Columbia SC Real Estate

Columbia SC Ranks 14th by BusinessWeek for Strongest Metro Economy

Tonya D Graves (EXIT Real Estate Consultants) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:00:34 -0500

Columbia has state government, The University of South Carolina and Fort Jackson which help keep the Columbia, SC economy strong. Columbia SC real estate never got too hot or too cold, that is another reason for Columbia's strong economy. BusinessWeek ranked Columbia, SC 14th for the strongest metro economy in our nation. This is just another reason it is great to live in Columbia SC.

Five Points in Downtown Columbia Gets Chick-Fil-A

Tonya D Graves (EXIT Real Estate Consultants) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 16:25:43 -0500

The Hardee's on the corner of College and Harden Streets in 5-Points is set to be demolished in 2010 making room for a brand new free standing Chick-Fil-A restaurant. The new Chick-Fil-A will be landscaped to match the look of the 5-Points streetscape. This will give a very high end and clean feel to the busy corner located across from Tripp's Cleaners. The Chick-Fil-A will offer indoor and outdoor dining for guests as well as a drive through service. The first 100 patrons of the Chick-Fil-A will get free food for a year! This is just another reason downtown Columbia SC is a great place to live.

Columbia SC Real Estate	Lexington SC Real Estate
Lake Murray Homes For Sale	Downtown Columbia SC Homes For Sale

SC Real Estate Sales Prices Are Rising

Tonya D Graves (EXIT Real Estate Consultants) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:31:52 -0500

The online real estate site eppraisal.com ranked 183 metro areas in a six month analysis of median sales price fluctuations. Sumter ranked 11th nationally with sale prices up nearly 32 percent.

Others on the list were:

Spartanburg ranked 13^th, up 28.3 percent
Anderson ranked 76^th, up 5.8 percent
Greenville ranked 97^th, up 4.2 percent
Florence ranked 99^th, up 4.0 percent
Charleston ranked 127^th nationally, up 1.7 percent

Thinking about buying Columbia South Carolina real estate ? I can help! I am a full time Realtor with years of experience and I am dedicated to your needs. Call or email me to discuss your unique situation.

Tonyadgraves@gmail.com

(803) 238-8612

Downtown Columbia SC Real Estate - Keenan Terrace

Tonya D Graves (EXIT Real Estate Consultants) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:16:21 -0500

I met with Tim from Pinpoint Home Inspections this morning at 464 Jackson Avenue in Keenan Terrace. This home is a brand new craftsman style bungalow that has all the custom features one would expect in a 300,000 dollar home. This home was listed for $169,900. The inspection went great and Tim said the builder went above what is required when building this home. For buyers looking to purchase Downtown Columbia homes there are many great options in Keenan Terrace.

There is a brand new bungalow style home being built down the street with 9 ft ceilings, granite counters, and ebony stained hardwoods. This home will have designer finishes and custom work throughout and will be offered for $135,000.

If you or someone you know is looking for downtown Columbia SC real estate ...call me @ (803)238-8612

The First Time Home Buyers Guide to Buying Real Estate

Tonya D Graves (EXIT Real Estate Consultants) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:52:54 -0500

Decide you are ready to buy your first place. You are not behind on your bills, have some money saved, and have a steady job. You are ready to start investing in your future and maybe plant some roots. Remember: to qualify for the 2009 first time home buyer tax credit, you must keep your home for 3 years.

Talk to a lender to make sure you qualify for a home loan. There are many places you can get a home loan. Call your bank or a mortgage broker. If one company turns you down, don't get discouraged. All lenders are not the same and there are many different programs available. Don't give up! Once you are approved ask for a good faith estimate and pre approval letter. Some costs can be negotiated and it never hurts to ask.

Search homes online and drive around neighborhoods. Your online home search will help you identify the area in which you want to live. Consider your lifestyle. Do you like privacy? How far is your commute to work? Will you want to live close to bars and restaurants? Do like new homes or the character of an older historic home? Do you want to maintain a lawn or garden? Is a community pool important to you?

Find a full time Realtor, and become their client. It doesn't cost anything to enter into a client relationship with a Realtor but it provides you much. A Realtor will be able to further refine your home search and take you into the homes that are a good fit for you. By using a full time Realtor you will have an agent who can work when it's convenient for you, not them. A Realtor can advise you on the value of comparable sales and help you make informed decisions. A Realtor will provide all contracts and assist you in making an offer on a property. Your Realtor owes you the fiduciary duties of Obedience, Loyalty, Disclosure, Confidentiality, Accounting and Reasonable care and skill.

