Recently, I have stopped watching the news for the simple fact that all I hear is bashing of the economy and real estate markets. Not all markets are the same. And I find myself becoming very irritated with objections based on the content of the national media. The national media cannot predict the weather for the entire country, why are they predicting the markets?
To make contact with my database, I have been blasting the local numbers. What's happening in Greenville County, SC, is not the same as a county in CA, or AZ, or MI. Letting them know it is a great time to buy, and how important it is to not be influenced by the national media. Our property values in Greenville County have increased from last year, not decreased. As well as our average sales price, and median price. As a real estate professional, I try to spread the good word of our market versus the national market. Let's make a negative a positive!
Best Wishes for 2009!!!
Lindsay Saunders, Realtor
Keller Williams Realty
864-607-0479
In our team meeting, our OP, shared an article he had come across on Forbes.com. Forbes.com has named the best places to live in the nation during the economic downturn. I am extremely excited to report that Greenville County, SC (my stompin' grounds) is number 5 on that list. I am also extremely excited to announce that we are also number 6 for appreciating property values. This information has been extremely helpful to me with unrealistic buyers, and sellers.
We, as real estate professionals need to know our own markets because not every one is over-loaded with foreclosures, and stugguling. It's also important to educate our clients, and prospects, on the market and do our best to stop listening to the media as a whole, and listen to what's going on locally. The national media, in my opinion, is trying to forecast the weather for the entire nation-it's going to be cold and rainy everywhere. Most people fear the unknown, and if we help them know what's going on, I think they will come around.
For more information about the article on Forbes.com, visit Forbes.com-it should be on the home page. Thanks for reading and best wishes for 2009!
Lindsay Saunders. Realtor
Keller Williams Realty
864-607-0479
saunders@kw.com/www.LindsayMSaunders.com
When buying, or selling, real estate, it is very important to make sure you choose the right agent for you, and your needs. Being an agent in SC, coming from CO, it blew my mind when I found out that it would only take me 2 weeks to acquire a real estate license!!! Yes, 2 weeks! This makes me sick to my stomach. As an agent, you are helping someone buy, or sell, what is probably one of the biggest investments of their life. And in SC, all you need is 2 weeks of school??? I don't know how it is in other states, but I can't imagine other states allow agents to represent real estate consumers with 2 weeks of school
I got into real estate because my first home buying experience was a nightmare. It ended in a 2 year lawsuit, with me getting the raw end of the deal. The builder/seller (who had no license), selling agent, listing agent, inspector(s), etc, had little to no punishment for their actions. And as the victim, I felt like the criminal. These 2 agents are still practicing real estate. After filing complaints against their licenses, the state did nothing to punish them for their actions. (Allegations of misrepresentation, negligence, and civil conspiracy.) The seller now has a license and is still building. The inspectors claim they have no money and no insurance, yet they own a construction company, as well. And to top it all off-NONE OF THESE PEOPLE HAD INSURANCE TO PAY ME FOR THE DAMAGES. That's right-the wonderful state of SC does not require you to have insurance to build a home, inspect a home, or represent someone in a real estate transaction.
So, long story short, chose someone that you like, and can trust, and make sure they know their stuff. If at anytime you feel uncomfortable with your agent, address it at that time, don't move on until you, as the consumer, are comfortable. I have fired several clients, so don't be scared to fire your agent. Thanks for reading!
Lindsay Saunders, Realtor
Keller Williams Realty
864-607-0479
saunders@kw.com/www.LindsayMSaunders.com
This is Pisgah, he is a 3 year old, Alaskan Husky mix, and in great need of a wonderful forever home. He came to our shelter on October the 21st because his family was moving and they were unable to take him. He has wonderful qualities; He is house-trained, He has lived with other pets, and is very playful with them. He is very enthusiastic and energetic. If you know of anyone or maybe you yourself want to make him part of your family....please contact:
Reachell West
Foster Program Manager/Volunteer Services
Reachellw@greenvillehumane.com
Greenville Humane Society
MON - FRI 9am-4pm
864-444-6616
Lindsay Saunders, Realtor
Keller Williams Realty
864-607-0479
GREENVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY
VOLUNTEER/FOSTER MONTHLY UPDATE!
ADOPTION SUCCESS STORY
We had wanted a small, female, adult dog for about two years when we walked into GHS in October of 2002. The woman who took us to the adult dog section said she didn't think there were any small dogs with them at that time. I looked at my mom and said, "lets look around anyway." The phone at the front desk began to ring so the woman told us to feel free to look around and if we needed anything she would be up front.
We walked about half way down the row and I was about to give up on finding her. When I looked into the next kennel and saw the sweetest face in the world. My mom must have seen her the same time I did because she said, "go get the woman, we found her." We took her outside and she was just perfect, so the papers were signed and she was paid for.
She didn't have a name so she was just "baby dog" for about a week. Later the next week on a drive to a friends house a "Dixie Chicks" song came on the radio and "baby dog" started to sing along, and so "Dixie" got her name.
Dixie is now seven and is still my best friend. She has moved with us to the Cayman Islands and now back here to Greenville. I can't imagine life without her in it. She is one of four pets we have adopted and she rules the roost. Thanks to GHS for all the work you do and for giving us our girl!
~Carolyn and Kathy
Lindsay Saunders, Realtor
Keller Williams Realty
864-607-0479
Specializing in First-time home buyers, investment properties, and estate sales.
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