Columbia SC Homes for Sale by David Patterson

March 16, 2009 marks the fourth day of "Save the Dream" at the Carolina Coliseum. This event was organized by the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA) as an attempt to minimize the number of home foreclosures in metropolitan Columbia, SC.

For some....."It was just a blessing..." Before attending the event, one homeowner was looking at making payments on a 12.3% Adjustable Rate Mortgage. After meeting with NACA mortgage counselors, this homeowner was able to obtain a fixed-rate mortgage and reduce their mortgage payment by 40%.

Unfortunately, there are many others throughout this country that were not able to attend this event or obtain a loan modification.

If you are one of those homeowners, let me give you some advice.

DON'T THROW IN THE TOWEL!

You do not want a foreclosure on your credit history. It could have a devastating impact on your credit, job searches and future ability to make purchases. From a mortgage lending perspective, here are the current Fannie Mae Guidelines.

If you have a foreclosure on your credit, you are DISQUALIFIED for any Fannie Mae lending products for FIVE (5) YEARS!

For the sixth and seventh year after your foreclosure, you must have a minimum credit score of 685 and will be required to make a 10% down payment. Therefore, if you wanted to buy the average $145,000 home in Columbia SC, you would be required to make a $14,500 down payment.

Please Note ---- That $14,500 is a down payment. That amount would not include any mortgage lending and attorney closing costs.

For those of you attempting to prevent this situation from occurring in your life, you should consider SHORT SALE NEGOTIATIONS. By completing a short sale, Americans could have the opportunity to regroup after two years and make another attempt at the American Dream.

Do you and your home qualify for short sales negotiations? For more information, please feel free to give me a call at (803) 960-5231.

While responding to my weekend emails, I received my daily email update from THE PROBLOGGER HIMSELF Darren Rowse. What was today's topic?

Seven Tips for Writing About Politics - A Guest Post by Allen McDuffee

Allen McDuffee writes for The Nation, Mother Jones and the New York Observer.

When reading the title of Mr. McDuffee's article, I was reminded of my Open Letter to Commenter #44 on last Monday. Though I'm not a big fan of political blogging on this platform, momma taught me to not place my standards on others. Hence, let's agree to set some rules.

Rule One - RESPRECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS!

Rule Two - Blog by The Golden Rule!

After these two rules, I'm open to suggestions from Mr. McDuffee and my ActiveRain Family.

1. Should we be blogging about politics on this platform?

2. If we are going to use ActiveRain as a political soapbox, what rules would your recommend?

Thanks for reading and contributing. Have A Great Week!

"Where have you been David Patterson?" This has been a frequently asked question over the last two weeks. Some ask that question in a literal sense.

‘David....I've been trying to touch base with you. Where have you been?'

‘David....You've been on my mind. I hadn't heard from you. I checked your blog. Your activity has decreased. Are you well?'

Members of the David Patterson Inner Circle have asked this question in a figurative sense.

‘David......You don't seem yourself. Are you okay? What's on your mind?'

For those asking these and other related questions, THANKS!

From a literal perspective, I've had to make several trips away from Columbia to improve my business and "to handle some business".

Keller Williams Family Reunion in Orlando during February 2009 was one of those trips. For my first Family Reunion, I was more than overwhelmed by the talent, energy and mindset that dominated the Orange County Convention Center over that five-day period.

"What was you're A-HA Moment?" is another common questions asked. My answer can be very terrifying.

Other than being a prolific guitar player, Keller Williams Founder Gary Keller made a very sobering statement during his Vision Speech on Sunday, February 22, 2009.

‘The next 180 Days will be the most difficult in your real estate career!'

"Wait a minute, Gary! The last 180 days have been the most difficult in my career."

That was my first reaction. However, Gary gave something to me that wasn't offered at my last company. Gary issued a warning.....A Call to Arms!

If you want to be in this business after Labor Day 2009, you must have a plan that requires consistent performance of tasks that will sustain and grow your business.

I'll share some Family Reunion tidbits in future posts that will provide help in dealing with the next 180 days.

In the meantime.......

Stay Tuned..............Stay Motivated................and.............Stay Positive!

Remember..............PASSION and PERSISTENCE!

Keller Williams Columbia extends to you

a personal invitation to join KW Carolinas Regional Director Janet Faulk

and the Associate Leadership Council of Keller Williams Columbia

for a CASUAL Information Session about Keller Williams, THE SHIFT

and an Overview of The Millionaire Real Estate Agent.

--- CLICK HERE FOR JANET'S PERSONAL MESSAGE TO YOU ---

Janet Faulk will talk about the launch of her career in 1994 and the path from Century 21 to Keller Williams and a 7th level team. Following her presentation there will be a question and answer session.

Hors D'oeurves will be provided and there will be a Cash Bar.

RSVP at brokerdave@davidpatterson.net or call David Patterson at (803) 217-0948

Are you interested in Keller Williams Career Opportunities, but you can't attend Janet Faulk's Career Night? Please call Career Development Chairman David Patterson for your private question and answer session.

For those of you that look forward to reading my inspirational posts, you might be disappointed in this offering. Over the last 48 hours, I've been bombarded with "Facebook 25 Things About Me" tags. I took a subset of my first 25 Things List and responded to a recent MeMe request.

When I awoke on this morning and completed my workout, I logged into Facebook and found myself tagged two more times.

Other than presenting the benefits of hiring Keller Williams Broker Associate David Patterson for his real estate services and knowledge, I am uncomfortable with talking about David.

Hence, I need your help!

I am giving you an opportunity to ask burning questions about me.

Whatever the question? Place them in the comments section with your email address.

Ask Many. Ask Often.

When I have twenty-five answers, I will personally contact you with an "I'm About to Post 25 Things About Me" alert.

I look forward to fielding your questions.

Enjoy & Have Fun!