Community Posts

Posted by Craig Summerall on May 19, 2012 at 12:10 AM

Blacksgate East is a small neighborhood in Prosperity, SC. Most of the homes are on Lake Murray, SC and exemplify a lifestyle filled with peace and tranquility. These homes have prices from $110,000 to $260,000. Homes here have three to five bedrooms and square feet between 1340 feet and 1910 feet. The school district for Blacksgate East is Newberry County.

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From Prosperity, take South Carolina 391 S about nine miles to reach Blacksgate East. Newberry is about 30 minutes away by taking South Carolina 391 N and US-76 W. The plentiful shops and restaurants of Irmo is just under an hour away from Blacksgate East when using South Carolina 391 N and I-26 E.

Lake Murray in South Carolina, with its 500 miles of shoreline, was created in the 1930’s to address the increased need for electrical power in the area and is central located in the State centered between Lexington, SC, Irmo, SC, Chapin, SC and Saluda, SC. The Lake is now a famous destination for a wealth of water related activities, to include sailing, kayaking/canoeing, fishing, and motor boating activities; jet skiing; scuba diving; or just swimming. With Dreher Island State Park located on the lake, there are also camping and hiking opportunities. There are also several smaller parks along the lakes edge, as well as marinas, sailing clubs, and even restaurants. On the 4th of July every year, there is an annual boat parade on Lake Murray that is quite spectacular. Each of the cities around the Lake has their unique qualities with Lexington, SC providing the most shopping and dining opportunities. With Columbia, the capital city of South Carolina, not far away, those who enjoy the luxuries of a big city have access to museums, theatres, fabulous dining, and shopping, as well as a variety of outdoor activities, to include the zoo and botanical gardens. Living on Lake Murray in South Carolina is the most wonderful way to start and end each day with other entertainment options not far away.

Lake Murray SC Real Estate Services
Our Local Realtors and Network of Colleagues offer the best Internet Marketing Visibility for your Listed Properties - Exit Real Estate Consultants is your local expert in all your Real Estate needs in Lake Murray South Carolina. You have access to the most comprehensive MLS Listing Service with free access and advanced tools for Real Estate Buyers and Sellers - put us to work for you; our service will impress you! (803) 358-0888.

Cape Summersail Homes For Sale - Chapin SC Real Estate

Posted by Craig Summerall on May 18, 2012 at 1:50 PM

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On Lake Murray, the neighborhood of Cape Summersail in Chapin, SC, offers you a chance to build your dream home in a scenic location. These lots are priced from $69,900 to $300,000, depending on if the lot is waterfront or not. Lots that are off-water have over 1 acre of land available to build, while water-front lots have between 0.45 to 0.71 acres. The school district for Cape Summersail is Lexington/Richland Five.

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Cape Summersail is about eight miles away from Chapin. The neighborhood is also convenient to US-76, which can lead you into Irmo which is full of even more shops, restaurants and recreational opportunities.

Chapin, South Carolina, incorporated in 1889, is located to the west of Lexington, SC and the southwest of Columbia, SC, the capital city, both of which are centrally located in the State. Chapin, SC is a quaint small town that is growing, but continues to keep its small town appeal. It is located on the north shores of Lake Murray providing residents with vast opportunities for water sport activities, to include boating, sailing, swimming, skiing, and even scuba diving. With Dreher Island State Park located here, there are also opportunities for camping and hiking as well. The Town of Chapin also has several parks, the largest of these being Crooked Creek Park, a 57 acre park that houses a large community center, providing residents with a variety of indoor and outdoor activities from which to choose. Chapin is located just fifteen minutes from Irmo, SC and the Columbiana Mall/Harbison Boulevard area with its vast variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment opportunities. Head into Columbia, SC and find even more opportunities for shopping, dining, and even more varieties of entertainment options, to include a number of museums, theatres, collegiate activities, three rivers, a number of greenways, and even the zoo. No matter what you might be looking for, whether a quiet stroll, or an outdoor concert, Chapin, SC gives you quiet rural life just minutes away from urban excitement.

