Jonathan's Blog

Mac vs PC

Jonathan Edwards Kostyra (Open House Realty) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 09:47:30 -0500

Can any of you realtors out there give me any feedback on the Mac computers and there functionality with the MLS or Paragone systems. As most of you know Paragone uses Internet Explorer exclusively.

I have been using PC's but would like to switch to switch to a Mac. The compatability with Internet Explorer could be a problem.

Can any of you comment on this?

Thanks

Greenville SC Real Estate

Greenville South Carolina

Mac vs PC

Jonathan Edwards Kostyra (Open House Realty) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 08:40:31 -0500

Can any of you realtors out there give me any feedback on the Mac computers and there functionality with the MLS or Paragone systems. As most of you know Paragone uses Internet Explorer exclusively.

I have been using PC's but would like to switch to switch to a Mac. The compatability with Internet Explorer could be a problem.

Can any of you comment on this?

Thanks

Greenville SC Real Estate

Greenville South Carolina

National Association of Realtors and DOJ

Jonathan Edwards Kostyra (Open House Realty) — Tue, 27 May 2008 20:29:49 -0500

The National Association of Realtors has finally settled its long standing law suite with the Department of Justice. The National Association of Realtors represents about 1.2 million residential realtors across the country and is one of the largest lobbying groups in the country.

As part of its agreement with the DOJ, the National Association of Realtors agreed to open its vast listing of homes for sale to cheaper, Internet-based brokers. Hopefully the choice will lead to more choices and better savings for the end consumer, those who buy and sell real estate. It will probably lead to lower commission rates in general, which is good for the end consumer.

NAR (National Association of Realtors) has been battling the Department of Justice since 2005 in and out of court, and describes the settlement as win win for the public and NAR.

Greenville SC Real Estate

Greenville South Carolina

Greenville South Carolina Mortgage Update

Jonathan Edwards Kostyra (Open House Realty) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 10:29:21 -0500

Greenville South Carolina Mortgage Information
A Mortgage Update from Shari Schnader with Suntrust Mortgage

As most of you already know with 100% and Sub-Prime financing a thing of the past, we are now utilizing the government programs more than ever in the past eight years. Please keep in mind the Genesis program is an excellent way to fund your buyer’s down payment if your buyer acquires an FHA mortgage and the seller agrees to participate in the program.

If you have a buyer that has been denied a loan once the contract has been written, please consider calling me for a second opinion. I may be able to work it out utilizing my experience and knowledge of this ever changing market. I am excellent at originating Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and Veterans Administration (VA) loans. These are excellent programs and even though credit scores play a role in the approval so does common sense.

Also please keep in mind, it more important than ever to be sure your buyer is pre-approved before taking them out to look at homes. It’s as simple as a phone call and takes about five minutes. Not only will it save your clients time, if they qualify it allows them to start looking immediately and gives you peace of mind.

Feel free to call me on my cell at 419-6800 and I’ll be more than happy to help you. I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!!

Shari Schnader
Assistant Vice President

Presidents Club/Top Sales Producer

Business - 864-419-6800

Apply on line at www.suntrustmortgage.com/sschnader

Cliffs Communities pLans Golf Academy

Jonathan Edwards Kostyra (Open House Realty) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 09:29:39 -0500

Jim Anthony and the Cliff Communities are opening an 18-hole golf course and golf academy at Keowee Springs in Upstate South Carolina. The academy called the International Institute of Golf will open summer under the leadership of Teve Bann and Dale Lynch, well-known golf trainers for Austrialia, according to April 11th 2008 edition of the Greenville News.

The academy will serve as an amenity to the eight Cliffs Communities in Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina. The academy will feature the latest video, computer, and motion analysis technology for golfing. The acadamy will also feature an outdoor driving range and and indoor practice area.

According to the Greenville News the academy will be part of Keowee Springs Lodge and Spa which will include a 20,000 square foot spa, children's activity center, and wellness center. Keowee Springs will be a 150 acre retreat within the 1600 acre Cliffs at Keowee Springs development.

