Karen Yip's (kyip) Blog

In recent news, there has been much controversy over the government's announcement that the recession is over. For many people, and especially those of us involved in the real estate industry, this news feels as though it is a long way from "being over." Our industry is strongly related to the ba...

Columbia, SC has by all accounts weathered the slow down in the real estate market as best as expected in a recession. Compared to other states, Columbia's housing numbers and values overall have dropped; but not to the extent of the hardest hit states of California or Florida. According to the l...

The old adage, "Pricing it right, sells" is still a favorite in my book. This past year has seen slow condominium sales in the Columbia, SC market. I am sure I am not alone in this. One of my clients, The Gates at Williams Brice (www.thegatesatwb.com) understood this concept. The Gates is a luxur...

For the past few weeks, I've been blogging about a promotion currently being offered by one of my clients, The Gates at Williams Brice. www.thegatesatwb.com  The initial average pricing on this project was about $230K per condominium. Since we are nearly sold out, the developer decided to reduce ...

The title of this post plays on the popular book by Spencer Johnson, named "Who Moved My Cheese." It is essentially about 2 mice and two miniature humans who everyday go to the same spot for cheese. Eventually the cheese dwindles, and it is the mice who have planned ahead by searching for a new s...

A vast majority of agents can appreciate the virtue and benefits of the $8000 tax credit. In fact, my team's business has increased substantially as a result of this government program. I've recently discovered that it can be even more powerful to the eyes of the buyer if a GREAT deal is found an...

I got a call from an appraiser this past weekend asking me this very question, as she was working on appraising a condo in downtown Columbia. More specifically, the question was "Why are the values going down?" My answer was simple: Supply and Demand. In the last several years, the downtown Colum...

ALL UNITS MUST BE SOLD! 2 bed/2 bath units.   Where: Downtown Columbia, SC, near University of South Carolina and Fort Jackson. Gated. Pool. 24 Hour Gym. TV LOUNGE. Granite. Tile. More, much more.    What:Final units offered at INVESTOR prices. Major Closeout event by national developer. Great fo...

Originally 158 units. 27 units left for this event. Downtown Columbia, SC, near University of South Carolina and Fort Jackson. Gated. Pool. 24 Hour Gym. TV LOUNGE. Granite. Tile. More, much more.    Final units to be sold at DRASTICALLY REDUCED, INVESTOR prices. UNMATCHED PRICING FOR NEW LUXURY C...

Below is an email I sent out to my local county council and to agents in the Columbia, SC area. It addresses a sign ordinance that materially affects our ability to do business effectively. Thanks in advance for reading! The county is Richland County in South Carolina.    Dear Council Members,   ...