Chapin SC Real Estate Services
Our Local Realtors and Network of Colleagues offer the best Internet Marketing Visibility for your Listed Properties - Exit Real Estate Consultants is your local expert in all your Real Estate needs in Chapin South Carolina. You have access to the most comprehensive MLS Listing Service with free access and advanced tools for Real Estate Buyers and Sellers - put us to work for you; our service will impress you! (803) 358-0888.

Arbor Oaks Homes For Sale - Irmo SC Real Estate

Posted by Craig Summerall on May 18, 2012 at 12:35 AM

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The neighborhood of Arbor Oaks is located in Irmo, SC. Homes here have prices between $125,000 and $180,000 with square footage for the homes ranging from 1450 feet to 1950 feet. Three bedrooms are the norm for Arbor Oaks. Lexington/Richland Five is the school district for the neighborhood. Common area and front yard maintenance is included in the association fees.

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Arbor Oaks is just minutes away from downtown Irmo and even closer to I-26. Whether you are interested in the hustle and bustle of Harbison Boulevard or the peace and quiet of Harbison State Forest, both are only a short drive away. To get to Lake Murray, just follow Lake Murray Boulevard to North Lake Drive.

Irmo, South Carolina is a fantastic little town that sits between the capital city, Columbia, SC, and Lake Murray, SC. Irmo itself has a lot to offer with its small town appeal with a vast variety of conveniences close by. Just about any type of business establishment you can image can be found in downtown Irmo, SC with a mall and Harbison Boulevards extensive variety of dining and shopping options just 5 minutes away. Also, both downtown Lexington, SC and Columbia, SC add even more options for shopping, dining, and an added wealth of entertainment options to choose from. Columbia, SC is especially known for its number of museums, theatres, arenas, collegiate activities, and outdoor activities providing a variety of entertainment choices. Lake Murray, SC is also just 10 minutes away, offering residents plenty of water related activities to choose from to include swimming, boating, skiing, and even scuba diving. With I-26 and I-20 being so close by also increases the options for out of town activities. Having I-77 only 15 minutes away and I-95 only 45 minutes away further adds to the choices of places within reach. No matter what you may wish to do during your leisure time, living in Irmo, SC puts you in touch with an array of enjoyable activities.

Irmo SC Real Estate Services
Our Local Realtors and Network of Colleagues offer the best Internet Marketing Visibility for your Listed Properties - Exit Real Estate Consultants is your local expert in all your Real Estate needs in Irmo South Carolina. You have access to the most comprehensive MLS Listing Service with free access and advanced tools for Real Estate Buyers and Sellers - put us to work for you; our service will impress you! (803) 358-0888.

Arborgate Homes For Sale - West Columbia SC Real Estate

Posted by Craig Summerall on May 17, 2012 at 2:05 PM

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Arborgate is an established neighborhood West Columbia, SC. Prices for these homes are between $34,000 and $115,000. Homes in Arborgate have either three or four bedrooms and square footage from 1225 feet to 1875 feet. Lexington Two is the school district for this community.

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Arborgate is near the airport campus of Midlands Technical College and Charwood Golf Course among other areas of interest. From West Columbia, US 1 and I-26 is the best route to take to get to the neighborhood. Arborgate is convenient to Columbia; it is only 10 miles away.

West Columbia, South Carolina is located just across the Congaree River from the State capital of Columbia, SC, providing small town amenities with numerous entertainment possibilities just a few miles away. Located in West Columbia on the east side of the city along the River at the Gervais Street Bridge is Riverwalk Park and Amphitheatre with a number of activities and events held throughout the year. The Congaree River is formed by the merging of the Saluda River and the Broad River to the west of Columbia, SC providing various options for canoeing, kayaking, and even fishing in the area. There are a number of greenways along the rivers to provide opportunities for walking, jogging, and biking along the rivers. Cross the Gervais Street Bridge and be in downtown Columbia, SC where you can find a myriad of shopping and dining options, as well as a variety of other leisurely activities. With a number of museums, theatres, and collegiate activities, there is always something to do in downtown Columbia, SC. Just south of the city, there is also the Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens. With three interstate systems surrounding the area: I-26, I-20, I-77, there is easy access to anywhere in the area or even out of town. Living in West Columbia, SC gives residents a small town living environment close to a world of things to do.

