“World's Most Complete Neighborpedia”
Explore:   What's happening in your neck of the woods?

Tonya D Graves

Columbia SC Real Estate Market in Top 25

Columbia, SC is ranked as one of Forbe's Top 25 Strongest Housing Markets.

According to Forbes.com Columbia, SC has one of the top 25 strongest housing markets in the nation. Forbes defines a strong housing market as one closest to recovery. According to the study done by Moody's Economy.com for Forbe's, the bottom for Columbia SC Real Estate is near. Although Columbia SC does not expect prices to increase this year, nearing the bottom is good news.


Downtown Columbia SC offers Online Food Shopping

Considering a move to Downtown Columbia SC? If you are, then you are in for a treat. Two Downtown Columbia SC Piggly Wiggly locations, Forest Drive and Devine Street, are offering on-line grocery shopping. Simply order your groceries on-line at www.ThePig.net . You will pay at the time you place the order and schedule a time to pick up your groceries. Then simply show up and the groceries are loaded in your car. There is a $5 processing fee.

Downtown Columbia SC Skyline

Columbia SC Home Prices Hold Steady

A recent study done by Zillow.com shows Columbia SC is one of 21 markets in the nation to show appreciation or less than one percent depreciation in median price.

On a national level, home prices fell 11.6 percent last year. In the Columbia SC market, Zillow.com shows that prices fell less than .8 percent and home prices are up 3.2 percent from 5 years ago.

The reason for this is simple. The Columbia SC real estate market didn't see the inflated home prices that were commonplace in other markets during the boom. This is good news for home owners in Columbia SC.

Tonya D Graves

Real Estate Website

I have always wanted to have a great real estate website where someone who had no knowledge of Columbia, SC could come and learn about the different areas and view homes for sale. In my mind, the user would be able to easily search all homes for sale in Columbia, SC.

I recently learned that the Columbia, SC MLS does not allow agents access to this data. Only brokers can share this information. I know that the markets in Greenville, Myrtle Beach, and Charleston as well as all many other cities around the United States do allow agents to use the data on websites. I also know how much I enjoy using the data when I search for homes online in other cities like Wilmington NC. It is invaluable.

I am a buyer's agent. It is one of my duties to show homes in the MLS. I do not pick and choose based on listing company or compensation. I show my clients homes that meet there desired criteria. So why can't I show them the homes on my website?

It seems to me that sharing information is in the best interest of the client. Selling houses can be a numbers game. The more exposure and the more people that see a home for sale, the more likely it will sell. After all, every seller is looking for a buyer. Shouldn't we allow buyers to see all homes for sell?

Tonya D Graves