Mel's Columbia, SC Blog

Community Spotlight - Park West near Chapin

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:49:00 +0000

Park West - Chapin, SC
NEW Homes by DR Horton

Just a couple of minutes from Lake Murray and just outside the town limits of Chapin, you’ll find Park West. Homes in Park West are now being built by D.R. Horton, one of America's largest homebuilders.

Single family home prices are in the range of approximately $130,000 and $180,000. Homes have unmatched floor plans, stylish elevations and will have 3-4 bedrooms. It's one of the area's best new home communities. Curently, there is great choice of existing new homes for sale with an inventory of 6 homes for sale.

Residents of Park West will be within walking distance of Crooked Creek Park. Award winning Chapin schools are within just a few minutes. Of course, the community is just minutes away from beautiful Lake Murray and nearby marinas and public boat launch sites. The community is served by the highly-rated Lexington School District 5 schools: Chapin Elementary, Chapin Middle and Chapin High.

I live near Chapin myself... it's a great place to call home! Park West is located off Old Lexington Highway just outside the town of Chapin.

NEW HOME Stimulus Plan by Mel Coker - Ready to learn more, visit the community or buy in Park West? Be sure to contact Mel Coker, your Irmo/Chapin area Realtor. Call Mel at (803) 318-2007 or email: melcoker@remax.net. When you use Mel Coker as your Buyer's Agent in Park West to buy a home, Mel will provide you with a $500 Lowe's gift certificate at closing. You may also call the on-site Realtor, Liz Reid, and mention Mel Coker as your Realtor of choice. Call Liz at (803) 360-8494.

http://www.melcoker.com/
(803) 223-6214

Quail Hollow Open House Extravaganza

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:54:00 +0000

EIGHT Open Houses in Quail Hollow this Sunday!
Sunday, November 15th 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Quail Hollow is a popular neighborhood conveniently located between Lexington and West Columbia. It's near everything in Greater Columbia. Just minutes away: Lexington Medical Center, Interstates 26, 20 and 77, downtown Columbia, Columbia Metropolitan Airport, Lake Murray, and much more.

As an added benefit to living in this friendly community, homeowners may elect to join the Quail Hollow Swim & Racquet Club for a very reasonable membership fee. Set in a wooded area on the banks of the beautiful Saluda River, Quail Hollow Swim and Racquet Club offers a unique experience for those who love to swim and play tennis. It's a place to meet new friends and one of the few places with easy access to the Saluda River.

The homes in the Open House tour offer a wide variety of amenities, size and offering price. All are market priced to sell! NOW is a great time to buy with really low mortgage rates and the NEW Federal Home Buyer Tax Credit Program (applies to first-time homebuyer AND existing homeowners meeting certain rules). Nathan Ballentine of Wells Fargo Mortgage will be on-site at 206 Holly Ridge Lane to answer mortgage questions. Also, be sure to register for one of several Five Guys/Coldstone Creamery gift cards to be given away at 206 Holly Ridge Lane.

Click to View and Print the OPEN HOUSE BROCHURE

Open Houses on the Tour:
Sunday, November 15th 1:30 - 3:00
2209 Raven Trail $214,900
3 BR; 2 baths; app. 2300 square feet
2007 Bob White Lane $259,900
5 BR; 3 baths; app. 2900 square feet
2124 Chipmunk Lane $269,900
4 BR; 2 1/2 baths; app. 2893 square feet
224 Blackhawk Terrace $279,900
3 BR; 2 1/2 baths; app. 2450 square feet
108 Woodcock Trail $299,900 (2:00 - 4:00)
4 BR; 2 baths; app. 2741 square feet
1813 Ephrata Drive $319,900
4 BR; 3 baths; app. 2900 square feet
206 Holly Ridge Lane $359,900
4 BR; 3 1/2 baths; app. 4109 square feet
2503 Feather Run Court $399,000
5 BR; 3 1/2 baths; app. 4265 square feet

Directions: U.S. 378 West from West Columbia or I-26 to U.S. 378 West; right on Fairlane (just past Lexington Medical Center); at 4-way stop sign, continue straight and follow Open House Signs.

