Christopher Pike's Real Estate Blog

Upromise vs BabyMint

Christopher Pike, 803.727.7800 (Keller Williams® Realty) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:41:36 -0600

I joined Upromise before BabyMint and think they both are a great ways to save for college. With Upromise I like that you can earn money for college when you shop for groceries. Upromise and BabyMint allow you to earn while shopping online, I think it is good to look to see which one pays the most before buying. You can link your 529 plan accounts to both Upromise and BabyMint but with Upromise you are limited to which 529 plan accounts you can add. I was able to link my USAA account easily. When signing up for the first time with Upromise I found that using this code "ELM3" gets you $3. When signing up for BabyMint use code 1098823 and when you refer others to join you will $5. I think it is good to join both because ever little bit helps. I have included links to both Upromise and BabyMintbelow to make it easy for you to join. If you want the shop online and save money without joining just use this link:
http://www.upromise.com/guest/2794347803

Bookmark it so you can access everytime you shop online.

Upromise BabyMint

Going Green with the Rain Barrel

Christopher Pike, 803.727.7800 (Keller Williams® Realty) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:36:46 -0500

Going Green can be easy and fun. I just put in a rain barrel at my house so we can save on watering our plants. I got the rain barrel online at homedepot.com, I saw it on amazon,too. I used my Home Depot card to get the no payment no interest for 12 months. I went with the Cascata Rain Barrel Model 81001, I liked the look of it other the other choices. The Cascata Rain Barrel is nice and big, holds 65 gallons of rain water. As you can see below it has a planter on the top, which I like alot.

I love Going Green!

Christopher Pike

christopher_pike@yahoo.com

803.727.7800

Paypal Scam

Christopher Pike, 803.727.7800 (Keller Williams® Realty) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 11:39:17 -0600

Important issue. A transaction may have been made without your knowledge or consent.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008 9:17 AM

From:

"Paypal" <service@intlpaypal.com>

Add sender to Contacts

To:

christopher_pike@yahoo.com

Secure Data

Dear christopher_pike@yahoo.com,

We recently noticed that a transaction may have been made without your
knowledge or consent. We are currently investigating the following
transaction:

-----------------------------------
Details of Disputed Transaction
-----------------------------------

Transaction date: Nov 29, 2009
Transaction amount: -$25.94 CAD
Your transaction ID: 30L88064FF065545B

Case number: PP-548-454-111

To see the details of this case, log in to your PayPal account by following the link below.

During our investigation your account access will be limited. Please verify your
account details in order to lift the limit on your account.

https://www.paypal.com/login?viewdetails?user=christopher_pike@yahoo.com&transactionID=2594

The seller has been asked to provide information about this transaction.
During this time the funds are not available in your account, but if the
unauthorized activity claim is decided in your favor, we will fully refund
you for the amount of the transaction.

Sincerely,

Account Review Department

Please do not reply to this email. This mailbox is not monitored and you
will not receive a response. For assistance, log in to your PayPal account
and click the Help link in the top right corner of any PayPal page

Christopher Pike

803.727.7800

christopher_pike@yahoo.com

www.ChristopherSellsColumbia.com

From our ActiveRain family to theirs - Let's help a family in need

Christopher Pike, 803.727.7800 (Keller Williams® Realty) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 17:56:50 -0600

I'm re-blogging this Great post! To read how my family has helped give this year read and re-blog Giving ! Warm Wishes, Christopher Pike 803.727.7800
christopher_pike@yahoo.com www.ChristopherSellsColumbia.com

Via Bob Stewart - ActiveRain (ActiveRain):

ActiveRain adopted a family for Christmas this year. We want to see if you will help us give them the best Christmas ever.

We actually adopted a little girl and her family through the Seattle Children's Hospital. Zorra is the little girl and she lives with her five siblings and their mom. The family is facing significant financial stressors, like many families across our country, that will prevent them from obtaining needed items during the holidays. Beyond the items they need, we also want to raise the spirits of five children in our community who will not have a Christmas if not for the helping hands of our great network.

