Mel's Columbia, SC Blog

Lake Murray

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:31:00 +0000

Lake Murray Update:

Want to know what's happening at Lake Murray and with Lake Murray home prices? Be sure to visit my Lake Murray website and Lake Murray blog. On my latest blog, I provide stats on home price changes over the past 5 years along with other market conditions. Check out my Lake Murray website, blog and eBook for the best Lake Murray information online.

Lake Murray Blog

Lake Murray Website

Lake Murray eBook!

Open publication - Free publishing - More lake murray sc

Our Cancun Vacation

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:02:00 +0000

We recently completed another great vacation in Cancun. It was our 12th visit to a Palace Resorts in Cancun or the Riviera Maya. For this trip, we had 18 fun-loving people enjoying a wonderful time in Cancun (including 9 graduating seniors from Chapin High School).

If you want a GREAT vacation at a GREAT price in Cancun, Riviera Maya or Punta Cana (Dominican Republic), please contact me. As a Palace Resorts Premier member, I can offer you my very special member pricing (too low to publish). Click here to view Palace Resorts website.

All Palace Resorts are all-inclusive. The resorts and rooms are beautiful and include excellent amenities and service. No other company offers what Palace offers including free select excursion trips (visit Mayan ruins at Tulum or Chichen Icha for free!), free calls back to U.S. and much more. My special member pricing gives you even more, including a free massage, manicure and pedicure. Call me soon for a great Cancun, Riviera Maya, Cozumel, or Punta Cana vacation.

Watch my Cancun music video:

Columbia, SC Real Estate

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 17:35:00 +0000

June is almost over! It was a GREAT month with 5 real estate closings scheduled. In between, I was able to get off to Cancun for a one week vacation.

Watch for my Columbia real estate update in July. I'll provide a detailed snapshot of Columbia area real estate activity with what's happening with the number of closings and average prices. Watch for it by the end of July.

Know of someone needing to buy or sell in Columbia? Be sure to contact or have them contact Mel Coker. I'm commited to old-time values in real estate service using the latest technologies.

MelCoker.com

Columbia, SC Real Estate

Lake Murray

Mel's Lake Murray Blog

Columbia's Old Timey Realtor, Mel Coker (with Barbara)

Summer Travel Plans?

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:30:00 +0000

TripIt!

This is a NEW and really cool travel tool for your use if you have travel plans this summer. It's the BEST way to organize and share your travel plans. And, it's FREE!

TripIt.com

This online tool makes it easy to build an itinerary, organize and access the itineary anytime and share it with anyone. I am travelling to Cancun this week, so, I've built my Cancun travel itinerary. Check it out at:

Mel's Cancun TripIt Itinerary

The really cool feature is that to start building the itinerary, you just email the airline travel confirmation to TripIt and a travel planner page is automatically created. It's easy to build in other parts of the trip on the same page.

Mel and Barbara on Top of Coba Mayan Ruins

By the way, if you wish to travel to Cancun at a GREAT price, please let me know and I can provide details and pricing on fantastic Palace Resorts travel deals. You still have time to join our group of 18 headed to Cancun this Sunday! Call or email Mel Coker today.
coker@columbiasouthcarolina.com

Barbara and Mel at Cancun Palace in Cancun, Mexico
Mel's Vacation Store

Memorial Day

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Mon, 25 May 2009 01:11:00 +0000

Memorial Day...

a day of remembrance for those who have died in service to our country.

Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery each year with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Traditionally, the President or Vice President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Memorial Day was originally observed on May 30th of each year (starting after the Civil War). In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated on the last Monday of May.

Thank you to the families of our brave military members that have given their lives in the service of the United States of America.

In honor of Memorial Day, I have today sent an online contribution to Operation Mend.

View the Operation Mend website - Please consider a financial contribution!

Memorial Day in 2009 is May 25th.

More information:

PBS Memorial Day Concert
U.S. Memorial Day History
White House Commission on Remembrance

Mel Coker

Lake Murray - New Stuff at website and blog

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Wed, 20 May 2009 12:38:00 +0000

I've updated my Lake Murray website and blog with new content!

