SC COVID-19 Vaccine Update

Be sure to read about two different options below.

MUSC (Medical University of South Carolina)

COVID-19 VACCINATION UPDATE

Governor Henry McMaster and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) have announced that beginning Wednesday, Jan. 13, South Carolina residents age 70 or older, regardless of health status or preexisting conditions, can schedule appointments to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. South Carolina residents who qualify for a vaccine at this time will be asked to sign an attestation that they meet eligibility requirements established by DHEC and may be asked to provide a driver’s license or some other form of ID at time of appointment to confirm eligibility. 

Eligible citizens should visit https://muschealth.org/vaccine-1a to make an appointment. 

The community is encouraged to monitor muschealth.org for COVID-19 vaccination updates. MUSC Health is aligned with CDC and SCDHEC recommendations for distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.

All individuals in Phase 1a will need to sign an attestation to their vaccine status and may need to present credentials/proof to verify they qualify to receive vaccination.  Patients who will not attest to their status or who are not able to present credentials (e.g., driver’s license for the 70+ group or employer badge, medical license, picture of license, or other proof for Phase 1a group) will not be vaccinated and asked to return with proof at their earliest convenience.  

As supply becomes more readily available, MUSC Health will next offer the Pfizer vaccine to community essential workers in early 2021. The community is encouraged to monitor muschealth.org for COVID-19 vaccine availability criteria, updates and FAQs. 

ATRIUM HEALTH

Who’s eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine

Updated January 14

Following state guidelines, we’re now offering the COVID-19 vaccine to:

• Everyone ages 65 and older
• Healthcare workers with in-person patient contact
• Long-term care staff and residents

Atrium Health is now giving the vaccine to Atrium Health patients 65 and over. Use this link to schedule an appointment.  

 

Due to high demand, appointments for the event at Charlotte Motor Speedway are full. This event is by appointment only, and we will not be able to accommodate walk-ins during those days. Please check back soon for more vaccination events or schedule at another location via MyAtriumHealth.

Stay positive, everybody! There is a light at the end of the tunnel!

Is This the Year to Sell My House?

Article Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog

If one of the questions you’re asking yourself is, “Should I sell my house this year?” consumer sentiment about selling today should boost your confidence in the right direction. Even with the current health crisis that continues to challenge our nation, Americans still feel good about selling a house. Here’s why.

According to the latest Home Purchase Sentiment Index from Fannie Mae, 57% of consumer respondents to their survey indicate now is a good time to buy a home, while 59% feel it’s a good time to sell one:

“The percentage of respondents who say it is a good time to sell a home remained the same at 59%, while the percentage who say it’s a bad time to sell decreased from 35% to 33%. As a result, the net share of those who say it is a good time to sell increased 2 percentage points month over month.”

As you can see, many still believe that, despite everything going on in the world, it is still a good time to sell a house.

Why is now a good time to sell?

There simply are not enough homes available to meet today’s buyer demand, and they’re selling just as quickly as they’re coming to the market. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), unsold inventory available today sits at a 2.3-month supply at the current sales pace, which is down from a 2.5-month supply from the previous month. This record-low inventory is not even half of what we need for a normal or neutral housing market, which should have a 6.0-month supply of unsold inventory to balance out.

With so few homes available for buyers to choose from, we’re in a true sellers’ market. Homeowners ready to make a move right now have the opportunity to negotiate the best possible contracts with buyers who are feeling the pull of intense competition when it comes to finding their dream home. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for NAR, notes how quickly homes are selling right now, further confirming the benefits to sellers this season:

“The market is incredibly swift this winter with the listed homes going under contract on average at less than a month due to a backlog of buyers wanting to take advantage of record-low mortgage rates.”

However, this sweet spot for sellers won’t last forever. As more homes are listed this year, this tip toward sellers may start to wane. According to Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, more choices for buyers are on the not-too-distant horizon:

“The bright spot for buyers is that more homes are likely to become available in the last six months of 2021. That should give folks more options to choose from and take away some of their urgency. With a larger selection, buyers may not be forced to make a decision in mere hours and will have more time to make up their minds.”

Bottom Line

If you’re ready to make a move, you can feel good about the current sentiment in the market and the advantageous conditions for today’s sellers. Contact a local real estate professional today to determine the best next step when it comes to selling your house this year.