West Columbia SC Real Estate Services
Our Local Realtors and Network of Colleagues offer the best Internet Marketing Visibility for your Listed Properties - Exit Real Estate Consultants is your local expert in all your Real Estate needs in West Columbia South Carolina. You have access to the most comprehensive MLS Listing Service with free access and advanced tools for Real Estate Buyers and Sellers - put us to work for you; our service will impress you! (803) 358-0888.

6 Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and For Top Dollar (Perry Hall, MD)

Posted by Matthew T. Smoot on May 17, 2012 at 1:45 PM

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6 Tips for Selling Your Home Fast and For Top Dollar

According to the National Association of Realtors®, more than 4.25 million homes sold in 2011. That's a lot of real estate and such numbers raise the question: How are sellers doing it? "Because individual homes are unique, there isn't one single strategy that works equally well for every property," says Wendy Forsythe, the executive vice president of a real estate company. "The real trick is understanding that today's marketplace is cash driven, quick and highly competitive. Owners who understand their local markets and work with a knowledgeable agent are those most likely to succeed."

In March roughly one-third of all sales were cash, meaning a large number of buyers are not dependent on lender financing, the sale of their existing home or a settlement that might be 45 to 60 days in the future. Instead, they can act quickly and in many cases seek properties which can be bought today and occupied tomorrow.

To ready a home for sale in today's marketplace, Forsythe says owners should consider six basic keys to selling success.

Six Keys to Success:

1) Curb appeal counts. Most home buyers want homes which look great from the outside. It's not just a question of curb appeal - it's about perception. If a home looks good from the street it probably means the property is ready for a new occupant without a lot of cost or hassle.

Buyers tend to pass on a home that doesn't appeal to them from the street-not even bothering to look inside. An experienced local REALTOR® can show you how to generate the most curb appeal with the least cost.

2) A clutter-free home. With the new emphasis on cash sales and speed owners must show homes which are free and clear of clutter. A clutter-free home will make interior spaces look larger and eliminates the need to get rid of stuff when you are in the throes of moving. It makes sense to donate or reduce clutter before a home is placed on the market - not only as a sales tactic but also as a practical step toward relocation.

3) Working condition. Having your home's systems in good mechanical condition is an advantage in today's market. Most distressed homes can't compete when it comes to such basics as working heating, plumbing and air-conditioning. Properties that can readily pass a professional home inspection are often easier to finance, and are generally more appealing to buyers who don't want to face the unknown costs and delays sometimes associated with major renovations.

4) List and negotiate properly. According to Forsythe, "a seasoned REALTOR® can show owners how best to market a particular home according to such factors as location, price, condition and financing. Owners want to work with us because our experience brings value and confidence to a transaction, factors that are enormously important in a changing marketplace."

5) Seek prequalified buyers. While many sales may be for cash, the majority still require financing. It would be frustrating to enter into a sales contract with a potential buyer who ultimately cannot obtain financing to purchase your home - meaning you have lost time - and potentially money - and then you have to start over. When a home is shown by appointment, the buyer should have a pre-qualification letter in hand.

Such letters from lenders are not binding but at least show that the purchaser sat down with a loan officer and has some realistic sense of what he or she can reasonably afford.

6) Distressed properties. Roughly 30 percent of today's home sales involve "distressed" properties - a term which includes short sales and foreclosed properties owned by lenders. You need to consider the distressed properties in your neighborhood when pricing and marketing your home. These properties typically sell at discount, especially in major foreclosure centers and sometimes require substantial repair and rehabilitation. "Home sellers can compete with these offerings," according to Forsythe. "There's no question that a large number of distressed properties in a local market will impact prices, but price is not the only factor buyers consider. While distressed homes work for some purchasers, they're not the right choice for buyers who want homes that offer move-in condition - homes in better shape that can often command higher prices."

While the housing market is just in the beginning stages of a recovery, it's still possible to successfully sell your home by making sure you're catering to the kind of buyers in the market today, and by making sure that you - and your home - are ready to move as quickly as these buyers are.

For more advice on getting your home prepared for the market, feel free to contact me at your leisure. I will be happy to stop by and offer my guidance!

