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        <title>All About Greenville SC Real Estate</title>
        <link>http://www.delcorealty.com/blog/</link>
        <description>All About Real Estate in Greenville South Carolina.  Are you considering on relocating to Greenville SC?  Find out about the best schools, neighborhoods, where to live, major employers of Greenville SC, and much, much more!</description>
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            <guid>http://www.delcorealty.com/blog/your-home-may-be-worth-more-than-you-think.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.delcorealty.com/blog/your-home-may-be-worth-more-than-you-think.html</link>
            <author>kimberly@kimberlybookert.com (Kimberly Bookert)</author>
            <title>Your Home May Be Worth More Than You Think</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Your Home MayBe Worth More Than You Think!


Dear Homeowner:


Today’s real estate market is very different than it was a year ago.Prices have increased rapidly over the past 6-8 months as part of a steadyrecovery we’re seeing take place across the nation in real estate. If you orsomeone you know has a home in which they owed more on their mortgage than theproperty was worth, that may no longer be the case. Or perhaps you’ve just beenwaiting the market out for prices to increase. Well, that time has arrived.


I have a report which explains in detail why prices have gone up andwhy your home might be worth more than you think! The report is entitled, “3Reasons Your Home May Be Worth More Than You Think” and I believe you’ll besurprised by when you download and read the report. Once you are done, contactme today for a free market analysis.


Kimberly Bookert


864-593-7356


Kimberly@kimberlybookert.com


greenville sc, spartanburg sc, foreclosure, shortsale, home sellers, home buyers, purchasing a home in greenville
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 23 Apr 2013 22:18:29 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.delcorealty.com/blog/helping-to-save-families-from-foreeclosure.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.delcorealty.com/blog/helping-to-save-families-from-foreeclosure.html</link>
            <author>kimberly@kimberlybookert.com (Kimberly Bookert)</author>
            <title>Helping to Save families from Foreeclosure</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                  For more information, please contact: 


Kimberly Bookert  864-593-7356    Kimberly@kimberlybookert.com


 More distressed homeowners finding relief in Upstate SC


Greer, SC – April 9, 2013 – For homeowners in danger oflosing their home to foreclosure, it is common to feel alone and as thoughthere is no help. In Greer, homeowners in this situation are finding reliefthanks to a dedicated agent trained specifically to help distressed homeowners.


 “There are more people who find themselves in this situationthan many realize,” says Kimberly Bookert of Delco Realty Group Inc. a CDPE.“Once they realize they aren’t alone and that there are options, it’s like awhole new world opens up for them.”


 There are a number of ways in which homeowners might avoidforeclosure, even if they are late on their payments. Loan modifications, inwhich the bank changes the terms of the loan so that it is more affordable;mortgage forgiveness, in which the bank agrees to eliminate some or all of theamount owed; or short sales, in which the bank agrees to sell the home for lessthan the amount owed, are just some of the options available.


 As a Certified Distressed Property Expert® (CDPE), Kimberlyis specially trained to help homeowners who find themselves facing foreclosureunderstand the options available and choose the solution that is right forthem. “It is important to me that homeowners know that they have options andthat they are not alone,” Kimberly said.


Kimberly has developed a free report,stories of people who have been helped by CDPEs. The report, entitled, “FromForeclosure to Freedom,” is accessible from her website, www.kimberlybookert.com


 


About              


Kimberly Bookert, Delco Realty


 

Foreclosure help, distressed homeowners ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 09 Apr 2013 17:02:25 -0400</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.delcorealty.com/blog/are-you-or-someone-you-know-facing-foreclosure-there-help.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.delcorealty.com/blog/are-you-or-someone-you-know-facing-foreclosure-there-help.html</link>
            <author>kimberly@kimberlybookert.com (Kimberly Bookert)</author>
            <title>Are you or someone you know Facing Foreclosure? There Help</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Foreclosure Seminar April 25th, 2013 at Delco Realty 2507 Wade hampton Blvd. Greenville SC. 


If you or someone you know is facing a financial hardship and not sure what to do, come find out the process for South Carolina.  Foreclosure can be a daunting time and there are options.  This is not the time to stick your head in the sand or hide from it. It will NOT go away, lets take it head on and find a resolution. There are options and many of them. Spread the word to friends and family that you know that needs help, there are plenty of free services and options available and we will discuss them all. The link to register is below and we are looking forward to meeting each of you on April 25th.  If you want to register by phone please call Kimberly Bookert at 864-593-7356 and you can register over the phone. 


