It has been almost a week ago that I blogged about the possible closing of the post office in Anderson SC. But I am glad to reprot that the South Anderson branch post office has been removed from a list of branches being considered for closing by the United States Postal Service!

I do not understand how or why this post office was selected, but now the point seems to be moot. The important thing is this very important decision will mean so much to the residents of the south side of Anderson.

With my office just down the street from this post office on S Main Street in Anderson, it would have been an inconvenience for me. But for the older people that live on this side of town, it would have meant a trip to the other side of town. Instead of being able to walk to the post office, many would have been forced to drive or take the bus just to go to the post office. Not very green is it?

I am sure you have seen the recent news about how much money the post office lost in the past year. But closing post offices will not help them to make more money. Intelligent business decision are needed to increase revenues and cut costs. Not shutting down the cornerstone of a community!

Be sure to mark your calendars and make sure to purchase tickets early for The Spirit of Christmas at the Brooks Center in Clemson. The press release describes this as a holiday theatrical performance takes you on a magical journey to a winter wonderland of fun and festive cheer.

There will be gorgeous costumes, wonderful Christmas songs, and the highest kicking chorus girls this side of the North Pole. This glittering Christmas spectacular will delight your entire family so make plans to bring everyone for a great time.

To find out more or to purchase tickets visit the Brooks Center Website

Lake Hartwell waterfront lot with dock in place! Good water! Gentle slope leading to open water. Lot sits on large cove off Fair Play Branch. Lot is in sight of I-85 bridge between exits 1 & 2, which gives you ready access to the Tugaloo or Fair Play Branch. Platform dock currently on property will pass with the lot, but verbal Ok from COE for larger covered dock.

Property marketed by Mark Brian, Realtor @ Silver Star Real Estate 864-353-1253 To see more pictures and details of this property please visit Hartwell Lake SC Lot for Sale

Greater Anderson Musical Arts Consortium, or GAMAC will present Celebrate the Season on Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 8PM at  the Rainey Fine Arts Center on the campus of Anderson University. This has been an Anderson holiday tradition for many years, and this year is no different as this annual Christmas performance will feature the GAMAC Orchestra, Chorale, Boychoir, Girl Choir and Youth Chorus. 

Tickets to this event are expected to sell quickly! Reserve your seats today! Prices are $25.00 for adults and $12.00 for students.

To purchase tickets, please call the GAMAC office at (864) 231-6147.

I read an article today about how Oconee CVB has requested and received $20000 to do a study about  building a hotel/conference center. And at first it might seem that in this economy any spending needs to be scrutinized. But if we are thinking about long term growth and adding jobs it could be a great thing for Oconee County to host conferences at a Hotel/Convention Center.

Why? Well getting businesses to become more aware of our area is always going to be a good idea. Also every person that goes to a conference is also going to become aware of all the fantastic recreational facilities such as the golf course and lakes that are in Oconee County. There is no doubt this is an expensive self promotional undertaking but unless we work towards long term growth, both by attracting new businesses and new residents, we will never be able to move forward. there will be jobs created by the Hotel/Convention center itself, but the real benefit will be attracting more businesses to Oconee County.

The article also talks about is how this study could help county officials. County officials could use the information to help them to decide what project they’d be willing to help with incentives or other financial help. To me, this is where we must really watch the money. But using a little money to help us make a more informed decision can only help us get the best type of facility that will contribute to the most to the growth of Oconee County.

We are all aware of the work to have more businesses come to the southern portion of Oconee County recently by expanding sewer service. But we cannot forget about how blessed we are with the natural beauty of our area. And we can take advantage of the scenic wonder that is Oconee County by using it to recruit new businesses and residents. Imagine a conference of one hundred business owners seeing the beauty of Oconee County and all these business owners having the subliminal suggestion implanted in the back of their minds about how great it would be to relocate to Upstate South Carolina. With the work on the expansion of sewer service in southern Oconee County and a method to get more visitors to Oconee County, this could be the one-two combination we need to attract more businesses!

