Mel's Columbia, SC Blog

Insurance Industry Strong in Columbia, SC

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Wed, 23 May 2012 13:06:00 +0000

Did you know that Columbia (SC) has become a world leader in Insurance Technology and Processing?
It's true. Recently, THE STATE NEWSPAPER published a nice article on this. CLICK HERE for a link to the article

BlueCross BlueShield Corporate Office in Columbia, SC

There are over 20 insurance companies in the Greater Columbia area and over 14,000 insurance jobs in South Carolina with the majority in the Columbia area. BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina currently handles 75% of all insurance claims for United States military personnel and retirees. The company also handles a significant amount of Medicare claims and other health care claims. The BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina data/technology center is one of the largest in the world.
BlueCross Blue Shield of South Carolina JOBS

Other large insurance companies in Columbia include Colonial Life and Seibels Bruce. Colonial Life is the nation's second largest supplemental insurance company. Aflac, the number 1 supplemental insurance company, is also moving into the Columbia area with a strong presence.

Looking for a job in the Columbia area? Consider the insurance industry.

Looking for a home in the Greater Columbia area? Contact Mel Coker, Columbia Realtor:
(803) 223-6214 | Columbia, SC Real Estate website | Columbia MLS Search

Mel Coker

Order DIRECTV and Save!

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Sat, 12 May 2012 22:48:00 +0000

Need to establish TV service?
I highly recommend DIRECTV!

Call 1-800-507-4045
Provide this Referral #: 64832707

Get DIRECTV's BEST OFFER on an ENTERTAINMENT PACKAGE or above and get $100 in FREE bill credits.

DIRECTV is defining the best TV experience in the world through a compelling mix of content, technology and service. DIRECTV provides HD programming, interactive features, digital video recorder (DVR) services, quality customer service, and electronic program guide (EPG).

NEW RE/MAX MOBILE APP

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Sat, 05 May 2012 23:58:00 +0000

The most user-friendly real estate search app out there is NOW available from RE/MAX!

As an example of the efficiency and usefulness of mobile apps... My wife and I were looking for a beach vacation home back in 2010 and we identified the home and details for the home we eventually bought initially with a mobile app while driving near the home in Surfside Beach, South Carolina.

The best feature? Get instant access to nearby homes for sale along with many other useful features such as photos, turn-by-turn directions and more.

Link For YouTube Video for RE/MAX Mobile App
Or, Search on RE/MAX for your SmartPhone Apps

Ready to BUY? Call Mel Coker at (803) 388-8011 or email Mel Coker.

Mel Coker

RE/MAX Metro Associates
(803) 223-6214 Office
Mel Coker Real Estate Website
Columbia, SC MLS Search

Featured NEW Home Community: Peachtree Place

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Fri, 04 May 2012 00:53:00 +0000

Looking for a NEW home in a GREAT community at an EXCELLENT price?

Let Mel Coker help you buy your home in PEACHTREE PLACE.

Located in Lexington between I-20 Exit 51 and U.S. Highway 1

Peachtree Place features homes built by Essex Homes. Homes feature vinyl construction, some with stone or brick fronts, and some feature granite counter-tops. All homes have 9 foot ceilings and offer excellent value. Prices range from mid-160s to around $200,000. An example of a current listing: 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, granite counter-tops and 2575 square feet at $174,900. That is only $67.92 per square foot!

The community is conveniently located off near Interstate 20, downtown Lexington and an easy drive to downtown Columbia and Columbia Metropolitan Airport. Excellent Lexington District 1 schools are nearby (Pleasant Hill Elementary, Pleasant Hill Middle and Lexington High).

Mel Coker

READY TO BUY A NEW HOME IN PEACHTREE PLACE?
Call Mel Coker at (803) 318-2007. ( or email: melcoker@remax.net )
Let Mel Coker be your buyer's agent (no fee for client representation), mention this blog article and get a $500 Lowe's Gift Certificate at closing in addition to the great pricing offered in this community by Essex Homes. Or, call the on-site Essex Homes agent, Ray Ange (803-513-5402) and mention that you saw Mel Coker's blog article.

Relocation? First-time home buyer? NOW is the time to buy with great value on new home pricing AND historically low mortgage interest rates.


Call Mel Coker to buy in Peachtree Place (803) 318-2007

Note: Mel Coker is not listing agent, but, has permission to publicize. Mel Coker offers free buyer representation.

