Tuesday, August 23, 2016


Gorgeous Home in Village at Hilton


Step into this inviting 3900 square foot home and be blown away by the gorgeous upgrades. On the main floor you will find gleaming hardwood floors, soaring ceilings, and a chef's kitchen.


This kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, gas stove, granite, island, and double ovens!


Also on the main floor you will find the large master bedroom with a huge walk-in closet, master bath with double sinks, garden tub, and separate shower. 

Upstairs there are 4 additional bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. 

The backyard features a covered patio and privacy!!

 

Village at Hilton ammenities include a community pond, walking trails, and a pool. With just a short drive to I-26 and conveniently located to the public Lake Murray boat access, why not make this your next home. Click here for more information.





Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Why Buying Now is a Smart Investment

Why Buying Now is a Smart Investment

The most recent Home Price Expectation Survey by Pulsenomics predicts that over the next five years, home prices will appreciate 3.5% per year on average, and cumulatively will grow by around 18%. For you as a home buyer, that is amazing news! Take a look at this chart that shows potential growth over the next five years.



A buyer who purchased a home in January 2016 can expect an average of 4.5% equity growth over the next year. On a $250,000 home, that is over $11,000 in equity in just one year. When looking at the next five years, it is predicted that home will grow over $46,000 in equity alone. That does not account for the amount of principal the homeowner will pay down in those 5 years. 

With home prices on the rise, and interest rates holding low and steady, buying a home today would be one of the best investments you could make! 

To check out the homes available in the Irmo, Lexington, Chapin, Newberry, Prosperity, and Greater Columbia Area please visit my website at www.allisonparler.com 

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Top 5 Myths About Selling Your Home


Myth #1: PRICE YOUR HOME HIGH AND GRADUALLY LOWER IT IF IT DOESN'T SELL! ***WRONG!** Many sellers believe they can list high, but accept a lower offer if it comes. The reality is, you are losing many buyers who will dismiss your home because they know it's priced too high and see you as an unrealistic seller. By the time your home is listed where it should be, you have lost a large group of buyers. Moral of the story: Listen to your agent! He/she knows the market and should be able to give you a comparable market analysis which gives you a range to list your home. Remember, you have
hired a professional for a reason!

Myth #2: PUT OFF MINOR REPAIRS. YOUR HOME WILL SELL REGARDLESS. **WRONG!**
Buyers are typically looking for a move-in ready home. Many don't have the time, money, or skills to come in and "fix-up" a house. You may deter buyers when you could have easily and cost-effectively fixed little things OR if you do get an offer, be sure a buyer will subtract the cost to fix these items in their offer. Save yourself time and money and repair before you list!

Myth #3: YOU'RE BETTER OFF SELLING YOUR HOME YOURSELF AND SAVING THE REAL ESTATE COMMISSION YOU WOULD PAY AN AGENT. **WRONG!"
Many times it takes much longer to sell your home on your own and you end up netting less than you would have had you used a professional real estate agent. 

Myth #4: YOUR HOME MUST BE COMPLETELY UP-TO-DATE AND LOOK LIKE A MODEL HOME. **WRONG!**
You may spend money on improvements that do not appeal to the majority of buyers, or you may improve too much and price your house out of the market. It is always best to consult a professional real estate agent when thinking about making improvements prior to listing. She can guide you on what improvements will give you the biggest return on your investment. 

Myth #5: ONCE YOU RECEIVE AN OFFER YOU SHOULD MAKE THE BUYER WAIT FOR AN ANSWER. **WRONG!**
Once a buyer makes an offer on your home, he is ready to make a move. The longer you make a buyer wait, he may get cold feet, change his mind, or find something he likes better. It is always better to respond as soon as you can and seal the deal! 

Monday, August 1, 2016

Should I Pay For a Home Inspection Prior to Listing?


     Home Inspections are routine in any real estate transaction. Any good buyer's agent is going to advise her clients to get a home inspection. Once the home inspection is complete, the buyers agent and seller's agent will help their clients negotiate what repairs will be completed, by whom, and at what cost to the seller. 
     I always advise my sellers to have a home inspection prior to listing. A pre-inspection puts the control in the sellers hand. It can help save time, money, and ultimately a deal. Here are some reasons to conduct a pre-inspection:

1. If an issue is present, it will show up during the pre-inspection. This allows the seller to take the time to consult more than one contractor to compare prices and treatment options. When the issue is found while the home is under contract, the seller has a limited number of days to make that decision.

2. A pre-inspection allows you to set a better asking price. If you know of issues and choose to fix them, then you have less "unknown" expenses facing you. If you choose not to fix the issues, you might adjust your asking price to reflect that. 

3. A pre-inspection can also show that you are an honest seller. You are willing to find issues, fix them, and ultimately give the buyer confidence in you. 

Please contact me with any questions regarding pre-inspections or for a referral to a qualified home inspector in your area.