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Edwin Gerace

Home Buyer and Seller Seminars for Lexington SC

06-24-10
Edwin Gerace

Residential Home Selling / Buying Educational Seminars

PRESS RELEASE

Free Home Buying and Selling Seminars are being offered to the public at the Lexington County Library's main branch.

Buyer Seminar Topics to include Selecting the right home, Selecting a mortgage, Information on Grants, Understanding contracts, Explain who is representing you and much more. As well as information about the $7,500 Down Payment Assistance Program, Lexington County Grant Program, and many other sources of down payment assistance.

Seller Seminar Topics to include: Free Market Analysis, Secrets to Selling, Reduce Stress when selling your home, Learn Value of Correct Pricing, Private consultation and much more

The seminar will have a host of professionals in the home buying process to offer FREE information on home ownership.

Free Home Buyer Seminar is being offered at the Lexington County Library.

Address is 5440 Augusta Road, Lexington, SC 29072 Library Phone is (803) 785-2600

Directions: Located off Hwy 1 in Lexington approximately 1.5 miles from Exit 58 on I-20

The seminar will be available for Churches, groups, civic organizations and others on request.

There will be an additional seminar for learning the short Sale process for buyers and sellers by appointment,

Call 609-7653 to reserve your spot.

The schedules for the following seminars are as follows:

Seller Seminar

June 28, Lexington Library 6:00pm-7:30pm

July 26, Lexington Library 6:00pm-7:30pm

Aug 16, Lexington Library 6:00pm-7:30pm

Buyer Seminar

June 19, Lexington Library 6:00pm-7:30pm

Aug 23, Lexington Library 6:00pm-7:30pm

These seminars are FREE but please RSVP due to the demand.

Follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/lexingtonsc

Visit http://www.edwingerace.com/sellerseminar

For more information 803-957-5566 or 803-609-7653

South Carolina Summer Festivals

04-15-10
Edwin Gerace

Upcoming Events Section

Apr 17: Spring Bonanza - McCormick - local music, hot air tethered balloon rides, balloon sculptor, art & crafts, food

Apr 17: Touch-A-Truck - Columbia - kids will have fun exploring big rigs and

Apr 17-25: Striped Bass Festival - Manning - fireworks, dances, parade, children's rides,"Miss Striped Bass"

Apr 22: Thursday Night ReLeaf - Greenville - food, drinks, entertainment - a tree is planted in Greenville Co. for each ticket sold

Apr 22-24: Artista Vista - Columbia - 'crawl' the galleries of the Vista, many with refreshments and performing arts

April 22-24: Rholetter's Spring Bluegrass Festival - Long Creek in Oconee County - bluegrass bands, open jams - camping too!

Apr 22-24: South Carolina BBQ-Shag Festival - Hemingway - cook-offs, fireworks, rides, pageant

Apr 23: Wine Tasting at Riverbanks Botanical Garden - Columbia - plus food from local chefs and music

Apr 23-25: Colleton County Rice Festival - Walterboro - parade, crafts, 5K Rice Run, cooking contest, fireworks, street dance

Apr 24: Congaree Arts Festival - Columbia - State Museum displays artwork by South Carolina artists

Apr 24: Hilton Head Seafood Fest - Gourmet food, live music, "Iron Chef" competition, farmers' market, crab races, kid zone

Apr 24: Soft Shell Crab Festival - Port Royal - food, crafts, community booths

Apr 24: Sparkleberry Country Fair - Columbia - petting zoo, rides, food, crafts, tractors - proceeds benefit local schools

Apr 29 - May 1: Spring Festival on the Square - Abbeville - carnival rides, antique cars, talent show, Swingin' Medallions concert

Apr 29 - May 2: Black Cowboy Man or Myth African-American Festival - Rembert - concerts, horse show, period demonstrations

Apr 29 - May 2: Piedmont Plant and Flower Festival - Greenville State Farmers' Market - click, then scroll down

Apr 29 - May 2: SC Strawberry Festival - Fort Mill - "Strawberry Jam" music, rides, pageant, recipe & eating contests, fireworks

Apr 30 - May 1: Greer Family Fest - Live music, children's parade, KidsZone, Creation Station, arts & crafts, restaurant row

Apr 30 - May 1: Taste of Beaufort - Friday night is "Shag Night", dishes from local restaurants, 5K run