An Example of Bad Real Estate Marketing

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Tue, 01 May 2012 15:11:00 +0000

An EXAMPLE OF BAD MARKETING FOR A HOME FOR SALE IN THE GREATER COLUMBIA AREA:

I've been away for a period of time from my normal blogging activities. Seeing a REALLY BAD listing in the MLS today is bringing me back. I had a client request MLS listing sheets for several properties. One of these currently ACTIVE listings featured the following picture as the FIRST and primary photo in the listing:

I've deleted listing info to protect the inept agent

THIS is terrible marketing by an agent that has been in the business a long time. Looks like his primary objective is to sell azaleas or some other bush. This primary picture is sometimes the only photo that will show in other real estate websites as the MLS listing is shared through IDX sharing technology. This is unbelievably bad service by this agent to a client. I bet the client has not seen this. And, it's not like the bushes are so close to the home that another photo opportunity is unavailable. Picture #14 of 14 shows this view:

Want GREAT marketing to have the best opportunity to get your home SOLD? (I even email the final listing sheet to the homeowner/seller for review and so they can see what is out on the Internet for agents and prospective buyers.)
Contact MEL COKER at RE/MAX Metro Associates:
Office: (803) 223-6214
email: melcoker@remax.net
Internet:
www.ColumbiaSouthCarolina.com/homes
www.MelCoker.com
www.MelCoker.remax.net
www.ColumbiaSouthCarolina.us
www.melcoker.wesellhouses.com

Shoes.com - Save Money!

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 15:49:00 +0000

CLICK HERE FOR SHOES.COM

SHOES.COM

CLICK HERE FOR SHOES.COM

Best Places for Retirement: Columbia, SC

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 13:28:00 +0000

The Greater Columbia (SC) area is a GREAT place for retirement!

There are many reasons to consider retiring to the Columbia, South Carolina area, but, one is the overall tax burden is easier in South Carolina. Kiplinger recently named South Carolina as one of ten states with the lowest overall tax burden for retirees. Here is what they had to say about South Carolina being a "tax friendly" state: The state does not tax Social Security benefits and provides a generous retirement-income deduction when calculating state income tax. State income-tax rates are reasonable, and property taxes are very low. Taxes are based on 4% of the market value of the home (then applied against local millage rate), and senior homeowners qualify for a homestead exemption.
CLICK HERE to read more

The Greater Columbia area includes: Irmo, Lexington, Northeast Columbia and the Lake Murray area. Life-long Columbia resident and Realtor Mel Coker can be your Columbia retirement relocation Realtor. Call Mel Coker at (803) 388-8011 or email.

Other important reasons to consider Columbia, SC for your retirement:

Excellent medical care facilities (5 hospitals - includes Dorn VA hospital and 2 heart specialization hospitals)
Nice year-round weather (snow is relatively rare)
Friendly people
Lots of activity possibilities (museums, parks, activity centers)
Reasonably priced golf courses and golf community homes
Boating and recreation on beautiful Lake Murray
Reasonable real estate taxes (and a $50,000 exclusion against taxable assessment at age 65)
Convenience to fun places: other travel in the Southeast, mountains of South and North Carolina, Historic Charleston, and the beaches in South Carolina to include Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island.
Reasonable Home Prices!

Examples of average home pricing in the Columbia area:

(closed single family homes; min. 1000 sf; min 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms - as of March 2012)

Overall Columbia area: app. $155,000

Lexington area: $203,094

Irmo/Dutch Fork/Chapin area: $164,130

Lake Murray waterfront: $497,521

CLICK HERE: More Columbia Retirement Information from Mel Coker

Ready to Get Started with a SMART Retirement Move?

Contact Mel Coker

Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES

RE/MAX Metro Associates - Columbia, SC

(803) 388-8011

Internet | email

A Better Home Page?

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:32:00 +0000

What is your home page? How much really useful info is there?

(the default page that comes up when you start your Internet browser)
It's probably set to the default that your web browser wants you to see.
Here is a link to the Mel Coker Home Page

I created my own "home page" in the early days of the Internet... way back on September 24, 1995! It's still out there, but, much improved over the years. I have all of the best and coolest links for you. Make my home page YOUR HOME PAGE!