 


http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=muzwmsmab&amp;oeidk=a07e7bczy9v63969610


 


foreclosure, foreclosures, greenville, short sales,
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 09 Apr 2013 16:48:39 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.delcorealty.com/blog/do-you-know-someone-upside-down-in-their-home-i-can-help.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.delcorealty.com/blog/do-you-know-someone-upside-down-in-their-home-i-can-help.html</link>
            <author>kimberly@kimberlybookert.com (Kimberly Bookert)</author>
            <title>Do you know someone upside down in their home! I can help.</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Under the Cloud of an Unmanageable Mortgage?


Hi Family &amp; Friends:


I wanted to let you know about something I’ve been dealing with.


You know I’m a real estate agent, but maybe I haven’t mentioned that I specialize in helping homeowners avoid foreclosure. These are people who owe more on their home than what it’s worth and don’t know what todo. I’ve talked with a lot of these people lately, and it struck me that I never reached out to see if you knew of anyone in this situation. 


I would hate if you knew someone who could use my assistance but didn’t know that I could help.


Do you know of anyone who could use my services?


If so, please have them give me a call at 864-416-1676. I can help put them back on track to financial stability!


Thanks for allowing me to help others in need!  Tell then they can get free reports from my website at www.upstateforeclosure.info.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 29 Mar 2013 21:05:48 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.delcorealty.com/blog/new-homes-division-sales-manager-hired.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.delcorealty.com/blog/new-homes-division-sales-manager-hired.html</link>
            <author>info@delcorealty.com (Delco Realty Group)</author>
            <title>New Homes Division Sales Manager Hired!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ We would like to welcome back Dona Sero as our new homes division sales manager who will be marketing and selling for Reliant Homes!   From the first moment you drive onto a Reliant Homes property, the value of their homes are evident.  They  are committed to quality over quantity, and stand behind our work with an extensive warranty program and dedicated service team. From the time you choose your lot to the time you take residence of your new home, each detail of construction is carefully completed. With quality as their top priority, using our knowledge of professional home building as well as custom home design, we can create a home that's just right for you. Reliant's homes are built to stand the test of time, offering the latest and best amenities available on the market today. Value is important to us as well, which is why our homes are priced to provide exceptional worth and to allow our customers to make the dream of owning a new home come true.   If you are looking to build your next home;  I strongly suggest you visit one of our Reliant communities in Simpsonville, South Carolina and speak with one of our Del-co Realty Group representatives!   Ravenwood is located off Woodruff Road near the Five Forks area and Bryson Crossing is located near the Heritage Park just off Main Street in Simpsonville!   Dixie Hardee will be working on-site as well.    Come visit our model home located at Ravenwood, which is open Monday, Wed, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10AM-5PM and Sunday's from 1-5PM.   The model home will be closed on Tuesdays but will be available by appointment.   Call Dona Sero today at 864-477-0708!   Come see the quality difference!   Realtors are warmly welcomed! ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 19 Nov 2012 20:11:29 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.delcorealty.com/blog/join-us-for-a-realtor-progressive-luncheon-in-the-verdmont-community-in-simpsonville-sc-may-10th.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.delcorealty.com/blog/join-us-for-a-realtor-progressive-luncheon-in-the-verdmont-community-in-simpsonville-sc-may-10th.html</link>
            <author>info@delcorealty.com (Delco Realty Group)</author>
            <title>Join us for a Realtor Progressive Luncheon in the Verdmont Community in Simpsonville, SC   May 10th!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Realtor Open House / Progressive Lunch


Beautiful Charleston-style community with amazing amenities.  Conveniently located to Fairview Road shopping. Homes available from $280K - $300,000+


Where: 23 Marquette Road, Simpsonville, SC 29680


When: Thursday, May 10th 11:30am - 1:30pm





For those who qualify, USDA Rural Housing can help put you in a Verdmont home with zero cash down (100% financing).  Call Lisa for details at (864) 915-8547!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 09 May 2012 21:32:14 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.delcorealty.com/blog/zillow-zestimates-are-a-joke.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.delcorealty.com/blog/zillow-zestimates-are-a-joke.html</link>
            <author>info@delcorealty.com (Delco Realty Group)</author>
            <title>Are Home Values Listed on Zillow Zestimates Accurate for Greenville SC Market?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
How Much Do You Think Your Home is Worth?


When I speak to homeowners who consult with me before listing their home for sale, I find the first thing they ask or want to know is, "What Is My Home Worth?"  Well, that is a simple question with a potentially complicated answer.  I will usually turn the question around and ask them, "What do YOU think Your Home is Worth?"  I do this because I want to understand where are they at mentally in the process of selling their home.  At this stage, most homeowners have not emotionally detached themselves from their home to look at it analytically (as a house) and, in many cases, will overvalue their home's worth. 


