Toni M. Rose Easley SC Real Estate 's Blog

My recent terrorizing experience. A serious warning about a popular OTC medication.

Toni M. Rose Easley SC Real Estate (Prudential C. Dan Joyner Realtors) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 09:42:36 -0800

For those who "know" me, you know that it has been ages since I have been active on AR. The reason is I have been seriously ill since the end of Sept.

Sept. the 29th I had what was thought to be a stroke. ( I'm only 38). I have been witness to several with my elder family members over the years and in my former position at a local hospital. Even my daughter was saying " Mom, are you stroking out on me?" while this was happening. The ER doc's and one of my family docs same to the same conclusion...classic stroke.

The next 6 weeks were a nightmare. I spent almost every waking minute feeling VERY drugged. ( Dizzy, disoriented, headaches, muscle spasms and twitches, racing heart rate, shaking, slurred speech) I fell down like 10-12 times, using a phone sometimes almost made me pass out, and I did black out a few times too. I couldn't drive, use a computer, sleep...I basically could not function as a human in any way. Several times I thought I would honestly die- I was SO SICK.

A neurologist diagnosed me as having Hemi-Plegic Migraines, a family doc- as a sinus infection, another as stress and anxiety, an ENT as fluid in my inner ear and infection in my middle ear, and a chiropractor said my C1 was tilted and could be pinching a nerve. True Misery, ok.

Anyway, 6 weeks and 16-18k dollars later (yes 16,000-18,000) I found the culprit. A VERY POPULAR over the counter Diet Aid- Orlistat, a fat blocker. It is marketed under several names. One is over the counter, and the rest are perscription only.

I had finally started to feel "normal" last week. I had gone back to work, was driving again, everything. I had been on so many meds in the last weeks that I had stopped taking the Orlistat. ( losing weight was the last thing on my mind) I had asked literally EVERY doctor that I saw if it could have caused this and they all agreed NOT. "Just cause gastro symptoms" was their answer

Hmmmm, I stared back on it Tuesday evening and by Friday afternoon, BAM! It all came rushing back. I looked into it further, under all the perscription names and the actual drug name, and HOLY COW! This drug causes all of these symptoms and more- even the ear infections. Stopped taking it then and today- I'm almost 100% again.

There have been others who have been through and experience like mine too, BUT the FDA didn't require them to list these side effects (and many others) on their product. (They only listed the one's having to do with gastrointestinal side effects.) The fact that 30% of people taking this drug had severe headaches didn't warrant a disclosure according to FDA guidelines I guess.(Or that 99 cases of pancreatitis have been reported to the FDA from those on this drug in the first couple of years it was made avail.)

So, if you, or anyone you know is thinking of taking this stuff, just read up on it and know what to look for. There are some even more serious side effects than what happened to me.

I just had to warn as many people as I could about this *potentially awful product.

*It works well for some without bad side effects

100% financing on MH's is still available, who knew!

Toni M. Rose Easley SC Real Estate (Prudential C. Dan Joyner Realtors) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:06:25 -0800

I just this morning found out that VA loans on MH's are still avail. and at 100%! I really did not know this, and wondered if their are others out there like me. Also, the MH's DO NOT have to be new, and they DO NOT have to pass FHA guidelines- like many lenders will tell you. ( I've heard these 2 several times).

I called the VA to confirm. They told me that if the MH was up to county or city code that is all that is required.( and that the VA appraiser doesn't find anything that concerns him/her that is)

Anyway, it sounds like a viable way to sell a MH without all the red tape of FHA, or the large downpayments of conventional financing. Oh course, the buyer has to qualify as a vet- but I think they're are more out there than we think.

I believe we need to be asking our buyers if they are currently, or have served in the military as part of our interview.

Hope this helps someone.

Autumn, a time to Fall in love with Upstate South Carolina.

Toni M. Rose Easley SC Real Estate (Prudential C. Dan Joyner Realtors) — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 18:58:07 -0700

These were taken in very Early Fall last year, just as the change started. Sept. 19th 2007 to be exact.

I just read another agents "ode to summer" and it made me think of these BEAUTIFUL Carolina mountains that I am so lucky to live among! I don't pretend to be a globe trotter of any sorts, but I can't imagine a more beautiful place than Upstate SC in the Fall. If anyone has ever seen the amazing blanket of colors viewed from Pretty Place, or gazed down on the multi-colored treetops from Ceasers Head, then you know what I am talking about.

If you haven't had the awesome opportunity to visit The Carolina's yet, take this beautiful Fall season to do so. Come for a visit and stay for a lifetime, it's like nothing else!

