Francis Marion Reeves III, 62, has been charged with murder in the shooting death of Deshaun Rashad Clark, 17, a senior at Chapin High School in Lexington County, S.C. and Breon Jacoby Mayers, 17, a friend of Clark's, has been charged with attempting to kill Reeves in a drive-by revenge shooting.

[googlemaps http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=224+lexington+lane,+chapin,+sc&sll=34.128707,-81.426587&sspn=0.004423,0.009656&ie=UTF8&t=p&lci=lmc:panoramio,lmc:wikipedia_en&layer=c&s=AARTsJpCGJwRSFIhbLij4B9Gq3FE1E8SpQ&ll=34.130421,-81.424313&spn=0.009591,0.018454&z=14&output=embed&w=215&h=135]

It all began at a party hosted by Reeves' children at the family's lake house at 224 Lexington Lane. Someone claimed that a cellphone had been stolen and Deshaun Clark, an invited guest, was blamed for the theft. A fight ensued and Clark, after being struck a number of times, left the party vowing to return with some of his friends.

In the meantime Reeves' son left the party to get his father. He told Reeves that his 19-year-old daughter had been knocked out and left with a black eye during the fight. Reeves then took a loaded pistol and an unloaded shotgun and rushed over to the house.

While Reeves was at the party house, Clark returned with some friends. Reeves shot Clark once in the stomach. Everybody scattered and friends took Clark to the Chapin Fire Station from where Lexington County Emergency Medical Services personnel transported Clark by ambulance to Palmetto Health Richland Memorial Hospital for treatment for his gunshot wound. Clark died early the next morning from his injury.

"He literally bled to death," prosecutor Rick Hubbard said.

Reeves' attorney, Dick Harpootlian, said his client acted in self-defense, fearing that he and his children were in danger.

"This is a tragedy. Anytime somebody dies, anytime somebody's killed, that's a tragedy, but one has a right to act in self defense," Harpootlian said.

After the shooting Reeves returned home and was sitting on his front porch when a car drove by his house, shooting at the parked cars and the house itself. Reeves returned the fire, using his shotgun to injure two teenagers in the '85 Toyota Camry. A third teen, 17-year-old Breon Jacoby Mayers of Little Mountain, who did the actual shooting, was not hit.

Detectives arrested Reeves at his home on Dreher Island Rd. at about 3:45pm the next day, Saturday, on an arrest warrant on a charge of murder in connection with the shooting of 17-year-old Deshaun Rashad Clark, of Meadowlark Road, in Little Mountain. See TV news coverage here.

When Reeves was asked how he felt about Deshaun Clark's death, he responded: "I could care less"

Francis Reeves was released on a $125,000 bond.

Sheriff James Metts says Newberry Co. authorities arrested 17-year-old Breon Jacoby Mayers of Little Mountain at about 10pm on Sunday. Mayers was served with arrest warrants on charges of assault with intent to kill, discharging a firearm into a dwelling or vehicle and unlawful possession of a firearm by a person who is under the age of 21. See TV news coverage here.

Arrest warrants allege that at about 11:30pm on Friday Mayers "did with malice, aforethought and with intent to kill" fire several shots from a handgun at several cars that were parked in front of the home on Dreher Island Road.

Breon Mayers remains in jail on a $100,000 bond.

EL 'VERDADERO SIGNIFICADO' DEL LENGUAJE EMPRESARIAL EN GUATEMALA.

CUANDO DECIS:==> 'Si querés después lo vemos '
LO QUE PENSÁS :==> 'Andate a la mierda, estoy ocupado'

CUANDO DECIS:==> 'Refrescáme la memoria'
LO QUE PENSÁS :==> 'De qué putas estás hablando'

CUANDO DECIS:==> 'Si te parece hacemos esto'
LO QUE PENSÁS :==> 'Si lo cambias, te pizo'

CUANDO DECIS:==> 'Dame un aproximado'
LO QUE PENSÁS :==> 'Apurate cerote, necesito el dato ya!'

