 100% financing, based on the appraised value of the home
•·       Available to families with a maximum of 115% of the area … (0 comments)

terry edwards: Bank Owned Home Just Purchased For 62% of Appraised Value - 05/28/11 12:33 AM
Columbia SC      Everyone enjoys a good deal, and here is one that didn't get away from these first time home buyers.

We had been looking for the right home for nearly a year and when I ran across this foreclosure I called the young couple and told them they needed to see this house quick, because I knew it wouldn't be on the market for very long.
Fortunately they were able to buy this bank owned home for only 62% of its appraised value.  Super deal.  New carpet, fresh paint, some minor touch ups and VOILA!      Instant equity.
Almost one in five … (5 comments)

terry edwards: 2nd Annual Schneider Electric Car, Truck and Bike Show - 05/14/11 08:39 PM
     Schneider Electric     8821 Garners Ferry Road    

2nd Annual Schneider Electric Car, Truck and Bike Show

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Admission was only $5 and proceeds went to the American Heart Association


 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 Racing History & Highlights:
2009 Pro Street Winner at Orlando World Street Nationals2009 Track Record Breaker at Orlando World Street Nationals2009 Annual Street Car Super Nationals Record holder in Pro Street

 

 
 
 Definitely not the factory 307 in this Chevy Nova


 
 
Chevrolet … (2 comments)

terry edwards: Young Home Buyers Realizing Opportunities of Housing Bust - 05/11/11 06:35 PM
Columbia SC     Not only have the prices of existing homes dropped in the last three years but falling real estate values have also affected new homes.  The local builders are building smaller, less embellished homes.  Young buyers are looking for more kitchen cabinets and larger closets vs. granite countertops and Jacuzzis. 

The Upside of the Housing Bust
First time home buyers are entering today's housing market at bargain prices.  The National Association of Realtors publishes the housing affordability index and the latest numbers show existing homes for sale are the most affordable since NAR began publishing the report in 1970.  The … (3 comments)

terry edwards: 9711 Garners Ferry Road Hopkins SC 29061 Home For Sale - 05/11/11 03:06 AM
9711 Garners Ferry Road  Hopkins SC 29061  Home For Sale

 
On April 30, 1924 the Horrell Hill area of Hopkins was struck by a tornado that killed 24.  Four children died at the Horrell Hill Elementary School when the storm demolished it. This home for sale was located next to the school and provided teacher housing back then.
Located on 1.8 acres at the intersection of Garners Ferry Road and Congaree Road the wide wrap around porch offers a great vista view of the surrounding countryside.
 


The large kitchen has loads of cabinet space, 2 lazy … (1 comments)

terry edwards: How To Lock In A 4% Mortgage Rate For 10 Years - 05/05/11 12:23 AM
Columbia SC     I have never been a big fan of adjustable rate mortgages....until this week. 
A large mortgage bank in the midlands has just announced an ARM with a locked in rate of just 4.0% for 10 years that provides a great opportunity for home buyers who will only be in their homes for a limited period of time!  On average, most first time home buyers live in their first house for 5 to 7 years.  With home prices at their lowest levels in 4 years what a great way to begin building your financial stability for the future.

 
Some … (0 comments)

terry edwards: Verizon Joins T-Mobile With 4G Service To Columbia Area - 04/19/11 09:23 PM
Columbia SC     Verizon Wireless will join T-Mobile this week as Columbia's fastest 4G network service providers for smartphones and tablets.   4G service, which is short for 4th generation, is several times faster than 3G technology and will cut the download time of large files like books and movies drastically.  As always your 3G phones are not compatible with the new 4G service and Verizon will have over a half dozen 4G devices available later this year.  Data plans start around $50 a month.
 
Terry Edwards     New & Existing Home Sales
803 920 5327     tedwards@sc.rr.com
www.FeaturedColumbia Homes.com
 
Columbia SC Real … (0 comments)

terry edwards: Rosewood Homes For Sale in Columbia SC 29205 - 04/13/11 06:00 AM
Columbia SC     Spring has popped out all over Columbia and the home sales in the Rosewood area are picking up.  Rosewood is centrally located and is only five minutes from 5 Points and USC and about 10 minutes from The Vista, Fort Jackson and the VA Medical Center. 
There are currently 99 homes listed for sale in the Rosewood area ranging in price from $91,500 to $270,000.  There is a good selection of several different styles ranging from two bedroom townhomes to a completely remodeled 3BR/3BA home with 2200 square feet of heated space.


So far this spring nine homes have sold … (0 comments)

terry edwards: Heathwood Neighborhood Celebrates 100th Anniversary With Zoning Changes - 04/05/11 08:37 PM
Columbia SC    Tuesday evening Columbia City Council approved new zoning changes for Heathwood, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.  After a developer recently tore down an old house in the Heathwood neighborhood and subdivided the land into home sites, stricter zoning standards have been adopted.
Heathwood homeowners will now need to get approval from Columbia's Design/Development Review Commission for all new construction.  All new additions or enclosures visible from the road, including driveway work and demolitions, will now require approval.  Permission by the Review Commission for general maintenance and repair work not visible from the road is not required.
The Whaley, Sherwood … (1 comments)

terry edwards: Mortgage Applications at Highest Level in 3 Months - 03/09/11 12:28 AM
Columbia SC     The Mortgage Bankers Association said its index of mortgage application activity rose 15.5 percent in the week ended March 4.  Applications for home mortgages jumped to the highest level in three months last week, buoyed by improvements in the job market.
"An improving job market is beginning to pave the way for an improving housing market," Michael Fratantoni, MBA's vice president of research and economics, said in a statement.
Current home mortgage rates in Columbia are just under 5% for a 30 year fixed rate mortgage.

