David C. Stinson

What a shame: two great shops in downtown Aiken will be closing soon. Women's Echoes and The Old Aiken Market are each closing their doors in the coming week. Both shops offered excellent inventory in great locations, and they will both be missed. What a shame that the economy is squeezing these fine retail centers out-of-business.

Nick Kremydas (South Carolina Association of Realtors) reported today that BMW is adding two production shifts at its assembly plant in Spartanburg, requiring 700 new workers! (http://bit.ly/duk21). SRS is adding about three times that many here in Aiken this year. Despite high unemployment in rural areas nearby, both of these should help our regional housing market. The SRS hires have already removed a lot of homes from our local inventory by taking them off the market and converting them to long-term rentals.

I have had a dramatic increase in showings at my listings in recent weeks. Traditionally, my business relies upon referrals and internet 'hits'. Most of my Buyer clients come to me as a referred client or discover me on-line. Lately, however, I am experienceing a tremendous rise in the number of 'sign calls.' These calls are coming from Buyers who are out scanning their favorite neighborhoods, looking for attractive properties. It is interesting that so many Buyers are now reverting to an old-fashioned method of shopping. It is a wonderful challenge for me to meet Buyers in person and win them over as new clients.