CUANDO DECIS:==> 'Creo que estamos mal coordinados'
LO QUE PENSÁS :==> 'La estamos cagando todos'

CUANDO DECIS:==> 'Creo que es válido tu punto, pero...'
LO QUE PENSÁS :==> 'Come mierda'

CUANDO DECIS:==> 'No importa, hacélo en borrador'
LO QUE PENSÁS :==> 'Apurate cerote, que estás atrasado'

CUANDO DECIS:==> 'Tengo una percepción diferente'
LO QUE PENSÁS :==> 'Estas cagado'

CUANDO DECIS:==> 'Me sentiría muy frustrado'
LO QUE PENSÁS :==> 'Me pondría como la gran puta'

CUANDO DECIS:==> 'Creo que estamos hablando de lo mismo'
LO QUE PENSÁS :==> 'Hacé SH000!!!'

CUANDO DECIS:==> 'Creo que no se vería bien'
LO QUE PENSÁS :==> 'Ahh gustos más pura mierda los tuyos'

CUANDO DECIS:==> 'Creo que es un problema de semántica'
LO QUE PENSÁS :==> 'Estas hablando puras mierdas'

CUANDO DECIS:==> 'Ya tenemos el 80%'
LO QUE PENSÁS :==> 'Ya me dio hueva terminar'

CUANDO DECIS:==> 'Coordinate con fulanito'
LO QUE PENSÁS :==> 'Solo no podés cerote'

CUANDO DECIS:==> 'Voy a pensar en voz alta'
LO QUE PENSÁS :==> 'Voy a decir una mulada'

CUANDO DECIS:==> 'Dejame exagerar'
LO QUE PENSÁS :==> 'Para que entendás imbecil!!'

CUANDO DECIS:==> 'A sugerencia tuya'
LO QUE PENSÁS :==> 'No sos tan mula como aparentás'

CUANDO DECIS:==> 'Te voy a poner un último ejemplo'
LO QUE PENSÁS :==> 'Si así no entendés, si sos un imbecil'

CUANDO DECIS:==> 'Bueno… Para terminar…'
LO QUE PENSÁS :==> 'Se me largan todos a la mierda

CUANDO DECIS:==> 'Tiene un carácter especial'
LO QUE PENSÁS :==> 'Es un hijo de puta

Cual has usado regularmente...?

Comenzaron con videos como el chapín que se encuentra cantando una plaza (canciones en inglés) y al comer tortrix canta canciones representativas de guate (está bien, un poco raro el mensaje, pero está bien resaltar lo nuestro, todavía pasa), asimismo el video de "Que bonito tu can" y al comer tortrix dice "Que chulo tu chucho colocho", ya con eso ya comenzaba a molestarme la temática de los anuncios, porque pareciera decir que los chapines no tienen clase para hablar.  También el comercial donde sale una familia comiendo en su mesa y al final dice uno de los miembros de la familia "Tenían su hambrita muchá" (es cierto, que son guatemaltequismos, como se le conoce en varios diccionarios, pero creo que esto coloca mal a Guatemala en cuanto a clase social, sin ser clasista con este comentario claro).

Además he visto en varios mupis en la ciudad y en la parte trasera de varias camionetas, descripciones como:

• Si nunca te has bañado a guacalasos, te hacen falta tortrix.
• Si no le pitas a las muchachas, te hacen falta tortrix.
• Si nunca has señalado con la boca, te hacen falta tortrix.
• Si no llegas media hora tarde, te hacen falta tortrix.

Así muchos más, pero principalmente este último (Si no llegas media hora tarde, te hacen falta tortrix), si acepto que la cultura guatemalteca ha ido acostumbrando un nivel de irresponsabilidad que en varias ocasiones no se es puntual en los compromisos, pero esto es incitar a esta falta de cultura y guatemaltequismo progresivo.

No sé, pero en mi opinión, me parece algo degradante esta forma en que tortrix ha ido comercializando sus productos con esta nueva campaña, haber con que nos resultan después.

Artistas chapines hay en todas las areas, música, literatura, arquitectura, pintura, escultura, arte digital, etc.

Vídeo subido por medicuxo2762

Vídeo subido por manuelj15

Invasión de campo

[youtube=http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=u2mVRLTKJ-A]

Vídeo subido por copitosuzuki

Vídeo subido por albertitomerced

Vídeo subido por zeptum

Recuerdos para los vecinos

Vídeo subido por xerecistaYsevillista

Vídeo subido por dfp1618

Y más cánticos

Vídeo subido por atixerez13

Alineaciones y momentos previos al partido.