The most common answers I get back from a seller is:




Price based on what the neighbor's house sold for


Price based on what they bought their home for at the height of the market plus what they spent on it since living there


In some instances, the homeowner will base the Price on an appraisal that is no longer valid (a year or more old)  




Myth: A Zillow Zestimate or Trulia Estimate is like a CMA or Appraisal 


WRONG!  Many consumers looking for answers to any of their questions in this high-tech age, will begin their research on the Internet.  So it is no surprise when a seller begins their search for home value on the Internet and tells me that they based it on data they found via Zillow Zestimates, Trulia Estimates, Homefinder.com, etc.  I pick on Zillow Zestimates only because the profound majority of prospective sellers I have worked with seem to get their "Internet Home Value" from Zillow.  The reality is, ALL of these Internet Sites claiming to provide Home Values cannot replace the accuracy of a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) or a recent home appraisal.  There is much more data that a localized CMA or appraisal considers - land value, condition of the home or property, unique features or amenities, seller contributions, recent renovations to a home, foreclosures in the area, etc.  


In the Greenville SC market, the Zestimates tend to be LOW 


compared to what homes are actually selling for. 


Choosing a Realtor that is armed with this knowlege can help you combat "low-ball" offers on your home.


Homeowners looking at these Internet Home Values rarely look at the fine print regarding the accuracy (or lack thereof) of the home values these Internet sites are providing.  The data and accuracy varies greatly from county to county and state to state.  Furthermore, I have seen the margin of error fluctuate an additional 5% from quarter to quarter just in the Greenville SC!  


Below is a table illustrating an example of Zillow Zestimate Accuracy based on South Carolina Counties.  This data is computed for the three-month period ending December 31, 2011 and was last updated February 29, 2012.  This table was taken from Zillow today (April 26, 2012).





I have highlighted Greenville County.  Just in the last couple of months (comparing data from period ending September 30, 2011), Zestimate Accuracy according to Zillow declined from 4 stars to 3 stars. 


Looking at the table above, approximately 29% of the time, the Zestimate was within 5% of the selling price, 50% of the time the Zestimate is within 10% of the selling price and finally, nearly 72% of of the time the Zestimate was within 20% of the selling price.  That still leaves a SIGNIFICANT percentage of homes who's Zestimate is inaccurate (high or low) MORE than 20% than the selling price.  That quickly translates to $10's of thousands of dollars quickly!  The median error is 9.6% (which was slightly better than the 10.8% in the previous quarter), which means that the Zestimate for half of the homes in Greenville County for this period are within 9.6% of the selling price, and half of the Zestimates are off by more than 9.6%.


Trulia Estimates for Greenville County SC had a median error of 12.7% (according to data generated on March 4, 2012).  In fact, a quote taken from the Trulia website regarding the "accuracy" if its Home Estimate data says it all:


"If you're looking for a precise value for your home, or if you're thinking of selling your home, we recommend you talk to a real estate professional. After all, our algorithms are smart, but we can't know everything about your home’s features and location."


Buyers or Sellers: Consult with Your Local Realtor to get Accurate Home Value


 If you are interested in selling your home, relying on Internet Home Values from sources like Zillow Zestimates or Trulia Estimates could create a situation where you list your home too high, missing that perfect buyer in the prime months of the year, causing your home to sit on the market longer than it should.  In other cases, it may cause you to leave money on the table with a low selling price.  We especially see this with unique properties outside of a typical neighborhood where valuating land (acreage) is important.


If you are a propsective home buyer relaying on Internet Home Values to make an offer on a home for sale, you may insult a seller (offer too low) or even spend more for the home than what the market is willing to bear.  Right now, it is still a buyers market, however the best buyer is armed with accurate information to make a successful purchase on the home of their dreams.


In either case, as a prospective buyer or seller, get professional representation from a local, licensed Realtor who is a FULL-TIME real estate agent.  Ask how many years they have been representing buyers and sellers in your local market.  Delco Realty has been serving the Greenville SC Real Estate Market since 1975.  Let one of our Delco Realty agents help you buy or sell your Greenville SC home so you get the best deal for YOU!!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:01:00 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.delcorealty.com/blog/in-real-estate-what-does-location-location-location-really-mean.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.delcorealty.com/blog/in-real-estate-what-does-location-location-location-really-mean.html</link>
            <author>info@delcorealty.com (Delco Realty Group)</author>
            <title>In Real Estate, What Does, "Location, Location, Location" Really Mean?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The age old motto of real estate is, "Location, Location, Location!"  At Delco Realty Group, we bring context and relevance to what is important to Buyers when they start looking for their next home.  For our Listing (Seller) clients, it is very important to understand this as well since we utilize the human element of buyer behavior to build a custom marketing plan to selling a home based on this motto.