Make the offer. You have found a property you love, now it is time to make an offer. Your Realtor will help you decide on a price and terms that suit your budget and the value of the property. Part of an offer to purchase, is earnest money. You need to be able to write a check for earnest money at the time of writing the offer. Usually 1% of the sales price is adequate. This money is held by your agent until you have a final contract and then must be put in an escrow account within 48 hours. It will come off the price of the house and lets the seller know you are a serious buyer. The offer is written up on a contract and your Realtor submits it to the seller.

Getting a final contract. A final contract is the original offer after negotiations. The terms and price may be changed as needed for both buyer and seller to agree. All changes require the initials of both buyer and seller. This document will be signed by all parties and sealed by a Realtor showing date and time of final contract.

Inspecting the property. Your final contract allows for a 10 business day inspection period from the final contract date. Your Realtor will help you order inspections and be sure you stay within your time frame. Typical inspections include a termite inspection, a heating/air inspection and a general home inspection. After you inspect the property, you can decide if you want to continue and purchase the home or terminate your contract.

Getting your loan. Your lender will need documents from you supporting your income and other various documents. The lender will order a real estate appraisal for the property, order title work and get all the loan documents ready for a closing.

The last step is the closing. In South Carolina a closing takes place with a real estate attorney. The attorney has all the loan documents and any other relevant documents that need to be signed. The buyer and seller attend the closing with their real estate agents. The buyer signs documents giving him ownership of the property. The seller signs away his ownership. Keys are exchanged, any monies due are given to the closing attorney in the form of a cashiers check.

Enjoy. You are now a home owner. Sit back and enjoy. Always make your payments on time and begin building equity in your new home. This is the start of a lifetime of wealth and happiness!

Written by Tonya D Graves, a Columbia SC Real Estate agent specializing in first time home buyers and relocation to Columbia, Lexington, Irmo, Lake Murray and Northeast Columbia.

The 2009 Tax Credit Bridge Loan

Tonya D Graves (EXIT Real Estate Consultants) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:05:43 -0500

The 2009 tax credit can be used to help pay closing costs on a home loan. This can be done by through a bridge loan that will be repaid either monthly or when you file your taxes. The bridge loan can help with closing costs up to 10% of the home sale price with a maximum of $8,000. The bridge loan cannot pay the FHA mandatory 3.5% down payment. The FHA mandatory 3.5% down payment must come from the buyer or it can be gift funds. A seller cannot pay the 3.5% FHA down payment.

Lake Murray Real Estate

Lexington SC Real Estate

Columbia SC Real Estate...Tonya D Graves is your real estate expert!

Columbia SC Condo For Sale

Tonya D Graves (EXIT Real Estate Consultants) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 10:35:24 -0500

Thinking about moving to Downtown Columbia, SC? If so, consider 5-Points. 5-Points is a great village like area full of restaurants like Saludas, pubs, shops and boutiques like Wish, and cafes like Gourmet Shop. 5-Points is within walking distance to the University of South Carolina. A Place on the Greene, a mid-rise condo building, is a great investment opportunity....location, location, location! First time home buyers may qualify for $8,000 tax credit! Columbia SC Condo For Sale: 2BR/2BA 5th Floor Unit $99,000

Location, Location, Location
Top Floor Condo
More Than 900 sq ft
Covered Parking Space
Private Balcony Overlooking Greene Street
Large Laundry/Utility Room
Washer/Dryer Included
Refrigerator w/Ice Maker Included

For more information on this Columbia, SC condo or any Columbia SC Real Estate call (803) 238-8612.

Columbia SC Real Estate 100% Financing Options

Tonya D Graves (EXIT Real Estate Consultants) — Wed, 20 May 2009 20:38:03 -0500

Last week it was announced that the 2009 first time home buyer tax credit could be used as a down payment. The next day all information about this new down payment method was removed from the HUD website. 100% financing for Columbia SC real estate came and went in the blink of an eye. All is not lost folks. We still have options. USDA provides 100% loans for rural areas and there is no mortgage insurance! USDA does have income criteria one must meet. Are you a veteran or the unmarried spouse of a deceased veteran? You may qualify for a 100% VA loan. Contact me if you wish to buy Columbia SC real estate and I will help point you in the right direction.