Greenville South Carolina Real Estate

Greenville South Carolina

Greenville South Carolina-The Looks and Feel of Greenville

Jonathan Edwards Kostyra (Open House Realty) — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 17:04:57 -0500

I wanted to start adding a weekly photo of Greenville South Carolina and/or its surrounding areas to my blog here on Active Rain. I want to give new comers to Greenville or those interested in Greenville a view as seen through my eyes as an active Realtor servicing the downtown. I love photography and usually have at least one camera with me at all times.

This week's photo is of Riverplace Park in Downtown Greenville South Carolina.

Please visit the following condos page, if you are interested in Downtown Greenville Condo living. Please visit our homepage for more information on our Greenville SC Real Estate .

Posted by Jonathan Edwards Kostyra

Greer SC Real Estate-Home for Sale

Jonathan Edwards Kostyra (Open House Realty) — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 09:04:10 -0500

I have a great new listing in Greer South Carolina in Autumn Hills Subdivision. This particular subdivision is located off Hwy 101 about 4 miles north of Wade Hampton Blvd.

This is a great one level home with hardwood floors, split and open floor plan, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, gas logs, spacious double car garage, and a large private lot (.81 acres). The home is located on a cul-de-sac in Autumn Hills Community, Greer South Carolina. Click here to view this Greer SC Home for sale .

Also please visit our Greenville MLS Search and our Greenville Condos Guide.

Jonathan Edwards Kostyra

e-Pro, Greenville Realtor

Anderson SC Real Estate and Anderson Homes for Sale

Jonathan Edwards Kostyra (Open House Realty) — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 17:53:38 -0600

I just listed a New Construction Home in Anderson South Carolina in a brand new subdivision known as Wyatt's Grant.

This particular home is a 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath Home all on one level. The home is all brick and offers many custom amenities inside including Kitchenaid Appliances, all Granite Countertops (even in baths). tile backslash in kitchen, central vacuum, e-wiring for wireless internet and surround sound.

The lots in Wyatts Grant are all in excess of 1/2 acre and this particular lot is .70 acres and offers privacy and a woodsy feel. Wyatts Grant is located off I85 exit 27 between Greenville South Carolina and Anderson South Carolina.

The Kitchen is a wonderful size and overlooks a warming room area with huge windows. The range is built in and the builder placed under the counter lighting beneath the cabinetry. Canned lighting is used throughout the home.

The Great Room and Dining Area are both very spacious with plenty of natural lighting. Hardwoods are a darker almost cherry color and match the kitchen cabinetry.

The home offers between 2800 and 2900 sq ft, a two car garage, and again everything is on one level with the exception of a large media or bonus room upstairs. This room also has it own full bath and could be a 4th bedroom. The home is priced at 385,000.

For more information on this home pleace phone Jonathan directly at 864-525-0736 or visit him on the internet at your Greenville South Carolina Real Estate Guide.

South Carolina Real Estate-Greenville SC Condos

Jonathan Edwards Kostyra (Open House Realty) — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 17:27:40 -0600

Welcome to Greenville South Carolina! We at the Carolina Realty Guide offer extensive coverage of the Downtown Greenville SC Condo Market as well as the Greenville South Carolina Real Estate Market.

This week's featured listing is a wonderful condo unit 408 at 155 Riverplace in Downtown Greenville. This Greenville Riverplace Condo offers convenient luxury, secure parking, and all the amenities expected in a downtown Greenville Condo.

For more information on this Downtown Greenville Condo please phone Jonathan at 864-525-0736 or visit him on the web at your Greenville Real Estate Guide.

Anderson SC Real Estate-The Campbell Company

Jonathan Edwards Kostyra (Open House Realty) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 17:18:39 -0600

This week's featured listing is of the Campbell Company, a Greenville and Anderson South Carolina Custom Home Builder. The Campbell company specializes in building one story homes between 2700 and 3200 square feet all with 3 car garages and a one-step entrance. The floor plans and layout of each home are designed to appeal both to the working professional as well as to the retiree.

For more information on any of the Campbell Homes, please visit the Jonathan's site with Open House Realty.

Mahaffey Plantation--Greer SC Real Estate

Jonathan Edwards Kostyra (Open House Realty) — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 19:32:00 -0600

New Construction Home for Sale In Mahaffey Plantation

THIS COULD BE THE BEST NEW HOME VALUE IN MAHAFFEY PLANTATION IN TERMS OF PRICE ACREAGE AND OVERALL AMENITIES! Great Location and Schools (JL Mann) and only minutes from I85, Pelham Rd, Woodruff Rd, and GSP International Airport. Double Ovens in Kitchen, Granite Countertops,hardwoods, ceramic tile all Standard.

