Recently an agent asked me how I help my clients with less than stellar credit. I have been teaching homebuyer seminars, finance classes and assisted hundreds of young families in reaching their financial goals. My ideas aren’t original, they aren’t brain surgery; they are effective. Basic monetary responsibility is not taught in schools and in many cases, parents don’t emphasize the importance of mindful spending. This is a list that I give my clients to help them prepare for a home purchase. Encourage your clients to take responsibility for their finances, support them in their quest for conquering debt and gain a client for life.   1.Partner with a reputable, patient and experienced lender. Many lenders will take the time to develop a plan to help you get your credit in order. Tho... 10/23/2012

  Rarely do I delve into the deep end of politics, the righteous rip tide of religion or even discussions of personal preference in regards to matters of supreme subjection. Being of simple mind, many of the grayest areas are tucked in the corner of right and wrong. I find comfort in keeping my position private. The pending election has stirred the river bed and brought much dirt to the surface. Dirt for everyone to see, swirl and clump and fall as it may.   Pundits, preachers even preschool teachers debate the latest buzzword, the most recent cause and the body language of the messenger. Similar to little kids making a Christmas list, people talk of issues that will miraculously be solved once the name on the oval office desk is confirmed. Dreams of resolution and brighter days are evi... 10/21/2012

Coffee needs it, air conditioners require it to be cleaned and maintained, and even our cars have parts that depend heavily on a filter. The human body, in most instances, comes complete with a filter for the infamous instrument of communication. It can’t be seen, touched and never appears in portraits; however, it is most evident when it is absent. Of the utmost importance the elusive necessity can be exclusively credited with irreversible changes in history, sudden relationship catastrophe, public humiliation and immediate need for a job transfer. Throughout my career I have developed a special filter specifically for matters of real estate. From early on, it was obvious that it was needed. On this lovely Friday, following a most productive and tiring week; I want to share the fact, b... 10/18/2012

An agent in our office recently met with a prospective buyer, who had some credit issues. The agent is still new, so she emailed the other agents in the office to get advice on how to help a buyer build up their credit. As always seems to be the case in our wonderful office, one of the agents, who shall remain nameless, provided some excellent advice. I thought I would share, and maybe it will be helpful to prospective home buyers, or their Realtors, down the road. Following is the response -- Many times I have come into similar situations, regarding working with a buyer who needs to improve his/her credit before proceeding with a home purchase. There are several things your client can do, right away to increase his/her score. By placing her on a plan you have an opportunity to get her ... 10/17/2012

Are you a double agent? Not as in the infamous dual agent, rather the agent that does double the work in almost every transaction? If not, I am certain you can name several double agents in your area. With lightning speed they answer their phone, the office phone and even your phone when needed. Files are kept with precision, every addendum, every change; every doodling document is in immaculate order. Brokers love them, attorney’s appreciate them and other agents often depend on them and in most circumstances entirely too much. When in a transaction with a well-known double agent, the cooperating agent kicks up their feet and enjoys the smooth ride all the while confident the work will be done. It is a title of distinction and distress. Double agents are committed to a successful end a... 10/16/2012

We have all seen the Angie’s List commercials, we have grown accustomed to researching consumer reviews on everything from tennis shoes to televisions; and certainly we are all familiar with the infamous traveler’s companion called Trip Advisor. It is common place to peruse the rants, raves and ramblings of anyone experienced in a product or a service of interest. Just as we all know how important reviews can be; we also know they are not always accurate. Not all sites post negative reviews, just as some sites exude negative venom with glee. Real estate is no different. With Zillow now showcasing reviews along with several other general real estate websites, recommendations have become standard. Facebook has given the public a platform in which to comment on the wonderful and woeful rea... 10/10/2012

What is the point of having a horn, if you don't toot it every now and then! Recently I have taken on coaching as part of my day to day real estate tasks. It began by teaching classes to beginning Realtors then somewhat spread to those more experienced as well. As a former teacher, it seemed to be a natural transition. Working with seasoned agents in adjusting and adapting their practices into a relevant approach to today’s market has been more rewarding than anticipated.   Helping the discouraged professional to once again discover their enthusiasm for the job has certainly put a bit of skip in my walk. I have spent years and money making mistakes; fortunately I documented all of those time consuming, expensive errors and the necessary steps to avoid sinking into those professional pit... 10/04/2012

