Is Yours Clean? (Your Home Air Filters)

Improving Air Quality in Your Home
Research has found that in homes across America, the quality of indoor air can be worse than outdoor air.

There is nothing EASIER & More Cost Effective Than Regularly Changing the HVAC Filters in Your Home for CLEAN AIR.  This also certainly improves HVAC system operation and helps to prolong the life of this expensive equipment.

I see MANY dirty air filters in homes that I show to prospective home buyers (both homes in need of overall repair and otherwise nice homes). I highly recommend buying premium filters. An electrostatic air filter with a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating of 11 or higher better protects your inside living environment and your HVAC equipment. A MERV number is used to help compare filters. The MERV efficiency rating is the filters ability to capture specific micron sized particles. A higher MERV rating indicates a better performing filter. A typcial $1 fiberglass filter will have a MERV rating of 1 or so. To easily remember, change your filter at the end of each quarter.   CLICK HERE for Mel Coker's Home Clean Air web page.

I've recently ordered another supply of high quality MERV 12 air filters from NordicPure.  My filters (ordering 6 at a time) were $8.83 each (FREE shipping).    Filtrete (3M) filters at Wal-Mart range in price from $13.88 to $19.88.   Buy your filters online today and change them on December 31st and quarterly thereafter.

Click Here to Buy NordicPure Air Filters

Buy Your Direct from the Manufacturer (NordicPure), High Quality Home Air Filters Here

Vacation Planning Time: Vacation Ideas 2010

Ready to Plan/Book Your 2010 Vacation?
We're involved in the vacation rental business at Hilton Head Island, so we know that at year-end many people start planning and booking vacations for the new year.   I will have a series of weekly blogs (starting next week) with suggestions for vacation planning for 2010.  Be sure to check back (or subscribe to my blog) to see these cool vacation ideas.  I will also have a list of cool iPhone apps related to travel.

Upcoming "Vacation Ideas" blogs:
Hilton Head Island (our vacation villa is located here)
Cancun, Mexico
Waunita Hot Springs (Dude Ranch in Colorado)
Negril, Jamaica
Charleston, SC
Myrtle Beach, SC


Mel Coker
http://www.melcoker.com/

Boeing 787 First Flight

Boeing's New 787 Dreamliner Makes First Flight on December 15th!
The new Boeing 787 Dreamliner will be built in North Charleston, South Carolina.

The new plane took off from Paine Field in Everett, Wash. at 10:27 a.m. local time. After approximately three hours, it landed at 1:33 p.m. at Seattle's Boeing Field.  The flight marks the beginning of a flight test program that will see six airplanes flying nearly around the clock and around the globe, with the airplane's first delivery scheduled for fourth quarter 2010.

On November 20, 2009, Boeing held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction for the second final assembly site for the 787 Dreamliner program at its Boeing North Charleston facility. The facility also will have the capability to support the testing and delivery of airplanes.   This is a BIG economic benefit for South Carolina.  Congratulations to Boeing!

Boeing 787 Milestones

Fox News Article
Read Boeing Press Release
Boeing 787 Dreamliner
NewAirplane.com

WANTED! Columbia, SC Home Buyers

WANTED!

Columbia, SC Home Buyers

Now is really the time to BUY a home.  Here are the reasons:

• Incredibly low mortgage interest rates
• Federal Tax Credit Has been extended and EXPANDED
• Home prices have moderated and/or decreased
• Home ownership is always a smart financial move

 View my NEW website that explains all of the Tax Credit rebates - first time homebuyer rebate of $8000 and the move-up/repeat homebuyer rebate of $6500.  There have been other changes too that are beneficial.

Also, ready about the Mel Coker stimulus rebate!

CLICK HERE to see the Mel Coker Homebuyer Tax Rebate website

More info: Homebuyer Tax Credit Changes

Mel Coker

RE/MAX Metro Associates
www.MelCoker.com
Columbia, SC
(803) 223-6214

FHA Loans - A GREAT Financing Option for Your Home Purchase

Low home prices. Historic interest rates. Tax credits. Stimulus packages. Bailouts. There's a lot of chatter about how these factors affect the real estate market, but not enough talk about a no-brainer financing option... FHA Loans.