Apr 30 - May 2: Orangeburg Festival of Roses - Petting zoo, arts & crafts, airplane rides, Princess & Queen of Roses

Apr 30 - May 2: Spring Fling - Spartanburg - street festival - dozens of bands, art show, kids' carnival, food court

May 1: Charleston Dog Show - Demonstrations, exhibits, competition - proceeds benefit local animal rescue organizations
Learn more about how you can save an animal and help South Carolina's animal rescue organizations

May 1: Cinco De Mayo - Charleston - Mexican cuisine, salsa band, DJ, "Dancing with the Local Stars," professional dancers - benefit

May 1: Greer Family Fest - Live music, children's parade, KidsZone, Creation Station, arts & crafts, restaurant row

May 1: Heart & Sole Women's Five Miler - Columbia - run/walk 3 or 5 miles to raise heart disease awareness, post-race expo & celebration

May 1: Lowcountry Shrimp Festival & Blessing of the Fleet - McClellanville - entertainment, art, kids' corner, food

May 1: Miles of Hope - Rock Hill - 5K run or 1-mile fun run - benefits area hospice care patients

May 1: Peach Blossom Festival - Johnston - parade, rides and games, arts & crafts, food vendors, live entertainment

May 1: Rosewood Crawfish Festival - Columbia - kids' area, Creole & Cajun cuisine, live music, 'Crawdaddy Dash', pole vaulting - benefit

May 1: Spirit of South Carolina Adult Education Sail - PDF - Charleston - learn about marine science and maritime history

May 1: Spring Festival on the Square - Abbeville - amusement rides, antique car show, local performers, Swingin' Medallions concert

May 1: St. Francis Mud Run - Greenville - 4-person teams, kids' course - benefits Goodwill Foundation & Marine Toys for Tots Foundation

May 1: Taste of Beaufort - Features dishes from 15 local restaurants, live music, 5K race in the morning

May 1: Tour de Cure - Little Mountain - bicycling with choice of 4 routes, 5 miles to 100 miles - for American Diabetes Association

May 1-2: Battle for Columbia - Sandy Run - Civil War reenactment, period demonstrations, exhibits - don't forget your lawn chair

May 1-2: Black Cowboy Man or Myth African American Festival - Rembert - concerts, horse show, period demonstrations, and food

May 1-2: Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach Adoptathon - Reduced adoption rates - see some of the animals

May 1-2: Orangeburg Festival of Roses - Kids' area with inflatables, arts & crafts, car show, airplane rides, Princess & Queen of Roses

May 1-2: Piedmont Plant and Flower Festival - Greenville State Farmers' Market - click, then scroll down

May 1-2: South Carolina Strawberry Festival - Fort Mill - "Strawberry Jam" music, rides, pageant, recipe & eating contests, fireworks

May 1-2: Spring Fling - Spartanburg - street festival - dozens of bands, art show, kids' carnival, food court, Rock Band competition

May 1-8: North Charleston Arts Festival - Over 40 performances at various venues, art exhibits, kids' activities, fireworks

May 3: Government Finance Officers Association of SC Spring Conference - Columbia - seminars, networking

May 3 - Jun 5: Allendale Paleoamerican Expedition - Near Martin - help excavate the Topper Archaeological Site

May 6-8: South Carolina Poultry Festival - Batesburg-Leesville - parade, fireworks, chicken calling and Cook-Cluck-Win-A-Buck contests

May 7: Bid for a Cure - Columbia - wine tasting, silent auction - benefits South Carolina Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

May 7: Relay For Life of Clarendon County - Manning - benefits American Cancer Society

May 7-8: Allendale County Spring Cooter Fest - "Carolina Cooter" turtle races, carnival rides and games, live music, parade, fireworks

May 7-8: Walterboro Rodeo - Local riders welcome

May 7-9: Artisphere - Greenville - visual arts, live performances, opening night gala, 'Kidsphere' area, local restaurants

May 7-16: Myrtle Beach Bike Week and Spring Rally - Murrells Inlet - motorcycles - view City of Myrtle Beach's rules & ordinances

May 8: Bluegrass on the Waccamaw - Conway - live music festival, plus workshops, encouraging all to bring a lawn chair

May 8: Bluffton Village Festival - live music, children's activities, art vendors, ugly dog contest, Civil War reenactment, after hours party

May 8: Dragon Boat Charleston Festival - 250-meter paddling races celebrate cancer survivors

May 8: Lancaster Area Literacy Cooperative 5K Race for Literacy - Race location is USC-Lancaster - benefits increasing literacy efforts

May 8: Mayfest on Main - North Myrtle Beach - street festival with live music, car show, community stage, children's area, crafts, food

May 8: Ride for the Rack Breast Cancer Benefit - Spartanburg - poker run, auction, music, professional bull riding and barrel racing

May 9: Mother's Day - Sunday - Hooray Moms!