My Experience

-Harford Community College: Associate's Degree Political Science & History 2002-2004

-Phi Theta Kappa National Honor's Society 2004

-Towson University: Bachelor's Degree Political Science, History, & Law 2004-2006

-Towson Univeristy: Master's Degree 2006

-Long and Foster Real Estate Licensing: Salesperson's License 2006

-Frederick Academy of Real Estate: Broker's Law License 2011

- ABR® Accredited Buyer's Agent designee 2012
- SFR® Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource designee 2012

In 2011 I successfully completed my broker's course at the Frederick Academy of Real Estate where I earned my real estate broker's license, which is the highest and most specialized license a Realtor® can hold throughout the state of Maryland. Obtaining my broker's license has furthered my career in real estate and allows me to represent each and every client to the highest degree. Knowledge is key to any professional's success and obtaining this license has provided me with the utmost comprehension to facilitate any real estate transaction.

Matthew T. Smoot-Your "Whatever it Takes" REALTOR®

The Exit Express Team/ 443-504-8930

With over 7 years in the business I offer my clients the most comprehensive representation in Maryland. Not only am I a REALTOR, but I also hold a Broker's license, which is the highest and most specialized license a REALTOR can hold. Customer Service is my Priority, Selling Houses is My Goal! Contact me for any and all of your Real Estate Needs. Proudly Serving (Perry Hall Farms, Kingsville, Glenside Farms, Honeygo Village, White Marsh, Middle River, Essex, Timonium, Dundalk, Pikesville, etc.), Another superb colleague You can count on is Paul Gillespie

Brody Pointe Homes For Sale - Chapin SC Real Estate

Posted by Craig Summerall on May 17, 2012 at 11:15 AM

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Brody Pointe is a private neighborhood of just a few homes and lots in Chapin, SC. This community is on Lake Murray, benefiting from all the splendors, glory and water activities that define lake-living. The lots range in price from $150,000 to $450,000. Lexington/Richland Five is the school district for Brody Pointe.

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Practically on the doorstep of Brody Pointe is the Lighthouse Marina and and Rusty Anchor Lakeside. More recreational venues can be found by heading into Chapin Brody Pointe by using US-76 E. In the other direction, this route will also take you into Irmo and along the way are shopping centers such as Ballentine Market and restaurants including Tonella's Pizza Kitchen.

Beaufort Shores Homes For Sale - Lake Murray SC Real Estate

Posted by Craig Summerall on May 16, 2012 at 3:40 PM

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Located in Prosperity, SC, the Beaufort Shores neighborhood is on Lake Murray, SC. Prices for these homes range from $370,000 to $500,000 while a lot is $130,000. Homes here have either three or four bedrooms. Square footage ranges between 2030 feet and 2685 feet. Newberry County is the school district for Beaufort Shores. Residents can enjoy a community boat ramp and gazebo. Common area maintenance is included in the homeowners association fee.

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Macedonia Church Road in Prosperity leads you directly to Beaufort Shores. From Prosperity, the towns of Newberry and Chapin along with all the stores, restaurants and recreational opportunities each provides are only about 15 minutes away. As a bonus, Beaufort Shores is minutes away from beautiful Dreher Island State Park.

Agape Village Homes For Sale - West Columbia SC Real Estate

Posted by Craig Summerall on May 16, 2012 at 11:40 AM

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Agape Village is a quiet neighborhood for those aged 55 years and older in West Columbia, SC. These homes have prices between $120,000 and $130,000 with two bedrooms and 1040 square feet. This community provides its residents with worry-free living; association fees include back and front yard maintenance, clubhouse, sewer and water, common area maintenance and many more amenities.

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Agape Village is just off of Highway 378 in West Columbia. This main through-fare has multiple shopping centers and restaurants lining its sides as well as providing convenient access to other areas of the city.

Amberly West Homes For Sale - Irmo SC Real Estate

Posted by Craig Summerall on May 16, 2012 at 10:35 AM

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Located in Irmo, SC, Amberly West is a lovely neighborhood with homes ranging in price from $190,000 to $200,000. Square footage for the homes is between 1700 feet to 2450 feet. Homes here have either two or three bedrooms. The school zone for Amberly West is Lexington/Richland Five. Association fees include common area maintenance.