Questions? Call Mel Coker (803) 318-2007

Veterans Day is Wednesday, November 11th

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:45:00 +0000

Veterans Day is Wednesday, November 11th!

UPDATE: The Columbia Veterans Day Parade is cancelled due to Tropical Storm Ida.

The City of Columbia Veterans Day Parade will be November 11th in downtown Columbia. This parade is one of the largest Veterans Day parades in the United States. The parade route starts at the Laurel & Sumter Street intersection and runs south on Sumter Street to Gervais Street. The parade starts around 10:45 a.m.

This federal holiday was initially known as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I on November 11, 1917. The holiday officially began in 1926 and in 1954 the holiday name was changed to Veterans Day.

History of Veterans Day website

Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to United States national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served - not only those who died - have sacrificed and done their duty. PLEASE BE SURE TO THANK A VETERAN FOR THEIR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY!

I've created a webpage with information for the Columbia, SC Veterans Day parade and to honor our veterans. Please check the page out as it contains other information such as: Veterans Day links, pictures from our Memorial Park in Columbia, SC and the name of America's most decorated soldier from ANY international/foreign war (HINT: it's not Alvin York or Audie Murphy and he WAS born in South Carolina!).

CLICK HERE for the Veterans Day website from Mel Coker

Click Here for: Military in South Carolina

"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation."
– George Washington
General and Commander-in-Chief & First President of the United States of America

Mast General Store Coming to Columbia, SC!

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:49:00 +0000

This week, officials of Mast General Store announced that the company will open a new location at the former location of Lourie's Clothing store in downtown Columbia. No opening date has been set, but, it will probably be 2011 or 2012. The historic Lourie's building will have to undergo extensive renovation.

Mast General Store is a combination outdoor outfitter and old-fashioned country store. I visited the original Mast General Store many years ago in the mountains of Valle Crucis, North Carolina. It is indeed a wonderful store that carries a little bit of everything. The original Mast General Store opened in Valle Crucis in 1883 and is still operating at that location. This location was named to the National Register of Historic Places as one of the finest remaining examples of an old country general store.

Mast General Store has other locations in Boone, Asheville, Waynesville, Hendersonville (all in NC); Greenville (SC); and Knoxville (TN). Welcome to Columbia, SC!

Mast General Store website

Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended and Expanded!

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:58:00 +0000

Congress has just passed legislation to extend the Home Buyer Tax Credit for first-time home buyers. This amount will continue to be 10% of the purchase price with a limit of $8000.

Also, an existing home owner can claim a NEW $6,500 tax credit if they have been residing in their principal residence for five consecutive years out of the last eight. Additionally, the income eligibility limits to claim the full credit amount for both groups of home buyers have been raised to $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for married couples.

I will be providing more details in another blog very soon. CLICK HERE for a press release from the National Association of Home Builders.

Zillow

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:32:00 +0000

Zillow... Good Stuff, but be careful with some of the data.
I am listed as a featured Realtor at Zillow. Zillow.com is an online real estate service that provides valuable tools and information. Just be careful with how you view and use the information.

It is good for overall market conditions reports to a degree. And, they have their Zestimate feature where you enter your home address and based on a number of factors, Zillow comes up with a market price for your home. Of course, they have never seen your home or condition and can't take into consideration many other home/market factors. It's just a starting point. When you're really ready to sell, contact Mel Coker. Also, they have available a really cool app for iPhones.

I have just analyzed three current listings of mine to check actual asking price to Zestimate. One was very slightly under the current asking price; one was slightly over the current asking price and one listing had a Zillow Zestimate under about 23% (this was a really bad price estimate evaluation). Anyway, it's information.

Try your home address on Zillow (just type it in the box at the top of the page, then click on "See Home Info" and then scroll down to Zestimate.)