Lake Murray website

Lake Murray Blog

New Content from Mel Coker:
Lake Murray eBook
Lake Murray Fishing Page
Lake Murray Dam Walk Page
Lake Murray's B-25

Lightning - Time to Pay Attention

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Sat, 16 May 2009 23:57:00 +0000

Safety Reminder from Mel Coker...

It's Time for Spring & Summer Lightning Storms

While working at my home office this afternoon and watching some lightning over Lake Murray and then seeing a Lightning Special on The Weather Channel, a BOLT struck me for a blog! Lightning is one of the top causes of weather related deaths each year in the USA.

Lightning IS the underrated storm-related weather hazard! Lightning strikes the ground approximately 25 million times each year in the United States. I'm amazed sometimes when I see lightning or hear thunder at the level of boating activity continuing on the lake. I know last year there was one boater killed by lightning on Lake Murray.

Photo Used with permission by Douglas Berry / NOAA website

Lightning Casualties In The U.S. By Location Or Activity - Top 4:
1.) Open areas (including sports fields); 2.) Under trees; 3.) Water related activities (swimming, boating, fishing); 4.) Golfing

Most Dangerous: Month: July; Time of Day: 2:00 - 6:00 p.m.; Day of week: Sundays (more people outdoors); Sex: Male (higher rates of outdoor exposure)

Top 5 Most Dangerous States (NOAA Storm Data 1995-2004)
Absolute (based on deaths): Florida, Texas, Colorado, Ohio, Georgia. South Carolina is #9.

Per Capita (based on deaths): Wyoming, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Florida. South Carolina is #12.

Of the victims who were killed by lightning in 2007:

98% were outside
89% were male
30% were males between the ages of 20-25
25% were standing under a tree
25% occurred on or near the water

Florida is the lightning capital of the United States. South Carolina is high on the list... BE CAREFUL when lightning is around! Remember, When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!

Safe(r) Places: home, permanent building, automobile

Unsafe places: near metal or water, under trees; on hills, near electrical/electronics equipment

NEW: Mel's South Carolina Lightning Awareness & Safety eBook

COOL Lightning Links:
National Weather Service - Lightning Safety & Awareness
Lightning Safety for You and Your Family
Personal Lightning Safety
StrikeStar - U.S. Lightning Activity Last 60 minutes
Michael Bath's Lightning Photography website
Lightning Strike Densities by State (SC is #5)

Retirement Move?

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Thu, 14 May 2009 17:41:00 +0000

Consider friendly Columbia, South Carolina for your retirement!
The Greater Columbia area is a great place to live for retirement. You will find friendly people, a reasonable cost of living, reasonable property taxes and favorable state tax structure and tax breaks, nice weather and an abundance of things to do.

More information:
FIVE Things to Consider for Where to Live
Columbia, SC "A to Z"
Columbia Blog
Lake Murray
Lake Murray Blog

Contact Mel Coker when you're ready to move to Columbia, SC:
email: melcoker@remax.net
Telephone: (803) 749-5800
Internet: Mel Coker's Columbia Real Estate website

Community Spotlight - Hampton Forest

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Mon, 11 May 2009 11:47:00 +0000

Community Spotlight - Hampton Forest in Columbia, SC!

Discover what In-town living really means at Hampton Forest, an Inspired Communities new homes neighborhood. I visited this community recently and was really impressed! The community features bungalow style 2 and 3 bedroom townhomes priced from the $120s.

Deluxe standard home features are numerous and include: upgraded molding and cabinetry, Energy Star appliances, smooth ceilings, architectural shingles, covered front porches, backyard privacy fence, and much more. Additionally, the community features Green Building with NAHB Green Building Certification.

The community features include: sidewalks and lush tree lined streets, commuity pool with outdoor fireplace and cabana, and a 16 seat surround sound wide-screen theater room.

Residents living in this new home community enjoy convenient access to: USC School of Medicine, VA Hospital, University of South Carolina campus, downtown Columbia, Five Points, and Interstates 77 and 26.

The community is located near Interstate 77 and Garners Ferry Road (U.S. Highway 378). Go East on Garners Ferry Road and turn right on Greenlawn Road. Hampton Forest is just 1/4 mile on the right. If you visit, be sure to tell Frances Limehouse that Realtor Mel Coker sent you out.