Key Points About FHA Loans:

• The borrower must meet standard FHA credit qualifications (there's no set credit score barometer, but a borrower's debt-to-income ratio is heavily considered).
  
• The borrower is able to finance the upfront mortgage insurance premium into the loan. The borrower will be responsible for paying an annual premium.
  
• The FHA mortgage requires a low 3.5-percent down payment, and that money can come from a variety of sources, including parent gifts and HUD downpayment assistance grants.
  
• Closing costs are also low - typically 3 percent of the total purchase price - and may be covered by the seller in today's market. They can also be incorporated into monthly payments.
  
• Eligible properties are one-to-four unit structures, and each state has a purchase price limit (as high as $400,000) for FHA loans.
  
• If a buyer finds a fixer-upper, the FHA 203(k) program can help the person purchase or refinance the property, with the cost of repairs and improvements included in the loan.
  
• FHA home mortgages aren't just for first-time homebuyers. FHA refinance loans can help people get out of toxic debt situations caused by subprime mortgages with high interest rates.
  

CLICK for more Info: Why Should I Consider an FHA Loan


Ready to buy a home in Columbia, SC? 


Contact MEL COKER
Internet:  www.MelCoker.com
Telephone: (803) 388-8011
email:  melcoker@remax.net

West Columbia Home For Sale - Quail Hollow

Beautiful Home for Sale in Popular Quail Hollow Subdivision

There is not a more convenient location in all of the Greater Columbia area than Quail Hollow!  This home is convenient to everything (within 10 minutes to ALL of this): downtown Columbia, Irmo, Lexington, Riverbanks Zoo, Lexington Medical Center, Intersates 26, 20 and 77, and Columbia Metropolitan Airport.  Also within easy driving is Lake Murray and Fort Jackson. As an added bonus to this friendly neighborhood, residents may choose to join the Quail Hollow Swim & Racquet Club.

This home has approximately 4109 square feet.  Special features include an over-sized executive study, gameroom in the basement, screened porch, private backyard with pool and spa.  Recent upgrades include: all new carpet throughout the home, granite counters in the kitchen and the entire home interior has been repainted.

Priced to sell quickly at $359,900.

More information or schedule an appointment to see this home: Call Mel Coker (803) 318-2007
Virtual tour
Mel's RE/MAX Virtual Tour
Mel's RealBird Virtual Tour

Earn Residual Income from your Website or Blog!

Own a Website or Blog?
Earn Residual Income - It's EASY & FREE to sign-up.

I signed up for the AllPosters.com AND art.com affiliate programs.  You can sign up too FOR FREE!  I just put some simple coding into some of my website pages and I've got FREE virtual stores up for AllPosters.com and Art.com.  Periodically, I receive checks in the mail with no work after creating the easy initial coding supplied after signing up for the affiliate program for FREE!

You can do this for your website(s) or blog(s).  You will earn 20% commission on all sales through your website or blog.  You can even customize the selection of posters and art to the theme of your website or blog.   Click HERE or HERE to view two websites I created with easy coding supplied to me.  You can also put simple banners or search boxes on your blog too.  It's easy!  You have to sign-up first.

CLICK on one (or better yet BOTH) of the sign-up icons below to get started:
If you go directly to the website to sign-up, be sure to enter my referral code, so you will enjoy automatic acceptance:

Hey Webmasters! - Make $$$

The AllPosters.com Affiliates Program is a great way to make money with your website. All you have to do is place links on your site to AllPosters.com. When your site visitors click on your links and make purchases at AllPosters.com, you earn 20% of the sale.

Sign up today!

Art.com


Webmasters Make $$$





Click here to buy posters!

Travel Channel Travel Bug Sweepstakes

Arby's $5.01 Giveaway

Arby's $5.01 Giveaway

Posted using ShareThis

NEW LISTING - Irmo/Dutch Fork area

Home for Sale in Chestnut Hill Plantation

74 Upper Loop Way / Columbia, SC

I have a new listing for sale in the popular Chestnut Hill Plantation subdivision.  The home is in excellent condition and has 4 bedrooms.  Looking for your first home or a move-up home?   NOW is the time to buy with low mortgage interest rates and the extended and expanded Federal Tax Credit.

Chestnut Hill Plantation has excellent amenities for homeowners.   There is a very nice and expansive community park with clubhouse, pool, tennis courts, playground area and access to the Broad River.  There are also miles of walking paths (sidewalks) throughout the community.