I just completed an MLS search for active listings of 3 bedroom/2 … (0 comments)

terry edwards: What Do You Want And Need In A New Home? - 02/27/11 08:27 PM
Finding a new home can be exciting.  But deciding want you really want and need (and can afford) is the kicker.  Almost every homebuyer will face several trade-offs.

Do you prefer a home with a large yard, or a townhome or condo with almost all maintenance performed by an outside agency?  Basic needs include the number of bedrooms and baths.  Are an office and garage needs or wants?  How about the age of a home?  New homes should be mostly maintenance free for a few years while existing homes in established neighborhoods will require more frequent repairs.
Another decision will be the commuting time … (1 comments)

terry edwards: Zillow's Monthly Real Estate Report for Columbia, SC - 02/21/11 09:23 PM
Columbia, SC   According to Zillow's Real Estate Market Report for December 2010, Columbia home values were down 2.4% compared to December 2009.  While this statement is in the ball park, I find some of Zillow's local data to be laughable.  In some instances I have seen their estimates on home values to be off by $40,000.  If you really want an accurate local market valuation for a home, the property has to be compared to other similar properties.  Comparing it to the rental houses that were trashed in the neighborhood a half mile down the road doesn't work.  A good local … (2 comments)

terry edwards: Home For Sale 901 True Street Columbia SC 29209 - 01/25/11 01:19 AM
Sharp looking 2 bedroom/2 full bath in-town home for sale for only $96,900

This home at 901 True Street is tucked away a couple of blocks off Garners Ferry Road across from the Veterans Hospital in East Columbia.  All exterior maintenance and landscaping is provided by the Home Owners Accociation.


Cathedral ceilings, a gas log fireplace and lots of kitchen cabinets are perfect for the first time home buyer


View Virtual Tour
Contact me today for additional information and financial assistance for this move-in ready home
Terry Edwards     www.FeaturedColumbiaHomes.com
New and Existing Home Sales
Russell & Jeffcoat Real … (0 comments)

terry edwards: Existing Home Sales vs. New Home Sales and the Economy - 01/22/11 06:18 AM
Columbia SC     There has been a lot in the news about the increase in existing home sales lately. The level of activity in used home sales does not have the same effect on our economy as new home sales do. The sale of an existing home is just the transfer of an existing asset, but the sale does help the economy indirectly.

The current owners will spend money getting their home in sellable condition by painting and cleaning or replacing the carpet.  Once a purchase contract is accepted the home inspections are completed by the buyers and a number of repair issues always crop … (0 comments)

terry edwards: Just Sold 109 Hamlet Park Drive Columbia SC 29209 - 12/19/10 08:40 PM
Just Sold  109 Hamlet Park Drive   Columbia SC 29209

Phase II of the Hamlet Park neighborhood has begun with this 2 story home built by McGuinn Homes
Hamlet Park is located on Greenlawn Drive, just off Garners Ferry Road near I-77 and the Veterans Hospital area

21 additional homes will be built in the near future in the neighborhood.  This model is the Brantley C that has 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths and a 1/2 bath.  This home features the black upgraded appliance package, granite countertops and hardwood floors downstairs.  There is a vaulted ceiling in the great … (2 comments)

terry edwards: Weekend Getaway In North Georgia - 11/12/10 09:34 PM
If you never get off the interstate, you will never see it.  North of I-85 in northern Georgia you will find crooked roads meandering through small towns and mountain valleys.  This is what portions of Unicoi State Park just north of Helen, GA looked like the last weekend of October.



There are several roadside parking areas that allow you to get out and enjoy different views throughout the park.  The hike to Anna Ruby Falls was only about 15 minutes but it is a strenuous, huffing and puffing included, climb of several hundred feet.
   

The US Forestry … (1 comments)

terry edwards: 3113 Ulmer Rd Columbia SC 29209 MLS#275259 - 09/09/10 09:38 AM
Home For Sale   3113 Ulmer Rd  Columbia SC 29209   MLS #275259
Just listed!  Another great brick ranch style home in the Berkeley Forest neighborhood in SE Columbia.

This well maintained 3 bedroom/2 bath home is on a large lot and has approximately 1780 square feet of heated space plus a two car attached carport. 


The home builders in the late 60s knew how to put together a kitchen with lots of custom built cabinets.

This home has a family room with a wood burning fireplace, dining room, living room and hardwood floors under carpet in all three … (1 comments)

terry edwards: Brunching While Rotating Above Columbia SC - 09/04/10 10:51 PM
Brunching While Rotating Above Columbia SC
USC Campus, Columbia SC     Whenever someone asks "What would you like to do for your birthday?", I usually cannot come up with anything unique because I've already had quite a few.  But this year I told the family I would like to eat Sunday brunch at the Top of Carolina restaurant.  What a great idea.


The Top of Carolina is a rotating restaurant that is located 18 floors high with huge windows that allow you to see a 360 degree view of the University of South Carolina campus and downtown Columbia.


(0 comments)