Location to where you Work


Location to where you Play


Location to where your Children go to School


     - (this is the most important search criteria for buyers with children)


Location to where you Worship


There is other criteria buyers consider when purchasing a home, however these are the top four (4) pieces of criteria specific to LOCATION.  This has proven true in over 35 years of experience helping buyers and sellers.  Once the Location criteria is figured out, the search narrows to neighborhoods or areas, specific home attributes (price range, square footage, number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, amenities, etc.).


Consult With Your Neighborhood Specialist at Delco Realty Group!  No obligation, no up-front fees, no giimicks!  Just Results!  Call (864) 292-3333.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:21:37 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.delcorealty.com/blog/palmetto-heros-program-designed-to-help-sc-law-enforcement-teachers-firefighters-nurses-and-veterans.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.delcorealty.com/blog/palmetto-heros-program-designed-to-help-sc-law-enforcement-teachers-firefighters-nurses-and-veterans.html</link>
            <author>info@delcorealty.com (Delco Realty Group)</author>
            <title>Palmetto Heros Program Designed to Help SC Law Enforcement, Teachers, Firefighters, Nurses, and Veterans become Homeowners!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
$10 million Home Buyer Program Will Salute South Carolina Heroes3.75% Interest Rate and $5,000 Toward Down Payment Expenses


The South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority (SC State Housing) announces a $10 million initiative designed to help South Carolina law enforcement officers, correctional officers, teachers, firefighters, nurses, veterans and EMS personnel who want to become homeowners. 


Buying a first home can be a challenge, even if you are employed in a noble profession, but with a modest salary. Palmetto Heroes will provide low interest home loans to members of these professions who qualify. Eligible Palmetto Heroes home buyers can get a fixed interest rate of 3.75% on a mortgage as well as down payment assistance of up to $5,000. This down payment assistance could even be forgivable over time in some cases, depending on the borrower’s income.


“Being able to afford a home is a growing concern for everyone in our state,” said Valarie Williams, SC State Housing’s Executive Director. “It’s important that we salute these Palmetto State heroes and invest in them.” She said the Palmetto Heroes program might even strengthen recruitment and retention in these career choices, vital to our state’s overall wellbeing. “This is just one way SC State Housing can recognize these dedicated individuals who contribute so much to our state.”


Palmetto Heroes is available to law enforcement officers, correctional officers, teachers, firefighters, veterans, nurses, and EMS personnel who are currently certified in their profession, and reside and work in South Carolina or have a contract to begin working here within 60 days of closing on a home.


Those who do not qualify for Palmetto Heroes may still qualify for one of the other lending programs offered by SC State Housing.  The regular home buyer’s program is available year round to a broad range of South Carolinians seeking to become homeowners.


Mortgage loans can be up to 30 years and are available through any of SC State Housing’s network of more than 100 participating private sector lenders and brokers statewide. Maximum income limits are based on the median income per county and household composition. The Palmetto Heroes program may not be used for refinancing.


For more information, contact one of the Realtors®, banks or mortgage brokers certified in SC State Housing programs.  A list is available at the agency’s website:http://www.schousing.com.  


SC State Housing is a self-sustaining agency of state government and does not receive a state appropriation.
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            <pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:01:05 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.delcorealty.com/blog/south-carolina-real-estate-market-statistics-for-february-2012.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.delcorealty.com/blog/south-carolina-real-estate-market-statistics-for-february-2012.html</link>
            <author>info@delcorealty.com (Delco Realty Group)</author>
            <title>South Carolina Real Estate Market Statistics for February 2012</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
For the Month of February 2012, home sales in all South Carolina major markets were up.  Greater Greenville and Spartanburg areas were up 7.7% and 10.4% respectively compared to the same period last year (February 2011).  Pending sales are up 16.9% and inventory levels shrank 15.7%.  This trend should favor the seller a bit more as home prices rise (with increased demand) and inventory (supply) shrinks.  This is what we have been talking about in our earlier post on the Delco Realty Group Facebook FAN Page re: the "Days on Market" trending downward. 








February 2012 Home Sales in South Carolina




 


 




 


 


 




Market


# of Homes Sold


% Change from Feb 2011




 


 


 




Charleston Trident


604


+2%




Greater Columbia


448


+7.4%




Greater Greenville


464


+7.7%




Spartanburg


191


+10.4%




Western Upstate


222


+12.7%




 


 


 






The price range with the largest gain in sales was the $100,000 and below - most likely because Investors are jumping in the market before prices and interest rates rise.  The price range that tended to sell the slowest was the $300,000 and up homes.


Questions about the Greater Greenville or Spartanburg real estate markets specifically?  Contact Delco Realty today for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:45:36 -0400</pubDate>
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