CLICK HERE for my virtual tour website

RealBird Virtual Tour

Animoto "Buy a Home" Christmas Card

Mel Coker

(803) 223-6214
www.MelCoker.com

Mel Coker Knows the NEW 2009-2010 Tax Credit

FEDERAL TAX CREDIT Has Been Extended & Expanded!

Mel Coker knows the Federal Tax Credit.  I have created a resource page with further information.
CLICK HERE for Mel Coker's Homebuyer's Tax Credit Website






Mel Coker
(803) 223-6214
www.MelCoker.com

Christmas Show of the South

South Carolina's BEST CHRISTMAS SHOW!
Best Christmas Show in the South!

Barbara and I are in Myrtle Beach taking my parents down to stay at Kingston Plantation for their 62nd wedding anniversary.  Last night, we went to the Carolina Opry Christmas Show.  It was outstanding!   We went to the Carolina Opry two years ago to attend the the Good Vibrations show.  That show was fantastic also and we will attend the Good Vibrations show again when we visit Myrtle Beach in May 2010.

Everything at the Carolina Opry Christmas Special was great: music, performers, comedy, lighting and set decorations. Most performers have a long history at the Carolina Opry (now in Myrtle Beach for about 23 years). Want to get in the Christmas spirit? Visit the Carolina Opry for their Christmas show!

Click here for the Carolina Opry website

Show picture from Carolina Opry website:

Myrtle Beach was is easy drive from the Columbia area.  Buy your tickets online at The Carolina Opry website really soon and make the drive to Myrtle Beach for a fantastic Christmas Show.

Out on the beach...

Kelly, David, Mel, Barbara, Mom, Dad

Ready to Shop?

Ready to Shop?  Columbia stores opened really early today.  But, if you go online to shop, go to Amazon!  I often shop online for great selections, excellent information and consumer ratings and excellent prices.  Many items offer free shipping.

Amazon has been consistently highly rated by Consumer Reports for it's great reputation for service, selection and low prices.

Click Here to Shop at Amazon

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving from the Coker family in Columbia, South Carolina!

I did some reading this morning on the orgins of Thanksgiving Day in the United States. Thanksgiving Day began as a tradition at the end of the harvest season to express thanks for one's material possessions and spiritual blessings.

The first recorded Thanksgiving ceremony took place on September 8, 1565, when 600 Spanish settlers, under the leadership of explorer Pedro Menendez de Aviles landed at St. Augustine, Florida, and immediately held a Mass of Thanksgiving (with a feast and celebration) for safe delivery to the New World. Of course, the Pilgrims had Thanksgiving observances in Plymouth, Massachusetts in the early 1600s. As President, on October 3, 1789, George Washington made a proclamation and created the first Thanksgiving Day designated by the national government of the United States of America.

The History of Thanksgiving: The History Channel

Click here to read more on the orgins of Thanksgiving Day in the United States.

Mel Coker

Columbia, SC
http://www.melcoker.com/

Christmas in Columbia

Upcoming Christmas Events in the Columbia area:
Lights Before Christmas.  On Saturday, November 21, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will open its gates for the 22nd annual Lights Before Christmas, an event that has become a holiday tradition for many Midlands families.  Features: Nearly one million twinkling lights, Countless animated images, Dazzling Music in Motion Lights Spectacular, Larger-than-life holiday cards created by local students, Nightly visits with Santa-through Christmas Eve, Jingle Bell Bonfire.
Dates/Time/Location:
November 21 - January 3 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. (closed Nov. 26, Dec. 24,25,31) 
Cost: $8 for adults and $6 for children ages 3 – 12
More Information: Riverbanks Lights Before Christmas


Holiday Lights on the River is the largest drive-through lights show in the Columbia area.  Holiday Lights on the River features over 300 themed, animated light displays (more than a million sparkling lights) on a two-mile loop of the Park!
Dates/Time/Location:
November 25-December 31, 2009, 6:00-10:00 p.m. Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Road
Cost: Cars: $10 15-Passenger Vans: $20 Buses: $35
More information: Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission

This Man Called Jesus.  An annual Christmas Drama presented by Lake Murray Baptist Church.  NO TICKETS NO RESERVATIONS, 2,700 SEATING CAPACITY, FIRST COME-FIRST SERVE SEATING.
More information: (dates and times): This Man Called Jesus

Mel Coker's Mobile Widgets

Get the Mel Coker Mobile Widget for your Smartphone

It's NEW.  It's COOL.  It's FREE!

