Our Trip To Aruba

Just got back from a great vacation in Aruba (two weeks ago).  It was our 2nd trip to Aruba - this time we stayed on the North end of the island in the Palm Beach area.  We had a wonderful vacation particularly with an Aruba trikes tour, Mi Dushi sail/snorkel trip and a 4 mile walk from our resort to the California Lighthouse.

A link to pictures


Animoto video:

Palmetto Heroes 2012 - A First Time Homebuyer Program

Palmetto Heroes 2012

A First-time Home Buyer Program From the S.C. State Housing Authority

Call Mel Coker at (803) 388-8011 for details on this limited time program.  NOW is the time to buy your first home.  This program is for: law enforcement officers, correctional officers, teachers, nurses, firefighters, veterans and emergency medical services employees.  There are variations of the program featuring a LOW mortgage rate (as low as 3.75%), favorable qualifying terms (including min. 620 credit score) and possible $5000 down payment assistance (which may be forgiven!).   There are limited funds available and when this allocation of money is used up, the program will be over for 2012.  Income and home sales price limitations do apply.

Call MelCoker to learn more and to be referred to a mortgage professional that can qualify you for his special limited time program through the S.C. State Housing Finance and Development Authority. 

Call Mel Coker at (803) 388-8011 - your Greater Columbia real estate agent.

Mel Coker
Columbia Real Estate website
email:  melcoker@remax.net

Back to Blogging!

Sorry for the almost two months without a blog article.  I did get a little busy and then we were off to Aruba and then 4th of July celebration...

More soon!

Insurance Industry Strong in Columbia, SC

Did you know that Columbia (SC) has become a world leader in Insurance Technology and Processing?
It's true.  Recently, THE STATE NEWSPAPER published a nice article on this. CLICK HERE for a link to the article

BlueCross BlueShield Corporate Office in Columbia, SC

There are over 20 insurance companies in the Greater Columbia area and over 14,000 insurance jobs in South Carolina with the majority in the Columbia area.   BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina currently handles 75% of all insurance claims for United States military personnel and retirees.   The company also handles a significant amount of Medicare claims and other health care claims.   The BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina data/technology center is one of the largest in the world.
BlueCross Blue Shield of South Carolina JOBS

Other large insurance companies in Columbia include Colonial Life and Seibels Bruce.  Colonial Life is the nation's second largest supplemental insurance company.  Aflac, the number 1 supplemental insurance company, is also moving into the Columbia area with a strong presence.

Looking for a job in the Columbia area?  Consider the insurance industry.

Looking for a home in the Greater Columbia area?  Contact Mel Coker, Columbia Realtor:
(803) 223-6214  |  Columbia, SC Real Estate website  |  Columbia MLS Search

Mel Coker

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NEW RE/MAX MOBILE APP

The most user-friendly real estate search app out there is NOW available from RE/MAX!

As an example of the efficiency and usefulness of mobile apps... My wife and I were looking for a beach vacation home back in 2010 and we identified the home and details for the home we eventually bought initially with a mobile app while driving near the home in Surfside Beach, South Carolina.

The best feature?  Get instant access to nearby homes for sale along with many other useful features such as photos, turn-by-turn directions and more.



Link For YouTube Video for RE/MAX Mobile App
Or, Search on RE/MAX  for your SmartPhone Apps


Ready to BUY?  Call Mel Coker at (803) 388-8011 or email Mel Coker.

Mel Coker

RE/MAX Metro Associates
(803) 223-6214  Office
Mel Coker Real Estate Website
Columbia, SC MLS Search

Featured NEW Home Community: Peachtree Place

Looking for a NEW home in a GREAT community at an EXCELLENT price?

Let Mel Coker help you buy your home in PEACHTREE PLACE.

Located in Lexington between I-20 Exit 51 and U.S. Highway 1

Peachtree Place features homes built by Essex Homes.    Homes feature vinyl construction, some with stone or brick fronts, and some feature granite counter-tops.  All homes have 9 foot ceilings and offer excellent value.  Prices range from mid-160s to around $200,000.   An example of a current listing:  4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, granite counter-tops and 2575 square feet at $174,900.   That is only $67.92 per square foot!

The community is conveniently located off near Interstate 20, downtown Lexington and an easy drive to downtown Columbia and Columbia Metropolitan Airport.   Excellent Lexington District 1 schools are nearby (Pleasant Hill Elementary, Pleasant Hill Middle and Lexington High).

Mel Coker

READY TO BUY A NEW HOME IN PEACHTREE PLACE?
Call Mel Coker at (803) 318-2007. ( or email: melcoker@remax.net )
Let Mel Coker be your buyer's agent (no fee for client representation), mention this blog article and get a $500 Lowe's Gift Certificate at closing in addition to the great pricing offered in this community by Essex Homes.  Or, call the on-site Essex Homes agent, Ray Ange (803-513-5402) and mention that you saw Mel Coker's blog article.

Relocation?  First-time home buyer?  NOW is the time to buy with great value on new home pricing AND historically low mortgage interest rates.

Call Mel Coker to buy in Peachtree Place  (803) 318-2007

Note:  Mel Coker is not listing agent, but, has permission to publicize.  Mel Coker offers free buyer representation.

An Example of Bad Real Estate Marketing

An EXAMPLE OF BAD MARKETING FOR A HOME FOR SALE IN THE GREATER COLUMBIA AREA:

I've been away for a period of time from my normal blogging activities. Seeing a REALLY BAD listing in the MLS today is bringing me back. I had a client request MLS listing sheets for several properties. One of these currently ACTIVE listings featured the following picture as the FIRST and primary photo in the listing:

I've deleted listing info to protect the inept agent



THIS is terrible marketing by an agent that has been in the business a long time. Looks like his primary objective is to sell  azaleas or some other bush. This primary picture is sometimes the only photo that will show in other real estate websites as the MLS listing is shared through IDX sharing technology.    This is unbelievably bad service by this agent to a client.   I bet the client has not seen this.   And, it's not like the bushes are so close to the home that another photo opportunity is unavailable. Picture #14 of 14 shows this view:

Want GREAT marketing to have the best opportunity to get your home SOLD? (I even email the final listing sheet to the homeowner/seller for review and so they can see what is out on the Internet for agents and prospective buyers.)
Contact MEL COKER at RE/MAX Metro Associates:
Office: (803) 223-6214
email: melcoker@remax.net
Internet:
www.ColumbiaSouthCarolina.com/homes
www.MelCoker.com
www.MelCoker.remax.net
www.ColumbiaSouthCarolina.us
www.melcoker.wesellhouses.com