Why It’s Important to Price Your House Right Today

Article Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog

Even in today’s sellers’ market, setting the right price for your house is one of the most valuable things you can do. According to the U.S. Economic Outlook by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), existing home prices nationwide are forecasted to increase by 4.5% in 2021. This means experts anticipate home values will continue climbing next year. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist for realtor.com, notes:

“We expect price gains to ease somewhat in 2021 and end 5.7% above 2020 levels, decelerating steadily through the spring and summer, and then gradually reaccelerating toward the end of the year.”

How to Price Your House

When it comes to setting the right price for your house, the goal is to increase visibility and drive more buyers your way. Instead of trying to win the negotiation with one buyer, you should price your house so that demand is maximized and more buyers want to take a look.

As a seller in today’s market, you might be thinking about pricing your house on the high end while so many of today’s buyers are searching harder than ever just to find a home to purchase. But here’s the thing – a high price tag does not mean you’re going to cash in big on the sale. It’s actually more likely to deter buyers.

Right now, even when there are so few houses for sale, your house is more likely to sit on the market longer or require a price drop that can send buyers running if it isn’t priced just right from the very beginning.

 

It’s important to make sure your house is priced correctly by working with a trusted real estate professional throughout the process. When you price it competitively from the start, you won’t be negotiating with one buyer. Instead, you’ll likely have multiple buyers competing for the house, potentially increasing the final sale price.

The key is to make sure your house is priced to sell immediately. This way, it will be seen by the greatest number of buyers. More than one of them may be interested, and it will be more likely to sell at a competitive price.

Bottom Line

Reach out to a local real estate professional to price your house correctly from the start so you can maximize your exposure and your return.

3 Must-Do’s When Selling Your House This Year

Article Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog

It’s exciting to put a house on the market and to think about making new memories in new spaces. However, despite the anticipation of what’s to come, we can still have deep sentimental attachments to the home we’re leaving behind. Growing emotions can help or hinder a sale depending on how we manage them.

When it comes to the bottom line, homeowners need to know what it takes to avoid costly mistakes when it’s time to move. Being mindful and prepared for the process can help you stay on the right track when selling your house this year.

1. Price Your Home Right

When inventory is low, like it is in the current market, it’s common to think buyers will pay whatever we ask when setting a listing price. Believe it or not, that’s not always true. Don’t forget that the buyer’s bank will send an appraisal to determine the fair value for your house. The bank will not lend more than what the house is worth, so be aware that you might need to renegotiate the price after the appraisal. A real estate professional will help you set the true value of your home.

2. Keep Your Emotions in Check

Today, homeowners are living in their houses for a longer period of time. Since 1985, the average tenure, or the time a homeowner has owned their home, has increased from 5 to 10 years (as shown in the graph  below):

This is several years longer than what used to be the historical norm. The side effect, however, is when you stay in one place for so long, you may get even more emotionally attached to your space. If it’s the first home you bought or the house where your children grew up, it very likely means something extra special to you. Every room has memories, and it’s hard to detach from the sentimental value.

For some homeowners, that makes it even harder to negotiate and separate the emotional value of the house from the fair market price. That’s why you need a real estate professional to help you with the negotiations along the way.

3. Stage Your Home Properly

We’re generally quite proud of our décor and how we’ve customized our houses to make them our own unique homes, but not all buyers will feel the same way about your design. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you stage your house with the buyer in mind.

Buyers want to envision themselves in the space so it truly feels like it could be their own. They need to see themselves inside with their furniture and keepsakes – not your pictures and decorations. Stage and declutter so they can visualize their own dreams as they walk down the hall. A real estate professional can help you with tips to get your home ready to stage and sell.

Bottom Line

Today’s sellers’ market might be your best chance to make a move. If you’re considering selling your house, reach out to a local real estate professional to help you navigate through the process while prioritizing these must-do’s.

Buying a Home in a Seller’s Market: How to Get the Most for Your Money

Excellent article by Anita Ginsburg

Courtesy of RISMedia

 During a buyer's market is when most experts will recommend you buy real estate. A buyer's market is when there are more properties for sale than prospective buyers, and sellers are more willing to go with a low bid.

However, that doesn't mean you can't buy a new home in a seller's market, when there are more buyers than homes, and sellers can afford to hold out for higher offers. You just need to make sure you do it right and arm yourself with the right information.

Highlights of topics covered:

• Start Your Search Early
• Make a Compelling Offer
• Demonstrate Credit Worthiness
• Incorporate the Escalation Clause

Click HERE for full article.

End of Year Summary

Over this past year I have shared sales stats that have been quite amazing to follow.  Today, as we begin a new year, I want to share an overview of where we started last January and where we ended up on December 31st.

