Recommended Online Mortgage Calculator

Best Online Mortgage Calculator?
The BEST online Mortgage Calculator that I know of is linked below. Pull your mortgage info and enter on this calculator to see where you stand.  You will need to know: your mortgage amount, term of loan, interest rate and initial payment date.  It's easy, so try it out.

Best Feature: in addition to a standard feature of allowing extra prepayments starting on a given date, the calculator will also allow for 5 one-time prepayments or annual prepayments. Recommended by Mel Coker!

Mortgage X Extra Payment Calculator

Ready to BUY or SELL in Greater Columbia, SC? (including Lexington, Irmo, Chapin, Lake Murray)
Contact Mel Coker at RE/MAX Real Estate Consultants
"Voted Best Realtor by Readers of Lake Murray Life Magazine"
(803) 318-2007
Mel's MLS Search website

New Office Agency for Mel Coker

Breaking News:  Mel's job is all about MOVING and now he has made a MOVE!
Mel is still with RE/MAX, but, now at: RE/MAX Real Estate Consultants in Chapin, SC.

Mel  sells ALL of Columbia, including: downtown Columbia, Lexington, Chapin, Lake Murray, Irmo and Northeast Columbia.  Ready to buy, sell or relocate?  Contact Mel Coker at (803) 318-2007.
SEARCH Lake Murray and Columbia Area homes with Mel's NEW search site:
Best Lake Murray & Columbia Area homes

Social media is ablaze with news of Mel's move...

New Office Facebook Post:

Got the news?   Mel Coker is now at RE/MAX Real Estate Consultants.

Mel Coker
Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, e-PRO
RE/MAX Real Estate Consultants
(803) 318-2007
Search MLS  |  MelCoker.com

500 Closings!

Yesterday, I closed my 500th transaction during my 15 years in real estate!

Thank you to my buyer client, Joe Hodges, for purchasing an investment property in the Chapin area.  This was his 4th real estate closing with me and my 500th closing overall since I entered the real estate business in 1998.  Joe received an appropriate gift at closing for being number 500.  It was a pleasure to close this transaction with my recommended closing attorney, H. Thomas Anderson.   I don't have exact numbers on this, but, I'm sure he has closed at least 1/2 of these 500 transactions.

Mel Coker, Joe Hodges, Tom Anderson at Closing

The sales volume for these 500 transactions is $83.4 Million.    As the chart below shows, the highest number of closed transactions has been in the following areas: St. Andrews/Irmo/Chapin, Lexington and Northeast Columbia and Lake Murray waterfront.

When you're ready to BUY or SELL in Greater Columbia, contact MEL COKER.  Mention "500 closings BLOG" and when you close with Mel Coker as your Realtor, you will receive a $250 LOWES GIFT CARD at closing (offer expires 12/31/2013).

Mel Coker
RE/MAX Metro Associates
Columbia, South Carolina
(803) 223-6214
Internet - Columbia Real Estate

500 Columbia, SC Real Estate Closings

Coming Soon: Mel Coker's 500th Real Estate Closing

Very soon, I will have my 500th Columbia (S.C.) real estate closing.
That's 500 closings since 1998 covering Columbia, Northeast Columbia, Lexington, West Columbia, Cayce, Irmo, Chapin, Prosperity, Saluda, Elgin and Lake Murray.  I've enjoyed helping many families and individuals buy and sell in the Greater Columbia area.  And, I'm looking forward to an improving economy and helping many more clients buy, sell and relocate.

My 500 closings represent an average of over 33 closings per year and a total sales volume in excess of $83 Million.  During these 15 years, I have only worked at two Columbia real estate firms.  For the past 11 1/2 years, I have been associated with the world leader in Real Estate sales - RE/MAX.  In 2006, I was inducted into the RE/MAX Hall of Fame for sales volume leadership.

My 500th real estate closing client will receive a special gift package in recognition of this special milestone.  Will it be you?    When you're ready to BUY or SELL in Greater Columbia, contact Mel Coker.

Mel Coker
RE/MAX Metro Associates
Columbia Real Estate Website
Columbia MLS Search
(803) 223-6214 office
Mel Coker's email

Nobody Sells More Real Estate Than RE/MAX!

The 2008 numbers are in...

Nobody sells more real estate than RE/MAX!

In 2008, for comparisons by total United States transactions and transaction sides per U.S. agent, RE/MAX leads the way. For total transactions, RE/MAX leads the nearest competitor by 26.2%. For transaction sides per agent, RE/MAX leads the nearest competitor by 31.8%. Another comparison also shows that RE/MAX agents have more professional Realtor designations than their competitors.

Choose RE/MAX when you want the best in experience, professionalism, use of technology and results.

In Columbia, when you're ready to buy or sell, choose Mel Coker.