What's on the Mel Coker home page?

links to MY websites, including Columbia real estate, Columbia websites, and Lake Murray websites
Google and other search engine inquiry boxes (Wikipedia, BING, Yahoo)
The best links for news, weather, sports, financial, investing, travel, health, fitness and much more
Direct link to Amazon for the best in Internet Shopping

Just today, I added a new category: Retirement - since I am getting really close to retirement, I've found some really great websites. These links are great for everyone wanting to plan and anticipate for retirement.

There are more really cool links, especially for computers: links for cleaning and making your PC faster, OpenOffice, DropBox, anti-virus, and more. Almost all of these great services are FREE!

So, I invite you to make MY homepage YOUR homepage.
CLICK HERE for Mel Coker's Home Page
(if you like it, you can click on the PLUS ONE on the webpage!)

Below is a partial view of the Mel Coker Home Page

Mel Coker's Home Page (partial)

Taxes in South Carolina

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 13:46:00 +0000

Considering Relocation to South Carolina?

An Overview of Taxes in South Carolina

Sales Taxes

State Sales Tax: 6% (prescription drugs and unprepared food items exempt); 25 counties impose an additional 1% local option sales tax; a number of counties impose a 2% sales tax. Seniors 85 and older pay 5%.
Gasoline Tax: 16.8 cents/gallon
Diesel Fuel Tax: 16.8 cents/gallon
Cigarette Tax: 57 cents/pack of 20

Personal Income Taxes

Tax Rate Range: Low – 3.0%; High – 7%; No tax on the first $2,630 of taxable income in tax year 2007.
Income Brackets: ** Lowest – $2,740; Highest – $13,701
Number of Brackets: 6
Personal Exemptions: * Single – $3,700; Married – $7,400; Dependents – $3,700
Standard Deduction: Single – $5,700; Married filing jointly – $11,400
Medical/Dental Deduction: Federal amount
Federal Income Tax Deduction: None
Retirement Income Taxes: Retirement income is taxed. Social Security is exempt. Under age 65, $3,000 in pension income is exempt. If you are 65 or older you may exempt $15,000 of retirement income. You can take this deduction for income received from any qualified retirement plan. If both spouses receive retirement income, each spouse is entitled to an individual deduction. The $15,000 deduction must be offset by any other retirement deduction that is claimed. A surviving spouse may continue to tacke a retirement deduction on behalf of the deceased spouse. Some taxpayers age 65 and older may not have to file a tax return if they meet certain conditions. For more information,click here.
Retired Military Pay: Retirees with 20 or more years of active duty can deduct up to $3,000 annually until age 65 and up to $10,000 per year after age 65. This deduction extends to the surviving spouse. Pension or retirement income received for time served in the National Guard or Reserve components is not taxable. Survivor benefits are taxed following federal tax rules.
Military Disability Retired Pay: Retirees who entered the military before Sept. 24, 1975, and members receiving disability retirements based on combat injuries or who could receive disability payments from the VA are covered by laws giving disability broad exemption from federal income tax. Most military retired pay based on service-related disabilities also is free from federal income tax, but there is no guarantee of total protection.
VA Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation: VA benefits are not taxable because they generally are for disabilities and are not subject to federal or state taxes.
Military SBP/SSBP/RCSBP/RSFPP: Generally subject to state taxes for those states with income tax. Check with state department of revenue office.

Property Taxes

Property tax is assessed and collected by local governments. Both real and personal property are subject to tax. The market value of a legal residence and up to 5 acres of surrounding land is assessed at 4%. For homeowners 65 and older, the state’s homestead exemption allows the first $50,000 of their property’s fair market value to be exempt from local property taxes. South Carolina imposes a casual excise tax of 5% on the fair market value of all motor vehicles, motorcycles, boats, motors and airplanes transferred between individuals. For more information, click here.

Inheritance and Estate Taxes

There is no inheritance tax or estate tax..
For further information, visit the South Carolina Department of Revenue site or 800-763-1295. If you are planning to move to South Carolina, this link will provide you with some helpful information.
* State allows personal exemption or standard deductions as provided in the Internal Revenue Code.

Call Mel Coker to buy a home in the Greater Columbia area

READY TO MOVE TO SOUTH CAROLINA?