Plusmo is a FREE service that lets you run cool mobile widgets on your phone. Get one-click access to exactly the information you need, when you need it.  Plusmo launched in June 2006 and currently averages about a 100 million mobile page views monthly. Plusmo is so hot and cool that AT&T recently acquired the company.  Coverage for Plusmo includes iPhone, Android, BlackBerry and Java-enabled phones. 

Once you download the app and access the widget in your smartphone web browser, you may save the page as an icon.

Mel's Columbia Blog Mobile Widget:



Mel's Lake Murray Blog Mobile Widget:

Charleston, SC - A Great Day Visit from Columbia

Charleston has been named again as a top travel destination.
Charleston is only 114 miles from Columbia, so it really makes for a great day or weekend visit.

Lonely Planet, a popular Internet travel website, has recently named Charleston as one of its "Top Cities to Visit in 2010."  There have been many other travel awards for Charleston, including: For the sixteenth consecutive year, readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine honored Charleston as a Top 10 travel destination in the United States. For 2008, Charleston was honored with a No. 2 slot - topped only by San Francisco. Also, TripAdvisor.com awarded Charleston a Travelers' Choice Award for 2008 (top 25 United States Destination).

Charleston is one of the most historical and well-preserved cities in the United States. Charleston has had a starring role in South Carolina & American history since its founding more than 300 years ago.The English established the first permanent European settlement on the Ashley River in 1670. War, fires, earthquakes and hurricanes have threatened this resilient city over the years but it still stands strong and beautiful. The city's historic district today has barely changed, boasting 73 pre-Revoluntionary buildings, 136 late 18th century structures and over 600 others built in the 1840s. Visitors can tour the city by foot or horse-drawn carriage.

CLICK HERE: Mel's Charleston Travel Guide

TripAdvisor Travel Guide for Charleston
Order a FREE Official Charleston Visitor Guide
Charleston Visitor's Bureau

Lake Murray - South Carolina's GREAT Lake!

Lake Murray information from Mel Coker, Columbia SC Realtor:

Lake Murray website

Lake Murray Blog

Lake Murray eBook

Lake Murray Fishing

Walk Across the Dam

Mel Coker - Columbia SC real estate

Lake Murray Dusk  *  November 16, 2009

Mel's ISSUU eBooks

eBooks by Mel Coker

I've published several eBooks at issuu.com.  Take a look at some of my books!

Community Spotlight - Park West near Chapin

Park West - Chapin, SC
NEW Homes by DR Horton

Just a couple of minutes from Lake Murray and just outside the town limits of Chapin, you’ll find Park West.  Homes in Park West are now being built by D.R. Horton, one of America's largest homebuilders.

Single family home prices are in the range of approximately $130,000 and $180,000.  Homes have unmatched floor plans, stylish elevations and will have 3-4 bedrooms.  It's one of the area's best new home communities.  Curently, there is great choice of existing new homes for sale with an inventory of 6 homes for sale.

Residents of Park West will be within walking distance of Crooked Creek Park.  Award winning Chapin schools are within just a few minutes.  Of course, the community is just minutes away from beautiful Lake Murray and nearby marinas and public boat launch sites. The community is served by the highly-rated Lexington School District 5 schools: Chapin Elementary, Chapin Middle and Chapin High.

I live near Chapin myself... it's a great place to call home!  Park West is located off Old Lexington Highway just outside the town of Chapin.

NEW HOME Stimulus Plan by Mel Coker - Ready to learn more, visit the community or buy in Park West? Be sure to contact Mel Coker, your Irmo/Chapin area Realtor. Call Mel at (803) 318-2007 or email: melcoker@remax.net. When you use Mel Coker as your Buyer's Agent in Park West to buy a home, Mel will provide you with a $500 Lowe's gift certificate at closing. You may also call the on-site Realtor, Liz Reid, and mention Mel Coker as your Realtor of choice. Call Liz at (803) 360-8494.

http://www.melcoker.com/
(803) 223-6214

Quail Hollow Open House Extravaganza

EIGHT Open Houses in Quail Hollow this Sunday!
Sunday, November 15th 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Quail Hollow is a popular neighborhood conveniently located between Lexington and West Columbia.  It's near everything in Greater Columbia.  Just minutes away: Lexington Medical Center, Interstates 26, 20 and 77, downtown Columbia, Columbia Metropolitan Airport, Lake Murray, and much more.