Toni M. Rose, Realtor

Prudential C. Dan Joyner Co. Realtors

www.tonimrose.com

Fantastic home in the Northside District of Easley, SC- Call Toni M Rose

Toni M. Rose Easley SC Real Estate (Prudential C. Dan Joyner Realtors) — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 21:16:21 -0700

Charming home on the extremely popular North B Street. First, The Basics: 3000+ sq feet, 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths,formal LR and DR, Eat in Gourmet Kitchen, Library with office, 3 Porches, Deck, workshop AND a full basement that's partially finished. Now for the Finer Points:The kitchen has limestone granite tops, Stainless appliances including a GE prof. series gas cook top stove (with an elec. convection. oven) dishwasher,microwave and French Door fridge, a built in wine rack, message area, huge pantry cabinets and ceramic tile flooring. MBR has a wonderfully large walk-in closet with dressing area, and private bath. The screened porch is surrounded by tree's for privacy, the deck is multi-level, and the 2 additional porches are tiled. Basement has 2 finished rooms with approx. 800sqft more that's unfinished. (Workshop, office and laundry) Library has more than ample shelving, a cozy FP. and has built in office area. Formal Living Room has a FP as well. Per seller, Low power bills are a plus thanks to the super effiecent heat and air setup. A gorgeous Southern home. Only $247,750

NOW OFFERING $5000.00 buyer incentive with acceptable offer! Can be used for closing cost, re-decorating, updating...whatever you need (that your loan will allow.)

Call me at 864-423-5832, for assistance of anykind. Toni M. Rose, Prudential- C. Dan Joyner Realtors.

Greenville Art festival, 9/20-9/21

Toni M. Rose Easley SC Real Estate (Prudential C. Dan Joyner Realtors) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 17:12:30 -0700

The annual Art in the Park is this weekend in downtown Greenville.

It an event that brings thousands to the downtown area each year to view the works of regional artists, as well as watch demonstrations by them. This year the "big thing" will be a gallery of over 200 pieces of original artwork. There is also interactive activities for the kids.

It's alway a great event and very family friendly. Come out and support our local artists, it'll be lots of fun!

Powdersville SC by, Toni M Rose

Toni M. Rose Easley SC Real Estate (Prudential C. Dan Joyner Realtors) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 19:27:22 -0700

Powdersville, Country Living, Close to Everything!

Powdersville is one of the most popular areas here in the Upstate Region. It is uniquely comprised of the towns of Easley, Greenville and Piedmont. I think of it in a way as the "melting pot". It really has something to offer to everyone, Top Rated Schools and the location can't be beat.

Powdersville has a small, yet booming, commercial area that is located just minutes to Interstate 85, and SC Hwy 123. Both are crucial connectors to so many other popular cities such as Liberty, Clemson, Seneca and Anderson. The entire area has seen a growth explosion in recent years, but Powdersville remains the address of choice by far it seems.

The Powdersville area has home choices from around 100k to 1+ million. New and existing subdivisions coincide beautifully in this Rural, but close to everything area. In the last year patio and townhouse projects have started to pop up to fill in the last gap in this wonderful community. Apartment housing is already available, yet somewhat limited at this time.

A new Library was just recently finished and it's just beautiful. We've had several new shopping centers, Doctor's offices, Professional complexes and Resturuants open recently as well.

Powdersville is located less than 15 minutes to Downtown Greenville, 30 minutes to Anderson and is even within an hour of the NC mountains. I feel it's the perfect place to consider if you're thinking of moving to our charming Upstate area. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call me. I love this area and would be happy to share any further information about it with you.

Toni M. Rose, REALTOR- Prudential, C Dan Joyner Co. 864-423-5832

Visit my website www.tonimrose.com

Eamil me @ tonimrose@bellsouth.net

Did you see ETV tonight?

Toni M. Rose Easley SC Real Estate (Prudential C. Dan Joyner Realtors) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 18:28:27 -0700

I just finished watching a segment on ETV on Tina Turner. They called her the "ageless Star". Boy is she ever! Almost 70 and still hip, gorgeous and sexy. ( Oh Lord, Lord, PLEASE let me look and move like her when Im 70......Or tomorrow would be good too) She is absolutely amazing.

This lady should be an inspiration to all of us. She has had a less than fairy tale past ( with Ike) and yet she looks as if she's lived a life of priviledge since day one. She has taken good care of her mind, body and spirit. She overcame a life of abuse to become one of the biggest starts of our time. Makes me feel like I can do ANYTHING, even overcome a slump in the housing market! LOL

Anyway, I just thought I would share my admiration for a beautiful lady who never lets her age dictate her life. BIG kudos to Tina!