Vídeo subido por morexere

Tifos de Fondo Sur y Fondo norte

Vídeo subido por xerecistaYsevillista

Vídeo subido por ROCIPITO

Salida al campo

Vídeo subido por ergaspar

Más cánticos al comienzo del partido

Vídeo subido por casareslagranja

Vídeo subido por XeReZ1947Ks1991Oiii

Las gradas de Chapín repletas y los jugadores en el centro del campo celebran la victoria del Xerez que pone la permanencia a tiro después de una temporada durísima.

Vídeo subido por milkgato

Growing up in the Columbia SC Real Estate Market, I often take fore granted some of the most beautiful attractions that Columbia has to offer. One is Lake Murray.

Lake Murray is a man made lake that covers 200 square Km and has 500 miles of shoreline. It was built in the 1920's to bring hydroelectric power to SC.

Now that you have a little bit of history, lets talk about my favorite part of it. No, not the boating, fishing, skiing, or anything like that. As if I have time for that...let's talk about the Real Estate.

Lake Murray Real Estate is the highest point market in Columbia. Home values can bring in the millions, which is a lot for the Columbia SC Real Estate Market.

Of course throughout Columbia we have those high end neighborhoods such as Wildewood in the Northeast, Ascot in Irmo, Forty Love and several others in Chapin, Golden Hills etc in Lexington, but Lake Murray is the Crown Jewel of the Columbia SC Real Estate Market.

Lake Murray Real Estate is one of those phenomenas where a Trailer park can bring tens of millions of dollars. The main high traffic areas of Lake Murray are Irmo, Lexington, and Chapin. Of course you have several other areas such as Newberry and Saluda, but those three, Irmo, Lexington, and Chapin are the main markets.

Prices have more than tripled in the last couple of years and it is not uncommon to pay $3,000 per linear foot of big water front.

For example, in the 1960's, my step father purchased a little fishing house with about 500 linear feet in Lexington. Today the house is worth nothing, but the land is worth over $300,000. Did I mention he payed $9,000 for everything?

The main problem I see when dealing with clients purchasing on the Lake, besides finding the perfect house, is water. Not water front...water. In many places, City water is not available. Most of Lake Murray still operates off of wells and septic. It is illegal to bring in water from the lake to run your house.

Lake Murray has some beautiful real estate, and I would love to show it to you! Contact me for more information!

I heard a great explanation in real world terms today on Real Estate Transparency. On Real Estate Radio USA, which I spoke about Columbia SC Real Estate about a month ago, Barry talked about Real Estate Transparency. He used this example:

When you call Terminex over to take care of your bug problem, they give you a guide which clearly states what they will do, what it will cost, what it covers, what they are responsible for, and their warranty. They even have pictures of the bugs they kill, what they use to kill them, how long they will be dead...etc...etc.

Well, why can't a Columbia SC Real Estate transaction be like that? My thoughts exactly...why can't it? Ask me any question you want that I can answer legally. The only things I can think of that I can't answer to you is, "What is Joe Q bidding on that house over there" when Joe Q is my client. Also, If I am representing a buyer on the same property, I can't get into my clients business with you. Other than that and Dual Agency, I can and WILL answer anything.

For example, I had a client this morning ask, "How many listings of yours have expired?" Well, I have had 2. I will be happy to give you the addresses and the owners contact information...and tell you in my opinion why they expired. Sure, I'll tell you, and I'll be honest.

Columbia SC Real Estate buyers: "How much commission do you make if I buy this house?" Usually the answer is 3% of the sales price. "Will you give me some of it?" Legally in SC, I can't...sorry. And I won't say, "I would if I could", because I don't know if I would.

Lets see...my favorite! A Columbia SC Real Estate Seller asks, "How long will it take to sell my house?" I am more than happy to give you my opinion according to the MLS, but I can not guarantee it. I wish I had the crystal ball of Columbia SC Real Estate, but I don't. If you have it, I'll take 5! But I can promise that I will do the most I can to sell it as quick as I can. I have had houses I thought would sit for a while sell the next day, I have had houses I thought would sell the next day sit for a while. But I will market your home to the best of my ability...and that is a lot.

Columbia SC Real Estate transparency is important. Ask for past sellers, past buyers. Talk to them! Most of them love me...of course there are 1 or 2 that can't stand my guts. I will even give you their numbers (I probably fired them). That being said, I won't work with everyone...so everyone doesn't love me.