Zorra's mother described how the family has lived in battered women's shelters and has faced homelessness on several occasions after she and Zorra's father separated. The mom and her six kids, ages 7-17, have been exposed to domestic violence in their home. While the family now has a stable home, the financial stressors are such that having enough food in the house is a challenge. Mom isn't able to work because several of her children are high needs, medically complex kids requiring a high level of supervision and frequent medical appointments. Mom does everything she can to make ends meet for this family. She feeds her kids each month with donations from the food bank and she was hoping that the family would be eligible for a holiday program otherwise her kids won't be able to open presents on Christmas.

The thought that there are kids, not just these six but many, who won't have presents on Christmas is heartbreaking. Here's why this hits so close to home for me.......

I grew up in a single parent home. My parents got divorced when I was 8. My dad used to beat up my mom. One day my mom decided enough was enough and loaded all of us up and never looked back. I have three younger brothers. My mom worked her butt off to provide for us when we were growing up. I can't remember one time looking back where I felt like I didn't have everything I needed. There may have been times I wanted something and didn't get it, but my mom made sure we got everything we needed.

So Zorra and I have something in common. I was raised by a single mom and I was exposed to domestic violence. But by the grace of God our family had our health. Let's give this family something to look forward to on Christmas.

They need everyday things that many of us take for granted. Paper Towels, laundry soap (can you image how much laundry 6 kids produce?), shampoo, bars of soap, pillows. I'd venture that very few people reading think twice about any of these things. The kids need things like underwear, socks, shoes, pajamas, rain coats. We would really like to get them a few things beyond this as well so that when they wake up Christmas morning they can experience some of the same joy that my son and your son's and daughter's get to experience on Christmas Morning.

If everyone just gave $5 or $10 we can really make a difference in this family's life. So if ActiveRain has helped your business this year, I'm just asking that you take a minute to donate what you can.

I need you guys to come through for me so I am going to offer a free year long Localism sponsorship to anyone that makes a donation of $50 or more. We really want to make this a special holiday for this family.

New E-mail scam!

Christopher Pike, 803.727.7800 (Keller Williams® Realty) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 07:17:10 -0600

This is a New e-mail scam I received early this morning.

Greetings from Mrs. Lee

"jenny lee" <jenny_iw3@msn.com>

"Greetings from Mrs. Lee

After going through your profile over the internet i decided to contact you for friendship and assistace for distribution of my inherentance. My name is Mrs.

Jenny Lee; I am a dying woman who has decided to donate what I have for the work of charity. I am 59 years old and I was diagnosed for cancer for about 2 years now.

I have been touched by God to donate from what I have inherited from my late husband to you for the good work of God, rather than allow my relatives to use my husband hard earned funds ungodly. Please pray that the good Lord forgive me my sins. I have asked God to forgive me and I believe he has because He is a merciful God. I will be going in for a surgery soon and I want to make sure that I make this donation before undergoing my surgery.

I decided to donate the sum of $2,500,000 (two million five hundred thousand dollars) to you for the good work of the lord, and also to help the motherless and less privilege and also for the assistance of the widows. At the moment I cannot take any telephone calls right now due to the fact that my husband's relatives are around me and my health status as well.

I wish you all the best and may the good Lord bless you abundantly, and please use the funds well and always extend the good work to others. I have informed my consultant about the ($2,500,000.00). it is true that I don÷Ö know you, but I have been directed by God to do this. Thanks and God bless. I will direct you further after hearing from you.
NB: I will appreciate your utmost confidentiality in this matter until the task is accomplished as I don't want anything that will jeopardize my last wish. Also I will be contacting with you by email as I don't want my husband relations or anybody to know because they are always around me.

Reply me through this my most private email : (mrsjennny@yahoo.com.hk)
Regards,
Jenny Lee (Mrs.)"

I just hope know falls for this and gives "Jenny Lee" their information.

