Keep in mind that as long as form follows function on your blogging site it will be considered to be well search engine optimized. This also applies to the visual components of your blog.There are several ways that visual elements are going to play a part in how others see your blog. First of all there is your title. You may have to make several artistic decisions just around this including, what font you want to use, whether the font is in color, the size of the font and whether or not your title will wrap into an image. It is very common for free blogs to allow you to choose a template with an image or upload an image of your own that will be a mainstay image that sits on top of or behind the title.It is quite important for your title to be relevant to the content of your actual blog.... 08/15/2008

Good afternoon fellow bloggers, I did not know that blogging can be so addictive and provide great & wonderful insight to all of us for our business no matter what type of business we have. I find myself learning everyday by reading different blogs that everyone has posted on their own site. I've learned how the market is doing, how short sales are done, etc. If anyone can, let me know how you feel about blogging and what this site has done for you. Thank you, 08/15/2008

353 Old South Road, Duncan SC Keller Williams Realty Spartanburg245 E Blackstock RoadSpartanburg, SC 29301   $335,000Features: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths Located on the Golf Course Master Suite on the Main Level Beautiful Engineered Oak Floors 3 Car Garage & Level Fenced Yard Priced Below Appraisal MLS# 163564 Website: www.353OldSouthRoad.com Contact:The Gardner TeamExceptional Service, Exceptional Results!864.706.3669 (Yvette)864.641.5859 (Dennis)864.497.3131 (Nate)864.804.9960 (Angela)www.HomesInTheUpstate.net Remarks:This is an absolutely wonderful 1 1/2 story Contemporary style home located on the 11th tee at River Falls Plantation, a Gary Player Signature Golf Course. If you want an open floor plan with a great flow and lots of space, this is the home for you. This home features 4 bedroo... 08/15/2008

Lake Greenwood is a wonderful lake to take your boat and family to relax on a summer day until the water started going down. I know all of us love to see the grass green, the kids playing, what I like about Lake Greenwood is you can be driving down the lake and all of a sudden see people standing in the middle of the lake playing with beach balls on the lower part of the lake. You can even pull up at certain parts of the lake and grab a bite to eat. If anyone had not experienced this, my suggestion is to rent a boat and experience it just once. 08/14/2008

Lake Hartwell is another great lake to take your family to relax on a hot steamy day, I enjoy watching all the birds that fly around and the little islands that you can pull up too and dock your boat and have a beach like picnic with your family for a day. My family & I did that one day and I was so relaxed, nothing could have upset me that day. I also enjoyed looking at the sail boats that were on the lake. If you have a chance to experience Lake Hartwell, I would, you will not be disappointed.     08/14/2008

Seems like the latter of the two lately for me. It's either feast or famine. Currently things are busy and of course nothing ever goes as planned. I have "been to classes" and "read articles" on time management but time just seems to slip away. (guess I don't move and think fast enough in my old age LOL) I'm burning the midnight oil to try and get things completed for today. Finally think I have it. I don't warrant a real estate assistant, yet..... but there are times I wish I really had one. Sincerely, Nance Burdette Keller Williams Spartanburg 864-580-9604 nance@nanceburdette.com www.NanceBurdette.com 08/13/2008

I just received some helpful information from Nationwide Insurance concerning important phone numbers to store in your cell phone. I thought this would be a good idea for everybody, but especially Realtors. Emergency situations can happen and we all need to be prepared.  Here are the suggested numbers: I.C.E.- In Case of Emergency-the number for your contact in case of an emergency Home Phone Number- this helps with a lost phone or emergency personnel can use it to contact family members. Police-store your local police department as well as 911 Highway Patrol-witness a fellow motorist in trouble call the Highway Patrol to assist them. If the number is stored, you may be more willing to help out. Insurance Company-store your insurance company phone# to report if you are in accident or if... 08/13/2008

Since moving to beautiful South Carolina a few years ago this term came up not too long after my arrival in a conversation with some "South Carolinians". Seems if your a Yankee (the North) from birth AND you move to lovely Florida at some point in time and THEN... you leave and decide to move to the Carolinas you are now considered a halfback!!! Makes sense to me. Apparently there seems to be more and more of us. Yes, I'm one myself..... But HEAH!!!!, all these halfbacks are looking for new homes!!!! Keeping our Real Estate market thriving here in South Carolina. Sincerely, Nance Burdette, (Formerly from Orlando, Florida) Keller Williams Realty, Spartanburg 864-580-9604 nance@nanceburdette.com www.NanceBurdette.com 08/12/2008

So you have decided to turn your dream home into a reality, and you are looking for a custom home builder to make it happen. In that case, congratulations are in order. Moving up to that kind of property is an exciting step. But it also requires more homework than when buying a more traditional home. You must do more research and consider more things when having a custom home built from the ground up. There are three primary reasons for this: For obvious reasons, there is usually more money on the line with these types of properties. Building a customized home takes longer and requires more input from you. The word "custom" means different things to different builders, so the process can vary quite a bit. More Builders Today Than 10 Years Ago One bit of good news for buyers is that ther... 08/12/2008

When selling your home staging it is very important.  If a home is not de-cluttered from the day it is listed you could lose any buyers that may have already looked at your home.  Staging will get your home sold quicker and at the best possible price.  Therefore, when you are getting your home ready to sell think about the way the buyer wants it to look.  Staging is about everyone's taste, not an individual's taste.  To get ideas for staging go to open houses, visit model homes, and read/watch about home decorating. Have a Great Day, Patricia Fisher, REALTOR CRS, GRI, ASR, ABR Keller Williams Realty 864homes@bellsouth.net www.864homes.net     08/12/2008