I also feature all of my listings on Zillow:

Most Expensive Homes in South...

Get this widget

More South Carolina homes for sale

Mel Coker
http://www.melcoker.com/
http://www.greatcolumbiaschomes.com/

Mel's List of TOP TEN iPHONE APPS

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 01:34:00 +0000

Mel's Top Ten iPhone Apps

I've finally gotten into smartphone technology! After some investigation, I bought an iPhone 3Gs a few weeks ago. It's an AWESOME phone! How did I live without it?

Over the past few weeks I've discovered a number of really cool and useful iPhone apps. Many were found on various lists of Best iPhone apps. So, here is my list of BEST FREE iPHONE APPS.

Google Mobile - Search Google, Gmail, GOOG-411, and much more.
Google Earth - on your iPhone fly anywhere on Earth to view satellite imagery, maps, terrain & more.
Pandora - personalized radio playing only the music you like.
TripIt - start with a free account at http://www.tripit.com/ and your travels are pushed to your iPhone.
AccuWeather - The best weather online now on the iPhone.
Yelp - Connect easily with local businesses - read reviews and make your own reviews.
USA Today - lastest news, sports, financial, weather and more.
Zillow - real estate tools and information with a GPS assist.
SaveBenjis - check your iPhone before you buy to get the best deal. (oops... it's 99 cents!)
WebMD - check your symptoms, treatment information, first aid essentials and more.

Mel Coker
http://www.melcoker.com/

Tired of HIGH Real Estate Taxes?

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 21:22:00 +0000

Tired of high real estate taxes?
You may want to consider South Carolina.

A recently released study by the Tax Foundation ranked all states by Median Property Taxes Paid on Homes. The top 10 states with highest real estate taxes:
1.) New Jersey (3.3 times higher than the U.S. median), 2.) Connecticut, 3.) New Hampshire, 4.) New York, 5.) Rhode Island, 6.) Massachusetts, 7.) Illinois, 8.) Vermont, 9.) Wisconsin, 10.) California (1.5 times higher than the U.S. median).

In South Carolina, real estate property taxes on owner occupied homes are reasonable. In fact, our state ranks 6th lowest. Other taxes are reasonable in South Carolina and there are tax breaks for senior citizens on real estate taxes and income.

Click to view the Tax Foundation Tax Data

CLICK HERE: Why Taxes Matter

“We contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.”

—Winston Churchill

Columbia, SC real estate
Call Mel Coker to buy a home in the Columbia, SC area (Lexington, Chapin, Lake Murray, Irmo)
(803) 223-6214

Eagles Rest at Lake Murray - Mel's Featured Community

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:47:00 +0000

Eagles Rest at Lake Murray

Just a couple of minutes from Lake Murray, you’ll find Eagles Rest at Lake Murray’s beautiful traditional and garden homes in a tranquil, wooded setting. The community is located near Ballentine and between Irmo and Chapin, South Carolina. You may buy a "spec" home or build your home with custom features that you desire.

Single family base home prices are in the range of approximately $210,000 and $270,000. Garden (patio) homes feature base prices in the range of $217,000 and $240,000. Currently, spec homes are available in the price range of $258,000 to $359,593. Shumaker Homes is the builder in this community. Family owned and operated since 1965, the Shumaker family has built a reputation as an innovative industry leader by building quality, personalized homes throughout South Carolina.

For amenities, the community will feature a pool, cabana, and walking trails. Of course, the community is just minutes away from beautiful Lake Murray and nearby marinas and public boat launch sites. The community is served by the highly-rated Lexington School District 5 schools: Lake Murray Elementary, Chapin Middle and Chapin High.