Christopher Pike, Referral Agent

803.727.7800 Anytime

christopher_pike@yahoo.com

www .ChristopherSellsColumbia.com

Giving this year

Christopher Pike, 803.727.7800 (Keller Williams® Realty) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 09:08:29 -0600

My wife, baby, and I were in the Myrtle Beach, Sc area and we stopped at the Coastal Grand Mall. While we were walking around we noticed The Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program, so we stopped and looked to see what the kids (angels) wanted this year for Christmas. We made a mental note of what they wanted (tricycles, baby riding toy and wrestling men) and went to KB Toys in the Coastal Grand Mall, as we walked in we saw that KB Toys was having a sale. We then found the toys on our list and tried to narrow down what gift we were going to get, the tricycle or the baby ride toy. We then noticed that on top of the sale price KB Toys will take additional 20% off when you spend $50 or more. We taught great, we'll buy them both and make two kids (angels) happy on Christmas. We did our math again and were a little shy of the $50 min. We then started to look at the wrestling men and saw that they where sale for buy 2 get one half off. We added the three wrestling men to the tricycle and baby ride toy and went to the check out counter. The guy checking use out asked if we needed a gift receipt, so we told them it was for The Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program. The guy then said we should mark out the UPC label so no one can return the toys. I didn't even think that someone would not give the toys to the kids, so he marked out the UPC label for use. The total after it was all said and done was about $55. We were shocked that we could help 5 kids (angels) happy on Christmas this year, it feels really good to give. Don't forget to give this year, no matter your budget you can make a child happy on Christmas. There are other great programs for helping kids for Christmas, like the Marine Corps Toys for Tots.

Christopher Pike, Referral Agent

803.727.7800

christopher_pike@yahoo.com

www.ChristopherSellsColumbia.com

Helping Schools

Christopher Pike, 803.727.7800 (Keller Williams® Realty) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:00:32 -0600

Schools are hurting with the poor economy, too. You can help schools with General Mill's Box Top$ for Education and Campbell's soup labels. It is easy, just cut the coupon of the products you buy anyway and save them. When you get a bag full take them to a local school in your area. Even if you don't have kids you can still do this. Please help out your local school by cliping and saving your Box Top$ and labels.

If you would like you can send them to me at the address below and I'll give them to one of my local schools.

Christopher Pike
4400A St. Andrews Rd
Columbia, Sc 29210 803.727.7800
christopher_pike@yahoo.com www.ChristopherSellsColumbia.com

Reduce,Reuse,Recycle Tip

Christopher Pike, 803.727.7800 (Keller Williams® Realty) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 15:43:58 -0600

Reduce,Reuse,Recycle

What to do with the plastic bags from Wal-Mart and other stores.

Reuse them :

as trash can liners
as a litter box liner
as trash bag in your car
as packing material
as a poop bag when walking your dog
for soiled diapers
as rain boots
to keep your hair dry when it rains
as knee pads
to stuff crafts or pillows

Please, recycle the bags you do not reuse at your nearest grocery store.

Too good to be true (the overnight millionaire scam)

Christopher Pike, 803.727.7800 (Keller Williams® Realty) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:03:15 -0600

This is a re-blog of a re-blog!

Via Barry Owen:

I don't usually re-blog stuff . . . but this one is worthy enough (and the author gives clear permission) . . . . This comes from My favorite Seth Godin and rings especially true for LOTS of people in today's business environment.

I have some comments of my own (of course) at the end, so I hope you will read the whole thang!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Too good to be true (the overnight millionaire scam)

You probably don't need to read this, but I bet you know people who do. Please feel free to repost or forward:

Times are tough, and many say they are going to be tougher. That makes some people more focused, it turns others desperate.

You may be tempted at some point to try to make a million dollars. To do it without a lot of effort or skill or risk. Using a system, some shortcut perhaps, or mortgaging something you already own.

There are countless infomercials and programs and systems that promise to help you do this. There are financial instruments and investments and documents you can sign that promise similar relief from financial stress.

Resist.

There are four ways to make a million dollars. Luck. Patient effort. Skill. Risk.

(Five if you count inheritance, and six if you count starting with two million dollars).