As an added benefit to living in this friendly community, homeowners may elect to join the Quail Hollow Swim & Racquet Club for a very reasonable membership fee.  Set in a wooded area on the banks of the beautiful Saluda River, Quail Hollow Swim and Racquet Club offers a unique experience for those who love to swim and play tennis. It's a place to meet new friends and one of the few places with easy access to the Saluda River.

The homes in the Open House tour offer a wide variety of amenities, size and offering price.  All are market priced to sell!  NOW is a great time to buy with really low mortgage rates and the NEW Federal Home Buyer Tax Credit Program  (applies to first-time homebuyer AND existing homeowners meeting certain rules).   Nathan Ballentine of Wells Fargo Mortgage will be on-site at 206 Holly Ridge Lane to answer mortgage questions.  Also, be sure to register for one of several Five Guys/Coldstone Creamery gift cards to be given away at 206 Holly Ridge Lane.

Click to View and Print the OPEN HOUSE BROCHURE

Open Houses on the Tour:
Sunday, November 15th 1:30 - 3:00
2209 Raven Trail  $214,900
3 BR; 2 baths; app. 2300 square feet
2007 Bob White Lane  $259,900
5 BR; 3 baths; app. 2900 square feet
2124 Chipmunk Lane  $269,900
4 BR; 2 1/2 baths; app. 2893 square feet
224 Blackhawk Terrace  $279,900
3 BR; 2 1/2 baths; app. 2450 square feet
108 Woodcock Trail  $299,900  (2:00 - 4:00)
4 BR; 2 baths; app. 2741 square feet
1813 Ephrata Drive  $319,900
4 BR; 3 baths; app. 2900 square feet
206 Holly Ridge Lane  $359,900
4 BR; 3 1/2 baths; app. 4109 square feet
2503 Feather Run Court  $399,000
5 BR; 3 1/2 baths; app. 4265 square feet

Directions: U.S. 378 West from West Columbia or I-26 to U.S. 378 West; right on Fairlane (just past Lexington Medical Center); at 4-way stop sign, continue straight and follow Open House Signs.

Questions?  Call Mel Coker (803) 318-2007

Veterans Day is Wednesday, November 11th

Veterans Day is Wednesday, November 11th!

UPDATE: The Columbia Veterans Day Parade is cancelled due to Tropical Storm Ida.

The City of Columbia Veterans Day Parade will be November 11th in downtown Columbia. This parade is one of the largest Veterans Day parades in the United States.  The parade route starts at the Laurel & Sumter Street intersection and runs south on Sumter Street to Gervais Street.  The parade starts around 10:45 a.m.

This federal holiday was initially known as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I on November 11, 1917. The holiday officially began in 1926 and in 1954 the holiday name was changed to Veterans Day.

History of Veterans Day website

Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to United States national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served - not only those who died - have sacrificed and done their duty. PLEASE BE SURE TO THANK A VETERAN FOR THEIR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY!

I've created a webpage with information for the Columbia, SC Veterans Day parade and to honor our veterans. Please check the page out as it contains other information such as: Veterans Day links, pictures from our Memorial Park in Columbia, SC and the name of America's most decorated soldier from ANY international/foreign war (HINT: it's not Alvin York or Audie Murphy and he WAS born in South Carolina!).

CLICK HERE for the Veterans Day website from Mel Coker
 

Click Here for: Military in South Carolina

"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation."
– George Washington
General and Commander-in-Chief & First President of the United States of America

Mast General Store Coming to Columbia, SC!

This week, officials of Mast General Store announced that the company will open a new location at the former location of Lourie's Clothing store in downtown Columbia.  No opening date has been set, but, it will probably be 2011 or 2012.  The historic Lourie's building will have to undergo extensive renovation.