Ready to learn more, visit the community or buy in Eagles Rest? Be sure to contact Mel Coker, your Irmo/Chapin area Realtor. Call me at (803) 318-2007 or email: melcoker@remax.net. When you use Mel Coker as your Buyer's Agent in Eagles Rest to buy a home, I will provide you with a $500 Lowe's gift certificate at closing. You may also call the on-site Realtor, Macy Long, and mention Mel Coker as your Realtor of choice. Call Macy at (803) 319-8875.

Eagles Rest at Lake Murray | Lake Murray | Lake Murray Blog | MelCoker.com

Timeshares - Need to Sell, Buy or Rent?

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:03:00 +0000

Timeshares... Need to Sell, Buy or Rent?
I can assist you with this too. It's real estate, so I can help!

With my affiliation with Timeshares Only, I can help people wishing to sell, buy or rent a timeshare. Timeshares Only is the world’s largest timeshare resale marketplace. Through cooperative advertising, Timeshares Only makes it possible for timeshare buyers, sellers and renters to connect around the World.

Want to get started? Call me, or, click on the link below to fill out a form and you will be contacted by Timeshares Only.
CLICK HERE to sell, buy or rent a timeshare

I recently had a client of mine sign-up with Timeshares Only to sell their timeshare in Williamsburg, Virgina. They have been satisfied with the service and marketing provided by Timeshares Only.
Click here to check out their timeshare for sale (or rent) in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Mel's Timeshare Page - Sell, Buy or Rent

South Carolina State Fair: Coming Soon!

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:33:00 +0000

The 2009 South Carolina State Fair opens in Columbia on October 14th (at 3:00 p.m.) and runs through October 25th. Opening Day features $1 admission for everyone! Each October, people of all ages come to Columbia to participate in the South Carolina State Fair, one of the TOP 50 Fairs in the United States. Exhibits as well as livestock competitions and entertainment draw both rural and urban crowds.

CLICK HERE to visit the South Carolina State Fair website

Location: 1200 Rosewood Drive; Columbia SC 29201 (near Williams Brice Stadium - Home of the South Carolina Gamecocks)

This year, the Grandstand entertainment includes: TobyMac, David Cook, The Charlie Daniels Band, Nat & Alex Wolff, Michael W. Smith & Steven Curtis Chapman, Montgomery Gentry, Eric Benet with MaryLiz, and Shag-A-Fair with the Fantastic Shakers. Click here for the entertianment schedule and prices.

The State Agricultural and Mechanical Society of South Carolina, an eleemosynary institution owned and controlled by life members, is responsible for the establishment of the South Carolina State Fair. Much of the proceeds are provided to charitable organizations throughout the state.

Visit the South Carolina State Fair and enjoy: carnival rides, FOOD!, entertainment, commercial exhibitors, agricultural and livestock exhibits and much more.
Fun at the Fair - YouTube!

Get this widget!

Clif Mims.com

Columbia Named in America's Best Affordable Places to Retire Article

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:13:00 +0000

U.S. News & World Report has named Columbia SC as one of America's Best Affordable Places to Retire!
Of course, I knew that already as a Columbia Realtor and life-long resident of Columbia. Columbia IS a great place to live, especially for retirees.

The complete article (September 28, 2009):

America's Best Affordable Places to Retire
U.S. News & World Report worked with a data search company to seek out places with a low cost of living and reasonable housing prices that still offered access to the services and amenities that people should look for in an ideal retirement spot. Each city on the list has high-quality healthcare and elder-care facilities, as well as an abundance of educational and cultural events.

Columbia SC - Editor's Pick for Best Place for Retirement Living

Topping the list of reasons that Columbia SC was chosen as a BEST PLACE TO LIVE FOR RETIREMENT: low median home prices AND low owner occupied property taxes (homeowners over age 65 get even lower tax bills). The median home sale price in 2008 was about $148,000. Average property taxes were listed around $1,000. Homeowners over age 65 get a $50,000 reduction on assessed tax value to further lower property tax bills.