I will be honest and open in any transaction for any buyer or seller in Columbia SC Real Estate. Ask me a question, I'll answer it!

Video holds some great things in it's future. Read this aritcle by Greg Swann at Bloodhound Realty in Phoenix Arizona which was written for the Arizona Republic Newspaper. Greg was one of the first people to teach me about the benefits of using video within Real Estate, and for that I thank him very much. Greg also wrote this post about me using Columbia SC Real Estate video on his blog. With Greg being one of the most prominent Realtors in Pheonix, and one of the foremost Real Estate bloggers, it means a lot to me.

As most of you know, I put a lot of time and resources in bringing the New technologies of Real Estate to the Columbia SC Real Estate Market. We all know that technology is the future in every business, especially Real Estate. Whether it is video, social media, online applications, or any other piece of technology...I would be doing my clients a disservice if I did not integrate all the great new things into my business.

As mentioned, one of those technologies in video. I havn't even scratched the surface yet on what video can do here. Right now I am learning, but soon it will be a great resource. My videos are already getting hits on YouTube...what more can I ask for? What more can you ask for?

Today, for example, I had a client call me up to find them the perfect house. A few hours later of me going through the MLS, calling friends, etc I found it. Well, their parents live over a thousand miles away in California. So what did I do? I shot a video, uploaded it to YouTube, and their parents were able to see it. That is just the surface of what video will be doing.

I'll have great Virtual Tours of properties, more interviews, testimonials, and general advise in the form of video soon. I hope that you will stay around and see what all these technologies can do to the Columbia SC Real Estate Area.

If you click on the images, the larger flyer will appear. Obviously they are thumbnailed images.

All of these listings are from allover the Columbia SC Real Estate area.

So what is this Columbia SC Real Estate lockbox all about? It is about selling your home! Obviously, without people seeing your home in person, it won't sell. There are very few buyers out there who will buy sight unseen. However, some investors are out there that will. Are you planning to sell for 40% under market value? I didn't think so...so you need a lockbox so other agents can show the house.

Many of my Columbia SC Real Estate Clients have reservations about me putting a lockbox on there house. They often worry that strangers can come into there house while they are gone. Or worse, people can get in while they are home.

One of the key things about the lockbox that Columbia SC Real Estate Agents use is that they are from our MLS. We purchase them directly from the MLS, and there is no other way to get them. The other thing is they require a special, electronic key that only a licensed member of the CMLS can have.

Each key is registered to its user. I have one key. I can use no one elses as they all require a 4 digit pin number when entering a house. If that isn't enough, the key then sends (via a cell phone signal built into the key) an update to the CMLS and it shows who, where, when, a Columbia SC Real Estate agent showed your house.

I know within minutes of your house being shown, who showed it, and when. This is very useful as then I can call them later, ask about their impressions of the house, what they thought, and what their clients thought. All of this is done without you (or me) having to let them in...and it KEEPS YOU SAFE!

Lockboxes automatically stop allowing entry after 11pm, so no worry about someone barging in and seeing you in your nightgown watching Conan O'Brian.

All of this provides safe, secure access to your house during business hours.

These days I would still lock up any valuables in your Columbia SC Real Estate. Things like watches, rings, necklaces, money, and any other valuable can go missing very quickly. I know who my clients are, and never show any Columbia SC Real Estate homes without personal information being on file.

I hope that this has helped ease your mind about those trusty lockboxes that we insist on putting on your house.

Also See: What NOT TO DO Selling your Columbia SC Real Estate House.

Social media has been a huge topic on the news lately. In negative content (mostly MySpace), but their are great ideas in social media today.

Most people think of Facebook just as a place to catch up with old College or High School classmates. What about Twitter? Ever heard of Twitter? If not, check it out.

There are great things on both of these sites, not to mention tons of other sites that appeal to the Generation X and Y crowds within the Columbia SC Real Estate Market.

On Facebook, I keep up with clients, advertise properties I currently have for sale, get the word out on deals to over a hundred investors I have on there from around the world. On Twitter, I am connected with over a hundred Real Estate professionals, investors, friends, etc. Guess what...Everyone needs a place to live! I keep it live with these people.

I am not going to bring all the stuff that Social Media offers to me as a Realtor, but what can it do for you? How does it get your house sold? How does it help you find the perfect house? How does it make the transaction easy?