I had the pleasure of taking a class today at the Keller Williams office on "Running a Successful Open House".  The open house usually does not sell the home, but brings prospects for the Realtor to build a future database. The Realtor can generate more results with the selection of the house, preparation, strategically placed signs, useful information such as the CMA for the house, school information and other listings, and give-aways. Of course, follow up after the open house is crucial to turning a prospect into a client.  This was a great class. Thanks to the Gardner Team!!   Ginger Ryals Keller Williams Realty gingerryals.yourkwagent.com   08/12/2008

Lake Greenwood is a wonderful lake to take your boat and family to relax on a summer day until the water started going down. I know all of us love to see the grass green, the kids playing, what I like about Lake Greenwood is you can be driving down the lake and all of a sudden see people standing in the middle of the lake playing with beach balls on the lower part of the lake. You can even pull up at certain parts of the lake and grab a bite to eat. If anyone had not experienced this, my suggestion is to rent a boat and experience it just once. 08/12/2008

A wonderful weekend drive. Well, I didn't start quite from Ashville, slightly south, Spartanburg to be exact. My point is, that I couldn't believe the beautiful drive on Route 40. This was the first time to experience a drive on this roadway. The hills and mountains and all the curves, WOW!!! The weather was lovely and I was taking my time and enjoying every mile of newly discovered territory.  I believe the only thing that could make this more lovely would be to drive it in the the height of Fall when all the foilage is turning color. It's got to be awesome. Just wanted to share this with others, so if your planning a weekend venture this is one to be considered. And of course.... you can always lay over at the Grand Old Opry Hotel!!!!! Regards, Nance Burdette Keller Williams Realty, S... 08/11/2008

  Is downsizing right for you? Downsizing a home can be a big savings often overlooked by those thinking about retiring. The cost of taxes, insurance, heating and other utilities keeps going up and if you have empty rooms, more yard work than you can handle, and other expenses piling up, it is only natural to think about moving into a smaller place. Downsizing doesn't necessarily have to mean moving into a tiny apartment or giving up the features you love about your current home. If you are willing to move out of your large family house and into a smaller more efficient house, it could mean the difference in providing yourself with a comfortable retirement. Are you living in a high cost real estate area? Are you still living in the house where you raised your family? Are you spending t... 08/11/2008

This is the 2nd week that I have been a member of Active Rain. I am having fun and gaining helpful information as well.  Before I know it, I have been on the site for over an hour.  It is becoming addictive, but informative. Wow, what a great tool. I hope to get better at this blogging. Happy Monday!! Ginger Ryals Keller Williams Realty   08/11/2008

What created today's market?  Many homeowners and real estate professionals are asking themselves this.  The slowdown is largely due to the demand started by the global investment market and by individual investor/speculators.   In other words in the year of 2000 the world's pool of dollars exploded, between 2006 and 2007 it doubled.  Therefore Wall Street ceated new ways to package mortgages, then sell them and pass the money and risk to the investors.  These loans required little information on buyers income and assests.  Unfortunately lenders used adjustable rate, interest only, and other loans much more frequently and possibly mis-used.  We are now seeing the affects of these mortgages. Patricia Fisher, REALTOR CRS, GRI, ABR, ASR Keller Williams Realty 864.494.7818 864homes@bellsout... 08/11/2008

The Upstate, one of the most desirable places to live with its southern hospitality and charm, seasonal changes and pleasant year round climate. We're conveniently located to Charlotte, Ashville, Myrtle Beach, Atlanta and Charleston. You too, can live and work in an internationally recognized business and cultural community with a quality of life that is second to none. From small farms to mid-town condominium living; mountain views, golf course communities and lakefront properties; we have it all. If we can help your clients with their relocation, we promise to take good care of them! The Gardner Team Dennis & Yvette Gardner ygardner@homesintheupstate.net 864-706-3669     08/11/2008

First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit For aspiring home owners who find their goal stubbornly elusive, newly enacted legislation providing a tax credit of as much as $7,500 for first-time home buyers might just be the opportunity of a lifetime. The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 authorizes a $7,500 tax credit for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing homes on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009. The tax credit is available for first-time home buyers only. The maximum credit amount is $7,500. The credit is available for homes purchased on or after April 9, 2008 and beforeJuly 1, 2009. Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit. The tax credit works like an interest-free loan and must b... 08/11/2008

The only on who benefits financially from a rent check is the landlord. Renters never see their monthly payments again, and they can't use any of that money as a tax deduction. Home buyers, on the other hand, spend part of their money every month on a asset they can eventually sell.  The remainder of their monthly outlay pays interest to their lender, which is fully tax deductible in most cases. If you are currently renting - or you're moving and debating whether to rent or buy - take a look at how your housing payment could be put to better use purchasing a home. The real question may be whether you can afford not to buy a home. Stabilize Housing Costs As a renter. You may be subject to a rent increase each time your lease period expires. You can end up paying more and more every year ... 08/11/2008

You put your home on the market and it just didn't sell. This created a lot of stress for you and your family. Perhaps you needed to sell due to a job change, maybe you already bought another home. What you need to do now is assess for yourself what factors caused your home to not sell. Some of the top reasons that homes stay on the market for extended times are:Overpricing the property is the number one reason a home does not sell. A typical neighborhood usually has homes with similar features. Such as, number of bedrooms, bathrooms or lot size. Home buyers will naturally purchase the lower priced homes first. Leaving those similar yet higher priced homes to languish on the market. Your home should be competitively priced with those other homes. That means at or slightly below the comp... 08/11/2008