Conspicuously missing from this list are effortless 1-2-3 systems that involve buying an expensive book or series of tapes. Also missing are complicated tax shelters or other 'proven' systems. The harder someone tries to sell you this solution, the more certain you should be that it is a scam. If no skill or effort is required, then why doesn't the promoter just hire a bunch of people at minimum wage and keep the profits?

There are literally a million ways to make a good living online, ten million ways to start and thrive with your own business offline. But all of these require effort, and none of them are likely to make you a million dollars.

Short version of my opinion: If someone offers to sell you the secret system, don't buy it. If you need to invest in a system before you use it, walk away. If you are promised big returns with no risk and little effort, you know the person is lying to you. Every time.

end of post

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OK!

"There are four ways to make a million dollars. Luck. Patient effort. Skill. Risk."

Let's think about this with relevance to our business and the environment we are all in.

"LUCK" is NOT a good strategy . . . so that one's out . . .

"RISK" - Isn't there already enough built-in risk with the uncertainties we face daily? You'd be crazy to do anything risky unless your pockets are DEEP and FULL.

That leaves:

Patient Effort - Continue to Lead Generate PATIENTLY and diligently, and you'll make it through this morass!

and

Skill - Work on your scripts . . . Track your efforts . . . determine your strengths and weaknesses . . . FOCUS on honing your skills EVERY day . . . It'll pay off in a large way eventually.

and don't lose faith . . . The next 4 months will be frightening for many REALTORS . . . Those who are able to remain standing will emerge stronger than ever before . . . so . . . unless you're uniquely qualified and motivated to do something else to bring home the bacon . . .

I think the wisdom here is to head on down the path of "Patient Effort" and "Skill" improvement.

Best,

b

Barry Owen

Career Development Coach

Principal Real Estate Broker

Keller Williams Realty - Nashville, TN - Green Hills - The FLAGSHIP!

www.theowengroup.net - Honing Skills and Patiently exerting effort daily with Home Buyers and Sellers in Middle Tennessee

www.creatingspaces.blogspot.com - Barry's other blog-site

Simply & BOLDLY Living the FourFold Way in Open Space!

UNC

Christopher Pike, 803.727.7800 (Keller Williams® Realty) — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 14:06:08 -0500

Go HEELS!!!

Meet Christopher Pike!

Christopher Pike, 803.727.7800 (Keller Williams® Realty) — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 09:17:38 -0500

The Christopher Pike I'm talking about is not the Star Trek Captain

or the author.

This Christopher Pike moved to the Columbia, South Carolina area from Florida with his wife in 2006. They recently had their first child and they cannot think of a better place to raise a family! Christopher is a military veteran and comes from a military family. He understands first hand how stressful moving can be. Christopher believes in the values that were instilled in him as a Soldier and he carries them with him everyday as a referral agent:

· Loyalty

· Duty

· Respect

· Selfless Service

· Integrity

· Honor

· Personal Courage

As a SELLER, you deserve an agent who delivers exceptional service during the course of selling your home. Marketing skills, knowledge of how to find qualified buyers, and complete commitment to your satisfaction are how Keller Williams® Realty and Christopher will bring about positive results. At Keller Williams® Realty "We don't just list houses, we sell them!"

As a BUYER, Christopher knows you want access to the most recent Real Estate information available. Due to our up to date computer information systems and knowledge of the market, he can assist you in locating properties that will fit your particular needs as well as prove to be good investments. Christopher's number one goal is to earn your trust and exceed your expectations so that you will recommend his services to everyone you know. To achieve this goal, he will focus on your needs and desires and then approach your home purchase or sale as though it were his own money on the line. Most importantly, his uncompromising pursuit of perfection and client satisfaction sets him far apart in the Columbia Area marketplace.