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To get to Amberly West from Irmo, take Lake Murray Boulevard to Coldstream Drive. The Club at Rawls Creek is right next to Amberly West and at the intersection of St. Andrews Road and Lake Murray Boulevard is the Irmo Station Shopping Center, which is home to many shops and eateries.

Columbia, South Carolina

Posted by Luz Bouleris on May 14, 2012 at 8:10 PM

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The city of Columbia, South Carolina includes far more than the State House and Main Street. Columbia is home to 129,272 people (2010 Census) and is the largest city in the state. While Columbia includes portions of both Richland and Lexington Counties, it is the county seat of Richland County, and is the primary city of the South Carolina Midlands area. The city is rich in culture, arts, cuisine, and history, and is nationally recognized for good things. According to CNNMoney.com, Columbia is one of America's 25 best places to retire, and is 6th on the U.S. News & World Report's America's Best Affordable Places to Retire.

The city's central location between the Atlantic Ocean and the Blue Ridge Mountains gives residents and tourists alike the opportunity to rest comfortably while they visit their favorite coastal and mountain attractions during a single vacation! Interstates 26, 20, and 77 lead travelers from Columbia to Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Atlanta, Charlotte, Asheville, and virtually anywhere beyond. If you prefer to travel by air, the Columbia Metropolitan Airport is just 10-15 minutes away.

With over 12 zip codes within 2 counties, Columbia, South Carolina includes urban, suburban, rural, and lake front properties, meeting just about anyone's preference. Columbia home prices range from low $20K to over $2Million, depending on the location, style, and size of the home and lot. There is virtually something for everyone here in "Famously Hot" Columbia, South Carolina.

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Columbia is home to the South Carolina State Museum and the Columbia Museum of Art , both of whom have hosted nationally acclaimed touring exhibits such as King Tut, Impressionist masters of art, and BodyWorlds Vital, just to name a few. Other major historical sites, art galleries, and several parks can also be found in Columbia. Finley Park is located in the heart of the city, and hosts several festivals, events, and concerts. The South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra is also located in Columbia, as well as Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Riverbanks is the most visited zoo in the United States, drawing visitors from all over the world.The Botanical Gardens have been recognized by HGTV as one of the 20 Great Public Gardens in America.

Education is very important to the city of Columbia, home to several universities and colleges, such and the University of South Carolina, Columbia International University, Benedict College, Midlands Technical College, and others. In addition, many industrial research and technological campuses, the SC Criminal Justice Academy, and the SC Fire Academy are located in Columbia.

One advantage of hosting major universities, as well as Fort Jackson, is the opportunity for the city's many restaurants to offer some of the tastiest local and regional flavors. Mac's On Main features Southern comfort food along with a good helping of Blues and Jazz, Rosso Trattoria Italia uses products from local farmers to produce "elegantly casual" cuisine, the Garden Bistro offers fresh and healthy foods, Blue Marlin Steaks and Seafood offers a complimentary bowls of collards with your meal (you just have to ask), and Little Pigs BBQ lets you fill your plate from its mouthwatering selections on the buffet line.

If you are a visitor who's fallen in love with our fair city, or a Columbia native wanting to sell or purchase a new home, call Luz Bouleris today for true "Service Beyond The Sale!"

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Blacksgate East Homes For Sale - Lake Murray SC Real Estate

Cape Summersail Homes For Sale - Chapin SC Real Estate

SEARCH CAPE SUMMERSAIL LISTINGS

Arbor Oaks Homes For Sale - Irmo SC Real Estate

SEARCH ARBOR OAKS HOMES

Arborgate Homes For Sale - West Columbia SC Real Estate

SEARCH ARBORGATE HOMES

6 Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and For Top Dollar (Perry Hall, MD)

Brody Pointe Homes For Sale - Chapin SC Real Estate

SEARCH BRODY POINTE LISTINGS

Beaufort Shores Homes For Sale - Lake Murray SC Real Estate

SEARCH BEAUFORT SHORES LISTINGS

Agape Village Homes For Sale - West Columbia SC Real Estate

SEARCH AGAPE VILLAGE HOMES

Amberly West Homes For Sale - Irmo SC Real Estate

SEARCH AMBERLY WEST HOMES

Columbia, South Carolina

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