More reasons to choose Columbia SC for affordable retirement living:

LOW overall cost of living
GREAT weather - lots of sunshine and mild winters (snow is rare)
Friendly people and Southern hospitality
Excellent health care facilities
Lake Murray - one of the BEST lakes in all of the South is popular for boating, fishing and fun
Easy access to city, regional and state parks and even a National Park close to Columbia
THREE rivers through Columbia - Congaree, Broad and Saluda for canoeing and kayaking
Numerous and diverse cultural activities: antebellum architecture in historic districts, excellent musuems, outdoor concerts, University of South Carolina athletic events
Military retirees enjoy amenities and benefits provided by U.S. Army Fort Jackson and Dorn VA hospital
Nice places to shop including several malls and special shopping districts including Five Points and Congaree Vista
Stable economy and work force employers
There's more, but at least the above list is a start as to why you should choose Columbia SC for your place to call home for retirement!

More Columbia SC information:

When you're ready for more Columbia SC real estate information, contact Mel Coker:

Office: (803) 223-6214

Mobile: (803) 318-2007

email contact form

Columbia SC real estate website

Mel Coker

Search for Columbia Homes For Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:45:00 +0000

Search Columbia MLS

Want to search for Columbia SC homes for sale (also: Lake Murray, Lexington, Chapin, Irmo, Northeast Columbia)? I've just updated my GreatColumbiaSCHomes.com website with NEW MLS SEARCH FEATURES! Click on the website to view:
http://www.greatcolumbiaschomes.com/

I have FOUR MLS search features available with one being an embedded search feaure on the main home page. Of course, the BEST method to search for ANY Columbia area home for sale is to contact Mel Coker. Let me know your home search criteria and I will send you very focused MLS listings. I have access to ALL Columbia area homes for sale.

Mel Coker
http://www.melcoker.com/
http://www.greatcolumbiaschomes.com/
Telephone: (803) 388-8011

Lake Murray websites

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 02:10:00 +0000

Mel Coker's TWO Lake Murray websites:

As a reminder, I have TWO sources of Lake Murray information on the Internet:
http://www.lakemurray-sc.com/
and, a Blog: http://www.lakemurrayblog.com/

Lake Murray is South Carolina's BEST fishing hole and a great place for fun and watersports.

Check out my NEW Lake Murray YouTube video:

Lake Murray video in HD!

Gamecocks Play Tonight!

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:19:00 +0000

Gamecock Football 2009 Starts Today
Wait Til Next Year is Here!

South Carolina Gamecock football starts tonight at 7:00 p.m in Raleigh against NC State. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN with NC State a slight favorite. Steve Spurrier, who has coached a national championship team, won seven Southeastern Conference titles, and won nearly three-fourths of the college games in which he has coached, begins his fifth season as head coach at the University of South Carolina.

South Carolina football website

I saw an article on the Internet yesterday about the "Top 10 College Football Entrances" in college football. The State of South Carolina really has bragging rights for this list. Out of 119 college Division 1 football teams, South Carolina has 2 in the top ten on this list! South Carolina is number 4 and Clemson is number 2.

South Carolina has been entering their football games to "Also Sprach Zarathustra, Opus 30" since 1983. Former Coach Joe Morrison started this tradition. The music is best recognized as the theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey, but former USC QB Tommy Suggs says the idea actually came from an Elvis concert.

Want to know the #1 entrance? Click for the article
Read about South Carolina's football entrance & see entrance on YouTube

Go Gamecocks!

Vacation DEAL at Myrtle Beach!

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:59:00 +0000

What a DEAL at Myrtle Beach!

Special Vacation Offer from Mel Coker

Barbara and I own a timeshare at Marriott's OceanWatch at Grande Dunes. It's a beautiful resort in a great beach area at Myrtle Beach, SC. We vacationed there last December and we are going again on September 11th for our 2009 vacation. We really enjoy our Grande Dunes vacations. The room is awesome, the beach is great and the facilities and amenities are excellent. The location for convenience to Myrtle Beach attractions, shopping and restaurants is excellent.