In 2008, Mel had 32 closings and 33 transaction sides for a transaction volume of $6.9 million. Mel holds the following professional Realtor designations: CRS, ABR, GRI, and SRES. Also, Mel is the exclusive CyberStars Realtor for Columbia, SC. Mel is a member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame. Click here to learn more about Mel Coker.

Mel Coker

"Above the Crowd Service"

RE/MAX Metro Associates * Columbia, SC

(803) 318-2007

email: melcoker@remax.net

Click on the chart below for full size version:

RE/MAX vs. The Industry in 2008

For Sale in Irmo - Heatherstone Subdivision

For Sale in Irmo: great home, convenient location, excellent schools and priced to SELL!

128 Wenlock Circle; Irmo, SC
Three bedrooms, two bathooms and a one car garage makes this home a nice "move-up" home or a wonderful home for a first-time homebuyer. NOW is a great time to buy a home. First-time homebuyers get an excellent deal with the NEW and really incredible tax break (think $8000 gift from the Federal government). Call Mel Coker for more details.

This home has wood laminate flooring in all living areas and bedrooms. The spacious kitchen also has an island. There is a deck and large fenced backyard to enjoy outdoor time. The master bathroom has a garden tub and double vanity. The community is adjacent to the Northwest YMCA. This home has "Priced-Right" pricing at $130,000. Call Mel Coker for a mortgage referral to learn how low your payments would be for this home.

SPECIAL Bonuses: includes 2-10 home warranty, refrigerator, washing machine and dryer.

Housing Stimulus Bonus from Mel Coker on this home: Ask for your homebuying stimulus from Mel Coker (at contract signing or prior to closing) and receive a $250 Lowe's giftcard after closing.

For more information: Call Mel Coker (803) 318-2007
Click here to view Online Virtual Tour
Click here for Mel's Animoto Tour




Mel Coker - Columbia, SC Realtor

Mel's Home Improvement Tip of the Week

REPLACE OUTDATED APPLIANCES

Kitchen updates show one of the greatest returns at resale on a national basis. A kitchen update can be as simple as replacing old appliances. Be sure to buy ENERGY STAR appliances to help save money on energy bills.

Call or send me an email to request to sign up for my Lowe's Realtor Benefits Program materials that I can send to you, including the FREE "Inside Out" e-newsletter and the HGTV email. Both contain valuable tips, links for more information and discount coupons. Email your name & email address to: melcoker@remax.net

Mel Coker's Real Estate website
Search MLS for Columbia, SC homes

CyberStars Realtor Summit

I attended my first CyberStars Summit this past week in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was THE best real estate seminar or conference I've ever attended (and I have been attending various real estate classes/seminars for 10 years)! I joined CyberStars in late 2007 and this was the first annual summit that I was able to attend. It really was awesome. There was a tremendous amount of learning and positive attitude about the real estate and housing industry. Real estate still should be your first and most important investment strategy!


The Cyberstars, founded by Allen Hainge with 4 original members, has grown to include approximately 200 real estate agents from the United States, Australia, Bahamas and Canada. It's a very exclusive group of real estate agents. There are only 3 Cyberstar Realtors in South Carolina and I am the only Columbia area member. Each CyberStars member agent must:

• be a leading sales associate in his or her marketplace
• have a demonstrated commitment to the use of technology and a custom website
• share real estate technology ideas and strategies with other CyberStars

The end result: better client service, more productivity, knowledge sharing and more fun!

CLICK HERE to see the CyberStars lineup





It was amazing to be in a large room with top real estate agents sharing real estate and business technology and ideas in a very fast-paced learning environment. Every agent in the room had a laptop PC. It was awesome to see over 110 PCs in one room!



Over time, I will be sharing some strategies and tips that I have learned. I have already implemented a few (example: click to see my Columbia Buyer's Guide in Issuu ebook format) and more will come. Watch my blog for exciting CyberStars idea implementations from Mel Coker.


Mel Coker with CyberStars President & Founder, Allen Hainge



Mel Coker
About Mel Coker

RE/MAX Metro Associates
CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, Cyberstars Member

Search Columbia SC homes for sale

CLICK HERE to subscribe to my blog - it's FREE & easy!

Lake Murray living

Want to live at Lake Murray and enjoy this beautiful lake without having to pay the high prices for waterfront homes? I've got a great solution... Check out my TWO new home listings with Lake Murray access for sale in Night Harbor subdivision near Chapin, South Carolina. The big benefit to each of these home is that you will get a personal boat slip in the community marina. The initial fee has been paid for by the builder.

These two homes are built by Tim Broome of Lexington Development & Builders. I've sold 3 of his all brick homes in this same community. Now he has two more for sale that are close to completion. They can be finished quickly for your quick closing and move-in. NOW is an especially great time to buy a home with really LOW mortgage rates (around 5%).

