While speaking with one of my prospective relocation clients, "Maggie" asked me some questions about employment opportunities in the metropolitan Columbia area. I said to myself......"This is good information for those moving to the Palmetto State." Hence.....
Here is my Top 10 List of Metropolitan Columbia Employers.
NOTE: This post is not meant to be an endorsement for any company. This is my unscientific observation of the Columbia Job Market.
1. State of South Carolina
2. United States Army - Fort Jackson
3. Palmetto Health System
4. BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina
6. City of Columbia, South Carolina
7. SCANA/SCE&G
8. The University of South Carolina
9. South Carolina Department of Corrections
10. Richland County, South Carolina
For more information on the Top Employers by South Carolina Counties, please feel free to visit the South Carolina Employment Security Commission.
From the author of The Patterson Files
It's official! After a stimulating and, at times, heated debate in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, The State Newspaper has endorsed the presidential campaign of Senator Barack Obama from Illinois.
What is your reaction to this news? Please post your comments.
Staff Writer Ben Smith with The Politico reported this endorsement news on his blog. One of the reactions included the following quote...
"I am a Republican and would gladly work with Obama......."
Congratulations Senator Obama! I wish you much success on this journey called life and your pursuit to become the 44th President of the United States of America.
If you like reading this type of information, SUBSCRIBE to this blog.
Click Here for The Patterson Files HOMEPAGE.
In 2008, State Senators John M. "Jake" Knotts, Jr. and Nikki G. Setzler hope to pass legislation that would give college tuition assistance to a select number of Palmetto State students. Knotts and Setzler would like to see military children receive an opportunity to obtain an education at a state college or university. The proposed legislation would impact children of military members that are classified as one of the following categories:
Senator Knotts hopes a Senate Subcommittee will consider the proposed bill in the near future. Please write or call your South Carolina State Senator or House Member to communicate your opinion on this topic.
From the author of The Patterson Files
After reading a post from my Guest Contributor Jorge Merlos on my outside blog, I had an epiphany. I hadn't given my readers a real life example of a reputable loan officer in the Columbia area. Hence....this post is dedicated to correcting my faux pas.
There is a lady that is unique in several ways and brings her artistic creativity to the world of mortgage lending.
Let me introduce you to Leah Avery with Bank of America. She can be reached at (803) 255-7759 or you can email her at LEAH.AVERY@BANKOFAMERICA.COM
Patterson Group has teamed with Leah and her fellow loan officers to market a full range of banking products and real estate services to Columbia, South Carolina real estate home buyers.
Leah is a Columbia native and a Graduate of The University of South Carolina. Yes...Clemson Fans. Leah will still get you a great mortgage for your home.
Leah will meet to discuss your financial needs and analyze your credit and financial information in preparation to obtain the best mortgage option for your purchase while minimizing closing costs.
Leah sent me this list of items to post. This is some information and/or documents needed to assist her efforts to help you.
*2 years W-2s...Most loan programs will require that the borrower provide only the previous year's W-2 statement. However, some government programs will want to review two years. If you are self employed, you'll need to bring your entire return for the previous 2 years.
*Bank Statements...Lenders require a 60 day history of all active bank accounts. It is with these documents that funds to close are verified, etc.
*Current pay stub...Pay stub(s) will assist the lender in verifying monthly gross income, as well as what the borrower has earned year to date. Most loan programs will require only one pay stub, while several government programs request pay stubs for the previous 30 days.
*Driver's License...Your lender will verify your name, address, etc. with your driver's license. Please be sure to take your license to closing as the attorney may also verify your information.
*Other Income...If your qualification is based on other forms of income including child support payments, bring documentation (cancelled checks, etc.) to prove verification of such income.
The process of applying for a mortgage can be the source of much anxiety.
If you plan to meet with any lender in the near future, these aforementioned documents should be with you upon arriving at the lender's office. This will contribute to expediting approval of your mortgage application.
From the author of The Patterson Files
Do you remember the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006?
This signed legislation will allow 2008 and 2009 homebuyers to deduct premiums paid for mortgage insurance - which typically is required when homebuyers purchase a home with less than a 20% down payment.
This new insurance premium deduction will only apply to mortgage insurance contracts issued in 2008 and 2009 and is only available to taxpayers whose adjusted gross income does not exceed $110,000 ($55,000 for married taxpayers filing separately).
For more information about H.R. 6111 (look in Act 419-Code 163-6050H) , contact your CPA or tax attorney.
From the author of The Patterson Files
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Through constant commitment to your real estate goals, my mission is to become one of the most trusted, best trained, solutions oriented Brokers in Columbia. Have referrals? Consider this CRS
My name is David Patterson. I am Broker Associate and Technology Chairman on the Associate Leadership Council (ALC) for Keller Williams Realty in Columbia SC. Let me take a moment to tell you about my experiences, hobbies and professional mission statement.
I was born and raised in Southern West Virginia. I attended Mount View High School and was Defensive Captain of the First Playoff Team in MVHS Golden Knight Football History. How would I rate our first defensive performance? Mount View 12 -- #4 Martinsburg ZERO!
