New listing on 1318 Madison Ave., in Florence,SC. Lovely Ranch Home on Madison Avenue! +/-2829SF, 4BR, 3Bth with an Extra Large Master Suite with Sitting Area "1000 sq ft", Double Vanity, Claw Foot Tub and Double Head Marble Shower - Lots of Closet Space, Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen with Breakfast Nook, Newly Refinished Hardwood Floors Throughout - Big Double Fenced In Yard with Koi Pond, Large Deck and Back Porch off Master - Room For Kids and Dogs - Zoned For Royall Elementary, Sneed Middle School and West Florence High School - This is a MUST SEE!    For more pics of this fantastic home and other check out our site at www.4florencehomes.com       01/20/2009

       Have you ever stopped to consider the irony of it all?  When the housing market was hot with escalading hosing prices, buyers couldn't wait to jump on board.  With multiple offers coming in, buyers were willing to pay above asking price to get the home of their choice.  When it's a buyer's market with deals galore out there, buyers go into hibernation.  Go figure!  In a seller's market, buyers fall all over themselves to make a deal.  In a buyer's market, sellers just don't seem to be able to give their homes away.        Buyers, take a good look at what the market has done and is doing over the past five years in the Greater Florence Region of South Carolina.  True, this year's housing market is the worst of the five but it isn't that far off from 2004 sales.  What makes it look... 01/10/2009

       "It's a buyer's market!  It's a buyer's market!  It's a buyer's market!"  It doesn't seem to matter how loud or often we shout it out, there still aren't many buyers.  But if you have been thinking about buying a new home in Florence South Carolina or the Greater Pee Dee Region of South Carolina, this is one of the best buying opportunities in the past 50 years.  As you can tell from the 2008 market summary chart I prepared, there are some very interesting patterns beginning to develop that suggest it's time for buyers to get off the sidelines and take advantage of market conditions.        The first thing I want you to notice is that the widest gap between homes listed and homes sold in the Greater Florence market was last April.  At that time there was well over a full year's i... 01/10/2009

       In this blog post I would like to spotligh some of the services at McLeod Regional Hospital in Florence, South Carolina.  I think you'll find the article introductions interesting and will want to click on the links to see the full article.  While on the McLeod site, feel frre to navigate and survey their many services.  You'll soon learn why McLeod is so highly rated. The Cutting Edge of Radiation Therapy Delivery  --  McLeod continues to be a forerunner in South Carolina with the most technically advanced equipment in the state. For current cancer patients and future patients, McLeod Regional Medical Center announced in 2003 the availability of a new cancer treatment system, which delivers very precise radiation to cancerous tumors without harming healthy tissue or organs near... 12/26/2008

As a full time professional Realtor in Florence, SC, I have seen three huge financial mistakes made by home buyers over and over again.  Although they seem so simple to avoid or correct, it's often difficult to get buyers to understand how these three biggies can sabotage any attempt to purchase a home.  Here's the advice I give my clients right up front when they begin their search for homes in Florence. 1.  Review your credit!  About six months before making an offer on a home, pull your credit report from any of the three major providers (Equifax, Experian or TransUnion).  You don't want any surprises here.  Evaluate it.  If you find errors, fix them.  If you have a few problems that need correcting, do it.  The difference between a sub-600 and 700-plus score can cost a buyer as much... 11/14/2008

The Home Builders Association of the Greater Pee Dee announces its 2008 Tour of Homes.  With over 30 homes ranging in price form $100,000 to over $400,000 participating in the Tour, consumers will have a tremendous selection.  The Tour is scheduled for October 4th - 5th and October 11th - 12th.  Homes will be open on Saturdays from 10am to 5pm and on Sundays from 1pm - 5pm.  For more information and to download a Tour of Homes map, just follow this link http://www.hbapeedee.com/tour.php to association's web page.  If you have any questions, call (843) 665-5885 and they will be happy to help. The picture above is of the 2008 Board of Directors.  The picture below is of Carolina Townhouses, one of the participants in this year's Tour.  These two and three bedroom townhouses run from $99,... 10/03/2008

