clover: How to buy a great home - 03/13/09 09:50 AM
Neighborhoods have characteristic personalities designed to best suit single people, growing families, two-career couples, or retirees.   
SCOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD!
It is important that you scout the neighborhood in person.  You live in more than your house. 
Talk to people who live there. 
Drive through the entire area at different times of the day, during the week and on weekends. 
Look carefully at how well other homes in the area are being maintained; are they painted, are the yards well cared for; are parked cars in good condition, etc.
  NEIGHBORHOOD FACTORS TO CONSIDER 
Look for things like access to major thoroughfares, … (1 comments)

clover: Check Out Swan Meadows II.....Rock Hill's Hidden gem - 03/11/09 10:17 PM
Let us tell you about a rare find in Rock Hill.  Swan Meadows II is an unbelieveable neighborhood located in the heart of Rock Hill.  Located near the hospital, restaurants, great shopping and several grocery stores this place can't be beat for location.  Swan Meadows II consists of 4 cul-de-sacs and about 25 all brick homes ranging in size from 1900 square feet to 2700 sq feet.  Swan Meadows II is actually nestled in the Swan Meadows neighborhood, but offers a smaller and more quaint community.  This truly is a neighborhood like no other and one you need to check out … (2 comments)

clover: How to price and sell and still make a profit in todays market - 03/11/09 02:06 AM
The asking price you set for your home significantly affects whether you will profit in the sale, how much you will profit and how long your home will sit on the market. Your real estate agent's knowledge of the overall market and what's selling - or not selling - will be invaluable in helping you determine the price. The objective is to find a price that the market will bear but won't leave money on the table.
Here are some points to consider: Time. Time is not on your side when it comes to real estate. Although many factors influence the … (0 comments)

clover: Take A Look at Meadowlakes II - 03/09/09 01:33 PM
One of the most sought after and desireable neighborhoods in Rock Hill is Meadowlakes II.  This neighborhood has a very natural setting with lakes, mature trees, ducks and areas great for walking, riding bikes and even fishing.  The Meadowlakes II Clubhouse features a gorgeous pool, deck area, tennis courts and club house.  This neighborhood is located ideally to schools, shopping, the hospital and restaurants. Meadowlakes II offers many of the amenities homeowners are seeking out so give this neighborhood a look today. Give us a call to preview homes in this neighborhood.
Comments (0)

… (0 comments)

clover: A Big Advantage.......The Web - 03/08/09 02:39 PM
For potential buyers looking for the perfect home the tool that may be most helpful in getting your search started is the web.  There are a number of websites available that are full of information that consumers can access which will help narrow down your home search by identifying the parameters you are looking for, location of neighborhoods, schools and so forth.  Consumers can also find great tips and advise to assist them during the process of buying home.  Check out some of our websites and see the information that is right at your fingertips.
 http://www.york-homesforsale.com/
 http://www.homeinsight.com/Widget/default.asp?5GWSR8MTNT5S
http://www.theguilliamsteam.com/
… (0 comments)

clover: Get the Most From Your Renovation - 03/07/09 12:46 PM
Given the state of the economy today many homeowners who once considered "moving up" are now making the decision to invest in their current property and do renovations which can offer large returns on the investment.  To get the most return on your money if you are looking to do impact renovations your best bet is to concentrate of updates for the kitchen and bathrooms.  For kitchen renovations potential buyers are looking for granite or stone counter-tops as well as cabinets that look updated and offer much needed storage.  Bathrooms are also being updated with more of a spa feel with … (0 comments)

clover: Extraordinary Experience in Laurel Creek , Rock Hill, SC - 03/05/09 01:46 PM
If you are looking to settle into a community that is among one of the most extraordinary opportunities in Rock Hill then you need to look no further than the beautiful neighborhood of Laurel Creek.  Laurel Creek is a neighborhood that is made up of both patio homes as well as some of the most spectacular and unique homes in Rock Hill.  Laurel Creek features walking trails, street lights, tennis courts, a swimming complex that is truly one of a kind and a club house like none other found in Rock Hill.  This community IS conveniently located near restaurants, the hospital, shopping … (0 comments)

clover: Pre-Qualifying - 03/03/09 11:31 AM
With the current state of the economy many mortgage regulations and guidelines have changed when it comes to the purchase of a new home.  The intent is not to make the process more difficult and tedious for buyers, but to insure financial matters are properly being administered and adhered to.  Before you begin searching for that perfect home your best bet is to meet with a mortgage lender and get pre-qualified.  This will eliminate the guesswork out of the equation as buyers try to figure out just how much house they can afford.  Your mortgage lender can help answer any questions on the front … (0 comments)

clover: Getting Ready to sell - 03/01/09 02:06 PM
When getting your house ready to sale and in order to get top dollar there are a few key suggestions to keep in mind.  Potential buyers should come in and be WOWED at all the details you have taken care in preparation of showing your home.  Below is a list of some of the basics, but for more help and suggestions on how to make your home stand out in the marketplace to potential buyers your best bet is to consult with a realtor.  We are here to help give you expert advice and recommendations so give us a call today. 
… (0 comments)

clover: The Guilliams Team .............Our Newsletters - 02/28/09 01:38 PM

We just wanted to make sure everyone knew about our two newsletters we publish. One is a hard copy mailed to your home quarterly which is called Client Connection. This is mailed to over 1500 households in the Rock Hill / Charlotte area and we have been publishing this for over a year now with great response. Recently we have started a monthly digital newsletter called the Good Neighbor. This is full of fun informative information on various topics and we hope everyone enjoys. We would love to hear your comments and if you are not receiving them please drop us a note to have you added … (0 comments)