If it is done intelligently and with an eye on getting the most bang for our buck, then there is no doubt that this could be a great tool for helping Oconee County grow in ways we never imagined in the past!

In this market, it seems that many potential real estate buyers in Upstate South Carolina want to get the best possible deal and are too willing to ignore the sage advice of their REALTOR. And while it is admirable to get a good deal, submitting offers based upon what you feel instead of the comps is a good way to anger a seller.

 But should a seller ignore a lowball offer? I say never ignore any offer, even if the offer is so low and so unrealistic that it angers you. Do not bite your nose off to spite your face!

 Counter my fine friends! Counter and be willing to negotiate. I understand the annoyance of people submitting offers that are based upon fairy tales and wishful thinking. But at least it is a starting point for negotiations.

Please do not think that a lowball offer should not anger you, and do not let your anger punish you by not countering a lowball offer. Instead realize your opponent in the negotiations just showed us their ignorance of Upstate South Carolina real estate market conditions and trends. We can use our knowledge to defeat them or at least send them scurrying away with their tail tucked between their legs when faced with the reality that you have the most powerful of allies: a REALTOR!

 Instead of refusing to counter, we can use this opportunity to sell your home at your price!

I found this handy list and thought I would share it since so many people are looking to remodel or update their Upstate South Carolina home before they put them on the market.

1. Get at least three written estimates.

2. Check references. If possible, view earlier jobs the contractor completed.

3. Check with the local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau for complaints.

4. Be sure the contract states exactly what is to be done and how change orders will be handled.

5. Make as small of a down payment as possible so you won’t lose a lot if the contractor fails to complete the job.

6. Be sure that the contractor has the necessary permits, licenses, and insurance.

7. Check that the contract states when the work will be completed and what recourse you have if it isn’t. Also, remember that in many instances you can cancel a contract within three business days of signing it.

8. Ask if the contractor’s workers will do the entire job or whether subcontractors will be involved too.

9. Get the contractor to indemnify you if work does not meet any local building codes or regulations.

10. Be sure that the contract specifies the contractor will clean up after the job and be responsible for any damage.

11. Guarantee that the materials that will be used meet your specifications.

12. Don’t make the final payment until you’re satisfied with the work.

Reprinted from REALTOR Magazine (realtor.org/realtormag) with the permission of the National Association of REALTORS. Copyright 2008 All rights reserved

Enjoy a pleasant 4 season climate with this affordable lot for a vacation or retirement home. Many amenities including pool, tennis, fitness facility, club house,boat ramp, full time patrolling security, playground, banquet facilities, game room, and much more. Located in Westminster South Carolina, this land has easy access to I85 & only 97 miles from Atlanta! Tasteful architectural guidelines for homes and great ammenities plus friendly neighbors in a peacefull relaxed atmosphere! This lot has nice hardwoods and is almost as flat as a pancake! Must see! Motivated seller asking $7500

Property marketed by Mark Brian, Realtor @ Silver Star Real Estate 864-353-1253 To see more pictures and details of this property please visit Westminster SC Land for Sale

Today the SC Department of Commerce and Oconee County announced a local company, Greenfield Industries is expanding. greenfield plans to invest $18 million and add 85 jobs in the next 5 years.

The company is planning to add 50,000 square feet to its current facility. The expansion will allow the company to consolidate some operations and add a North American Distribution Center.

Greenfield Industries plans to begin hiring for the new positions this month through Phillips Staffing in Seneca.

I have no doubt that this is just the beginning of many companies looking to either expand their current operations in Upstate SC or for companies from all over the world to open new facilities in our area. There is no doubt that our business-friendly climate and skilled workforce provide the solid foundation businesses need to grow and succeed.

And considering the projected number of people looking to relocate to Upstate South Carolina, it is a great sign that Oconee County is getting a head start on making sure there are plenty of jobs!