Greenville SC Real Estate

Greenville Real Estate only softened in September

Jonathan Edwards Kostyra (Open House Realty) — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 10:13:52 -0600

Bernanke offers assurances concerning economy and housing slump

Sept 20^th 2007. Federal Chairman Ben Bernanke offered fresh assurances that the Fed would take steps to curb the fallout in the nation’s housing markets.

The housing slump is the worst the country has seen in 16 years and home foreclosures are at record highs. Proposals are aimed at expanding federal baking of mortgages through the Federal Housing Authority. Legislation was passed on Tuesday that would increase FHA lending caps by 2%.

Another proposal would be to allow mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to temporarily buy, bundle and sell mortgage securities on any loans exceeding $417,000, commonly referred to as jumbo loans.

Right now the biggest fear is that the housing slump will drag the rest of the economy into a recession. To prevent this the Fed cut a key interest rate by ½ a percentage point on Tuesday.

Overall, the housing slump has not really had a strong impact on Greenville South Carolina Real Estate Markets. September sells were off by over 100 units but the rest of the year has been consist with 2006 and 2006 was a very good year for Greenville SC Real Estate.

Posted by Jonathan

California Association of Realtors Making some "Real" Progress!

Jonathan Edwards Kostyra (Open House Realty) — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 07:41:25 -0500

California Association of Realtors paves way for State Wide MLS

Recently the California Association of Realtors approved a motion that could lead to a state wide MLS. I personally think this is real progress in our industry that will foster efficiency and innovation.

I have run into problems with my regional boards and regional MLS's here in South Carolina wanting my entire company (brokerage house) to join their MLS before they will allow any single realtor to join. In other words, the realtor and the realtor's entire firm or brokerage house must join the MLS, adding to everyone's expenses. Some of these policies are just outright ridiculous in my opinion.

These boards and MLS's need to open things up to allow us as Realtors to be more competitive. My company is having to join three local MLS's just to get the coverage we need to operate our business. And everybody knows what these boards are after---FEES.

State wide MLS's in my opinion would allow the Real Estate Industry to be more efficient, competitive, and would allow us as Realtors to cover broader areas and ultimately give us the leverage we need to give more for less to the final consumer.

A national MLS would be a good idea as well. Internet companies like Google, Yahoo, and MSN are already building there national home sales data bases. Why should our industry and NAR not move in the same direction?

Posted by Jonathan Edwards Kostyra

Greenville South Carolina Real Estate

Fall For Greenville 2007

Jonathan Edwards Kostyra (Open House Realty) — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 09:22:50 -0500

Fall For Greenville 07 Has Another Great Turn Out!

2007 Fall for Greenville Kicks off with a good turn out and plenty to do and see. Each year Greenville closes off Main Street and local restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, etc setup booths and sell food and beverages. It is a great opportunity to taste and sample many of Greenville's restaurant offerings.

Other events include concerts, giveaways, and rides. It is truly an event that is family oriented and friendly.

Jonathan Edwards Kostyra, e-Pro and Greenville Realtor Mobile 864-525-0736
Greenville SC Real Estate Agent
Downtown Greenville Condos

Terrace at Riverplace--Greenville Condos for Sale

Jonathan Edwards Kostyra (Open House Realty) — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 11:53:03 -0500

Terrace at Riverplac--Greenville Condos

The Terrace at Riverplace has been one of Greenville's higher priced condo developments yet sales and demand have been very, very strong. Most units sold at pre-construction. There are three Active units on the market for sale right now! So grab this opportunity for a potentially great investment.

The Terrace offers floor plans starting in the 400's and going to 800,000. The corner units have large panoramic views and balconies overlooking Reedy River.

Jonathan Edwards Kostyra, e-Pro Realtor Greenville
Open House Realty
Mobile 864-525-0736

Downtown Greenville Condos

Terrace at Riverplace

Greenville SC Real Estate & Greenville Downtown Condominiums

Jonathan Edwards Kostyra (Open House Realty) — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 12:30:14 -0500

Greenville Downtown Condos-South Carolina Real Estate

Greenville's Vibrant Downtown Still Attracting Buyers.