HUGE open house event tomorrow ( Sunday 9/7/08) in my town.

Toni M. Rose Easley SC Real Estate (Prudential C. Dan Joyner Realtors) — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 19:37:18 -0700

Tomorrow is the BIG EVENT in the Powdersville/Easley area. It's a huge Open House TOUR. There will be tours going through in specially marked vans/buses, a TV event to distribute the prizes next week, and there has been mixed media advertising all week for this.

So, wish me luck and remember, if you have any buyers, know that you will be protected if they want to come and walk thru.

The one I will be at is on Rock Springs Rd. in Smithfields Country Club in Easley.

( All of you Realtors are welcome to come too, of course)

Hope this does what were hoping and stimulate our market!!

Open house Sunday in Easley 1-5

Toni M. Rose Easley SC Real Estate (Prudential C. Dan Joyner Realtors) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 19:37:09 -0700

I am sitting an open house this weekend at 704 Rock Springs Rd. in Easley, SC.

This is a HUGE home in Smithfields Country Club.

It is a 5br, 3 full bath home with over 3200 sqft. It also has a three car garage. The home is lovely and has had many recent updates, especially the kitchen.

It is being offered at only 278,000. Call me for more details or to schedule a showing. 864-423-5832. Toni M. Rose, Prudential C. Dan Joyner Co. Realtors.

Economic recovery act 2008-100% financing- Rural Housing Markets.

Toni M. Rose Easley SC Real Estate (Prudential C. Dan Joyner Realtors) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:54:33 -0700

This is great information for consumers and for Real Estate professionals to pass on to their clients. It would be a great reason to give past clients a call, and move those procrastinanting to make a decision sooner than later.

I have spent alot of time talking about the changes in the financing options avail. to our clients in the negative, so I wanted to share some of the positives too.

I have just recieved notice today that those who purchased a home after 4/9/2008 and up to 7/1/2009, that are first time buyers or haven't owned a home in 3 yrs or mor, may quailfy for up to 7500.00 in tax credits!

It's limits are 150k income for married couples and 75k for singels. The tax credit is really an interst free loan of sorts since it must be "paid back' over 15 years in increments of 500.00/yr starting on the 2nd year after they buy. If it's sold before the 15 yrs are up, then the remanider of the credit is recaptured at that time.

The tax credit could reduce your income tax liability for 2008.

So, check it out with a tax professional and see if you qualify!

You won't believe the calls I have gotten on a MH!

Toni M. Rose Easley SC Real Estate (Prudential C. Dan Joyner Realtors) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:49:27 -0700

I have never had so many calls on any one property as the MH I just listed last week. I have had 9 showings and over 20 calls in the past week!

I think the FHA DP program disappearing is the driving factor here. Unfortunatly, The home won't pass the FHA guidelines, but it's good to know there are buyers out there looking again. YEAH!!

I will be looking for more lower dollar listings ( under 100k ) in the coming weeks, since that is what looks to be hot right now. I'm wondering if it's the same in other area's on the low end homes.

Have a great week.

Hello, New to group.

Toni M. Rose Easley SC Real Estate (Prudential C. Dan Joyner Realtors) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:32:22 -0700

Hi everyone. I am new to the group and just wanted to give you all a wave!

Unaurthorized entry, what can really be done?

Toni M. Rose Easley SC Real Estate (Prudential C. Dan Joyner Realtors) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 15:37:41 -0700

Warning, It's a little long, but worth the read.

I wonder what an really be done to this agent who thinks the rules don't apply to him?

I go to one of my listings today and find the door open, lights on and several items missing from the home. Of course I checked my Supra box as soon as I got home. To no surprise at all I have had some unscheduled entry into the home.

The kicker being that, it was an agent who I have specifically told NOT to enter this or any other listing of mine without a scheduled appointment.

He badgered my sellers before they moved about listing with him to the point that the lady was about to call the police on him for stalking. ( no kidding) Repeatedly she told him they had an agent, yet he continued to "show up" on their doorstep insisting he was the best one to sell the home. He even acted as if he didn't know of me when she told him my name -in an effort to get him to stop coming over. I know enough that his angle was to make me seem unimportant in her eyes. It backfired- she asked how long he had been in real estate, when he responded she said" I can't believe you've been in real estate for 5 yrs and don't know Toni!" ( you go girl)

Anyway, I caught him at their house a few weeks after they left- with no appointment- I happen to drop by to check on the house. The back door was unlocked and the lights on. I called him later that night.