I am usually available by the phone. If I am in a closing, restaurant, doctors office, or other places I deem socially unacceptable to answer the phone, I DO NOT ANSWER! Call me old fashion, but I personally consider it rude. I let the phone go to voicemail, and I call you right back.

However, I communicate with my clients during times when I can't answer the phone...via Facebook mobile, Twitter, email, sms, or many other varieties of ways. My fiance hates it, you can ask her!

I am sure you have friends and family. Do you like to communicate with them. I know, I know...sometimes not. But a good deal of the time, you do. Like to know where your kids are? They can send you a message on Twitter. How about family news? When my nephew was born, my sister put it on Twitter to everyone. of course she called, but they were in the hospital for heavens sake.

What about YOUR BUSINESS? I know money doesn't grow on tress, I work hard for mine.

My father, a prominent dentist, sends Twitter messages that he is having a special on Zoom Whitening, or Veneers. Could you incorporate it? Yes, with no time, and no computer skills (you can turn it on right?)

Many people believe the internet is useless to them. Older people especially.

Do you buy cookbooks? They usually run about $30 or more. The internet has tons of recipes, for you to print out and make. (My favorite things are Chocolate Chip Cookies and Country Fried Steak if you are keeping notes).

Last but not least, looking for Columbia SC Real Estate. Great sites, which I am members of, like Zillow, Trulia, Criagslist, etc exist at your fingertips. You can find the perfect house, or nearly perfect house...and then call me and we'll get you in there!

If you ever have technology questions, even if it doesn't pertain to Columbia SC Real Estate...feel free to email me...or call me if you need help getting to the email phase!

Today, a client called me up to list his beautiful house in the heart of Forest Acres. The property address is 5711 Ravenwood Drive. This house has it all, and priced to sell.

The house is 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, has a large family room with a great fireplace (never been used!). The house is solid brick, on a large lot with a fenced in backyard. Like I said, this house has it all. Also, this beautiful Columbia SC Real Estate property has solid hardwood floors throughout the majority of the house, a separate laundry room, plenty of storage space, and a huge back yard.

This home goes to the best schools around, including Satchel Ford Elementary School. Is there anything better? YES!

A home inspector is the owner of this house. Rest assured, this house is in great condition.

Listed at just $199,900, this house is priced below market value for a quick sale.

Forest Acres is the cream of the crop of the Columbia SC Real Estate Market. These are all older houses with great character, such as high baseboards, crown molding, brick exteriors, large lots, great landscaping, great schools, and great neighbors.

Situated close to downtown Columbia, you are a quick drive from all the great dining, shopping, and entertainment of the downtown Columbia area.

Below you will find a video with the owner of the property talking about the house, its history, the area, the schools, and everything great about the Forest Acres area of Columbia SC Real Estate.  He is very passionate, and hates to see his house go, but he is off to bigger and better things.

As I said, you can tell that he really loves this house and has enjoyed it.  Needless to say, with him being a home inspector in the Columbia SC Real Estate Market, this house is in tip top condition and ready for a new owner.

If you have any questions, would like to see this house, or more information about this house...please do let me know and contact me.

Daniel is a young guy, 23 to be exact, and just purchased his first home.  I spoke with Daniel about the buying process, specifically about how he first found his house, looked at houses, and everything like that online.

If you remember, I have a post a couple weeks back about how nearly all Buyers start their new home search online.

This is important to remember as Generation X, and now Generation Y are becoming a large driving force in the Columbia SC Real Estate Market.

Daniel reiterates some great points such as him using Realtor.com, my blog, and several other internet tools to find his house, along with the help of his buyers agent.

This time of year is the hot buying time.  Not only is the weather beautiful, warm, and sunny...but deals are out there to be bought!  Investors in Columbia SC Real Estate need to realize that now is the time to buy a great house that cash flows!

Despite what the news has been saying, there are plenty of loans out there and plenty of money to be given out.

If you have any questions, would like info on investments in the area, please feel free to contact me.

There are 3 firms that mortgage brokers will judge your credit on. They typically take your middle score. The 3 credit bureaus are EXperian, TransUnion, and Equifax. Don't work on just one, clean up all three.

The first thing to do is to run your credit. The government gives you one free credit report per year. I recommend you obtain it through here as it does not count as a hit on your credit.

Take a look at this, if you see anything wrong on there, contact the appropriate creditor as well as the appropriate bureau.