Columbia South Carolina Real Estate

Fort Jackson Armed Forces Day in Columbia SC

Tonya D Graves (EXIT Real Estate Consultants) — Fri, 15 May 2009 17:13:07 -0500

What: Festival honoring military personnel

When: May 16th, 2009 Armed Forces Day

Where: Fort Jackson in Columbia, SC

Cost: FREE

Thunder at Fort Jackson, a patriotic festival, offers fun for all ages. Army helicopters, trucks, jeeps and other military vehicles will be on hand for folks to get a close look. There will also be souvenirs and food for all to enjoy. Admission is FREE!

Relocating to Fort Jackson? I can help you find Columbia SC Real Estate to fit your needs!

Down Payment Assistance For First Time Home Buyers

Tonya D Graves (EXIT Real Estate Consultants) — Thu, 14 May 2009 12:22:25 -0500

Down payment assistance is back! The Federal Housing Administration is going to permit home buyers to use the $8,000 tax credit as a downpayment. This is great news to the many first time home buyers who can't afford the 3.5% down payment required for a FHA loan. The Columbia SC Real Estate market offers homes for sale in all price ranges. This down payment assistance program will allow more buyers to take advantage of the inventory and low prices. This is great news!

Lexington SC Real Estate

Columbia SC Real Estate

Columbia SC Tour of Homes

Tonya D Graves (EXIT Real Estate Consultants) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:07:41 -0500

The largest open house of new homes in Columbia, SC is coming weekends in May!

Dates: May 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17

Time: Noon to 6 pm

Cost: FREE

The 2009 Columbia SC Tour of Homes is scattered around Columbia and offers nine Featured Communities and 54 new homes. The Tour shows Columbia SC Real Estate in all price ranges. One can expect to see innovative ideas, special design features, dynamic floor plans and fine craftsmanship. Some homes will be furnished and some vacant. The 2009 Columbia SC Tour of Homes showcases twenty-seven builders and developers.

It is a great time to buy and every buyer deserves a great agent. Contact a Columbia SC Realtor today!

Forest Hills Home For Sale - Columbia SC Real Estate

Tonya D Graves (EXIT Real Estate Consultants) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:56:29 -0500

Forest Hills Home For Sale

2723 Gervais Street Columbia, SC 29204

This classic Forest Hills Columbia SC home is remodeled with granite counters, stainless steel appliances and a very large master suite. It has approx. 3000 sq ft and 5 bedrooms and 4 full baths. It has a finished walk out basement and lots of storage space. The master bath has dual sinks and a garden tub. If you are looking for all the convenience of Columbia SC Downtown living, this home has it. Call me for more details or to schedule a private showing once you have been pre approved for a Columbia SC Home loan. Tonya D Graves - EXIT Real Estate Consultants (803) 238-8612 Columbia SC Real Estate

Lake Murray SC Parks and Recreation Plans for Growth

Tonya D Graves (EXIT Real Estate Consultants) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:47:49 -0500

Lake Murray has a plan to expand recreation in the upcoming years. SC Dept of Parks, Recreation and Tourism wants federal officials to add more Lake Murray trails and picnic areas to it's proposed improvement plan. The current plan for improvement focuses on boat landings and fishing piers along the 650 mile shore of Lake Murray. Lake tourism officials want to make the lake more usable for the public as well as residents of Lake Murray. SCE&G, which owns Lake Murray, promises to open five new recreation areas on the lake in the next decade and improve ten others. Walking Paths Available Today:

1.5 mile path across the earthen Lake Murray dam which is great for exercise and offers breathtaking Lake Murray views.
2 miles of paths at Dreher Island State Park at the North Shore of Lake Murray
A few paths at Bundrick Island Peninsula on the South Shore of Lake Murray

Interested in living at Lake Murray? I can help!

Lake Murray SC Real Estate

Columbia SC Real Estate

Columbia SC Real Estate - Great Deals for Buyers!

Tonya D Graves (EXIT Real Estate Consultants) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 21:52:47 -0500

Columbia home buyers take notice! Lake Murray, Downtown Columbia, Irmo, Northeast Columbia and Lexington SC real estate are priced right and ready for buyers. Over the last week I have been showing homes with asking prices that range from 70,000 dollars to 500,000 dollars. There is one thing that these price ranges have in common, there are some great deals to be had out there in every price range! From the short sale to the renovated fixer upper, now is the time to buy.