Christopher is a Lifetime Member of:
82nd Airborne Division Association
AMVETS
Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)

Christopher Pike / Keller Williams Realty
4400A St Andrews Rd
Columbia, Sc 29210
Mobile: 803-727-7800 Fax: 803-772-5802
E-mail: christopher_pike@yahoo.com

Homes for Sale in the Columbia Area

Summit Schools

Christopher Pike, 803.727.7800 (Keller Williams® Realty) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:54:55 -0500

It is that time again, The Summit Area schools start back on Thursday August 21. Please keep an extra eye out for kids crossing the road and waiting for the bus. Remember to obey speed limits not only in the school zones but in the neighborhoods as well. We need to keep the children safe! Just click on the photo of The Summit School for more info.

Rice Creek Elementary North Springs Elementary School

Summit Parkway Middle School Ridgeview High School

Christopher Pike (Summit Resident)

Cell: 803.727.7800 E-mail: christopher_pike@yahoo.com

Homes for Sale in the Columbia Area

Meet Columbia, Sc

Christopher Pike, 803.727.7800 (Keller Williams® Realty) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:07:05 -0500

Are you moving to the Columbia South Carolina Area? If you are then meet Columbia, South Carolina? Below is a GREAT video of just a taste of what Columbia, South Carolina has to offer!

Visit my website ChristopherSellsColumbia.com for more info on the Columbia Area!
You may contact Christopher Pike by any of the following:
Cell: 803.727.7800 Office: 803.772.5858 Fax: 803.772.5802 E-mail: christopher_pike@yahoo.com
Homes for Sale in the Columbia Area

The Role of an Attorney

Christopher Pike, 803.727.7800 (Keller Williams® Realty) — Fri, 09 May 2008 08:19:17 -0500

Both buyers and sellers are required to review, amend and sign numerous papers during a real estate transaction. To the general public, these legal documents can be rather confusing. As a result, many people prefer to hire an attorney to manage the transaction and ensure that they don't make any costly mistakes.

An attorney will review the real estate contract and make you aware of any potential issues that might conflict with your best interest. Your attorney will usually accompany you to the closing as well to help make sure everything goes smoothly.

If you are considering buying or selling a home now or in the future, I would be glad to recommend a few real estate attorneys in the area.

Warm Regards,

Christopher Pike

Keller Williams® Realty

Cell: 803.727.7800

Office: 803.772.5858

Fax: 803.772.5802

christopher_pike@yahoo.com

www.ChristopherSellsColumbia.com

2008 Stimulus Economic Refund *Scam*

Christopher Pike, 803.727.7800 (Keller Williams® Realty) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:08:44 -0500
Very Important! They're already getting started... I just received an
email, supposedly from the IRS.gov . Claiming that I
needed to click on a link and fill out the necessary information to
receive my 2008 Stimulus Economic Refund. Don't be fooled, it's looks
legit and very real. I checked on the IRS.gov site,
and they clearly advise against responding to the email, and against
opening the link, as it may place a virus onto your computer. They note
that they do not correspond with anyone via email, and that it's a scam.
If you should receive this email, please forward to: phishing@irs.gov
. Please pass this on and be aware!!!

Christopher Pike and Keller Williams

Christopher Pike, 803.727.7800 (Keller Williams® Realty) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 21:00:15 -0500

Hello Everyone,
I'm happy to inform you that I have moved to the Keller Williams Realty family! You can still reach me at 803-727-7800. Visit my new Keller Williams website at :
www.ChristopherSellsColumbia.com
I look forward to hearing from you, let me know how I can be of service to you.
Warm Regards,
Christopher Pike, Realtor®

Buyer's Agent vs. Seller's Agent

Christopher Pike, 803.727.7800 (Keller Williams® Realty) — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 23:18:22 -0500

The process of buying or selling a home is often one of the most important and often stressful events in life. That is why it is critical that buyers and sellers understand the specific roles of the sales associates that represent them in the real estate process.

Many buyers choose to be represented by a buyer's agent - that is a sales associate that exclusively represents the buyer and their interests in the real estate transaction. Agency laws vary from state to state, but typically before you begin working with a real estate professional, they should present you with a disclosure statement that explains the difference between buyer's agent and seller's agent, and what dual agency means.

If you are interested, I would be happy to provide you with additional information on this topic.