I talked to him at length about the fact that I and the seller insisted that he make an appt. before entering the home. That we wanted to know any and all entry into the house. A few weeks later, I found the home open and lights on. Checked the box, nothing there recently ( guess he hadn't updated his key yet) Then today, I go over to meet someone at the house and what a shock that all the stuff my sellers still had in the house was GONE! Completely empty. I checked my box again, and there he was. 2 MORE unscheduled appt's AND he was the last one in the house. ( He was the only one showing in the box for the period of time that the door was left open from last month as well.)

I have had it with him. I called his broker and sent an email to my local board.

In the meantime, I starting calling neighbors to see if anyone saw someone arting things off. Yes, i found out that one of the neighbors told him they were supposed to get a piece of furniture that was left ( and they were supposed too) so he offered to let them in to get it. Yes, you understood correctly. He let someone in MY LISTING, MY SELLERS HOUSE, that he had no knowledge of the furniture agreement to TAKE FURNITURE OUT OF THEIR HOUSE!!!

You know I am wondering where the rest of the stuff went. I'm boiling about this. If this isn't unethical, I don't know what is! Can you believe that?

So, what can really be done to this weasel? Anyone had a similar situation? I want him in hot water with someone other than just me.

Greenville SC is a GREAT place to live.

Toni M. Rose Easley SC Real Estate (Prudential C. Dan Joyner Realtors) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 22:41:58 -0700

We are so lucky to have a wonderful city like Greenville nearby. It seems to me, to be the perfect area to live, work, get an education, retire or raise a family. We have so many choices and our local economy is still going strong.

The cost of living here is SO low compared to most of the country and yet, housing prices are extremely affordable.

We have museums, galleries, WONDERFUL resturaunts, several parks, performing arts centers, theaters, concert venues, excellent shopping, lot's of natural wonders, a city zoo, a lively downtown with free Jazz and Shakesphere in the summers, world famous sporting events....I could go on and on, but you should just come see for yourself.

If you haven't visited downtown Greenville lately, you need to!

FHA down payment assistance loans almost GONE.

Toni M. Rose Easley SC Real Estate (Prudential C. Dan Joyner Realtors) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 22:08:29 -0700

Well, time is quickly running out for the 100% financing through FHA where sellers can pay a downpayment and closing costs for the buyer. All contracts have to be completly closed before 10/1/08. You know that means we have less than a week to get a contract in progress to close before then.

If you have any buyers on the fence, they better get moving quickly. If you have some prospects that have kinda fallen away, this would be a great conversation starter to get back with them.

I know there are other 100% out there, but none that I know of for metro area's. Rural housing is the only product that I am aware of, if you know of anything else- please share it.

Hope everyone has a super Labor Day!

Experience with FHA MH loans?

Toni M. Rose Easley SC Real Estate (Prudential C. Dan Joyner Realtors) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 22:13:12 -0700

I have sold a few of these over the years, but things seem to have changed dramtically recently. Does anyone have any recent experiences in getting a MH passed DURING the process? If so, how long and how much is it costing to cement the blocks together, anchor the house to the piers, and pour footers? OR is all this nessasary? Who is held responsible if it doesn't close?

Know a good lender in the Greenville SC area who is good at doing this type of loan? Of course, I have a listing and want to know as much as I can.

Daytrippin' through the Carolina's

Toni M. Rose Easley SC Real Estate (Prudential C. Dan Joyner Realtors) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 21:10:00 -0700

This week my family and I have been doing daytrips to local destinations, and we are having a great time. Living here in The Carolinas, I'm surprised of just how I have taken for granted all the beautiful places and things to see close by!

See, we weren't able to go on a true week long vacation, so this was the next best thing. We enjoyed the Biltmore Estate on Monday, Pisgah National forest at the Cradle of Forestry on Tuesday and today we shopped and dined in the Historic Ram Cat Alley area of downtown Seneca. Tomorrow we are heading out to some waterfalls, which the kids are really excited about, and Friday we think we'll end the week with a trip to the Old English District.

We found out just today that a beautiful waterfall is located off Fox Squirrel Ridge Road in Pickens. We have been on that road countless times and NEVER KNEW. It's called Twin Falls if anyone else is interested. I choose one's that didn't require a long or difficult hike through the woods ( since I'm not what you'd call a "nature girl") LOL. Even though I LOVE my Clemson Tigers, I admit I'm more like a Carolina chicken when it comes to our upstate "critters". (You know...Snakes and skunks and Bears - EEK!!)

I'll let ya'll know how it goes.

In the meantime I encourage everyone to take a look at some local tourism websites. You may be as surprised as I am at the things to do and see right here in the Carolina's.