TripAdvisor.com routinely rates OceanWatch at Grande Dunes as one of the top resorts/hotels in all of Myrtle Beach (over 200 rated). It has a 4.5 star rating and 94% favorable rating. This is top-shelf rating stuff on TripAdvisor.com

THE DEAL... As an owner, I can refer guests to stay at OceanWatch (subject to room availability) for ONLY $99 per couple for 3 days and 2 nights. That's an incredible deal for a luxury 2 bedroom villa. To allow me to put you in contact with a Marriott representative, please CLICK HERE to fill out my online form to request this offer.

Some of the small print and further details: Booking cannot be made within one month of initial contact to Marriott. One offer per household. Annual income of $75,000 or more is required. Must meet other eligibility requirements. Guests must participate in a personal 90-minute tour and sales presentation.

CLICK HERE to request a contact for your Myrtle Beach getaway at OceanWatch at Grande Dunes.

Fishing at Lake Murray

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:09:00 +0000

The Fishing is GREAT at Lake Murray!
CLICK for my NEW Lake Murray Fishing Web Page

Tournaments are hosted frequently on the lake, including the Forest Wood Cup at Lake Murray in August 2008. Lake Murray is known as one of the most productive lakes in the Southeast for largemouth bass and striped bass. Lake Murray state record fish include: white bass, white perch, white crappie, and white catfish.

What's on my Fishing at Lake Murray page: link to Buddy's fishing guide service, DNR fishing report, Lake Murray fish attractors, license information and link to buy online, Lake Murray weather link, order Lake Murray map or poster online and more.

Fishing at Lake Murray | Lake Murray website | Lake Murray Blog

Schools information posted on Columbia SC listings by Mel Coker

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 22:15:00 +0000

Another EDGE in Columbia SC Real Estate by Mel Coker...

GreatSchools information

I have now started to place GreatSchools.net school grades on all listing pages that I post on my Virtual Tour website. It's a GREAT benefit to potential buyers and it's an extra marketing tool for sellers too. As Columbia's exclusive CyberStars Realtor, I always look to provide the highest level of service to my clients and Internet prospects.

The mission of GreatSchools is to improve K-12 education by inspiring parents to get involved. The GreatSchools.net website allows visitors to access school data, expert advice, articles, and community content. GreatSchools.net profiles more than 90,000 public elementary, middle and high schools in the United States. Charter schools, magnet schools, year-round schools, and some continuation and alternative schools are included as well. GreatSchools.net includes basic information on some private schools as well.

Take a look at my first listing that I have posted this information:

Lexington SC all brick home for sale

In this particular case, Pleasant Hill Elementary had an 8; Pleasant Hill Middle had a 10 and Lexington High had a 10 score.

Please remember that I can assist you with ANY home for sale in the Greater Columbia area. Contact Mel Coker to buy your Columbia area home, or to get your home SOLD!

Mel Coker

(803) 388-8011 (My Google Voice number)
Columbia, SC Real Estate

HOT Deals on Investment Properties

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:49:00 +0000

READY FOR AN INCREDIBLE REAL ESTATE DEAL?

I can help you buy a NEW home as an investment property and the Seller (the Builder) will lease back the home as a model home. I bought one of these model leaseback homes myself in March of this year and I sold another one in June.

Now, TWO more model homes are for sale. You will have to move very quickly before they are sold. Since these are model homes, they feature very nice upgrades. The builder will leaseback the home and pay the property taxes and HOA fee. It's a fantastic deal. Call Mel Coker NOW for details: Call Mel Coker at (803) 318-2007.

The builder's mortgage subsidiary will provide mortgage financing with a minimum of 15% down.
One home is in Northeast Columbia. It has over 2300 square feet; 4 bedrooms plus a bonus room; 2 1/2 bathrooms; 2 car garage. Other upgrades include trimwork, hardwoods floors, irrigation and secuirty systems. This home is price at an incredible $134,900. Market value on this home is around $165,000. Call Mel Coker NOW!
Aug. 28th UPDATE: This home was SOLD by Mel Coker today!