Best Regards,

Christopher Pike, Realtor®

803.727.7800

christopher_pike@yahoo.com

www.ChrisSellsColumbia.com

www.ChristopherSellsColumbia.com

Neighborhood and School Information

Christopher Pike, 803.727.7800 (Keller Williams® Realty) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 11:43:23 -0500

Good schools and a safe, enjoyable neighborhood are two of the most common reasons why homebuyers select a particular house. Not surprisingly, these factors have a great impact on the value of real estate. If you are considering purchasing a home, it pays to learn all you can about the schools and local community.
But how do you get such information? You can start by calling the township to request information on public transportation, parks and recreational areas, city services and local amenities. The department of education in most states provides test scores and state rankings for each school district. The Internet is another good source for information. Web sites like ERA.com provide access to neighborhood and school district information. Of course, working with a real estate professional is perhaps the easiest way to get this information. Sales associates take pride in knowing the communities they serve and can provide homebuyers with a wealth of local knowledge.
If you would like to learn more about a particular neighborhood, I would be glad to provide you with additional information.
Best Regards,
Christopher Pike
ERA Wilder Realty
(803) 727-7800
Christopher.Pike@ERA.com
www.ChrisSellsColumbia.com

WOW!

Christopher Pike, 803.727.7800 (Keller Williams® Realty) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 22:28:03 -0500

I found a 100% free site that gives us automatic cash back at places like Office Depot, Wal-mart, eBay, Target, Old Navy, Best Buy, and a lot more.
Big Crumbs allows us to:
-Get cash back on purchases from top retailers.
-Earn cash on purchases made by people we refer.
There's no spam or hidden catches. The site has been around for over two years and members have earned cash back and referral commissions on millions of dollars in purchases.
Feel free to use the link below to learn more.
http://www.bigcrumbs.com/crumbs/frontpage.jsp?r=CMPike
Best Regards,
Christopher

Home Warranty

Christopher Pike, 803.727.7800 (Keller Williams® Realty) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:30:37 -0500

When buying a home, particularly an older house, buyers are often understandably concerned about the potential need for expensive home repairs in the future. Home warranty programs, such as the ERA^® Home Protection Plan^®, are available to buyers and sellers to help alleviate this concern.
Home warranty programs offer protection for the seller and buyer, covering most major repair or replace expenses within a home for up to a year or more after closing. With this added sense of security, it is easy to see why houses covered by home warranty programs on average sell faster than comparable homes without any such protection.
If you are interested in learning more about the ERA Home Protection Plan I would be glad to provide you with additional information.
Best Regards,
Christopher Pike, Realtor®
803.727.7800
christopher.pike@era.com
http://www.chrissellscolumbia.com/
http://www.christophersellscolumbia.com/
www.yuwie.com/cmpike

Investigative Homebuying

Christopher Pike, 803.727.7800 (Keller Williams® Realty) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:51:53 -0500

When looking for a new home it pays to be as inquisitive as possible. Be sure to 'kick the tires' and look around and do your best home buying detective work. Most sellers understand that potential buyers will want to review the home thoroughly. Bring a flash light to get a better look in dark or enclosed areas and use a tape measure to measure room sizes and determine how your furniture would fit. Take a notebook to document what you see and don't be afraid to ask questions. If you see a home that you are considering buying, go back a second time for another look. Make sure you do whatever is necessary to learn as much as you can about the home before you buy it. If you are thinking of buying a new house, I would be glad to meet with you to discuss how I can help you find your next home.
Best Regards,
Christopher Pike, Realtor®
803.727.7800
christopher.pike@era.com
www.ChrisSellsColumbia.com
www.ChristopherSellsColumbia.com
www.yuwie.com/cmpike

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

Christopher Pike, 803.727.7800 (Keller Williams® Realty) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 09:50:40 -0500

Potential buyers who wish to purchase a home but can't afford a large down payment, may want to look into private mortgage insurance. Private mortgage insurance, or PMI, is designed to protect the lender against default while allowing buyers to obtain a loan while putting down significantly less than the standard 20 percent.
The borrower pays a premium for PMI coverage, the amount of which is determined by the type, amount and length of the loan. The premium is usually either worked into the monthly mortgage payment or paid as a lump sum at closing.
If you would like to find out more about the advantages of PMI, I would be glad to provide you with additional information.
Best Wishes,
Christopher Pike
803.727.7800
christopher.pike@era.com
www.ChrisSellsColumbia.com

Why should I use a Realtor® to buy a house?