Contact Mel Coker (a lifelong South Carolina resident / Realtor)
RE/MAX Metro Associates | Columbia, SC
(803) 223-6214
Internet | email

Tornado Information for South Carolina

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 08:57:00 +0000

Our tornado risk in central South Carolina overall is relatively low, but, we do have tornado possibility. Here is information you may find useful for safety purposes:

A tornado is a violent, dangerous, rotating column of air that is in contact with both the surface of the earth and a cumulonimbus cloud or, in rare cases, the base of a cumulus cloud. In the United States, tornadoes are around 500 feet (150 m) across on average and stay on the ground for 5 miles (8.0 km). Yet, there is a wide range of tornado sizes.
TORNADO WATCH - Issued when conditions are right for a tornado to form.
TORNADO WARNING - issued by government weather services to warn that severe thunderstorms with tornadoes may be imminent.

Tornado Links:

Current NOAA Tornado Watches
National Weather Service Forecast - Columbia, SC
WIS-TV First Alert Radar | WLTX-TV Weather & Radar
WIS First Alert Weather APP for iPhone
Rob's Live Weather Radar Page
Tornado Information Including Safety Tips
All About Tornadoes - Wikipedia
Tornadoes - Natures Most Violent Storms (really good stuff here!)

Buy A Weather Alert Radio (Amazon)

Irmo Area Home For Sale: 5 Bedroom / Over 5000 Square Feet

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 17:03:00 +0000

Priced to Sell in the Popular Irmo area:
205 Char Oak Drive; Columbia SC 29212
The Woods Subdivision

This home has 5 Bedrooms and 4 1/2 bedroom on an almost 1/2 acre beautifully landscaped lot. The home features formal living and dining rooms, a spacious kitchen and walkout basement with den. There are gleaming hardwoods in all formals, family room and the kitchen. There is ample storage area in the basement. The master bedroom is on the main level, along with 3 bedrooms upstairs and a basement bedroom.

This lovely home is in a GREAT location: near highly rated Lexington 5 schools and also with very easy convenience to downtown Columbia, Lake Murray, Columbia Metropolitan Airport and shopping, medical and dining.

More information and pictures online at these Virtual Tours:
www.ColumbiaSouthCarolina.com/homes/jackson.html

http://listings.realbird.com/B5C1E1B7/144900.aspx

For more information or a showing appointment, contact:
Mel Coker
RE/MAX Metro Associates
(803) 223-6214
Columbia Real Estate

Emergency Numbers: Columbia, SC

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:52:00 +0000

I created (two years ago) and now have updated an extensive EMERGENCY NUMBERS & WEBSITES publication. I have this on the Internet in both HTML and PDF format. Bookmark the webpage and/or print the PDF version.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS & WEBSITES Web Page

EMERGENCY NUMBERS & WEBSITES - PDF version for printing

Provided by Mel Coker as a public service.

Columbia, SC Real Estate Market Information

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:16:00 +0000

Summary of Columbia Real Estate: 2002 - 2011

I will continue to provide the most in market stats and summary information for Columbia real estate information. Soon, I will be providing market information by areas of Columbia to also include Lake Murray. So, keep watching my TWO blogs (this blog and my Lake Murray Blog) for the most complete market data.

CLICK: Summary of Columbia Real Estate
Sales, Prices, Days on Market

2012 Real Estate Forecast: Outlook from RE/MAX Agents

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:02:00 +0000

A survey of RE/MAX agents in December 2011 revealed the following:

39% of RE/MAX agents believe that prices have already hit bottom
Nearly three-fourths of agents say their markets will have emerged from declining home prices by the end of 2012
62.1% of agents predict good to very good sales in 2012
Half of closings were significantly delayed due to bank procedures (22.7%), financing (14.5%) and appraisals (8.7%)

CLICK: RE/MAX Agents 2012 Real Estate Forecast

CLICK on link above for complete graphic

Mel Coker

Columbia, SC Realtor

RE/MAX Metro Associates

(803) 223-6214

Columbia, SC real estate

LOW Mortgage Rates!

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:17:00 +0000

With historically low mortgage rates available now, you're able to save BIG money on your mortgage loan, or buy more home than you could in the past for the same dollars. It's a great time to buy a home. Don't procrastinate, get started now.