Yesterday I showed a golf course home with an inground pool and many upgrades that had been reduced $66,000. All this property needs is a good cleaning and some yard work! Today I showed a home that had been reduced from $125,000 to $75,000. This property is completely renovated and has a nice big lot!

The Columbia SC Real Estate market has something for everyone. Let's work together and find your dream home.

Columbia SC Short Sales

Columbia SC Bank Owned Properties

Columbia SC Renovated Homes

Columbia SC Lenders Offering Jumbo Real Estate Loans

Tonya D Graves (EXIT Real Estate Consultants) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 19:53:01 -0500

Are you in the market for Lake Murray real estate or historic downtown Columbia real estate ? If so, you may need a jumbo loan - a loan for more than $417,000. In the past year many lenders have not offered this loan product. But today there is good news! Lenders are beginning to offer jumbo loans again. This is a positive sign for the real estate market. If you need a quote on a jumbo loan or need to refinance your jumbo loan call Carolina Home Mortgage Group (803) 665-3765.

Columbia SC Homes Loans- Getting Pre-Approved

Tonya D Graves (EXIT Real Estate Consultants) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:04:06 -0500

Are you thinking about buying a home in Columbia, SC ? Maybe it is your first home, or maybe you have bought homes in the past. Home loan qualifications are ever changing. Unless you are paying cash for your next home purchase you need to get pre-approved. Buying a home is a process and every process has steps. The first step every buyer should take in buying a home is getting pre-approved. Pre-approval means allowing a banker or mortgage broker to review your credit, employment history and assets. It is a simple process that only takes minutes. Reasons for a buyer to get pre-approved:

To find out if they qualify to buy a home (this one is HUGE).
To find out if they need to work on their credit.
To find out the price range they can afford.
To find out how much money they will need to put down.
To learn about associated expenses involved in buying a home.
Many sellers will not consider an offer without a written pre-appoval.

A buyer should never assume they can get a loan. Buyers should take time to find out if they can be pre-approved. If they can't get pre-approved today, the banker or mortgage broker can tell them what can be done to qualify later. This simple suggestion will save home buyers the pain of finding a dream home only to learn they cannot purchase it. Call or email the nice folks at Carolina Home Mortgage Group to get pre-approved today (803) 665-3765 .

Columbia Carolina Classic Home & Garden Show

Tonya D Graves (EXIT Real Estate Consultants) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 12:57:20 -0500

When: March 14 (today) 9am - 8pm & March 15 11am- 6pm

What: Home & Garden Show

Where: SC State Fairgrounds

Admission is $6 per person; kids 12 and under FREE

The Columbia Carolina Classic Home & Garden Show is presented by The Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia and is the largest show if its kind in the Columbia SC area. More than 300 exhibitors will be on hand displaying and discussing things such as home improvement, gardening, and real estate. There will also be a number of educational seminars on topics such as home improvement, home buying, and green topics. Look for me and my co-workers at the EXIT Real Estate booth!

Columbia SC Event to Lower Mortgage Payments

Tonya D Graves (EXIT Real Estate Consultants) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 20:58:50 -0600

A non profit group, NACA, is bringing its Save The Dream program to Columbia, SC on March 13-15. This event held at the Carolina Coliseum is giving people who own Columbia SC real estate and are struggling a chance to reduce their mortgage payments. This program is for home owners who are in or near foreclosure. Loan counselors will work with individuals and their mortgage lenders to try and cut their rate to as low as 2 percent. To participate bring your mortgage statement along with pay stubs from the last 30 days. Preregistration is recommended. When: March 13-15, 209 Where: Carolina Coliseum What: Save The Dream Program

2009 Home Buyer Tax Credit - Simpified

Tonya D Graves (EXIT Real Estate Consultants) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 14:23:15 -0600

The 2009 homebuyer tax credit simplified:

Must be 1st time home buyer (defined as someone who hasn't owned a house in 3 years).
The credit is for 10% of sales price and not to exceed $8,000.
Must close on the home between 1-1-2009 and 11-30-2009.
The home must be your primary residence.
The home must be a single family residence.
You must meet income requirements (less than $75,000 for single and less than $150,000 for joint).
The tax credit is applied to your tax liability.
Any unused tax credit is refunded to you.
Does not have to be repayed unless you sell the home before 3 years time.
For more information on the tax credit click here.
If you are interested in Columbia SC Real Estate I can help!