I obtained my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics (Computer Science Minor) from Queens University in Charlotte, North Carolina. Queens is truly a community and an extended family of diverse backgrounds (we miss you Dr. Billy O. Wireman).
After Queens, I launched my Information Technology career with NationsBank (Bank of America), ADS Financial Services Solutions, Quick Solutions, Inc. and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.
Currently, I am a real estate Broker with Keller Williams Realty in Columbia, South Carolina. My mission statement is to become one of the most trusted, best trained, solutions oriented real estate broker in South Carolina. What makes me qualified to publish this blog?
I have been awarded the prestigious Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation by the largest not-for-profit affiliate of the National Association of Realtors.
DAVID PATTERSON LOVES HELPING FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS and FORT JACKSON PCS AND JOB RELOCATION MOVES TO COLUMBIA AND IRMO SC! [click here to watch a video testimonial from one of my relocation clients]
I've been awarded the Certificate of Professionalism by the Greater Columbia Association of Realtors. GCAR recognizes some of its members for their participation in educational opportunities which sets us apart as professionals with the knowledge and skills to provide clients with the best possible service.
Also, I am a licensed real estate instructor with the Real Estate School for Success. If you are interested in getting your real estate license, read Darleen McCullen's post on obtaining your real estate license. Who knows.....I might have a role on my team for you.
Enough about my business side! What does David do for fun? 
Like the O'Jays..........I LOVE MUSIC! All types.....Old and new! RIP....Gerald Levert! If you're interested in some of my favorite songs, VISIT MY SQUIDOO LENS.
I'm an avid sports fan! Some of my favorites include:
Kevin Garnett - KG....You are "CERTIFIED"!!!
The Atlanta Braves - Let's get back to the glorious days known as the 1990s.
The Pittsburgh Steelers - BORN & RAISED a Steeler fan.
I can't claim too many hobbies. However, I enjoy......
Old game shows such as Match Game, Family Feud, the bonus game on the $100,000 Pyramid. One day.....I'd like for you to see me achieve my goal of appearing on a game show.
Playing Golf.....However, it is hard to play as much as I like. What's my handicap? My drive off the tee!
Traveling - I will save my Top 10 Destinations for a future blog post.
Spending time with my friends and family. My mother has 9 brothers and 5 sisters. Family reunions and holidays are truly fun. Oh...I don't want to forget one of my favorite members of my family. Introducing my niece Amaya Jade Martin
She's going to be a superstar! In what field? Whatever she chooses!
That's me in a nutshell. Please feel free to contact me with your real estate questions or requests. Until we meet, my prayer for you can be found at III John 1:2
"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."
Other than publishing one of the few ACTIVE blogs in Columbia, South Carolina (The Patterson Files)....
David specializes in FREE Buyer Representation and FREE Buyer Counseling for First-Time Home Buyers, Growing Families Needing to Sell and Purchase a Bigger Home AND Relocation Clients (From California, to Chicago, to New York and beyond....). David also has experience serivcing members of the military that are stationed at the United States Army Training Center (Fort Jackson) in Columbia, South Carolina and participates in the Real Estate Military Advantage Program.
CLICK HERE FOR A VIDEO TESTIMONIAL!
'Patterson Group provides excellent service. Everything was done that could be and was done in a timely, professional manner. Even Mark Thomas (Closing Attorney) did and adequate and wonderful job. Thanks to Patterson Group for changing our negative feelings about buying/selling a home. YOU GUYS WERE AWESOME!' -- SSG Jarrett C. Vandi - US Army
"David will always be the agent we will choose. We've already spoke to him about our next purchase and the sell of our home when we're ready. Our encounters made us feel good about our choice." E. Lewis - Columbia, SC
"We cannot say enough wonderful things about David. He made himself available to us regardless of how many times we had to go back to the drawing board. He remained patient and courteous. He listened to what we wanted and could afford. He was persistent until he found us the perfect home. He is very competent in his job and that gave us a peace of mind! We would recommend him to family and friends." Sherry L. - Columbia
‘As a real estate investor, David better understood what properties fit my strategies. Thinking about other agents...they could take lessons from David.' Charles H.-Elgin, SC
‘Patience and Professionalism. It has been a breath of fresh air to work with someone who had our best interest at heart. It definitely is the start of a good business relationship and friendship.' Katherine A. - Columbia, SC
‘When I think about our real estate experience, what stands out the most is David's patience and professionalism. He kept us informed along the way and did everything to ease our mind.'
"I would like to thank your organization for the opportunity to buy
our first home with you, above all I would like to say that our realtor
David Patterson help us and really made us feel that we could depend on
someone in the most difficult process of a life time which is to purchase a
home, he looked out for our best interest while staying professional at all
times, I felt like he was our big brother. I know that if any one needs to
buy a home I will refer them to David Patterson without hesitation. Please
keep people like David working for families like ours."
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