Yvette & Dennis Gardner

If you have lived in Spartanburg County for any length of time you have noticed the growth in population in our area. Ever wonder where they come from? According to the National Association of Realtors 2007 survey there were 5,680 relocations to the area. Although many were SC residence, 54% moved here from other states. Leading the way was North Carolina followed closely by Florida.

For those who remained in the state most came from or immediate area. Cherokee, Union, Laurens and Anderson counties were at the top of the list but Greenville was by far the largest group with 1228 relocations to Spartanburg County.

The South Carolina Supreme Court has ordered a halt to foreclosure proceedings. This order was made in an effort to allow home owners to be given additional time to qualify for the Mortgage Modification Program and potentially remain in their home and avoid foreclosure.

From a real estate point of view, this is a positive step that should help stabilize the current market. Not all, but many home owners will be able to remain in their homes and make their mortgage payments if they qualify for the program. This should have an impact in two ways; reduce current inventories of homes for sale and increase the average price of homes that are sold therefore increasing property values.

The Home Builders Association of Greater Spartanburg is presenting the 2009 Showcase of Homes in Shallow Brook, an Environmentally Friendly Community, developed by Angel Properties, LLC. The dates and hours are:

May 2^nd and 3^rd May 9^th and 10^th May 16^th and 17^th

Saturday Hours: Noon to 5:00 p.m. Sunday Hours: 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Driving Directions: Take Reidville Road towards Reidville. Turn Left onto Hwy 417. Cross over 290. Shallow Brook will be approximately 1 mile on your right. From I-85: Take exit 63. Turn east towards Moore. Proceed approximately 4.5 miles. Turn right onto Highway 417. Shallow Brook will be approximately 1 mile on the right.

This is a great opportunity to view the work of our local builders and to view this new subdivision in district five. There are sure to be some unique and exciting features displayed in these new homes. Hope to see you there!!

When you're moving, especially to a new area, it can be a pretty daunting task. You really need to have someone you can trust in your new location that knows the area and is qualified to answer all of your questions or at least get you going in the right direction. You also need to do your homework prior to the move. There are several key areas that will affect you bottom line in terms of money when purchasing your new home:

•· Learn about the culture of the new city's real estate market. It's crucial to know whether homes in the new location typically sell close to the asking price or substantially below. Know what items normally convey. Learn about local taxes as it's related to your purchase and make sure you investigate zoning and neighborhood use restriction.

•· Believe it or not you need to have an exit strategy when you purchase. You need to keep re-sale in mind. You may think you're going to stay in your new home forever, but things happen and plans change.

•· If you have a spouse who is giving up a job for the move you should act on this long before the move is scheduled to take place. If you need two incomes you need to be certain that your spouse is able to find employment.

•· Don't forget about the rest of the family. Learn about extra activities that are important to you and your family; sports, places of worship, medical facilities, commuting and transportation logistics; all the things that impact your daily activities.

•· Make sure that you work with an agent who you feel comfortable with and who can watch out for your financial and other interests. Navigating the maze of a new area can be challenging and you should have a relocation specialist in your corner.

By addressing some of the basic issues prior to your move it's certain to be a smooth transition and less daunting for sure!

According to the National Association of Realtors, 83% of home buyers and sellers used a Realtor. Based on their survey here are the benefits provided by the Real Estate Agent during the purchase:

Home buyers: 57% benefited by helping the buyer understand the process, 47% helped point out unnoticed features/faults with the property, 40% improved buyer's knowledge of search areas, 38% to negotiate better sales contract terms, 35% to shorten the buyers home search and 32% to negotiate a better price.

Home Sellers: 91% to list and market their home on the Internet, 75% to provide a broad range of services and manage most aspects of the sales transaction, 55% to negotiate contract price and terms and 20% to help price the home competitively and help get the home sold within a specific time frame.

These are just the highlights. Navigating in today's market can be challenging and you should have a professional on your side to help guide you.