Mast General Store is a combination outdoor outfitter and old-fashioned country store.  I visited the original Mast General Store many years ago in the mountains of Valle Crucis, North Carolina.  It is indeed a wonderful store that carries a little bit of everything.  The original Mast General Store opened in Valle Crucis in 1883 and is still operating at that location.  This location was named to the National Register of Historic Places as one of the finest remaining examples of an old country general store.

Mast General Store has other locations in Boone, Asheville, Waynesville, Hendersonville (all in NC); Greenville (SC); and Knoxville (TN).   Welcome to Columbia, SC!

Mast General Store website

Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended and Expanded!

Congress has just passed legislation to extend the Home Buyer Tax Credit for first-time home buyers.  This amount will continue to be 10% of the purchase price with a limit of $8000. 

Also, an existing home owner can claim a NEW $6,500 tax credit if they have been residing in their principal residence for five consecutive years out of the last eight. Additionally, the income eligibility limits to claim the full credit amount for both groups of home buyers have been raised to $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for married couples.

I will be providing more details in another blog very soon.  CLICK HERE for a press release from the National Association of Home Builders.

Zillow

Zillow... Good Stuff, but be careful with some of the data.
I am listed as a featured Realtor at Zillow.  Zillow.com is an online real estate service that provides valuable tools and information.  Just be careful with how you view and use the information. 

It is good for overall market conditions reports to a degree.  And, they have their Zestimate feature where you enter your home address and based on a number of factors, Zillow comes up with a market price for your home.  Of course, they have never seen your home or condition and can't take into consideration many other home/market factors.  It's just a starting point.  When you're really ready to sell, contact Mel Coker.  Also, they have available a really cool app for iPhones.

I have just analyzed three current listings of mine to check actual asking price to Zestimate.  One was very slightly under the current asking price; one was slightly over the current asking price and one listing had a Zillow Zestimate under about 23% (this was a really bad price estimate evaluation).  Anyway, it's information. 

Try your home address on Zillow (just type it in the box at the top of the page, then click on "See Home Info" and then scroll down to Zestimate.)






I also feature all of my listings on Zillow:

Most Expensive Homes in South...

Get this widget

More South Carolina homes for sale

Mel Coker
http://www.melcoker.com/
http://www.greatcolumbiaschomes.com/

Mel's List of TOP TEN iPHONE APPS

Mel's Top Ten iPhone Apps

I've finally gotten into smartphone technology!  After some investigation, I bought an iPhone 3Gs a few weeks ago.  It's an AWESOME phone!  How did I live without it?

Over the past few weeks I've discovered a number of really cool and useful iPhone apps.  Many were found on various lists of Best iPhone apps.  So, here is my list of BEST FREE iPHONE APPS.

1. Google Mobile - Search Google, Gmail, GOOG-411, and much more.
2. Google Earth - on your iPhone fly anywhere on Earth to view satellite imagery, maps, terrain & more.
3. Pandora - personalized radio playing only the music you like.
4. TripIt - start with a free account at http://www.tripit.com/ and your travels are pushed to your iPhone.
5. AccuWeather - The best weather online now on the iPhone.
6. Yelp - Connect easily with local businesses - read reviews and make your own reviews.
7. USA Today - lastest news, sports, financial, weather and more.
8. Zillow - real estate tools and information with a GPS assist.
9. SaveBenjis - check your iPhone before you buy to get the best deal. (oops... it's 99 cents!)
10. WebMD - check your symptoms, treatment information, first aid essentials and more. 

Mel Coker
http://www.melcoker.com/

Tired of HIGH Real Estate Taxes?

Tired of high real estate taxes?
You may want to consider South Carolina.

A recently released study by the Tax Foundation ranked all states by Median Property Taxes Paid on Homes.  The top 10 states with highest real estate taxes:
1.) New Jersey (3.3 times higher than the U.S. median), 2.) Connecticut, 3.) New Hampshire, 4.) New York, 5.) Rhode Island, 6.) Massachusetts, 7.) Illinois, 8.) Vermont, 9.) Wisconsin, 10.) California (1.5 times higher than the U.S. median).

In South Carolina, real estate property taxes on owner occupied homes are reasonable.  In fact, our state ranks 6th lowest.  Other taxes are reasonable in South Carolina and there are tax breaks for senior citizens on real estate taxes and income.