Condo buyers are still showing up with relative strong demand in Greenville's downtown Condo market. Let's look at examples of the strong demand.

1)The Terrace at Riverplace sold out entirely at pre-construction.

2)Field House at West End had a very strong pre-construction sale.

3)The average time on the market for units continues to reveal a strong demand. To give an example the average time on the market for units in Poinsett Corners in the past year is less than 35 days!

Presented by the Carolina Realty Guide featuring Downtown Greenville Condos

Views: 3

Median Greenville South Carolina Home Prices

Jonathan Edwards Kostyra (Open House Realty) — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 11:36:04 -0500

Median Home Prices in Greenville South Carolina

Hi Folks,

Did you know that the median home price in Greenville South Carolina was an affordable 142,000 dollars for 2006. In addition, home prices here are typically 10 percent BELOW the national average. Our home market has consistent growth over the past decade with stable appreciation. Did I mention that the cost of living in Greenville is lower than the national average as well?

For those of you unfamiliar with Greenville, you really need to check us out. We are located in Upstate South Carolina about 3 hours north of Atlanta Georgia and 2 hours south of Charlotte North Carolina along I85, a major transportation corridor. We have the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains only minutes north of us and the Atlantic ocean (beach) is 3 hours driving distance to the east. The weather here is mild, the city is clean and cosmopolitan, the economy is strong, and much, much more. To read more about Greenville please visit www.carolinarealtyguide.com . Thanks and we hope you visit our wonderful city sometime!

Jonathan Kostyra
Open House Realty
Mobile 864-525-0736
Greenville SC Real Estate Agent
Downtown Greenville Condos

Lake Keowee Real Estate

A Paradigm shift in Real Estate

Jonathan Edwards Kostyra (Open House Realty) — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 06:24:29 -0500

A Paradigm shift in Real Estate

Many realtors who watch the real estate industry closely are seeing a storm of sorts brewing on the horizon. This storm possibly represents major new changes to the real estate industry in the not too distant future. These new changes will be viewed by some businesses and realtors as opportunities while many more will view these changes as an endangerment, threatening the current status quo and the way of doing business.

The new storm on the horizon involves fair business practices, specifically “antitrust” in regards to competition in the real estate industry. The Department of Justice recently filed an Antitrust lawsuit against the NAR (National Association of Realtors). NAR is one of the largest trade lobbing groups in the country representing realtors and real estate firms alike. The Department of Justice alleges that some of NAR’s policies “denies brokers using new technologies and business models the same benefits of MLS membership available to their competitor brokers, suppresses innovation, discourages competition on price and quality, and prevents new, efficient competitors from entering into the marketplace — all to the detriment of consumers.”

NAR has since made policy changes but is it enough to ward off the DOJ? To better understand what is happening, answers to the following questions must be examined:

If the National Association of Realtors (NAR) looses the lawsuit to the DOJ, what would the ramifications be for realtors and for the end consumer?

Would a major legal blow to NAR ultimately pave the way for new businesses like banks, lenders, internet companies (eg Google, Yahoo, MNS), and insurance companies to enter the once exclusive real estate market?

Is the current real estate sales model efficient and cost effective for both buyers and sellers of real estate? If not, how can costs be reduced?

Could real estate commissions eventually disappear and could realtors one day be salaried employees?

Only time will reveal the answers to these thought provoking questions and only time will reveal the outcome of the DOJ lawsuit against NAR. NAR believes strongly they will win this case with ease. Others feel the DOJ has a strong case against NAR. The only real certainty is that the real estate industry will continue to change and evolve rapidly in the next few decades. As the proverbial quote goes“It’s not the strong or most intelligent that survive but those most responsive to change.”

Posted by Jonathan Kostyra with Open House Realty in Greenville South Carolina.

Open House Realty is a firm that offers consumers choices in real estate services. "Open House Realty has had the vision to see these coming changes and has responded with a non-traditional service model offering consumers choices and flexibility with real estate services. Open House has also setup a virtual office that provides cost savings that we can ultimately pass on to our consumers," states Jonathan.