May 10: Confederate Memorial Day - Monday - observed state holiday

May 11-12: InnoVenture Southeast Conference - Greenville - information to assist small and medium enterprises grow

May 13-16: BMW Charity Pro-Am - Spartanburg - golf tournament benefits 99 charities - $7.3 million raised over the last 9 years!

May 13-16: Charleston Lindy Exchange - Lindy hop, balboa, blues dancing at various venues - DJs & live music

May 13-16: Greek Festival - Greenville - live music, folk dancing, children's rides, arts & crafts, tours, and lots of food!

May 14-15: Blue Ridge Fest - Pickens - music, food, car cruise-in, motorcycle ride - benefiting 13 local charities

May 15: Angel Walk - Mount Pleasant - 5K walk, pre-event expo, post-walk festival - for MUSC medulloblastoma research

May 15: Cateechee Fest - Ninety Six - honoring Native American heritage, performers, costume & tee-pee contests, plus Model A cars

May 15: HOGS Gone Wild Rally For The Rugrats - Myrtle Beach - motorcycles - benefits Toys For Tots & Freedom Alliance Scholarship

May 15: Strawberry Festival - Slater, Greenville County - pancake breakfast, music, food, arts & crafts

May 15: Tour de Midlands - Lexington - bicycling with choice of 4 routes, 15 miles to 102 miles - benefits Lexington Greenways Alliance

May 15-16: Blue Crab Festival - Little River - live music, arts & crafts, kids' area, food, community booths, car & motorcycle show

May 15-16: Carolina Children's Home BBQ Cook-Off Festival - Columbia - music, kids' activities, "Save the Pigs Party" - benefit
Learn more about barbeque in South Carolina

May 20-24: Greenwood Music Festival - "Vive La France!" - concerts, opera, movie - at various venues

May 21-22: Chesnee Festival - Midway rides, BBQ cookoff, live entertainment - benefits Kop's Kids Organization & Boys and Girls Club

May 28-30: Gullah Festival - Beaufort - entertainment, food, local tours, forums, plays

May 28-31: Freedom Weekend Aloft - Simpsonville - hot-air balloons, concerts, fun zone, disc dog nationals, amusement rides, car show

May 28 - Jun 13: Spoleto Festival USA - Charleston - international arts festival, performing and visual arts <!-- click for <a href="http://tickets.spoletousa.org/eventperformances.asp?evt=130" mce_href="http://tickets.spoletousa.org/eventperformances.asp?evt=130">available discounts</a-->

May 29: Invitational Golf Tournament - Longs - four-man captain's choice - benefits Cedar Branch Community Empowerment Center

May 31: National Memorial Day - Monday - state and federal holidaySui

Short Sales, Lexington SC, Edwin Gerace

10-01-09
Edwin Gerace
Short Sales and the Economy..................... In my recent Blog post on short sales, I mentioned educating yourself on the process. The process changes everyday. Most agents see short sales as a nuisance but I see it as an opportunity to become a specialist in a growing area of real estate. I read in the October 2009 Keeping Current Matters, Quick Report a quote by Albert Einstein that made me think of my short sale learning experience. “If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough." Edwin Gerace will understand short sales well enough to explain it simply to buyers and sellers! Thanks Albert Einstein for helping me define my goal in short sale training!

Short Sale Lexington, SC.................................. Last year I had clients wanting to buy a short sale home. The contract was ratified mid July and we finally heard from the bank after my clients had given up. They had waited close to 4 months. My client selling his home in a short sale has been assured by his bank that they can give an answer back to the buyers in less than 30 days. What a difference a year makes! Completed short sales in the first half of 2009 was up over 208 % over the first half of 2008. Banks are understanding that the foreclosure process does not bring a higher price than a simpler, less costly short sale. Finally I have been working with professionals in the area from Attorneys to Loss Mitigation Specialist to other Banking Professionals. I have done allot of work to figure how to help out sellers in special financial situations, and how to help guide buyers through the short sale process.

