Mark Brian

In this market, it seems that many potential real estate buyers in Upstate South Carolina want to get the best possible deal and are too willing to ignore the sage advice of their REALTOR. And while it is admirable to get a good deal, submitting offers based upon what you feel instead of the comps is a good way to anger a seller.

But should a seller ignore a lowball offer? I say never ignore any offer, even if the offer is so low and so unrealistic that it angers you. Do not bite your nose off to spite your face!

Counter my fine friends! Counter and be willing to negotiate. I understand the annoyance of people submitting offers that are based upon fairy tales and wishful thinking. But at least it is a starting point for negotiations.

Please do not think that a lowball offer should not anger you, and do not let your anger punish you by not countering a lowball offer. Instead realize your opponent in the negotiations just showed us their ignorance of Upstate South Carolina real estate market conditions and trends. We can use our knowledge to defeat them or at least send them scurrying away with their tail tucked between their legs when faced with the reality that you have the most powerful of allies: a REALTOR!

Instead of refusing to counter, we can use this opportunity to sell your home at your price!

I found this handy list and thought I would share it since so many people are looking to remodel or update their Upstate South Carolina home before they put them on the market.

1. Get at least three written estimates.

2. Check references. If possible, view earlier jobs the contractor completed.

3. Check with the local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau for complaints.

4. Be sure the contract states exactly what is to be done and how change orders will be handled.

5. Make as small of a down payment as possible so you won’t lose a lot if the contractor fails to complete the job.

6. Be sure that the contractor has the necessary permits, licenses, and insurance.

7. Check that the contract states when the work will be completed and what recourse you have if it isn’t. Also, remember that in many instances you can cancel a contract within three business days of signing it.

8. Ask if the contractor’s workers will do the entire job or whether subcontractors will be involved too.

9. Get the contractor to indemnify you if work does not meet any local building codes or regulations.

10. Be sure that the contract specifies the contractor will clean up after the job and be responsible for any damage.

11. Guarantee that the materials that will be used meet your specifications.

12. Don’t make the final payment until you’re satisfied with the work.

Reprinted from REALTOR Magazine (realtor.org/realtormag) with the permission of the National Association of REALTORS. Copyright 2008 All rights reserved

Enjoy a pleasant 4 season climate with this affordable lot for a vacation or retirement home. Many amenities including pool, tennis, fitness facility, club house,boat ramp, full time patrolling security, playground, banquet facilities, game room, and much more. Located in Westminster South Carolina, this land has easy access to I85 & only 97 miles from Atlanta! Tasteful architectural guidelines for homes and great ammenities plus friendly neighbors in a peacefull relaxed atmosphere! This lot has nice hardwoods and is almost as flat as a pancake! Must see! Motivated seller asking $7500

Property marketed by Mark Brian, Realtor @ Silver Star Real Estate 864-353-1253 To see more pictures and details of this property please visit Westminster SC Land for Sale

Today the SC Department of Commerce and Oconee County announced a local company, Greenfield Industries is expanding. greenfield plans to invest $18 million and add 85 jobs in the next 5 years.

The company is planning to add 50,000 square feet to its current facility. The expansion will allow the company to consolidate some operations and add a North American Distribution Center.

Greenfield Industries plans to begin hiring for the new positions this month through Phillips Staffing in Seneca.

I have no doubt that this is just the beginning of many companies looking to either expand their current operations in Upstate SC or for companies from all over the world to open new facilities in our area. There is no doubt that our business-friendly climate and skilled workforce provide the solid foundation businesses need to grow and succeed.

And considering the projected number of people looking to relocate to Upstate South Carolina, it is a great sign that Oconee County is getting a head start on making sure there are plenty of jobs!

I have discovered that many homes buyers in Upstate SC are not reasonable when it comes to the cold hard facts. No matter what you have heard regarding the housing market, just because you want to buy a home at a really low price does not mean it will always happen. When looking to purchase a home, everyone wants a great price for the perfect home. But honestly, if it is not realistic, I will tell you. If the recently sold comps do not support your price, I am going to tell you. There are steps to take to make your offer more attractive to sellers and I will tell you what you must do to make it possible to get a great deal! And a realistic price is just the beginning.

But what if you want to sell your home and want to get a price that honestly is not going to happen? I am going to have to be the bearer of bad news! I understand you want more money for your home. But if the market will not support the price you had in mind, I am sorry. As much as I want to get more money for your home, if it is not possible in today’s real estate market, it is not going to happen. No magic trick, no super secret marketing tricks, no bonus to the buyer’s agent is going to make an overpriced home sell! If you must sell and you owe more than the market will bear, then maybe we will have to discuss doing a short sale.

A person selling a home in Upstate SC is going to have to understand that the majority of buyers are going to need a mortgage. If your home will not appraise for the purchase price, it will not sell. Realistic list prices are the key to selling your home. And if the buyer is paying cash, they are more than likely going to want a discounted price. Either way, an overpriced home will not sell!

But if you are passionate about buying or selling real estate in Upstate South Carolina then as that very wise man said:

Let Reason Hold the Reins!