I am Very excited to be able to spend some time at Somerset Point this Saturday, Oct. 6. We open the doors to the model at 11 a.m., and will be on site until at least 2:30. If you are unfamiliar with Somerset Point, maybe you could come out and visit. Somerset Point offers quality new construction in the $200,000 range, with the community's Waterfront Collection, which look out at the Coosaw River, available for under $400k. Please come visit. We are happy to set up an appointment anytime. For more information on Somerset Point, visit http://www.somersetpointbeaufort.com, or call me anytime at 843.263.6886. 10/02/2012

Similar to the sudden sense of what now, after all the presents are opened on Christmas morn; slightly akin to an hurried evacuation for a pending storm only to see the sun shine down. Many Realtors are exceedingly rushed to acquire a new listing, the holy grail of commission only to realize maybe they should have thought twice about that price, or consulted about all that clutter!  My days of the great gold rush of realty have passed. There is no longer fluff in place of fact or even a slight presence of puffing in my presentation. My approach has changed, along with the economy. Listings are hard work, expensive and a major responsibility. We carefully consider each listing, seller and approach to market preparedness. It is not just about getting another listing. Fortunately my referr... 09/25/2012

I took my own advice. I decluttered, I depersonalized (well mostly) and I cleaned myself into a frenzy. Recently I introduced you to my absolutely worst client ever, and she is me. For years I have been the Queen of the conversion, lord of the living room make over and the Dr. Phil of spouting orders to sellers. I stressed the importance of updating to the point of upchucking, with elegance and poise I pointed out all the flaws that must be corrected prior to presenting their property to the buying population.   It is amazing anyone still likes me at all. After taking my own advice, I don’t like me much. It is hard work. It is emotional. It is slightly less fun than a root canal. Packing away my memories, my special moments and gifts was not at all as easy as it was telling others to do... 09/22/2012

TradeWinds Plantation of Ladys Island is preparing for their Grand Opening on September 19, 2012. As the Beaufort SC market continues a healthy improvement, we look forward to welcoming new home owners to this tremendously convenient location! Homes starting at $179,000 with all the style and quality of NBM Builders along with a wonderfully short commute to downtown Beaufort, Parris Island, Beaufort Memorial Hospital and award winning schools! Join us anytime between 12-2pm on Wednesday September 19, 2012, enjoy an incredible array of refreshments, tour our brand new home at 11 Bay Breeze and share in our vision for the future of a fabulous new community. 09/17/2012

I guess writing our experiences runs in my family, the below was written by my amazing cousin Jason Waters of the US ARMY Criminal Investigation Command, about life as a deployed soldier. I adore him and am so very proud of his ability to keep his sense of humor, a beloved family trait!   By Jason Waters US ARMY I want to share a story. Some of you who have never been on a deployment, or never spent any time around someone who has, may not know how the simplest of things that most take for granted can turn into a small adventure. Some of you will have a laugh at my expense, but if you read back into my past statuses, you’ll know I really don’t mind. Late this evening, after a rather boring day, I decided to go get a shower before bed. Simple thing, right? WRONG! First I have to explain... 09/08/2012

  Just a note of encouragement from BeaufortHomeTeam!  There is one stat I want to point out as we wrap up this third quarter in Beaufort South Carolina.  The stat is called the Absorption Rate.  With regard to inventory, if there were no new listings, how long would it take at the current pace of sales to clear the existing inventory?  We have gone from a high this year of over 42 months (3 1/2 years!!) to right at 12 months and still trending downward. This is the strongest year for real estate sales in Beaufort South Carolina since 2009, and we are headed in the right direction.  With the short term outlook for interest rates still good, we might be back to a balanced real estate market in Beaufort SC by the second quarter of 2013.  Who knows what November will bring- either "mo bett... 09/07/2012

