Kim Peasley-Parker

This morning we woke up to a balmy 18 degrees that felt like single digits with wind chill. In the south, we are just not used to these temperatures and that includes our outside pets.

Tonight, the weather forecast is for single digit temps without a wind chill. Here are some helpful hints to prevent problems around the house.

First, remember your outside pets and give them a source of heat or put them in a warmer location for the night.

Second, water pipes can freeze. In SC we don't normally wrap pipes like people do in northern climates. If you have an outside pump, be sure to place a heat source (Like a light bulb, but not touching anything) near it. Also some protection or insulation around it to prevent the pump, lines and water tank from freezing.

Third, if you have water pipes in the outside walls of your home or live in a home with water pipes in the crawl space, be sure to let the cold water drip slowly from a faucet. Running water freezes slower than water not moving. Also it helps if you have water pipes in an outside wall if you open the cabinet doors or vanity doors to allow some warm air into the area.

Outside faucets should be protected if possible. Also any hoses outside should be disconnected from the faucets and any hose end attachments removed. If possible place the hoses in the garage of drain any water from them.

A little prevention in this cold snap can go a long way.

PS We might have snow on Sunday, this will mean a run on the grocery stores. Stock up early if you need supplies.

December proved again to be a slower month in the Sumter, SC real estate market. This has been true of our market for the last three out of five Decembers. The beginning of December was slow with not many buyers out searching for a home, but the end of the year went out on a positive note with more and more showings of homes that were listed.

The number of units sold in December decreased slightly from November with 57 units closing in December vs. the 59 in November. With the holidays, I was not expecting a large change in numbers, so this did not surprise me.

The number of listings in December was up from Novembers' 104 to 107. November and December both had fewer listings than any of the remaining months in 2008. The number of new listings followed the same trend as the number of sales with only 2004 and 2007 showing increases in December over November. I would hope to see the numbers of listings to stay lower, but January has proven to show an increase in listings consistently year after year.

The number of units sold during 2008 has proven to remain consistently below prior years. Even though the overall trend for the year is consistent with prior years, the total numbers of units closed is lower.

Sumter remains in a buyers' market. Interest rates are at lows we haven't seen in years and money is still available for qualified buyers. Given the market we are in, many buyers are able to purchase a home with no money down and having the seller cover the buyers' closing costs. With $500 earnest money, a buyer can secure a contract on a home and then possibly close with the earnest money returned to the buyer. The $7500 tax credit is still available through the beginning of 2009, adding even more incentive to locate your dream home and become a home owner. Many options are still available for home buyers, it is a matter of working with a qualified mortgage lender and a Realtor to put you on the track to your dream of owning a home.

Copyright®, January 2009, Kim Peasley-Parker.

November was a slower month for the Sumter Real Estate Market. This follows most Novembers in the past several years when the market slows in November and December due to the holidays. Buyers are still out looking, but the activity is not very steady.

The number of units sold in November was considerably lower than the units sold in October (59 vs.80). When looking at the units sold per month history, November is lower than October since 2004. December is a strange month in some years prior closings in December have increased over November closings, some years have stayed the same and on has decreased.

The number of listings in November was down from 161 in both September and October to 104 in November. November listings has been up, down or the same over October listings during the past 4 years so I don't see a real trend there. As for a prediction of the December listings, I would normally predict them to be lower than November, but in 2007 the number of listings in December actually increased over November listings.

Sumter County remains below the 2004 sales levels with the total number of units closed. The trends on the units sold chart indicate we are closely following the trends in late 2007 but at a lower number of units closed.

Sumter is still in a buyers market, with the number of new listings outpacing the units sold. What does this mean for the consumer? Not to sound like a broken record, but the interest rates are low and the home inventories are high. It is a great time to look for a home to purchase and take advantage of the market. Is there credit available? Yes, if you have income and a good credit score. Subprime mortgages are a thing of the past, but there are many other options available for the home buyers. I can help you to locate a mortgage lender who is familiar with all the programs available and determine the best financing for you and your family. Call me today for more information, 803-840-7519.

Copyright®, December 2008, Kim Peasley-Parker.

Things I am Thankful for this Year...

1. A great husband. My husband and I have not been married a long time, but during our few short years together we have been through a LOT. But through all, he has been there with me holding my hand and making me thankful to have him with me. Plus he really kicked into overdrive today and helped cook most of our dinner.
2. A successful surgery. My husband has lived in back pain for so many years he can't remember. He was further injured on the job in 2005 to the point of having to leave full time employment and try to get some long term action done with his back. He was in constant pain since the accident and we had to fight for worker's comp coverage. He finally was able to have surgery this year and the talented and skilled doctor (another thing to be thankful for) did a disc replacement and fusion. He is now free of pain in his back!
3. My family. They have stood beside me my entire life and have rallied even more when I needed them over the past couple of years. I also think I have some of the greatest parents in the world. When I look at all they have taught me in life, I only hope I can be as good a parent.
4. My friends and internet friends. Again, many have stood beside me during the past couple of years and caught me when I started to fall. They have always had an encouraging word for me and helped me to stay positive.
5. Liz and Boyd Loadholt. Liz and Boyd founded AgentOwned Realty. I started with the company almost a year ago and what a journey it has been. Liz and Boyd are some of the most outstanding and honest people that I know. Liz has a great knowledge of real estate and people skills. Boyd has people skills as well as a great business sense. Together they have developed a brokerage that is focused on the agents and making their lives better. They have done what I never thought would be possible in real estate.
6. Madeline Marie. Miss Maddie as we have nicknamed her is due to arrive in February. She was an unexpected gift that has brightened our lives all ready and make us ready to get up and go out in this crazy world some days.
7. My prior clients and future clients. You brighten my days and really let me know my efforts in this business make a difference in your lives. I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people who appreciate my efforts.
8. Our office and the Manning and Santee Office. Holly who keeps us all straight and Kirk who has worked so hard to bring in more agents to our office. For Manning and Santee for offering me a temporary home while I was in transition until the Sumter office opened. You guys gave me a wonderfully warm welcome to the AgentOwned family and hold a special place in my heart!
9. Our Military Members and others who serve. There are no holidays for many of you and we appre ciate all you do for each and every one of us. For those far from home, remember you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Though everyone's business could be better, we can all find so much to be thankful for. We live in a great country and have many opportunities before us as well as many challenges. Even though business may be challenging, we will all succeed in our own ways.