NOW is the time to buy your new Columbia home. Interest rates are near historical lows and you may be eligible for the $8000 first-time home buyer tax credit. Call Mel Coker, your Columbia Realtor, to see any home at Hampton Forest. With Mel Coker as your buyer's representative, I will offer a $300 Lowes shopping gift card at closing for any home bought in this wonderful community.

Call Mel Coker for more information, or to schedule a showing appointment: (803) 318-2007 or email: melcoker@remax.net

Travel Channel Travel Bug Sweepstakes

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Mon, 11 May 2009 00:52:00 +0000

Nationwide Widget

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Mon, 11 May 2009 00:40:00 +0000

Lake Murray eBook by Mel Coker

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Wed, 06 May 2009 11:55:00 +0000

Mel Coker's Lake Murray eBook

Please check out my new Lake Murray Guide in e-Book format. You will find interesting Lake Murray information along with some great pictures. CLICK on the eBook below to open in full screen mode and then "turn" the pages to read.
"Issuu Lake Murray e-Book" link:
www.issuu.com/mcoker/docs/lakemurray
PDF format:
http://www.lakemurray-sc.com/lakemurray.pdf

Open Mel's eBook - Free publishing

Mel Coker
MelCoker.com
LakeMurray-SC
Lake Murray Blog
Search Columbia Real Estate

Walk Across the Dam!

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Mon, 04 May 2009 03:07:00 +0000

Lake Murray Pedestrian Walkway

The Columbia area’s newest walking pathway is directly across the top of the Dreher Shoals Dam along S.C. Highway 6 at Lake Murray. It's a popular place for walking and jogging. The distance is 1.7 miles each way for a total walk of 3.4 miles. The walkway offers spectacular views of Lake Murray and even the downtown Columbia skyline 11 miles away. This pathway was completed after the construction of the new backup dam at Dreher Shoals Dam on Lake Murray (in 2005) and with the widening of S.C. Highway 6 across the top of the dam (in 2007).

I've walked the pathway twice in the past week. It's a great walk. Try it soon!

CLICK HERE to visit my Walk Across The Dam webpage with more information and pictures

Walk Across the Dam at Lake Murray website

Mel & Barbara's Hilton Head Island Condo Rental

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 11:45:00 +0000

Check out my NEW Issuu ebook for our Hilton Head Island Condo rental:

Open publication - Free publishing - More hilton head

Also in PDF format:

http://www.hiltonheadcondo.info/ebook.pdf

Click Here for our Hilton Head Island Blog

Click Here for our Hilton Head Island Condo Rental website

Call Mel Coker to Buy or Sell!

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 13:29:00 +0000

MelCoker.com

Search Columbia MLS

Watch my "Connecting To Clients" Slideshow

Columbia, SC Real Estate

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 04:33:00 +0000

Columbia, SC Real Estate:

Mel's Real Estate Website

MelCoker.com

All Real Estate Agents Are Not The Same

Search Columbia, SC Real Estate

Incredible First-time Home Buyer Incentive!

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 13:20:00 +0000

Opportunity of a lifetime for first-time homebuyers?
YES!

NOW is a Great time to buy a home for anyone... and, now especially so for first-time homebuyers.

Reasons to BUY your home: Build equity (increase net worth)... deduct mortgage interest and property taxes on federal and state tax returns... lots of home inventory... LOW interest rates... prices in general have slowed or remain steady.

The biggest reason... Congress has enacted a NEW law to encourage home ownership for first-time home buyers with $8000 on the table.

Quick Facts About NEW Law Provisions for First-time Homebuyers:

The tax credit is available for first-time home buyers only. The law defines "first-time home buyer" as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase.
The maximum credit amount is $8,000.
The credit DOES NOT have to be repaid! This is a FREE $8000 gift from the American taxpayers for buying a home under the provisions of the law.
Only homes purchased on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009 are eligible..
Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit.
Home buyers must use the residence as a principal residence for at least three years or face recapture of the tax credit amount. Certain exceptions apply.
The fact that the credit is refundable means that the home buyer credit can be claimed even if the taxpayer has little or no federal income tax liability to offset. Typically this involves the government sending the taxpayer a check for a portion or even all of the amount of the refundable tax credit.