Feed them, and they will come. Maybe or maybe not; open houses can be debated all day. Are they worth the time, money and emotional warfare on the behalf of the overworked listing agent or are they a complete waste of energy? It has been my experience that Broker Open Houses, when done properly, can be an extremely effective tool for marketing listings in today’s current climate.   Easily I can attribute at least a dozen closed transactions in the past year to the beloved Broker Open House. Realtors often express their disdain for the marathon of meal manipulation, lack of turn out and/or cost. It is doubtful that I am an open house genius, but possibly my tips can help ease the pain of a productive way to market your listings.   1)    One Week at A Time- I highly recommend having at le... 09/06/2012

Everything happens for a reason, or so they say. I always assumed that saying was just a phrase thrown around like a dish towel in situations when nothing else seemed to fit. I stand corrected. The past two weeks have been an interwoven blanket of confusion sewn tightly with the thread of random ridiculousness.  Fortunate for me, my days provide me with enough nonsense mixed with a subtle lack of common sense to fill my column. Otherwise, I suppose I would have very little to say. Coming off of a very strange case of poison oak, at times I believed maybe it had spread to my brain, but no, it is all real as life itself. As I watch helplessly as Isaac approaches my family, my hometown and my down trodden home state of Mississippi, I spiraled down a path of pity and fear. Only a category o... 09/01/2012

The sign is up, lockbox in place and the Internet is all a buzz with information on your property. Your Realtor is off to a great start and your goal is one step closer to success! Below is a short list I give all of my sellers the day after their home hits the market. It is just a reminder to be proactive!   1. Don't be shy!! Tell everyone you know that your home is for sale. Tell them how badly you hate to leave it, but that life does happen. Tell them they can view professional photographs at www.YourRealtorsWebsite, Facebook, and any other sites where your home will be showcased.       2. De-clutter and De-personalize- Everyone hates this!! But it makes such a difference. If you don't use it, don't need it or don't notice it daily, pack it away. You have made the decision to move fo... 08/30/2012

This is just too adorable not to share!~ If you know of a spectacular baking god or goddess, surely you can help this small business owner with this delectable dilemma! Beaufort is chock full precious boutiques, delightful diners and of course our very sweet Sweet Vivi! Help her solve this cupcake chaos! The winner is sure to love the reward!~ Click below!~   08/28/2012

Coping mechanisms are as personal and unique as the individual in need of coping. What may ease pain, provide a desirable distraction or lift the woes of life’s little hiccups for one, may not help another at all. By now I thought I had experienced many of life’s harrowing hiccups, from the more serious to the simple inability to talk my way out of a ticket or commit to a particular hairstyle. Each instance required its very own set of coping skills that morph into a completely accepted mechanism of miracles. For example, breaking a leg -an arm, a finger, a toe, a rib etc-- I was always prepared with crutches, group empathy and a ready-made excuse as to why I simply could not attend whatever unpleasant event I was scheduled to dutifully attend. Being healthy as a farm horse, I rarely ha... 08/25/2012

Beaufort SC Market Update Just a quick update on what is going on right now in the Beaufort SC real estate market.  Just to make sure everyone is on the same page, let me define my areas:  The numbers are drawn from the Beaufort Multiple Listing Service, looking all types of residential units (single family detached, condos, mobile homes, etc.) in areas 1 through 5 (Beaufort, Mossy Oaks, Port Royal, Burton, and Lady's Island).   All in all, it's been a great summer!  We are at 381 homes sold for the year, about 75 units ahead of last year.  That's 9 houses per month, or 2 houses a week ahead of last years pace.  Might not sound like a lot, but if it's your house, it's a big deal! In terms of inventory, our active inventory is sitting at 663 units, down about 8% from our high of 723 in M... 08/24/2012

Many say it is just putting lipstick on a pig; however, I have actually put lipstick on a pig and it most certainly does make a difference. Not only does it get a giggle out of all involved but the pig stands out from the crowd and as my grandma always says, a little color never killed anyone. For the record, it didn't kill my pet pig either.   Not everyone can afford a professional stager. Staging is crucial and makes such a tremendous difference in selling a home. When possible, hire a professional. When pennies are being pinched, rely on the experience of an experienced Realtor if for no other reason than an experienced Realtor DOES know tips and tricks that will make your home shine. I am NOT a professional stager; however, I have spent countless hours, days, months and years going ... 08/23/2012