The other home is between West Columbia and Lexington. It has over 1900 square feet; 4 bedrooms; 2 1/2 bathrooms; 2 car garage and a number of upgrades. This home is priced at an incredible $119,900. Market value on this home is around $145,000. Call Mel Coker NOW!

Call me before they are gone!

Mel Coker
RE/MAX Metro Associates
Office (803) 749-5800
Google Voice: (803) 388-8011
Cell: (803) 318-2007

NEW listing - Lexington, SC

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:31:00 +0000

I've got a NEW listing in Lexington!
243 Olivia Way in Cherokee Lakes Subdivision

This beautiful all brick home has 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths. My friend, Mrs. Clean, lives here! The master bedroom is downstairs with 3 bedrooms upstairs. Hardwoods are in the foyer and formal dining room. Outside, the backyard is fenced and there's a deck and storage shed.

Cherokees Lakes is Lexington's family friendly neighborhood. Your family will enjoy the community pond for fishing or kayaking. Click on my virtual tour link below for more pictures and information.

Call Mel Coker to see this home or ANY other home in the Greater Columbia, SC area. Call (803) 388-8011 or (803) 749-5800.

Virtual Tour for Lexington home in Cherokee Lakes

Columbia Weather & Hurricane Season

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 01:20:00 +0000

Mel's WEATHER Page!
Need one online resource for local, national or storm weather?
Try my Columbia Weather page.

Included on the page are active weather maps and graphics showing weather radar, temperature, current conditions, forecasts, wind speed and more. My sources include National Weather Service, AccuWeather, The Weather Channel and more. I also have links for Lake Murray water level and temperature information. When you need to check Columbia weather online, go to Mel's Columbia Weather information page.

Weather Forecast Weather Maps Weather Radar

Two other interesting links on my website relate to Hurricane season:

My link to StormPulse.com . StormPulse has an interactive hurricane tracking map, regular updates and advisories and much more including historical hurricane information. For example, click here to view the Hurricane Hugo (1989) tracking map.
A really cool NEW link to a FoxNews.com Hurricance Interactive - this new presentation shows potential damage and risks associated with Category 1-5 hurricanes.

Lake Murray Sales Update - Waterfront Lots

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 22:50:00 +0000

An Update from Mel Coker
Lake Murray Waterfront Lots

I've just finished a detailed analysis of Lake Murray waterfront lots closed during the past 5 years and current sales activity. Buying a lot on Lake Murray is still a very viable option to enjoy lake living. One of my clients bought a lake lot last year and started building their dream Lake Murray home just this past week with my recommended builder.

For my analysis, the "average" Lake Murray lot is: less than 1.5 acres, has a minimum of 100 feet of water frontage. Also, my base year for minimum price is 2004 at $75,000. The average minimum price has been adjusted each each for the previous year price change percentage. I've even tracked average discount from final list price for sales prices.
(For average prices and number of sales, percentage changes are from previous year; average days on market includes 25% adjustment for expireds and withdrawns)

2004
Number of sales: 44 DOWN 12.0%
Average price: $183,813 UP 22.6%
Avg. DOM: 381
Avg. discount from final list price: 5.87%

2005
Number of sales: 85 UP 93.2%
Average price: $204,994 UP 11.5%
Avg. DOM: 276
Avg. discount from final list price: 5.26%

2006
Number of sales: 79 DOWN 7.1%
Average price: $217,391 UP 6.0%
Avg. DOM: 215
Avg. discount from final list price: 6.0%

2007
Number of sales: 61 DOWN 22.8%
Average price: $246,145 UP 13.2%
Avg. DOM: 168
Avg. discount from final list price: 5.1%

2008
Number of sales: 30 DOWN 50.8%
Average price: $276,096 UP 12.2%
Avg. DOM: 262
Avg. discount from final list price: 10.1%

2009 (thru June 30)
Number of sales: 13 DOWN 13.3%
Average price: $251,262 DOWN 9.0%
Avg. DOM: 422
Avg. discount from final list price: 10.8%

Currently, there are 184 lots for sale on Lake Murray (meeting my criteria above) with an average sales price of $336,502. The average days on market is 434 days. Obviously, the asking price for many lots is way too high based on the much higher price compared to actual closings over the last several years, a very high DOM and the large number of lots for sale.