There are two things in which you should try to remove any negative facts on your credit report. First, contac the creditors reporting a negative item and ask them to remove the negative item. Ask in a nice pleasant voice and please do not worry when they tell you no. Simply repeat that you would like them to take it off. If you get nowhere, then ask to speak to a higher up. Keep notes on what and who you speak with. Repeat this procedure over and over. In high part of calls, it works.

When they agree to take it off, be sure to get it in writing. Email, fax, letter, anything. You need this in writing.

If you find a collection on your credit report, don't just pay it off. Ask them to remove it, then you will pay it off. Once again, get the agreement in writing!

When the creditor decides not to remove any of the items, dispute the claim with the bureaus.

In Columbia SC Real Estate, credit is important. If possible, get your middle score over 680. That makes a huge difference to buyers in Columbia SC Real Estate.

The famous chorus goes:

And the cats in the cradle
and the silver spoon
little boy blue and the
man on the moon
when you comin' home son
I don't know when
we'll get together then
you know we'll have
a good time then

The song is about a father who is too busy to spend any time with his son, and always gives vague promises that he will. The young son doesn't resent the father; rather he wants to be like the him. When the son grows up, he actually does turn out like the father - he gives the retired old man the same vague promises of spending time.  The son's now too busy with his own family, work, whatever.

A vicious cycle.

I've always liked the reference to nursery rhymes with the silver spoon, little boy blue, man on the moon, etc, in the chorus... even when I didn't know what it meant. It has a nice lyrical quality to it. Now I guess it's meant to allude to a childhood lost and missed by the father.

I think I connect more with songs about, heh, parents. If you know me, you know I feel a keen responsibility to mine. I don't necessarily show them as much affection as I guess I should, but that's just thanks to the Asian expression of non-expression. And my relationship with my dad is a whole different story altogether... that needs a whole new post ><

Ok, back to work. Sigh.

I had the oppurtunity to speak with a client of mine today as we were putting in an offer on a great house. The house is a foreclosure in the Columbia SC Real Estate Market, needs some work, but she stands to have over $70,000 in equity! This is great. Did I mention that she is a single mother of 3 boys? The American dream folks, this is what it is all about!

I have her permission to post this here. There will be many more to come. This video encompasses the emotions of putting in a contract of your first house and I hope it will help other first time home buyers!

I hope eventually to add videos with sellers, attorneys, inspectors, mortgage brokers , etc who operate in the Columbia SC Real Estate market. I hope eventually that these videos will be a useful tool to everyone looking to learn more from a Real Estate Transaction.

I have been listening, reading, and speaking to the best of the best within the Real Estate business.  People from Florida to Arizona and California have all been raving about video and how it helps their clients find the right houses, houses that soon will be their homes.

Tomorrow I will start experimenting some with video.  This will be nothing outstanding, Hollywood quality, or anything of the sorts, but it will be an eye into many of the properties, people, and steps within a transaction in Columbia SC Real Estate.

I hope that the turn out will be of quality and help you, my clients and readers, in your quest to find the perfect house, or sell your current house, within the Columbia SC Real Estate market.

I believe my first task will be to show a transaction from the buyers point of view from start to finish.  This will be taken from several steps.  From the pre-approval to the closing, you will see each step in a short video.  I have the perfect client in mind, I do hope she will agree to go along with this.

In addition to the above, I plan to show sellers what to do, and what not to do when they are selling their houses in the Columbia SC Real Estate Market.

I also have some other nifty ideas in place such as brief overviews of the different areas ( Lexington, Irmo, Chapin, NE, etc) that Columbia SC Real Estate has to offer.

In the mean time, if you have any 'requests' or thoughts as to what you would like to see, please let me know.

The premise of the show is that they find someone who dresses horribly.  Whether in their job they do not dress professional, in their daily life they dress for a different age group than they are a member of, or just in general, they do not dress to flatter themselves.  The 2 hosts help them out, show them how to dress in clothes they feel comfortable in, and help them lead a better, more productive life.

I would love to do this for a homeowner in the Columbia SC Real Estate Market.  Not on their clothes, but on what they are doing to deter sales.

The largest problem I see, and do not take this personally, is that the sellers want to be home when their agent, or another agent, is showing their home.  Why would you want to be home?  Are you not paying a Realtor in part for the convenience of this...that is why there is a lock box there.