Call or email Mel Coker to buy a home in the Greater Columbia (S.C.) area.
Office: (803) 223-6214
email
Columbia, SC real estate website
Columbia, SC MLS Search

Interest rates today are at 4.0% (or lower) for a fixed rate 30 year mortgage. Visit my mortgage professionals page to contact a Columbia area mortgage professional:
www.ColumbiaSouthCarolina.com/homes/mortgage.html

Savings Example: (these LOW rates can save you BIG money)
$150,000 mortgage amount with 30 year fixed mortgage at 4.0%
$716.12 monthly (principal and interest only PI)
Back in late 2008, this mortgage would have been at 6.0%
$899.33 monthly (P&I only)
Monthly savings = $183.21
Savings over 30 years = $65,956

Mortgage rate (30 year fixed) Since January 2007
from www.Bankrate.com

Reproduced with the permission of Mortgage-X.com

Mel Coker
Columbia, SC Realtor
RE/MAX Metro Associates

Mortgage calculator and Mortgage rates

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 23:44:00 +0000

Mortgage rates are at historical lows!
NOW is the time to buy a home. Want excellent mortgage contacts for Columbia, SC?
Visit this webpage: http://www.columbiasouthcarolina.com/homes/mortgage.html

Use this excellent mortgage calculator:

Mortgage Calculator

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Mortgage Loan Rates

Mel Coker
RE/MAX Metro Associates
Columbia, SC real estate
(803) 223-6214 (Mel's office)

2012 Real Estate Outlook from RE/MAX

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 21:08:00 +0000

RE/MAX 2012 Top 10 Housing Predictions

Dave Liniger, the RE/MAX Chairman and Co-Founder (along with his wife), talks about his Top 10 Predictions for 2012. He also discusses his ideas on how to speed up the recovery. Take 3 minutes (and 16 seconds) to watch this interesting video.

CLICK HERE: Dave Liniger's Top 10 Predictions for Real Estate in 2012

Mel Coker
RE/MAX Realtor in Columbia, SC
RE/MAX Metro Associates
Columbia, SC real estate
(803) 223-6214 (office)

RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:53:00 +0000

One of the major assets I use in my marketing is the RE/MAX balloon. I use it on my websites, some clothing and caps, business cards, brochures, and more. I have even sponsored a RE/MAX balloon event at my daughter's school previously. Did you know this is one of the most recognized marketing images in the United States?

The RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon, the most recognizable RE/MAX image, debuted at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in 1978. The balloon's prolific image has appeared on countless yard signs, bus benches and billboards, as well as in television and print advertising campaigns since that time. Like other household names, the RE/MAX Balloon has helped the brand stay in the forefront of consumers' minds. The RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon fleet has more than 100 balloons flying in nearly two-dozen countries across the globe. It's one of the largest hot air balloon fleets in the world, and the largest fleet in North America.

Ballooning with RE/MAX brochure
(about Hot Air Ballooning)

Mel Coker
RE/MAX Metro Associates
(803) 223-6214
Columbia SC Real Estate

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 02:05:00 +0000

Happy New Year 2012 - from Mel Coker in Columbia, SC!

Barbara and I are bringing in the New Year in Surfside Beach (SC), but, we will be back to Columbia on Monday to watch the Gamecocks play Nebraska in the Capital One bowl on ESPN.

Top New Year's Resolutions

Get Fit - Start working out / work out more
Save Money / More Responsible with Cash
Spend more and better family time
Quit smoking
Volunteer for community service
Eat better - less or no fried food and plenty of fruits/vegetables
Lose weight - Yes, Americans are typically too overweight
Better work/life balance
Get organized
Read more

Got your resolutions figured out for 2012? I've set personal, health/exercise and real estate business goals.

Mel Coker

Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 23:17:00 +0000

A belated Merry Christmas! We were in Cancun for a vacation and arrived back in the USA just two days before Christmas, so I got behind a bit with my blogging. We had a very nice Christmas and I hope you and your family have had a nice Christmas season as well.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Barbara and Mel in Cancun - Dec. 20, 2011

Mel, Barbara and Kelly - Christmas Day 2011

Please keep following my blog in the New Year... 2012! Good stuff is on the way such as real estate reports, new home communities, Columbia news and events, energy savings ideas, an upcoming Mel Coker client/friend event, Lake Murray news and events, vacation ideas and much more.

Mel Coker
Columbia, SC Realtor
RE/MAX Metro Associates
(803) 318-2007
email

Lake Murray: Visit Mel Coker's Lake Murray Website and Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:44:00 +0000

What's there... always cool and interesting Lake Murray information.