Blythewood SC has a Master Plan for Growth

Tonya D Graves (EXIT Real Estate Consultants) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 13:11:23 -0600

Blythewood is a city that is considered by most to be part of Northeast Columbia. It is a place where you see new suburbs poppping up, animal farms, and homes with lots of acreage. I used to live in Blythewood and it wasn't uncommon to see deer everyday in the yard and once I even saw a loose bull in the road. Blythewood is changing. The town of Blythewood has grown from one square mile to eight square miles in the last six years. This growth has spurred the town council to make plans. The town of Blythewood has a master plan. Part of the master plan is to create a town center with specialty shops, restaurants, and hotels. There will also be a corridor for retail offering upscale boutiques and fine dining. The master plan for downtown Blythewood will be great for residents looking for fun and activity. If you are considering Columbia SC Real Estate, it is well worth looking a little bit north to Blythewood SC.

Columbia SC Real Estate Market in Top 25

Tonya D Graves (EXIT Real Estate Consultants) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 09:16:08 -0600

Columbia, SC is ranked as one of Forbe's Top 25 Strongest Housing Markets.

According to Forbes.com Columbia, SC has one of the top 25 strongest housing markets in the nation. Forbes defines a strong housing market as one closest to recovery. According to the study done by Moody's Economy.com for Forbe's, the bottom for Columbia SC Real Estate is near. Although Columbia SC does not expect prices to increase this year, nearing the bottom is good news.

Downtown Columbia SC offers Online Food Shopping

Tonya D Graves (EXIT Real Estate Consultants) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 17:32:23 -0600

Considering a move to Downtown Columbia SC? If you are, then you are in for a treat. Two Downtown Columbia SC Piggly Wiggly locations, Forest Drive and Devine Street, are offering on-line grocery shopping. Simply order your groceries on-line at www.ThePig.net . You will pay at the time you place the order and schedule a time to pick up your groceries. Then simply show up and the groceries are loaded in your car. There is a $5 processing fee.

Search All Homes for Sale in Columbia, SC

Tonya D Graves (EXIT Real Estate Consultants) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 10:59:01 -0600

Most buyers in Columbia SC begin their real estate search by typing Columbia SC homes for sale on the Internet. For this reason, Realtors strive to make user friendly and accurate home searches available online. Many Columbia SC real estate agent websites have limited searches that only contain their own or their companies own listings and do not have all Columbia SC homes for sale.

EXIT Real Estate Consultants in Lexington, SC has launched a website that has amazing search capabilities. The EXIT REC website is user friendly and allows the buyer to customize his or her search for homes in Columbia SC. The advanced technology allows the buyer to create a search and receive updated listings daily.

The EXIT REC website is also a great research tool for sellers in Columbia SC. A seller can set up a search for homes for sale in his or her neighborhood. This home search can empower a seller by showing them comparable homes for sale on the market.

Tonya D Graves

REALTOR

Saluda Mill in West Columbia, SC

Tonya D Graves (EXIT Real Estate Consultants) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:10:54 -0600

Saluda Mill - OPEN HOUSE

When: February 14 from 2pm-5pm

Where: 1206 Botanical Parkway West Columbia, SC 29169

Saluda Mill is a sidewalk neighborhood close to Downtown Columbia, Lexington Hospital and highways. It is within walking distance to Riverbanks Botanical Gardens. The homes of Saluda Mill are Charleston Style custom homes with rear entry garages and private yards.

Columbia SC Home Prices Hold Steady

Tonya D Graves (EXIT Real Estate Consultants) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 13:31:19 -0600

A recent study done by Zillow.com shows Columbia SC is one of 21 markets in the nation to show appreciation or less than one percent depreciation in median price.

On a national level, home prices fell 11.6 percent last year. In the Columbia SC market, Zillow.com shows that prices fell less than .8 percent and home prices are up 3.2 percent from 5 years ago.

The reason for this is simple. The Columbia SC real estate market didn't see the inflated home prices that were commonplace in other markets during the boom. This is good news for home owners in Columbia SC.

Tonya D Graves