As you can see, there were 35 ACTIVE Single Family Home listings on January 1, 2020.  When the year ended,  there were only 10 ACTIVE listings.  While showings came to a screeching halt at about mid-March, with only 7 properties going UNDER CONTRACT in April, activity started picking up as restrictions eased up.  By the end of June there were 27 ACTIVE listings.  That number dropped to 16 at the end of July and increased again in August and September, with another drop in October and November, ending with just 10 ACTIVE listings on December 31st.  We saw an all-time low of just 7 ACTIVE listings on December 24th.

Villas and Carriage homes showed similar activity, with 9 ACTIVE listings at the beginning of January and NONE at the end of December.

With the increased number of people moving down from the north, it is likely that we will continue to see lots of activity in 2021.  The low current inventory of homes may have potential buyers waiting for more homes to become available.  If you're thinking about putting your home on the market, this would be a great time to do it! 

You can find the most current information on ACTIVE, UNDER CONTRACT, and CLOSED (SOLD) YTD by clicking this link or using the tab at the top of the page. 

Current stats can be found by clicking HERE and can also be viewed at any time by clicking the STATS tab above.  That link also has interactive charts with the most current stats available through CMLS for specific parameters (through the end of the previous month).

 If you would like to set up a personalized search to follow our SCCL market, please CONTACT ME.  I'd be happy to create an auto-email to bring that information to you daily.  

Best Wishes for a Wonderful New Year

What a strange year it has been.  As we look at 2020 in the rear-view mirror, we look ahead to a year of promise and exciting expectation for returning to life before the COVID-19 pandemic.  While so many have suffered greatly from personal loss of family and friends, failing businesses, confinement, and adjusting to a world of masks, Zoom meetings, children young and old dealing with virtual education, and lack of personal connections, we continue to persevere and keep our eyes on the light at the end of the tunnel.  I am personally grateful that I am one of the fortunate ones who, despite inconveniences and lack of personal contact with loved ones and dear friends, have made it through relatively well.  I have enjoyed daily walks with our dog, Rudy, which provided me with the opportunity to meet safely with many people (and pets) along the walkways and trails of our beautiful community.  I have also been able to work with clients, albeit under very restricted conditions.  Masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer have become part of my business life, but have allowed me to help people purchase and sell homes in these unusual times.  As we head into the new year, I look forward to (at some point) getting back to more normal personal and business routines.  I look forward to spending time with family, friends, and clients, and, as president of our Grey Hawk neighborhood, I look forward to seeing my neighbors again at events that have been put on hold for way too long.  So, as we move into 2021, I wish you a year filled with all the pleasures that you missed in 2020!  Stay strong.  Stay safe.  Stay healthy.  And know that, as always, I am here for you.  

Why Selling Your House on Your Own in 2021 Is a Mistake

 Article Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog

There are many benefits to working with a real estate professional when selling your house. During challenging times, like what we face today, it becomes even more important to have an expert you trust to help guide you through the process. If you’re considering selling on your own, known in the industry as a For Sale By Owner (FSBO), it’s critical to consider the following items.

1. Your Safety Is a Priority

Your safety should always come first, and that’s more crucial than ever given the current health situation in our country. When you FSBO, it is incredibly difficult to control entry into your home. A real estate professional will have the proper protocols in place to protect not only your belongings but your health and well-being too. From regulating the number of people in your home at one time to ensuring proper sanitization during and after a showing, and even facilitating virtual tours, real estate professionals are equipped to follow the latest industry standards recommended by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) to help protect you and your potential buyers.

2. A Powerful Online Strategy Is a Must to Attract a Buyer

Recent studies from NAR have shown that, even before COVID-19, the first step 43% of all buyers took when looking for a home was to search online. Throughout the process, that number jumps to 97%. Today, those numbers have grown exponentially. Most real estate agents have developed a strong Internet and social media strategy to promote the sale of your house.

3. There Are Too Many Negotiations

Here are just a few of the people you’ll need to negotiate with if you decide to FSBO:

• The buyer, who wants the best deal possible
• The buyer’s agent, who solely represents the best interest of the buyer
• The inspection company, which works for the buyer and will almost always find challenges with the house
• The appraiser, if there is a question of value

As part of their training, agents are taught how to negotiate every aspect of the real estate transaction and how to mediate the emotions felt by buyers looking to make what is probably the largest purchase of their lives.