Make your reservations now for Florence Little Theatre's performance of The Miracle Worker.  Performances begin October 24 and will run through November 1.  For a complete schedule, showtimes and reservations go to http://www.florenceweb.com/FLT/shows.htm or call (843) 662-3731.  The theatre's new facilities are located at 417 S Dargan Street in downtown Florence.  learn more about the history of the Little Theatre, go to http://www.florencehometeam.com/PageManager/default.aspx/PageID=2112452. 10/03/2008

If you're looking for a source to learn more about Florence, SC, this new web page will get you off to a good start.  Just go to www.AllAboutFlorence.com as your gateway to local knowledge.  The page has numerous links to government, hospitals, school district, local weather, higher educational facilities, the local library and museum, art centers, state parks, real estate services, etc.. etc.  There's something for everyone so check it out today!  10/02/2008

Mcleod Park offers over 50 acres of recreational fun in the heart of Florence on Santiago Drive. It has many of the common features you find in most parks - picnic areas, nature trails, tennis courts, volleyball court, baseball fields, basketball goals, horse shoes, concession stand and restrooms. But one unique feature that you don't find at other parks is a Skate Park Facility. Skate boarding is a passion of many especially the younger crowd and they now have a place to perfect their skills without using sidewalks and parking lots. So thumbs up Florence to offering this facility that is unique and needed.     08/13/2008

Florence County is fortunate to be the home of the new Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology (SIMT). Located at Florence Darlington Technical College, SIMT will provide training and technology solutions that will maximize workforce productivity in the manufacturing industry. According to the SIMT's website, "The Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology is the premiere technical service provider, and training facility, for industry in the southeastern portion of the United States. It’s state of the art facilities are located on a 146-acre campus in Florence, SC. SIMT provides engineering/CAD/CAM, rapid prototyping, and 3D/virtual reality services as well as leading edge manufacturing workforce development and business process training."   08/07/2008

Mark your calendars; school starts in Florence on Monday the 18th!  Here is the registration schedule: Elementary Schools -- August 6 - 7 Middle Schools-- August 6 - 7 High Schools -- August 4 - 7      Seniors -- August 4      Juniors -- August 5      Sophmores -- August 6      Freshmen -- August 7 For an official, complete calendar for Florence schools (District One), you can go to their official website at http://www.sciway.net/edu/k12/florence.html.   You will also find information about the particular schools, the School Board, instruction, departments and staffing, etc. 08/03/2008

If you're considering a relocation to Florence, SC, contacting our local Chamber of Commerce is a good place to begin.  They'll be happy to provide you with information on the many aspects of our great city -- from the arts to restaurants.  Tom Marschel is the president of our local Chamber and Susan Farver is the CFO.  You can contact them via . . . Telephone - 843-665-0515 Fax -843-662-2010 Website - www.florencescchamber.com Planning on a trip to Florence?  Drop by the Chamber at 610 West Palmetto Street.  The staff would love to meet you and they'll help you any way they can. If you would like a Relocation Packet, we also invite you to contact us, The Home Team Pros, and we'll be glad to send you one.  Just give me a call or email me your request and we'll get it to you as soon as p... 07/29/2008

We just built a new home and bought all new appliances from a local national chain.  Mary was the salesperson.  She knew what she was doing and before we knew it, we purchased all our new appliances from her.  I so impressed with her services that I signed her up for my Internet Business Referral.  I knew she would give my customers great service. Welllllllll, wouldn't you know it!  The refrigerator didn't work from the day of delivery.  We weren't aware of it because we didn't move in for about a week afterward.  When we found out, I spent about 3 hours trying to talk with someone about getting it fixed or replaced.  The best I could do was get an appointment with a repairman in TWO weeks!!  I tried calling the store manager and was put on hold -- for so long that the battery went dead... 07/28/2008

Although the Florence market continues to remain sluggish through the first half of 2008, there is evidence that the many pressures experienced on the national level are only having a moderate impact locally, as the new home semi-annual statistics indicate. Total Sales were 126, a decrease of 22.7% year-over-year Average List Price was $210,448, a decrease of 2.5% from 2007. Average Sales Price was $208,203, a decrease of 3.3% from the previous year. Sale Price to List Price Ration year-over-year is slightly up by .6% and stands at 99%. Days on Market stats have seen a 36% increase over 2007. Inventory currently stands at 10 months, with 264 active listings at the end of June.  New Permits for single family homes are down 5% year-to-date at 224. In spite of the large inventory, prices h... 07/24/2008

