In an effort to keep you informed as to what your local real estate market is doing in Kershaw county, SC; I will be posting regular updates regarding closed sales and current inventory.  As of the date of this blog entry (2/19/2009) there are 271 residential properties on the market in the West Wateree (Elgin and Lugoff) and 244 residential properties in Camden/Cassatt/Bethune areas. 

In January, the West Wateree area saw 11 closed home sales, ranging in price from $25,000 up to $200,000.  The Camden area had 7 transactions (per CMLS stats) ranging in price from $32,000 up to $280,880.

The same time period in 2008 saw 32 closed transactions in the West Wateree and 19 in the Camden area.   The area real estate market has experienced a slow down as evidenced by these numbers; however, appraised values continue to hold strong.  There are foreclosures and short sales in the market place but not to the percentage as has been seen in other real estate markets, so that has been an asset to individual homeowner values locally.

On a different note- congratulations to Lugoff-Elgin Middle School for being a finalist for the Palmetto's Finest award.  Certainly a huge pat on the back to staff, administrators, pupils and parents for achieving the finalist award- good luck in the final stages!  We're all rooting for you.

Hello to all!  Hope this blog entry finds you all happy, healthy and wise:)  - Just had to share that we had a wonderful time in Elgin last weekend celebrating the Catfish Stomp.  And, no, for you who have visions of flopping fish in the midst of the street- the term "Stomp" is Southern for "festival" - lol.  The weather was brisk for the parade but the turnout was fantastic and it was great to see all the smiling faces lining the route (Note to self- bring hot chocolate next year, every year I forget).  I'm sure the secret recipe Catfish Stew was a sellout in no time and the arts/crafts vendors likely had plenty of business. 

The Lights of Lugoff first annual Christmas parade was scheduled for Thursday, December 11, 2008, however, because of the tremendous rainfall, it has been rescheduled to Friday, December 12th.  What a great way to celebrate the season!

Real estate continues to provide some fantastic opportunities for buyers, and despite what negative national media would lead one to believe, there is stability in home values locally for sellers.  There are currently 260 homes/farms available in the Lugoff and Elgin area (as of December 11, 2008 per CMLS) and nearly 50/50 split between Lugoff and Elgin with 132 in Elgin and 128 in Lugoff.  This number does not include lots and manufactured homes so there are additional properties available as well.  The best news is the SUPERB Interest rates available now- and yes, we still have access to 100% financing through the USDA in Kershaw County.  What a great place to be- fantastic schools (Congratulations to Lugoff-Elgin Middle getting ready to move into their brand new building next semester!), superb interest rates, and wonderful people to enjoy the holidays with.

Bear with me as I begin my venture into the world of "blogging"-  a rainy day will do that.  Nonetheless, it is a great time to be a real estate professional in Kershaw County, SC.   Hard to believe that this weekend is the Colonia Cup in Camden already!  A fine time to enjoy Southern Hospitality and wonderful horses.  Hopefully I post this link to the race information properly- still learning the blog rules and regs but here goes:

http://www.carolina-cup.org/

Elgin will celebrate it's annual Catfish Stomp on the first Saturday in December- this is just a few short weeks away!  Hard to believe.  This year will be particularly special as of course, Elgin celebrated its 100th birthday in 2008- I'm sure it will be around for hundreds more!   What a wonderful town to live in, work in and raise a family in.   Only minutes to ammenties and many major employers in central South Carolina, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Fort Jackson and Shaw AFB, Univ of SC- affectionately called "The" USC here on the Right Coast:)- and many more.   No wonder our real estate market and home values have remained stable through unusual economic times!

Much to do here, now and in the future- come join us:)