Jonathan services Greenville SC Real Estate, Lake Bowen Real Estate, and Downtown Greenville Condos ,

Jonathan can be reached at 864-640-4295.

Discover Greenille Luxury Loft Condos

Jonathan Edwards Kostyra (Open House Realty) — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 08:49:56 -0500

Old World Charm, Modern Day Amenities and Convenience.

Lofts at Mills Mill, Lofts of Greenville, Cotton Mill Place, and Cornerstone 1909.

The Greater Greenville Real Estate Market offers several old historic textile mills that have been converted to modern day condos. These mills were originally part of a thriving textile industry here in Greenville and Upstate South Carolina. As the economy shifted from textiles to manufacturing and technology many of these old mills were shut down and abandoned. In recent years, developers have purchased these mills and have done a wonderful job of converting them to luxury condos and living units.

These condos uniquely blend the historic and rich past with modern convenience and charm. Oftentimes, the original brick, original hardwood floors, posts, beams, and other structural items have been left or used during the renovation and conversion of these condos. Each individual development boasts its own character, charm, and appeal. Some of the units are gated, offer common areas, a pool, a fitness center, and secure parking.

To learn more about these Loft Mill developments simply call or email us at the Carolina Realty Guide. We will be delighted to take you on a tour! Also visit http://www.carolinarealtyguide.com/condos-in-greenville-sc.php and http://www.carolinarealtyguide.com/Lofts-at-Mills-Mill.php . You can email us directly from our website or call our toll free number. Thanks and we hope to hear from you!

Searching for Greenville Real Estate? Need a direct link to the Greenville SC MLS or Spartanburg MLS?

Jonathan Edwards Kostyra (Open House Realty) — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 14:10:33 -0500

Search for Greenville MLS Listings and Greenville SC Homes.

Your local Feed to both Upstate South Carolina MLS's.

Hi Folks,

I have some valuable information I would like to share with home buyers and/or investors interested in purchasing in the Greenville South Carolina Real Estate Markets. First and foremost I would like to provide you with a link to the direct Greenville Multiple Listing Service. You can search the Greenville Real Estate on the following direct link to the Greenville MLS at http://ggar.com/findhome/handler.cfm?page=search&area=any . This search encompasses all of Greenville County and parts of Anderson, Pickens, and Spartanburg Counties. You can also access the Spartanburg MLS directly at http://www.spartanburgmls.com/ .

Secondly, I would like to introduce you to my real estate services. If you search and find homes, condos, town homes, or properties that interest you, please feel free to call or email me for showings. I will be glad to assist you with your purchasing needs and I personally service all areas in the Greater Greenville MLS. To read more about my real estate services and background please visit http://www.carolinarealtyguide.com/ and http://www.carolinarealtyguide.com/about-us.php .

Thank you and I hope to hear from you!

Jonathan's Blog

Mac vs PC

Mac vs PC

National Association of Realtors and DOJ

Greenville South Carolina Mortgage Update

Greenville South Carolina Mortgage Information A Mortgage Update from Shari Schnader with Suntrust Mortgage

Cliffs Communities pLans Golf Academy

Greenville South Carolina-The Looks and Feel of Greenville

Greer SC Real Estate-Home for Sale

Anderson SC Real Estate and Anderson Homes for Sale

South Carolina Real Estate-Greenville SC Condos

Anderson SC Real Estate-The Campbell Company

Mahaffey Plantation--Greer SC Real Estate

Greenville Real Estate only softened in September

California Association of Realtors Making some "Real" Progress!

California Association of Realtors paves way for State Wide MLS

Fall For Greenville 2007

Terrace at Riverplace--Greenville Condos for Sale

Greenville SC Real Estate & Greenville Downtown Condominiums

Greenville Downtown Condos-South Carolina Real Estate

Greenville's Vibrant Downtown Still Attracting Buyers.

Median Greenville South Carolina Home Prices

A Paradigm shift in Real Estate

Discover Greenille Luxury Loft Condos

Searching for Greenville Real Estate? Need a direct link to the Greenville SC MLS or Spartanburg MLS?

Greenville South Carolina Mortgage Information
A Mortgage Update from Shari Schnader with Suntrust Mortgage