Although the Florence / Greater Pee Dee market continues to remain sluggish through the first half of 2008, there is evidence that the many pressures experienced on the national level are only having a moderate impact here.   Consider the following semi-annual statistics for single-family homes: Total Sales were 836, a decrease of 11.6% year-over-year Average List Price was $147,200, a decrease of only 1.9% from 2007. Average Sales Price was $141,739, a decrease of 4.6% from the previous year. Sale Price to List Price Ration year-over-year is down only .5% and stands at 96.3%. Days on Market stats have seen a 16.2% increase over 2007. Inventory currently stands at 10 months, with 1675 active listings at the end of June. As they say, "All real estate is local," and our market has more th... 07/24/2008

What a difference 2 3/4years makes.  We opened Freedom Real estate in September of 2005, and in such a short time went from non-existent to #9 out of 76 companies in the market and growing.  I attribute that to great ownership and great people.  And now, with the addition of our Weichert Franchise, the future is so bright I gotta wear shades.  We just completed our RELO affiliation this week and started adding our agents to the Weichert Lead Network.  The mortgage company is seeing steady growth, and our Realtor/Originators are enjoying the benefits of being able to offer both, real estate and mortgage services.  It's just simply amazing to see how our clients and prospective clients respond to getting so many services in one place.  Everybody wins! So that's the introduction.  And on t... 07/23/2008

Use this link to check out the report cards for schools in Florence School District 1, which covers all the public schools in the city of Florence: http://ed.sc.gov/topics/researchandstats/schoolreportcard/2007/2101.html. The schools are listed by name. The report cards for 2008 will not be available until mid fall of 2008. Use this link to check out the report cards for all schools in South Carolina: http://ed.sc.gov/topics/researchandstats/schoolreportcard/2007/default.cfm  On this page simply select the category of school you want to check out – such as Elementary, Middle or High and then you will be directed to a page with those report cards listed by school name (note that you may have to scroll down to see the school names.) Keep in mind that just because a school may not have a g... 07/11/2008

New Home Market Report Florence, South Carolina YTD Statistics as of May 31, 2008 Prepared by Ron Moore Founder of the Home Team Pros RE/MAX Professionals 1000 to 1250 square feet 1. Inventory – There are currently 14 homes available, representing a 5.5 month inventory. 2. Days on Market – 243 DOM, a huge increase over the average 111. 3. Pricing – $91 per square foot, down from a three-year average of $92. 4. Sales – 7 sales YTD, which is 44.6% behind where sales should be. 5. Observation - Though declining inventory is positive, the DOM, flat pricing and highly sluggish sale's rate are all negative indicators. 1251 to 1500 square feet 1. Inventory – There are currently 68 homes available, representing a13.4 month inventory. 2. Days on Market – 156 DOM, a significant increase over the ... 06/06/2008

I am a real estate agent in South Carolina and I live in the middle of two towns - Lake City and Florence. The MLS that I am a member of includes both towns. Florence is definitely the larger city with a population of around 30,000 and Lake City with a population of around 7,000. The following stats compare Lake City and Florence sales in the residential market so far this year  (January 2008 - May 2008):    Town        Class        # Sold         % Sold           Avg. Price         DOM Lake City     RE                  9              32.14%        $83,811                 142 Florence      RE                 303           45.22%        $176,613               88        There has been a decrease in both the volume of sales and the percentage of sales in my area. With the slump in the real... 05/15/2008

What is Staging?Staging is the process by which your property is prepared to be the most appealing to potential home buyers.  A professional home stager is trained to evaluate your home, offer suggestions and provide an overall look and feel that will assist in selling the home faster. A home stager can create a home selling design with furniture and home accessories already contained in the home or assist with the provision of additional items.Why would I need a home stager?Professional home stagers are trained to design and organize your home for sale.  A stager is also aware of the trends and preferences of home buyers. You will receive an objective assessment of your property and a design that will make your home stand out from other homes on the market.Why is staging different from... 11/13/2007