People are great in the general Columbia SC Real Estate Market.  We are blessed with great people.  Be honest though, most people have very different tastes.  When you, the owner, is home...the potential buyers are unable to make honest comments, tell their true feelings, or interact how they would like in your house.  We want them to be at ease and dead honest.  Otherwise, we do not know their fears and problems.

Along the same lines is having your kids at home when the house is being shown.  Sometimes this is unable to be helped, but most of the times, you can get them out for 30 minutes.  Kids do not understand.  Whether it is the 13 year old just getting home from school, throwing his book bag on the floor, eating some cereal, then playing video games....all the way to the toddlers who mess their diaper and you are sitting there, in all your babies' glory, changing their dirty diaper in front of a potential buyer.  Neither are good.

The next most important thing is staging.  I care about you and your family...but the potential buyer doesn't.  Take down the baby pictures of the children, the huge portrait of Grandma on the wall above the oversized piano (which isn't in tune...yes I have had buyers check this before).  No offense, but I do not want to know your religious persuasion.  Take down anything which might deter a buyer.

Do not play music.  There is a Realtor in town famous for putting on Christmas music...in the middle of the summer.  I wish it was cooler here, but it isn't.  And I am not in the Christmas spirit...neither are my buyers.  Quiet is great.  A little white noise is even better (perhaps an air purifier on low).

I love dogs and cats.  I have several...and multiple other animals.  I do not want to know you have them.  Change that litter box, clean up those paw prints.

Do not take an offer personally.  Realize, no matter how hard it is, this is a business transaction.  These people want to get the best price, so do you.  Understand you must meet in the middle.  On the same note:

PRICE YOUR HOUSE CORRECTLY!  If the Realtor shows comparable properties are selling at $150,000, list at $139,000.  Get to the bottom of the market, and whatever you do, don't you dare list for $151,000.  You do want your house to sell...right?

If all of the above seems a bit on the rough side...that is because it is.  I am being dead honest because I want what is best for you: TO SELL YOUR HOUSE!

Homes in the Columbia SC Real Estate Market are taking longer to sell.  Armed with some of these tips might help you sell sooner and for MORE MONEY.  That is what everyone wants.

Sitting back, remember that house you grew up in.  The great shades of Avocado green, that 'Brady Bunch' oven that you could fit one, or maybe two tv dinners in?  Those where the days....well guess what!  Now it is 2008.

All but the most optomistic people within Columbia SC Real Estate will tell you that we are in a buyers market.  Guess what, we are!  People, we are in a buyers market!

I have been in houses within the Columbia SC Real Estate Market that I would not let my dogs go in, yet I have been in some houses that I would dream to live in!

Buyers have tons of inventory to choose from.  Will yours be one they like?

Ask yourself one simple question: Should I fix it?  I would.

Do you have chipped paint?  How about blinds that are yellowing with age...or gunk.   What about that baseboard your dog chewed on.  Should you fix it?  I would.

How's your carpet?  Does it need to be re-stretched?  What about the stains?  What about the fact that it is red shag from the 1970's.  Should you replace it?  I would.

Lets talk about your kitchen for a minute.  It is the center of the home. You know those cabinets that are a dark, grainy brown?  What about that avocado 'Brady Bunch Style' oven.  Should you fix them?  YES!

In the Columbia SC Real Estate Market there are so many choices.  YOU have to be sure that you are in the running with the buyers out there.

Go through your house.  Ask yourself, "Do I want this in my new house?"  If the answer is NO, then guess what...Fix IT!

This is the kitchen we want.  Clean, solid, smooth.   Columbia SC Real Estate Buyers are especially picky.  Unless you plan on knocking several percent off the price, do the little things that matter!

On a personal note.  I will be out of town Friday May 9th through Saturday May 10th.  You can always reach me via email, phone (I will check my messages and respond), Twitter, and Facebook.

I met him this morning (it hit the market yesterday afternoon) to get an offer on paper.  He wanted this piece of Columbia, SC Real Estate.  He owned other houses in this neighborhood, and this property cash flowed...very well.

I received the offer. It was all cash.  The best type of offer.  Even better, it was above list price.  Not just a little, but a full 7% above list price.  Again, this was all cash...close right after the attorney clears it for closing and the bank (owner) gets their paper work together.  We would close tomorrow if we could.