Click to view the Tax Foundation Tax Data

CLICK HERE: Why Taxes Matter



“We contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.”

—Winston Churchill
 
Columbia, SC real estate
Call Mel Coker to buy a home in the Columbia, SC area (Lexington, Chapin, Lake Murray, Irmo)
(803) 223-6214

Eagles Rest at Lake Murray - Mel's Featured Community

Eagles Rest at Lake Murray

Just a couple of minutes from Lake Murray, you’ll find Eagles Rest at Lake Murray’s beautiful traditional and garden homes in a tranquil, wooded setting.  The community is located near Ballentine and between Irmo and Chapin, South Carolina.  You may buy a "spec" home or build your home with custom features that you desire.

Single family base home prices are in the range of approximately $210,000 and $270,000.  Garden (patio) homes feature base prices in the range of $217,000 and $240,000.   Currently, spec homes are available in the price range of $258,000 to $359,593.   Shumaker Homes is the builder in this community.  Family owned and operated since 1965, the Shumaker family has built a reputation as an innovative industry leader by building quality, personalized homes throughout South Carolina.

For amenities, the community will feature a pool, cabana, and walking trails.  Of course, the community is just minutes away from beautiful Lake Murray and nearby marinas and public boat launch sites.   The community is served by the highly-rated Lexington School District 5 schools: Lake Murray Elementary, Chapin Middle and Chapin High.

Ready to learn more, visit the community or buy in Eagles Rest?  Be sure to contact Mel Coker, your Irmo/Chapin area Realtor.  Call me at (803) 318-2007 or email: melcoker@remax.net.  When you use Mel Coker as your Buyer's Agent in Eagles Rest to buy a home, I will provide you with a $500 Lowe's gift certificate at closing.  You may also call the on-site Realtor, Macy Long, and mention Mel Coker as your Realtor of choice.  Call Macy at (803) 319-8875.

Eagles Rest at Lake Murray  |  Lake Murray  |  Lake Murray Blog  |  MelCoker.com

Timeshares - Need to Sell, Buy or Rent?

Timeshares... Need to Sell, Buy or Rent?
I can assist you with this too.  It's real estate, so I can help!

With my affiliation with Timeshares Only, I can help people wishing to sell, buy or rent a timeshare.  Timeshares Only is the world’s largest timeshare resale marketplace. Through cooperative advertising, Timeshares Only makes it possible for timeshare buyers, sellers and renters to connect around the World.

Want to get started?  Call me, or, click on the link below to fill out a form and you will be contacted by Timeshares Only.
CLICK HERE to sell, buy or rent a timeshare

I recently had a client of mine sign-up with Timeshares Only to sell their timeshare in Williamsburg, Virgina.  They have been satisfied with the service and marketing provided by Timeshares Only.
Click here to check out their timeshare for sale (or rent) in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Mel's Timeshare Page - Sell, Buy or Rent

South Carolina State Fair: Coming Soon!

The 2009 South Carolina State Fair opens in Columbia on October 14th (at 3:00 p.m.) and runs through October 25th.  Opening Day features $1 admission for everyone!  Each October, people of all ages come to Columbia to participate in the South Carolina State Fair, one of the TOP 50 Fairs in the United States. Exhibits as well as livestock competitions and entertainment draw both rural and urban crowds.

CLICK HERE to visit the South Carolina State Fair website 

Location: 1200 Rosewood Drive; Columbia SC 29201 (near Williams Brice Stadium - Home of the South Carolina Gamecocks)

This year, the Grandstand entertainment includes: TobyMac, David Cook, The Charlie Daniels Band, Nat & Alex Wolff, Michael W. Smith & Steven Curtis Chapman, Montgomery Gentry, Eric Benet with MaryLiz, and Shag-A-Fair with the Fantastic Shakers.  Click here for the entertianment schedule and prices.

The State Agricultural and Mechanical Society of South Carolina, an eleemosynary institution owned and controlled by life members, is responsible for the establishment of the South Carolina State Fair.  Much of the proceeds are provided to charitable organizations throughout the state.

Visit the South Carolina State Fair and enjoy: carnival rides, FOOD!, entertainment, commercial exhibitors, agricultural and livestock exhibits and much more.
Fun at the Fair - YouTube!

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Clif Mims.com