First some background on current pricing at Lake Murray (as of December 15, 2008)...

For a waterfront home ON Lake Murray (avg. size 3574 s.f.), the average price is $784,276 (median price $649,000). For a waterfront lot (min. 75 feet water frontage and less than 5 acres), the average price is $326,308 (median price $250,000). The average price of a Lake Murray access home (2861 s.f.) is $355,632 (median price $354,950). Keep in mind that these comparatives prices are for homes currently for sale of all age ranges and from all around Lake Murray including Richland, Lexington, Newberry and Saluda counties.

My two NEW homes for sale in Night Harbor include these benefits and features: Night Harbor is convenient located near Chapin and Irmo with great restaurants and shopping. Also, the Chapin schools are excellent and are in the highly rated Lexington Richland School District 5.

221 Daymark Drive

NEW, app. 2800 s.f.

4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths

screened porch

all brick construction

Boat Slip included

Price $351,850

The Night Harbor community has a clubhouse, boat ramp and tennis courts. It's a really friendly neighborhood!

309 Lighthouse Lane

NEW, app. 2857 s.f.
4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths
screened porch
all brick construction
Boat Slip included
Price $356,450

These homes are built right and priced right! When you're ready to live at and enjoy Lake Murray, call Mel Coker, your Lake Murray Realtor (that lives on Lake Murray!).

Mel's Lake Murray website

MelCoker.com

Search Columbia MLS

Columbia MLS Search - Update

NEW website from Mel Coker! As an update to my previous blog, I've created a new website focusing on providing MLS search capability to my clients and prospects through my Internet presence.


CLICK HERE to view the new website - GreatColumbiaSChomes.com

NOW is a great time to buy a home! First-time homebuyer tax credit, LOW mortgage rates, great selection of home inventory. Call Mel Coker (803) 749-5800

LATE BREAKING NEWS (11:15 a.m.)... Now really is the time to buy a home! Just heard from Nathan Ballentine that rates TODAY are at 5% or lower! While rates DO change daily, that is the rate today. Rates should stay very low for the short term at least. Call Nathan Ballentine to get mortgage and rates information at: (803) 343-3234 or 206-4199. Then, call Mel Coker to start looking at homes!

OPEN HOUSE - Night Harbor at Lake Murray

Open House this Sunday, November 2nd
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Night Harbor at Lake Murray

I'm having an Open House at 2 NEW all brick homes in Night Harbor subdivision at Lake Murray. These homes, quality built by Lexington Development and Builders, are priced to sell quickly!

Directions: I-26 West to Chapin (exit 91); turn left on Columbia Avenue towards Chapin; at stoplight (at U.S. Highway 76), continue straight onto Amicks Ferry Road; continue approximately 6 miles; turn left on Green Meadow Drive; left on Night Harbor Drive; left on Daymark Drive.

The builder has already paid the initial fee for a boat slip for each home in the Night Harbor community marina. This is a great deal for a Lake Murray access home. In addition to the marina in Night Harbor subdivision, there are tennis courts, a clubhouse and boat ramp.

Each home has custom features including: 4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, beautiful hardwoods (foyer, formal dining, great room and study, heavy wood trim, gas fireplaces, screened porch and much more. Generous allowances will allow you to pick your carpets, lighting fixtures and appliances.












More information on these homes:
221 Daymark Drive - $351,850
309 Lighthouse Lane - $356,450

Interested in living at Lake Murray at at reasonable price? Please be sure to stop by my OPEN HOUSE this Sunday, November 2nd (1:00 - 3:00 p.m.)
Mel Coker - Columbia, SC Realtor

Click here for more Lake Murray information

Community Spotlight - Wellesley

Your next home... Wellesley in Lexington , SC

I recently visited Wellesley in the Lexington area. This is a NEW home community with homes currently being built by Shumaker Homes. Homes (spec or build your home) are currently in the price range of about $170,000 to $225,000. Plans are for 1 and 2 story homes with 3-4 bedrooms and 2-3 bathrooms.

The homes...
Quaility built by Shumaker Homes, a quality Columbia builder since 1965. Various architectural styles and floorplans are available. Standard features are extensive and there are a wide array of optional features available for upgrade. What's really different here?? ALL homes are certifed green homes! GREEN standard features include: high efficiency HVAC systems, framing efficiencies, EnergyStar appliances, low-e windows, 3rd party performance inspections and much more. Each home is enrolled in the "Environments for Living Certified Green" program.
Click here for examples of current inventory - available for quick move-in

The community... a really convenient location near the intersection of U.S. Highway 378 and I-20. Located just minutes from I-26, U.S. Highway 1, and downtown Columbia or Lexington. Your children will attend Lexington School District One schools. This district is in the top 3 school districts in all of South Carolina. Designed with the family in mind, Wellesley will feature a large multi-purpose swimming pool, a summer kitchen, an Adventure PlayLand and an activity field.
Click for Community website