At the Lake Murray blog NOW:
CLICK: LakeMurrayBlog.com
Lake Murray's Birthday! (81 years old)
Virtual Neighborhoods
Lake Murray Scenes
Lake Murray Access Home for Sale near Chapin (with pool)
Lake Murray Restaurants

At the Lake Murray website NOW:
CLICK: LakeMurray-SC.com
The best Lake Murray information including: Dreher Shoals Dam history, Walk the Dam, Lake Murray-s B-25 Bomber, Lake Murray Restaurants, Lake Murray fishing, boating safety, Purple Martins at Lake Murray, P-Nut man at the dam, Lake Murray weather and more

Lake Murray - South Carolina's Awesome Lake!

Mel Coker
Columbia and Lake Murray Realtor
RE/MAX Metro Associates
(803) 388-8011
Mel Coker's email
Columbia Real Estate
Columbia MLS Search

Columbia, SC Real Estate

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:15:00 +0000

Need a Professional Realtor for Greater Columbia?
Contact Mel Coker - A life-long resident of the Columbia area
CLICK for my brochure

Happy Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:31:00 +0000

Happy Thanksgiving from the Coker family in Columbia, South Carolina!

I did some reading today on the orgins of Thanksgiving Day in the United States. Thanksgiving Day began as a tradition at the end of the harvest season to express thanks for one's material possessions and spiritual blessings.

The first recorded Thanksgiving ceremony took place on September 8, 1565, when 600 Spanish settlers, under the leadership of explorer Pedro Menendez de Aviles landed at St. Augustine, Florida, and immediately held a Mass of Thanksgiving (with a feast and celebration) for safe delivery to the New World. In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies.

As President, on October 3, 1789, George Washington made a proclamation and created the first Thanksgiving Day designated by the national government of the United States of America. Thanksgiving Day has been a holiday in the United States since 1863.

The History of Thanksgiving: The History Channel

Click here to read more on the orgins of Thanksgiving Day in the United States.

Mel Coker

Columbia, SC
http://www.melcoker.com/

Start a NEW Neighborhood!

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 20:19:00 +0000

I started a new neighborhood this past week and you can too! I started an online virtual neighborhood for the area where we live. It's a new internet technology available at http://www.nextdoor.com/ . Unfortunately, you can't visit my neighborhood because it's private and only available by invitation to those that acutally live in the neighborhood that I defined by property boundaries.

Want to be civic minded and a "good neighbor"? Start your own NextDoor.com neighborhood for your subdivision or neighborhood area. It's easy. I did it this week and got the word out by distributing flyers (available through the website), sending emails to folks I already knew and mailing a few postcards. The whole thing is FREE and there are free resources to help you get started. It will take time to build up the neighborhood, but, the first step is to just get started.
www.nextdoor.com/new

Here is an aerial view of my new neighborhood and color representations of those that have registered:

My "NextDoor.com" Virtual Neighborhood near Chapin, SC

Watch the video that explains NextDoor.com

There are 105 homes in our neighborhood and already I've seen at least two examples of people communicating and discovering new friends just down the street or across a lake cove as neighbors. At a minimum, this is a great neighborhood directory, but it can be much more: post service/business recommendations, post news/events and post items for sale or give-away, etc.

Mel Coker
Columbia, SC Real Estate
RE/MAX Metro Associates
(803) 388-8011

Best Mortgage Calculator

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 02:49:00 +0000

My wife and I have a 15-year mortgage. As of this month, we have made 103 payments. Now, we're wanting to make a few periodic payments to pay off our mortgage early (not a higher monthly payment from here on out, but probably 2 fairly large pre-payments over the next year. How will this impact our mortgage amortization schedule?

Using the following link, this is easy to calculate with the great extra payment mortgage calculator at Mortgage-X.com . The calculator lets you determine monthly mortgage payments (basic amortization schedule), find out how your monthly, yearly, or one-time pre-payments influence the loan term and the interest paid over the life of the loan, and see complete amortization schedules. This is really cool!

http://mortgage-x.com/calculators/extra_payment_calculator.asp

Use it and mark it as a "Favorite". You will likely want to come back to this great amortization calculator!

Over the past 8 1/2 years we have not made any pre-payments. But, by making my anticipated 2 large prepayments over the next year, I will save $15,499 in interest charges and pay off my loan 4 years and 2 months earlier! Use this calculator in helping make smart financial decisions!

Mel Coker
Columbia, SC real estate
RE/MAX Metro Associates
(803) 223-6214