I submitted the offer via fax, email, and in person.  They were astonished at what we were offering (in a good way).  We provided proof of funds, earnest money made out to the sellers agent.  Addendums (all 35 pages) were signed.  Inspections were waved.  This property will close.

In my opinion, this is what every seller dreams about.  All cash, close quick, waived inspections, all stips satisfied.

We didn't get the house.

Were we outbid?  NO.  Did another investor get it with an inside track?  NO!   An owner occupant won the bid.  A less strong offer.  Financed.  Not full price (we were above full price by 7%).  When buying Columbia SC Real Estate, you rarely see a full price (or more) cash offer.

Was this a HUD, VA, or some other government agency which puts priority on owner occupants?  NO.  It was a private corporation.  (If I had stock, I would pull it out).  Why?  I do not know and cannot understand.

I was not relying on this commission.  It was a very small commission as commissions go while practicing Columbia SC Real Estate.  This is the principal of the fact.  In my opinion, only the strong survive in business...especially within Columbia SC Real Estate, and that should pertain to all business (I am not heartless, just a capitalist).

So, what did I do?  I was very polite to the Columbia SC Real Estate licensed listing agent, loss mitigator, and everyone involved in the transaction.  I marked it to be emailed as soon as this property is available again (if it is).  I let the listing agent know to call me before it goes back on the market (if it does).

I am not upset by the fact that we lost.  I am upset that we lost to being under bid with a less than strong offer.

Las primeras lluvias nos hacen recordar los paraguas, el martirio por salir de casa y llegar al trabajo o a la u o a donde vayamos al menos con un poco de decencia... sin sudor fabricado en la camioneta por tanta gente y sin ventanas abiertas, o bien... sin ser bañados por algun inoportuno conductor...

Las primeras lluvias nos recuerdan el invierno, y por què no... nuestra infancia, cuando saliamos bajo la lluvia a dejar nuestras palanganas por si caia granizo! wow... que tiempos! donde aun se podia comer hielo hecho por Dios...

Los tiempos han cambiado y hoy que es el primer dia de mayo, las lluvias han venido antes y quien sabe cuando volveran... lo que si es cierto es que eran esas lluvias las que nos traian unos bichitos cuyo unico proposito era llenar las calles y reproducirse... no le hacian daño a nadie, pasaban un año entero esperando el dia para poder salir y encontrar el amor de su vida! Duele... pq al encontrarlo perdian sus alitas... el riesgo para llevar a cabo su proposito era no ser victima de algun niño de primaria que lo ponia a pelear con otro especimen de algun compañero... O no ser llevado al horno como hacia mi abuelita... "con sal y limon saben ricos", decia...

Hoy vi la primera lluvia de mayo... lamentablemente aqui no hay Zompopos... pero se que tampoco alla por mi tierra estan. La pregunta es... habran emigrado? estaran durmiendo? Creo que estan cansados de tanto combate! o de perder sus alitas! o de terminar en una ensalada junto con otros desafortunados de su clan.

No! la respuesta es el cambio de nuestro clima, las lluvias no son regulares, la temperatura ha aumentado unos grados respecto a unos años atras, la contaminacion, el uso de pesticidas y por ultimo y quiza la mas importante: nuestra "hermosa" selva de concreto... nuestra ciudad que con su revestimiento gris impide a esos bichitos continuar con su vida.

Que triste que sea asi, luego de nuestros zompopos seguiran otras especies, perdiendose en el olvido del tiempo y continuando hasta al fin llegar a nosotros sentir esa experiencia en carne propia... La desaparicion de nuestros cohabitantes de nuestra preciosa Tierra es una clara advertencia de nuestro futuro.

Si alguno ve un Zompopo, no lo mate! no se lo coma (no sabe rico, ademas si kedan las cascaritas van a dar mala impresion al reir! Parecera un frijol! hahaha!) Admirelo, quien sabe si serà el ultimo zompopo que verà! Quien sabe si de él depende toda su especie...

Si puede tomele una foto y guardela (y enviemela!) y luego, sus nietos veran las grandes hormigas aladas de nuestro bello pais, que alguna vez invadian toda la calle... Nuestra nieve viviente!

Un abrazo a todos esos Zompopos "orgullosamente chapines" que aun estan alli... esperando con ansias salir y conocer el hermoso mundo que AUN nos queda...

De un chapin que extrana mucho su tierra y hoy especialmente a los zompopos!