Other important highlights:

the number of lots closed annually has decreased the past 3 years and is on pace to decrease again in 2009.
average closed prices in 2009 are showing the possible first ever price decrease on Lake Murray
there is enough current inventory at Lake Murray to last app. 7 years at the current sales pace

NOW may be the time to BUY your Lake Murray lot! When you're ready to BUY or SELL a Lake Murray lot, be sure to contact Mel Coker. I am a lake resident and I know Lake Murray!

Lake Murray website

Lake Murray Blog

Buy a lot, get on Lake Murray.

Another Benefit from Mel Coker - Discount Flooring

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 19:48:00 +0000

Another EDGE from Columbia, SC Realtor Mel Coker:

Discount Flooring at ProSource Wholesale Floorcoverings!

My ProSource Floorcoverings Webpage - Columbia SC Floorcoverings

I am a trade member now at ProSource Wholesale Floorcoverings. With my membership, you have the opportunity to shop and buy at this wonderful showroom. Admittance is ONLY with the Customer Referral Admittance Card that I provide for you upon request. Get one by sending me an email with your name and address and I will put one in the mail to you right away. Or, I can scan and send one to you in PDF format.

Mel Coker's email

The showroom is conveniently located just off I-126 at Greystone Boulevard on Rivermont Drive (almost next to the Riverbanks Zoo). The huge showroom has the following products: carpet, ceramic tile, natural stone, laminate, hardwoods, vinyl, custom rugs and cabinets. Manufacturers include: Shaw, Stainmaster, Pergo, Wilsonart, Mohawk, Daltile and many more.

When you're ready to shop for and buy ANY floorcovering product in the Columbia SC area, be sure to get my exclusive ProSource Admittance Card. For the majority of products, you will receive a discount of 40% off the listed suggested price on carpet and 20% off the listed suggested price for hard surface products. I have a special Account Manager, Robert Kiser, at the showroom available to assist you.

Mel Coker's ProSource Floorcoverings Webpage for More Information

Mel's EDGE!

GREAT Subs in St. Andrews / Irmo Area

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 20:05:00 +0000

Sub-Station II in St. Andrews
31 years of GREAT SUBS!

Jack and Kirti Shah have owned Sub-Station II in St. Andrews since 1978. I met Mr. Shah in the late 1980's (about 20 years ago) and have been eating delicious subs at their restaurant since then. They have great food, reasonable prices and friendly service. I'm partial to the "Ultimate" sub.

Stop in to see Mr. and Mrs. Shah at 736 St. Andrews Road. They are located in St. Andrews Shopping Center just off I-26 exit 106. The telephone is: 798-7505.

Mention my name, Mel Coker, during the month of August 2009, and you will receive a FREE 22 ounce drink with a $5 purchase or more.

Downtown Columbia Home for Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 23:34:00 +0000

Located in Historic Earlewood
Columbia, SC Home for Sale
Located close to everything in downtown Columbia: The State House, University of South Carolina, City Parks, Riverbanks Zoo, and much more.

This vinyl construction home is only 13 years old and has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The owner has painted all of the interior and has new floor coverings. All appliances are NEW also: stove, refrigerator, garbage disposal, dishwasher and vent hood. There are many more nice upgrades. This home is priced to sell at $143,500. You may be eligible for the $8000 federal tax credit and special incentive mortgage programs. Call Mel Coker to see this home.

20 Lindsay Street Home for Sale Virtual Tour