Mel Coker, your Columbia Realtor, knows Wellesley and about any and all specials available (such as all allowable closing costs paid by builder if using approved lender and closing attorney). Call Mel Coker NOW for a free and no-obligation tour of Wellesley . You'll be impressed! If you decide to BUY a home in Wellesley with Mel Coker as your buyer's representative (free representation), I will provide a $250 Lowe's shopping certificate at closing. Call Mel Coker at (803) 318-2007, or if you stop by Wellesley , please be sure to tell Jimmy Maddaloni or the on-site agent that Realtor Mel Coker sent you out.
Mel's Columbia, SC real estate website
Call (803) 318-2007

Mel Coker's Websites

A Recap of Mel Coker's Websites!

I've been writing my own HTML and owning my own domains since September 1995. That's almost the frontier days of the Internet. My websites have won recognition from various Realtor magazines, including a feature in REALTOR magazine in April 2000. Also, my real estate websites have led to 210 Internet related real estate closings. THANK YOU to my Internet referred clients!

Columbia Real Estate:

Mel's Primary Columbia, SC real estate website - launched in January 1998

Click here for Mel Coker's RE/MAX website - HomeFinder MLS search feature

MelCoker.com * Meet Mel Coker Virtual Tour * About Mel Coker * All Real Estate Agents Are Not The Same

Columbia, SC:

Columbia "A to Z" * Lake Murray * Columbia weather * Mel's Home Page (great links and Internet search features) * Fort Jackson

Vacations:

We own a rental condo at Hilton Head Island and can offer assistance and suggestions for other vacations including Myrtle Beach and Cancun. Just contact us!

Our Hilton Head Island condo * Hilton Head Island * Myrtle Beach * Best Caribbean.info

Another Lake Murray update

Lake Murray is one of the nicest and most popular lakes in the Southeast.

It IS South Carolina's most popular lake. When completed in 1930 , Lake Murray was the largest power reservoir and Dreher Shoals Dam the largest earthen dam in the world. For more Lake Murray information, check out my Lake Murray website at: http://www.lakemurray-sc.com/ (check lake levels, weather, fishing license information, order a Lake Murray poster suitable for framing)

Upcoming Lake Murray events:

• March 20th - Taste of Lake Murray - call NOW for tickets
• July 5th - July 4th Fireworks Spectacular on the lake
• August 14-17 - Forrest Wood Cup - the biggest prize money ($1 million to the winner) fishing tournament in the world will be at Lake Murray

The Lake Murray water level is now at the near "full" mark. Today the water level is 357.7. The normal late spring and summer water level is approximately 358 feet above sea level. Check the water level, get weather reports and more from my Lake Murray website. Now is a great time to plan a Lake Murray guided fishing trip. Contact Captain Buddy at Sunrise Fishing Service. Visit his website or call 319-8722 and tell Captain Buddy that Mel Coker sent you over.

Want to live in a community with Lake Murray acccess? I currently have 3 beautiful homes for sale on the North side of Lake Murray with lake access. One is a home in Wexford on the Lake with a community boat ramp (near Irmo). I also have TWO new homes for sale in Night Harbor subdivision (near Chapin). Both of these all brick homes have a boat slip already paid for by the Builder in the community marina. Check out my website for more details and cool virtual tours. Contact Mel Coker to buy or sell ANY Columbia area real estate.

Welcome Kassie Moore / Instant Blog Winners

Welcome Kassie Moore

My new assistant, Kassie Moore, started on Monday, February 25th. Kassie is from the Columbia area and graduated from Dutch Fork High School and Clemson University. She has held her South Carolina real estate license since June 2007. She will be working with all phases of my business, including: buyers, listings, prospect and client follow-up, and listings follow-up.

Instant Blog Winners!

Please keep reading my blog for the best in Columbia area information, Columbia real estate information, home maintenance tips and much more. Periodically, I'll also give away prizes!

Get all of my new blogs almost immediately with a FREE subscription to my Blog Feedburner subscription. Click here!

The winners... (Must call or email prior to April 21st to claim your prize. Stop by my office to pick up prize)

Mini Maglite: Alan Yong, Mary Hardison

Kobalt Ratchet Screwdriver Set: Mike & Linda Milliff, Scott & Stephanie Bledsoe

Columbia Coupon Book - Restaurants, etc.: Ron & Carol White, Joe & Laura Fadeley

Why contact Mel Coker to buy or sell a home or property in the Columbia, South Carolina area?

Click here. (read about my referral program and client drawing this year)

To buy or sell, talk to Mel. 803-318-2007

Columbia, SC real estate