4. You Won’t Know if Your Purchaser Is Qualified for a Mortgage

Having a buyer who wants to purchase your house is the first step. Making sure they can afford to buy it is just as important. As a FSBO, it’s almost impossible to be involved in the mortgage process of your buyer. A real estate professional is trained to ask the appropriate questions and, in most cases, will be intimately aware of the progress being made toward a purchaser’s mortgage commitment. You need someone who’s working with lenders every day to guarantee your buyer makes it to the closing table.

5. FSBOing Is Becoming More Difficult from a Legal Standpoint

The documentation involved in the selling process is growing dramatically as more and more disclosures and regulations become mandatory. In an increasingly litigious society, the agent acts as a third-party to help the seller avoid legal jeopardy. This is one of the major reasons why the percentage of people FSBOing has dropped from 19% to 8% over the last 20+ years.

6. You Net More Money When Using an Agent

Many homeowners think they’ll save the real estate commission by selling on their own. Realize that the main reason buyers look at FSBOs is because they also believe they can save the real estate agent’s commission. The seller and buyer can’t both save on the commission.

A study by Collateral Analytics revealed that FSBOs don’t actually save anything by forgoing the help of an agent. In some cases, the seller may even net less money from the sale. The study found the difference in price between a FSBO and an agent-listed home was an average of 6%. One of the main reasons for the price difference is effective exposure:

“Properties listed with a broker that is a member of the local MLS will be listed online with all other participating broker websites, marketing the home to a much larger buyer population. And those MLS properties generally offer compensation to agents who represent buyers, incentivizing them to show and sell the property and again potentially enlarging the buyer pool.”

The more buyers that view a home, the greater the chance a bidding war will take place, potentially driving the price higher, too.

Bottom Line

Listing on your own leaves you to manage the entire transaction by yourself. Why do that when you can hire an agent and still net the same amount of money? Before you decide to take on the challenge of selling your house alone, reach out to a local real estate professional to discuss your options.

 

The Do’s and Don’ts after Applying for a Mortgage

Once you’ve found the right home and applied for a mortgage, there are some key things to keep in mind before you close. You’re undoubtedly excited about the opportunity to decorate your new place, but before you make any large purchases, move your money around, or make any major life changes, consult your lender – someone who is qualified to tell you how your financial decisions may impact your home loan.

Below is a list of things you shouldn’t do after applying for a mortgage. They’re all important to know – or simply just good reminders – for the process.

1. Don’t Deposit Cash into Your Bank Accounts Before Speaking with Your Bank or Lender. Lenders need to source your money, and cash is not easily traceable. Before you deposit any amount of cash into your accounts, discuss the proper way to document your transactions with your loan officer.

2. Don’t Make Any Large Purchases Like a New Car or Furniture for Your New Home. New debt comes with new monthly obligations. New obligations create new qualifications. People with new debt have higher debt-to-income ratios. Higher ratios make for riskier loans, and then sometimes qualified borrowers no longer qualify.

3. Don’t Co-Sign Other Loans for Anyone. When you co-sign, you’re obligated. With that obligation comes higher ratios as well. Even if you promise you won’t be the one making the payments, your lender will have to count the payments against you.

4. Don’t Change Bank Accounts. Remember, lenders need to source and track your assets. That task is significantly easier when there’s consistency among your accounts. Before you transfer any money, speak with your loan officer.

5. Don’t Apply for New Credit. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a new credit card or a new car. When you have your credit report run by organizations in multiple financial channels (mortgage, credit card, auto, etc.), your FICO® score will be impacted. Lower credit scores can determine your interest rate and maybe even your eligibility for approval.

6. Don’t Close Any Credit Accounts. Many buyers believe having less available credit makes them less risky and more likely to be approved. Wrong. A major component of your score is your length and depth of credit history (as opposed to just your payment history) and your total usage of credit as a percentage of available credit. Closing accounts has a negative impact on both of those determinants of your score.

Bottom Line

Any blip in income, assets, or credit should be reviewed and executed in a way that ensures your home loan can still be approved. If your job or employment status has changed recently, share that with your lender as well. The best plan is to fully disclose and discuss your intentions with your loan officer before you do anything financial in nature.

 

2021 Housing Forecast [INFOGRAPHIC]

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some Highlights

• Experts project an optimistic year for the 2021 housing market.
• With mortgage rates forecasted to remain low, high buyer demand is expected to fuel more home sales and continue to increase home prices.
• Reach out to a local real estate professional today to determine how to make your best move in the new year.