clover: Short Sales vs Foreclosurer - 02/26/09 12:59 PM
There seems to be a lot of confusion among consumers these days when they are trying to understand short sales and foreclosures. Many consumers think these are the same things with the same results.  This is not true.  A sale of a house in which the proceeds fall short of what the owner still owe on the mortgage is a short sale.   Many lenders will agree to accept the proceeds of a short sale and forgive the rest of what is owed on the mortgage when the owner cannot make the mortgage payments. By accepting a short sale, the lender can avoid … (0 comments)

clover: To Buy or Not To Buy? - 02/25/09 11:54 AM

So many people are saying that the current economy has negatively effected the real estate market, but depending where you live this is not necessarily true.  The economic state of our country is suffering due to a number of reasons, however, for many people this time can offer opportunities that can help position them for long term financial successes.  This just may be the perfect time for home buyers to invest in their real estate dreams. Purchasing a home for many folks is the largest investment they will make and if people are wise in how they purchase a home it can be the best decision … (0 comments)

clover: Helping clients and friends with their real estate needs - 02/24/09 02:12 PM

We are back from Orlando where we attended the Keller Williams Family Reunion get together.  We are proud to be part of the 3rd largest real estate company in the country and it was awesome to see the numbers and how even in this economy Keller Williams continues to grow and add awesome talent every day.  It is incredible to be part of something so special.  Gina and I confirmed over the last several days that we got into this business because we love to help people and hopefully we can assist people moving into or around Rock Hill or help … (0 comments)

clover: Increasing your home's appeal - 02/22/09 10:36 AM
Remember the 60-second rule: That's all the time you have to create a winning first impression. Here are some simple to significant ways to maximize your home's appeal. Exterior* Keep the grass cut and remove all yard clutter.* Weed and apply fresh mulch to flower beds.* Apply fresh paint to wooden fences.* Tighten and clean all door handles.* Clean windows inside and out.* Powerwash home's exterior.* Ensure all gutters and downspouts are firmly attached and functioning.* Paint the front door.* Buy a new welcome mat.* Place potted flowers near the front door.Interior* Evaluate the furniture in each room and remove anything … (0 comments)

clover: Visual Tours ........a very effective marketing tour for all of our clients - 02/21/09 01:38 PM
We have found that one of the most effective tools in marketing our listings is to create a visual tour of each home. Today's busy buyers want to preview as many homes as possible on the internet and the visual tours on line gives our listings a competitive advantage. Below is a link to our current inventory and give us a call today to assist you in marketing your home. We look forward to becoming your partners in making your dreams come true. Have a great day.
Our inventory of homes    http://www.visualtour.com/inventory.asp?u=142296  
   
… (0 comments)

clover: Creating your home wish list - 02/19/09 01:05 AM
Before the home search begins, your real estate agent will want to know as much as possible about the features and amenities you desire. To help your agent better serve you, analyze what you want and what you need in a home's features and amenities.
Features:
Age: Do you prefer historic properties, or newer ones? Style: Do you have a special preference for ranches, bungalows, or another style of construction? Bedrooms: How many? Bathrooms: How many? Are they updated? Living and Dining Areas: A traditional, formal layout, or a more open, contemporary plan? Stories: How many? Square feet: How much space? … (0 comments)

clover: Deciding how much house you can afford - 02/18/09 02:15 AM
Your lender decides what you can borrow but you decide what you can afford.
Lenders are careful, but they make qualification decisions based on averages and formulas. They won't understand the nuances of your lifestyle and spending patterns quite as well as you do. So, leave a little room for the unexpected - for all the new opportunities your home will give you to spend money, from furnishings, to landscaping, to repairs.
Historically, banks use a ratio called 28/36 to decide how much borrowers could borrow. An approved housing payment couldn't be more than 28 percent of the buyer's gross monthly … (0 comments)

clover: York , South Carolina..................... Househunt Web Site - 02/17/09 11:57 PM

 
Everyone is invited to preview our website for real estate in York County, South Carolina. We look forward to comments on how we can improve the site to make it a useful tool in your search for the perfect property. Links are below . Have a great day.
 Househunt Link      http://www.york-homesforsale.com/    
 
… (2 comments)

clover: The Home Buying Process - 02/15/09 06:10 PM
Now that you have decided to buy your home, what happens between now and the time you legally own the home?  A Title Company may handle the following items.  NOTE: In different parts of the country, attorneys, lenders, escrow companies and other persons who are independent of title companies perform some or all of these functions.
  Earnest Money - An agreement to convey starts the process once it is received at the Title Company.  Once you submit the loan application, it is usually subject to a credit check, an appraisal, and sometimes, a survey of the property.
Tax Check - … (1 comments)

clover: Market Activity - 02/14/09 12:58 AM
Just wanted to say that while it's always difficult to forecast the housing market, with the rates so low the market is starting to pick up again. So if you are thinking of selling or buying a home, now would be a good time to take action. In addition, you might want to take advantage of the traditionally more active seasonal market with spring only weeks away.
If you'd like to get together to talk about it, please call or email our team. Or if you hear of any family, friends or work colleagues who are considering a move and would … (0 comments)