More information:

First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit - National Association of Home Builders

First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Summary - National Association of Realtors

In Columbia (SC), contact Mel Coker to get started with buying your first home!

I have created a special website: First-time Homebuyers Guide

This covers home-buying benefits and 9 steps to buying your first home. I have also created a RENT vs. BUY comparison that shows the huge savings when you BUY a home. CLICK HERE for the rent vs. buy comparison

Home Buying = Wealth Building!

Ready to BUY a home in Columbia, South Carolina? Contact Mel Coker.

Columbia, South Carolina Real Estate

Call (803) 749-5800

Lake Murray Boating Season Starts

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 03:24:00 +0000

Boating Season is about to start on Lake Murray!

Warm weather brings an increased level of boating traffic on Lake Murray. Are you ready for fun? Is your boat equipped for safety? Do you know boating basics and laws for operating a boat safely?

Nationally, over 69% of all fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those who drowned, over 89% of the victims were not wearing a life jacket. Over 83% of the boaters who drowned were using boats less than 26 feet in length. Consistent with previous years, 75% of reported fatalities occurred on boats where the operator had not received boating safety instruction.

Did you know? Only 7 states have a higher number of boats registered than South Carolina? South Carolina's Number of Deaths per 100,000 Registered Boats is lower than the national average? (2.3 vs. 5.3)

Links for more South Carolina Boating information:
The Handbook of South Carolina Boating Laws and Responsibilities
South Carolina Online Boating Safety Course and Exam
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
Boating in South Carolina
Check a Watercraft/Motor Status

Check the weather:
Lake Murray Weather Station
Mel Coker's Columbia Weather Page

Boating Safety:
Lake Murray Power Squadron Boat Smart Course
National Safe Boating Council
Safe Boating Campaign
Boating Safety - U.S. Coast Guard
FloatPlan Central
2007 Boating Accident Statistics (read this!)

Columbia, SC Weather

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:10:00 +0000

Columbia, SC WEATHER is covered at ColumbiaSouthCarolina.com!
Click here for Mel's weather page
I've got multiple links for coverage by: AccuWeather, The Weather Channel, Intellicast, WIS-TV, National Weather Service and more. A Weather video link is also always available.

Columbia Weather Forecast, SC

NEW Listing - Patio Home near Lexington Medical Center

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 01:55:00 +0000

NEW LISTING: Patio home for sale near Lexington Medical Center
221 Saluda Woods Place; West Columbia SC

WOW! This patio home is less than 1 mile to Lexington Medical Center. The home is convenient to everything and within minutes to: Interstates 26 and 20, Columbia Metropolitan Airport, downtown Columbia, Lexington, Irmo, Riverbanks Zoo and Lake Murray.

This 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home is in excellent condition. It makes a perfect home for a first-time homebuyer, or a single professional, or a young married couple, or a retired couple. If you're a first-time homebuyer, you will be eligible for the fantastic $8000 tax credit. That's $8000 in FREE money! Click here for more information.

The home has an open floor plan and there is a small backyard with privacy fencing. The home has "Priced Right" market analysis pricing at $106,900.

To set an appointment to see this home, contact Mel Coker:

Telephone: (803) 749-5800

email: melcoker@remax.net

SPRING Special: BUY this home (with a closing by May 30th) with Mel Coker as your Realtor and receive a 4 day, 3 night vacation at Mel's Hilton Head Island Villa.

For more information, view one or all of these really cool online virtual tours created by Mel Coker:

Virtual Tour at ColumbiaSouthCarolina.com

Virtual Tour at Animoto.com

Virtual Tour at RE/MAX

Virtual Tour at RealBird

March 31st - Change Your HVAC Filter Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:23:00 +0000

Today is... Change Your HVAC Filter Day!
When is the last time you changed your HVAC filter(s)?

How's the air in YOUR home?

Research has found that in homes across America, the quality of indoor air can be worse than outdoor air. Problems can arise from moisture, insects, pets, appliances, radon, materials used in household products and furnishings, smoke, and other sources. Effects range from minor annoyances to major health risks. Remedies include ventilation, cleaning, moisture control, inspections, and following manufacturers' directions when using appliances and products.