Christopher Pike, 803.727.7800 (Keller Williams® Realty) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 08:58:11 -0500

Many buyers wonder why they need to use a real estate professional to buy a house. They can access real estate listings through classified ads and real estate Web sites and can attend open houses on their own. However, sales associates provide buyers more than just listing information.
Whether you have bought a home before or are a first-time buyer, searching for and buying a new home can be a time-consuming and overwhelming experience. A real estate professional can offer support so you don't have to "go it alone." Sales associates can provide access to information on market trends, neighborhoods and schools and rely on their years of experience to make sure you utilize the best strategies for your needs. Best of all, since commissions are paid for by the seller, there is no cost to use a sale associate to buy a house.
To learn more about how I can help you find your next home, please feel free to contact me.
Christopher Pike, Realtor®
803-727-7800
christopher.pike@era.com
www.christophersellscolumbia.com

First Time Mortgages

Christopher Pike, 803.727.7800 (Keller Williams® Realty) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 10:06:34 -0600

Today, many lenders offer special mortgage products for first-time buyers. To make purchasing a home easier and more affordable, these loans typically require minimal down payments and lower monthly payments initially.
Adjustable Rate Mortgages, or ARMS, feature an interest rate that is below market average in the first few years but may rise gradually after that period. Those who apply and qualify for VA mortgages (mortgages guaranteed by the department of Veterans Affairs) and FHA-insured mortgages (mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration), will also receive the benefit of below market interest rates and small down payments. Private mortgage insurance (PMI) can also help first-time buyers secure similarly favorable mortgage terms.
If you are interested in learning more about mortgages, I would be glad to provide you with additional information.
Best Regards,
Christopher Pike, Realtor®
803.727.7800
christopher.pike@era.com
http://www.chrissellscolumbia.com/
www.yuwie.com/cmpike

"POINTS", WHEN SHOULD I PAY THEM!

Christopher Pike, 803.727.7800 (Keller Williams® Realty) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 10:00:13 -0600

For buyers who are interested in getting the lowest monthly payment possible, paying points on your mortgage is one option to consider. The term "point" refers to 1 percent of the total mortgage loan amount. Most banks and lenders will allow buyers to lower their interest rate a particular amount for each additional point they pay at closing.
If you have the available money and plan on staying in the home for more than a few years, paying points can be a financially rewarding option. Like interest, the money paid in points at closing may be tax-deductible. Most importantly, paying points offers some breathing room with your monthly expenses.
If you are interested in learning more about mortgages, I would be glad to provide you with additional information.
Christopher Pike, Realtor®
803.727.7800

Christopher Pike's Real Estate Blog

Upromise vs BabyMint

Bookmark it so you can access everytime you shop online. Upromise BabyMint

Going Green with the Rain Barrel

Paypal Scam

Important issue. A transaction may have been made without your knowledge or consent.

From our ActiveRain family to theirs - Let's help a family in need

New E-mail scam!

Giving this year

Helping Schools

Reduce,Reuse,Recycle Tip

Too good to be true (the overnight millionaire scam)

UNC

Meet Christopher Pike!

Summit Schools

Meet Columbia, Sc

The Role of an Attorney

2008 Stimulus Economic Refund *Scam*

Christopher Pike and Keller Williams

Buyer's Agent vs. Seller's Agent

Neighborhood and School Information

WOW!

Home Warranty

Investigative Homebuying

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

Why should I use a Realtor® to buy a house?

First Time Mortgages

"POINTS", WHEN SHOULD I PAY THEM!

Bookmark it so you can access everytime you shop online.

Upromise BabyMint

2008 Stimulus Economic Refund Scam