I was at The Reserve at Lake Keowee early yesterday morning taking photos of a new waterfront homesite our firm has the pleasure of bringing to market. As I walked through the somewhat dense display of trees going onto the lot, I seemingly stumbled upon a reunion or party of sorts.... six deer had gathered nearby and were completely surprised that someone like me had discovered their favorite meeting spot! They very gracefully jumped away, almost in slow motion, stopping every few seconds to turn and look and see if I were following them or simply enjoying the place they had left behind. All in all, eight deer ran across my path during my short photography session... it was definitely a day for deer!

July 9, 2008

In this growing world of real estate, consumers need always remember that checking out your agent is just as important as checking out the home you're hoping to buy. Hiring an agent to represent you can be the best - or worst - experience of the whole process. In recent days I've had the unpleasant reminder that not all agents follow the REALTOR Code of Ethics or take the mandates seriously. It's a real shame when agents act unprofessionally or are self serving in any transaction. Don't take hiring an agent lightly -- ask questions and make sure you're comfortable with how the agent conducts business on your behalf. Remember: you're never committed under agency law until you sign an agency agreement... and if that agency agreement is never explained to you, then don't put your name on a contract with that agent!

June 16, 2008

In keeping up with colleagues and real estate professionals in other markets around the southeast, I've learned in recent weeks that like Lake Keowee, their markets are strong and that people are buying homes and properties, despite the negative news in the media. There are some exceptional values in the Lake Keowee market right now, in large part due to an abundance of inventory -- not due to firesales and foreclosures. It's comforting to read the Wall Street Journal and see major articles declaring that the housing crisis is all but over... maybe soon we'll be reading more about the health and wellness benefits of living in recreational regions of the south and the change that investing in real estate has made in the lives of millions of people who don't listen to the evening news!

May 15, 2008

The market is off to a great start in '08, and I believe it's going to be a strong year. The financial gurus are shouting from the mountain tops on news TV that 2008 is the time to get back into real estate and invest. Remember that the best deals aren't always actively being marketed; our firm has information on several such properties for sale. Best wishes to you and yours for a healty, happy, and prosperous 2008!

January 3, 2008

With a high today of 76, it hardly seems like "over the river and through the woods..." It's more like "Get the boat ready, baby -- let's go for a ride!" Whatever the weather, hope your holiday plans include a visit to Lake Keowee. Best wishes to you and yours for a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

November 20, 2007

The Cliffs Communities announced this week that the Membership Initiation Deposit for Full Golf Privileges will increase to $150,000 on January 1, 2008. Although not a surprise, it does beg a sense of urgency to folks considering membership and residence or affiliation with this great collection of communities on Lake Keowee, near Greenville, and Asheville, NC. If you are thinking about purchasing a property in any of The Cliffs Communities, act before December 31! There are some spectacular homes and waterfront properties now available, as well as a good selection of "membership lots" from which to choose.

November 8, 2007

While it seemed like fall would never arrive, when it did, it did it in style. The red, yellow and orange leaves have never seemed more vibrant and intense than in this year's color. And the sunsets.... wow! Too awesome to describe! It's yet another reminder of why I love Lake Keowee, and why I feel so blessed to call this place home.

November 7, 2007

Do you remember that story about Chicken Little when you were a kid? The news of the real estate market today reminds me of Chicken Little -- except it's really not true. The sky ISN'T falling! It IS true that there are some great buys and that prices are correcting in a market that enjoyed a big surge for several years, but I have a feeling that there will be quite few folks crying "fowl" when they realize they waited too long and their dream home or great deal gets scooped up by a serious buyer who was ready to seize the moment. If you're interested in Lake Keowee, this is definitely the best time to buy... CARPE DIEM while you can!

October 30, 2007

If the "buyer's market" hasn't motivated you to become part of Lake Keowee, then falling interest rates should. The drop in rates, coupled with motivated sellers and properties priced below market value, is expected to create a flurry of activity on Lake Keowee homes and land. Don't find yourself missing the opportunity after having waited through the summer... I expect that the market will be quite active through the end of October.

September 19, 2007

The Cliffs is making a major announcement on Tuesday about their newest golf community in North Carolina. This premier community will be truly extraordinary in every way -- and will feature Tiger Woods' inaugural golf course design. While details are limited and planned homesites are few, there is one fact that is certain: ONLY CLIFFS PROPERTY OWNERS WILL HAVE THE FIRST OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE HOMESITES IN THIS NEW COMMUNITY. If you're looking for "over the top" investment opportunties, this will surely be one -- give me a call to see how you can best secure your position to have an opportunity to own property in this new development.

August 11, 2007

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