Click Here for Mel's Home Clean Air website

Changing AC & furnace air filters in your home is probably the easiest and most effective way to have clean air in your home. I see way too many dirty air filters in homes that I show to prospective home buyers. In fact, my guess is that of the filters that I can easily see, more than 50% are too dirty or extremely dirty. I sold a home recently and I know that the homeowner had not changed the filter in over a year or possibly at all during her 2 years of ownership.

I highly recommend buying premium filters. Basic and inexpensive fiberglass filters should be changed every 1-2 months and premium filters can usually be changed every 3 months. Do you know your filter size(s) and when was the last time you changed your filter?

Changing filters on a quarterly basis is easy to remember... Do it TODAY (March 31st) and again on June 30th and September 30th and December 31st.

Dirty Filters I've seen lately (I see plenty of this!)

The Coker's Change Filters Quarterly!

Click Here to Buy Quality Air Filters at LOW prices

Columbia SC Emergency Contacts

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 15:06:00 +0000

NEED an emergency number FAST for Columbia, SC?

CLICK HERE
Of course, for real emergenices, just dial 911.

While working on my new Telephone/Internet Directory refrigerator magnet*, I could not find a really good online resource for emergency numbers. The best available resource is the AT&T telephone book. So, I have created one! Visit my new webpage: www.ColumbiaSouthCarolina.com/emergency.html

I also have this in PDF format, so you can easily print this: Emergency list in PDF format

*If you would like my NEW refrigerator magnet when it is published, please send me an email with your name and mailing address. (only available for Richland, Lexington & Newberry county residents) email to: melcoker@remax.net

For Lexington County residents, I have a link for information about the My9-1-1 program. Sign up online for FREE. I highly recommend this. I've done this myself. Do it TODAY!

My new Emergency Contact List webpage has telephone numbers and internet links for local sheriff and police departments, other law enforcement agencies, EMS, forest fire reporting, underground locator service, weather service reports, SC sex offender registry, Amber Alert, Homeland Security and more. When all else fails, there is even a link to God.

Nobody Sells More Real Estate Than RE/MAX!

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 23:59:00 +0000

The 2008 numbers are in...

Nobody sells more real estate than RE/MAX!

In 2008, for comparisons by total United States transactions and transaction sides per U.S. agent, RE/MAX leads the way. For total transactions, RE/MAX leads the nearest competitor by 26.2%. For transaction sides per agent, RE/MAX leads the nearest competitor by 31.8%. Another comparison also shows that RE/MAX agents have more professional Realtor designations than their competitors.

Choose RE/MAX when you want the best in experience, professionalism, use of technology and results.

In Columbia, when you're ready to buy or sell, choose Mel Coker.

In 2008, Mel had 32 closings and 33 transaction sides for a transaction volume of $6.9 million. Mel holds the following professional Realtor designations: CRS, ABR, GRI, and SRES. Also, Mel is the exclusive CyberStars Realtor for Columbia, SC. Mel is a member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame. Click here to learn more about Mel Coker.

Mel Coker

"Above the Crowd Service"

RE/MAX Metro Associates * Columbia, SC

(803) 318-2007

email: melcoker@remax.net

Click on the chart below for full size version:

RE/MAX vs. The Industry in 2008

Columbia, SC Gasoline Prices

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 01:04:00 +0000

Columbia has LOW gasoline prices!
According to GasBuddy.com, as of March 23, 2009, Columbia has the 8th lowest average gas price (at $1.814 per gallon) in the entire United States! The state of South Carolina has the 5th lowest gas price by state.

Find Columbia Gas Prices

City,State or Zip Code (eg. Columbia, SC)

Thanks to GasBuddy.com
GAS Saving Tips by FuelEconomy.gov
Gas Saving Tips: Fact or Fiction? (Audio)
Drive Smarter Challenge

Mel Coker, Columbia, SC Realtor

noreply@blogger.com (Mel Coker) — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 00:50:00 +0000

Ready to Buy or Sell in Columbia, SC?
Contact Mel Coker

Click to learn more...
All About Mel Coker
Columbia, SC Real Estate
MelCoker.com
MelCoker.info
Search Columbia MLS
All Real Estate Agents Are Not The Same

Call Mel Coker: (803) 749-5800 office or (803) 318-2007 cell
Mel's Contact Form