Myths about Short Sales
1- They Move Fast
2- Buyers get a huge deal on homes
Truths about Short Sales
1- There are many to come in the future
2- They do take time
3- You need someone to help you sell or buy one
4- You get a home at a fair price (market price or lower)

To learn more about Short Sales and how to sell your home when times are tough and you want to avoid Bankruptcy.

Edwin Gerace
mail@609sold.com
www.EdwinGerace.com
803-609-SOLD
Follow me on Twitter www.Twitter.com/edwingerace

Edwin Gerace Reional Vice President for South Carolina Realtors

09-21-09
Edwin Gerace

PRESS RELEASE
Russell and Jeffcoat Realtors, Lexington, SC
Ph. (803) 957-5566 Fax (803) 957-4759

For Immediate Release For More Information, contact:
September 22, 2009 Edwin Gerace, 803-609-7653

Edwin Gerace Regional Vice President of SCR, region 3.

Edwin Gerace of Russell and Jeffcoat Realtors has been appointed as Regional Vice President, Region 3, for the South Carolina Associations of Realtors

Columbia, SC - August 22, 2009 - Edwin Gerace of Russell and Jeffcoat Realtors in the Lexington Office was appointed to Region 3, Regional Vice President for South Carolina Realtor Association. His duties include working within his region representing and educating his fellow realtors. "My goal is to help educate the members on the benefits to the state association, and be their voice at the state level", stated Edwin Gerace.

His Region will cover Aiken Board of Realtors, Central Midlands Association of Realtors, and N. Augusta/Belvedere Association of Realtors and Southern Midlands Association of Realtors.

"I encourage all realtors to be involved in their local association and state association, we as a group can make a difference", stated Edwin Gerace.

Follow Edwin on Twitter http://twitter.com/EdwinGerace

Follow us on Facebook www.Facebooke.com/edwin.gerace

For more information contact Edwin Gerace at 803-609-7653

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Lexington County South Carolina Home Buyer Assistance Program

07-26-09
Edwin Gerace

Lexington County South Carolina Home Buyer Assistance Program

Lexington Community Development
Accepting Applications
for the Homeownership Assistance Program

Lexington County is accepting applications for its new Homebuyer Assistance Program. Funding for the program is provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) HOME Investment Partnerships Program. Assistance will be provided in the amount of $5,000 on a first-come/first-served basis for eligible applicants.

For More information and or to receive an information and informational brochure contact Edwin Gerace via email at mail@609sold.com

Funding for the Homeownership Assistance Program is Provided by HUD's HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME). HOME is the largest Federal block grant to State and local governments designed exclusively to create affordable housing for low-income households. HOME provides formula grants to states and local governments. The funds are used, often in partnership with local nonprofit groups, to fund a wide range of activities that build, buy, and/or rehabilitate affordable housing for rent or homeownership or provide direct rental assistance to low-income people.

For More information and or to receive an information and informational brochure contact Edwin Gerace via email at mail@609sold.com

General eligibility requirements to receive assistance for this new program are:
The home must be located within Lexington County.
The home must be occupied as the primary residence of the applicant.
The home must meet, at a minimum, Section 8 Housing Quality Standards (HQS). A Lexington County Building Inspector will assess the home to determine compliance with quality standards. If corrective work is required, all work to address HQS violations must be completed prior to the closing date. Down payment assistance funds cannot be used for minor repairs or to correct violations.
Homes purchased with assistance through this program must meet the HUD Single Family Mortgage Limits under 203 (b) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1709(b)). The County's maximum purchase price for a home is currently $144,584 for a single-family dwelling (95% of the median area's purchase). Homes that exceed this cost are not eligible for assistance through this program.
An appraisal must be done on the subject home/property. The home must appraise for at least the value of the purchase price.
Homes selected for purchase must be built after 1978.

For More information and or to receive an information and informational brochure contact Edwin Gerace via email at mail@609sold.com


The Homeownership Assistance Program is administered through the County of Lexington's Community Development Department. The program provides funding to eligible first-time homebuyers to assist with down payment and/or closing costs. A first-time homebuyer is defined as one who does not presently own a home or land, nor has previously owned a home or land with in the last three (3) years. At the time of application to the Community Development Department, an applicant also cannot have an existing purchase contract on a home.

For More information and or to receive an information and informational brochure contact Edwin Gerace via email at mail@609sold.com